
Thomas Reed, RN
June 2, 2025
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide direct patient care and are vital to Florida’s healthcare system in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. LPNs are responsible for observing patient health, administering medication, providing care, and offering support for both registered nurses and physicians in a high-paced clinical environment.
Jacksonville, FL - Private 4-year - ju.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Jacksonville University's 12-month Practical Nurse program provides intensive, campus-based training at its Healthcare Simulation Center, focusing on hands-on skills through lifelike simulations. Approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, it prepares graduates for the NCLEX exam and LPN licensure, offering a fast track into healthcare. This military-friendly program emphasizes practical experience but is currently not accepting applications, making it ideal for those seeking efficient entry into nursing.
Marianna, FL - Public 4-Year - chipola.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Chipola College's Practical Nursing program is a 1,350-clock-hour course completed in three semesters, starting each spring. It prepares students thoroughly for the NCLEX-PN exam with a curriculum that includes essential clinical placements and theoretical instruction. Admission requires the TEAS entrance exam, along with background checks and health documentation. As an ACEN candidate program, it boasts an 80% job placement rate, offering a direct path to a rewarding career in healthcare without a specified concentration.
Panama City, FL - Public 4-Year - gulfcoast.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Gulf Coast State College offers a 45-week Practical Nurse Certificate program, providing an accelerated path to LPN licensure in Florida. With 1,350 hours of hands-on training, it focuses on medical-surgical nursing and clinical skills, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. Small class sizes and personalized instruction enhance learning, making it ideal for high school graduates seeking a quick entry into healthcare. The program's limited enrollment and high graduate recommendation rate add to its appeal, offering multiple career opportunities without requiring entrance exams.
Madison, FL - Public 4-Year - nfc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Florida College's Practical Nursing program in Madison prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam through ACEN-accredited education. Emphasizing hands-on training, it equips learners with essential patient care skills for diverse healthcare environments. The program starts in August, with applications accepted from March to June, requiring no specified entrance exams as it focuses on foundational nursing education.
Miami, FL - Private 2-year - fvi.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
FVI School of Nursing and Technology in Miami offers a 14-month Practical Nursing program that blends classroom instruction with extensive hands-on clinical experience. Students receive thorough preparation for the NCLEX-PN exam, guided by experienced faculty, and benefit from simulation labs and partnerships with quality clinical sites. The curriculum emphasizes essential skills like patient care, medication administration, and vital signs monitoring, supported by financial aid options and job placement assistance. Accredited by ACEN and COE, this program is designed to equip graduates for immediate entry into various healthcare roles.
The scarcity of fully online LPN programs exists because clinical experience needs hands-on interaction, but Florida institutions provide hybrid learning options. Students in these programs study lectures and complete assignments through online platforms while they participate in laboratory sessions and clinical practice at campus facilities or healthcare sites. The hybrid model provides working adults and caregivers with flexible nursing education that maintains essential clinical training. Select campuses provide evening and weekend programs that enable students to manage their schoolwork with their employment responsibilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Marion Technical College |
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| South Florida State College |
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| Concorde Career Institute-Tampa |
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| Certifying Board | Florida Board of Nursing, Division of Medical Quality Assurance |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a Florida-approved or equivalent practical nursing program with an official transcript |
| Application & Background Check | $110 application fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, plus Livescan fingerprinting fee, submit online via the MQA portal with identity and background screening |
| Application Processing Time | Initial review within 30 days, with full licensure typically issued within 4–6 weeks once requirements are met |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal every two years, licenses expire July 31 of odd-numbered years |
| Continuing Education | 24 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education per 24-month cycle, reported through CEBroker |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Out-of-state LPNs may endorse with a $110 application fee, proof of an active unrestricted license, fingerprinting, and license verification. |
The average annual pay for LPNs in Florida is $54,000, with higher salaries in Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. How much LPNs make in Florida varies based on the level of experience, working area, and region of Florida. The employment prospects for LPNs in Florida remain positive. The state experiences increasing demand for LPNs because of its aging population and the transition toward outpatient care services. Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers require LPNs to work in various roles, which provide multiple career options for new professionals.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Florida | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $54,345 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$60,735 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $54,345 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,989 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~13% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~14,110 (Registered Nurses) | ~54,000 |
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Salary.com.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Florida State College at Jacksonville |
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| South Florida State College |
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| Florida Gateway College |
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The sunshine state has numerous opportunities for professional advancement. The LPN to RN bridge program is a great way for LPNs to become registered nurses. The courses then use previous training and experience to help speed through their LPN career. There are also paths to career advancement which include taking certification courses for IV therapy, wound care, or geriatrics, or moving up through leadership roles in clinical settings. Working LPNs have access to continuing education on their own time through online courses or local colleges in order to keep their jobs.
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