Best LPN Programs in Jacksonville 2026

Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Jacksonville, Florida with information on schools, classes, tuition, and clinical training. Review licensing requirements and career opportunities for practical nurses in the Jacksonville area.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
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Jacksonville Florida LPN programs offering practical nursing education and hands-on clinical experience for entry-level healthcare roles

2027 Best LPN Programs in Jacksonville, FL

Choosing the right Licensed Practical Nurse program can feel like a big step. That is why practicalnursing.org has put together a list of the best LPN programs in Jacksonville, FL. These programs stand out for their strong education, experienced teachers, and good pass rates. The goal is to help students make a smart choice for their nursing career. Each school offers hands-on training and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. With so many options, having a trusted guide makes all the difference. To learn exactly how these rankings were created, read the full breakdown at https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL - Public 4-Year - fscj.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Florida State College at Jacksonville's Practical Nursing Career Certificate trains students for entry-level LPN roles through a blend of classroom theory, skills labs, and clinical practice. The 1,350-clock-hour curriculum covers foundational nursing skills, medical terminology, and medication administration, with rotations in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. Graduates gain eligibility for the NCLEX-PN, and the program boasts a 94% pass rate. An 82% completion rate reflects strong student support. A notable LPN-to-RN bridge pathway leads to an Associate of Science in Nursing and eventually a BSN. Approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing, the program costs roughly $3,942, with financial aid available. Admission is competitive and requires the HESI A2 exam; applications open for fall, spring, and summer terms.

  • Florida State Board of Nursing accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • $3,942 total program tuition
  • 3 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring/summer
  • 94% licensure pass rate
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
  • Financial aid available
  • NCLEX-PN preparation
*Data source: NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2025.

Jacksonville LPN Program Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses play a vital role in Jacksonville’s healthcare system by delivering direct, hands-on care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. In hospitals, long-term care centers, clinics, and home health, LPNs support medication administration, wound care, patient education, and monitoring, helping teams manage growing patient needs across Duval County and the broader Northeast Florida region.

Jacksonville’s healthcare landscape is diverse and robust, anchored by major hospital systems and a large network of post-acute and community providers. Opportunities for LPNs span:

  • Large acute care and specialty hospitals, including teaching and tertiary centers
  • Nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living communities
  • Outpatient clinics, physician practices, and urgent care centers
  • Home health and hospice agencies serving urban and suburban neighborhoods
  • Military and federal healthcare settings

Demand for practical nurses remains steady as the region’s population grows and ages. National government data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate about as fast as the average employment growth for LPNs through 2032, with especially strong utilization in long-term care and home health. State and local hiring patterns in Jacksonville reflect these trends, with roles available across hospital systems and post-acute care providers.

LPN programs in Jacksonville typically follow the Florida Department of Education’s practical nursing framework of about 1,350 clock hours. Many full-time cohorts are designed to be completed in approximately 12 months, while part-time or evening/weekend options often extend to about 18 to 24 months, depending on course sequencing and clinical scheduling at each institution.

Programs prepare students for licensure by aligning coursework and clinical training to the NCLEX-PN test plan. In Florida, practical nursing programs must be approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, which oversees program standards and licensure. Graduates seeking LPN licensure apply to the Board, complete required background screening, and pass the NCLEX-PN to practice in Jacksonville and throughout the state.

Licensed Practical Nurses play a vital role in Jacksonville’s healthcare system by delivering direct, hands-on care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. In hospitals, long-term care centers, clinics, and home health, LPNs support medication administration, wound care, patient education, and monitoring, helping teams manage growing patient needs across Duval County and the broader Northeast Florida region.

Jacksonville’s healthcare landscape is diverse and robust, anchored by major hospital systems and a large network of post-acute and community providers. Opportunities for LPNs span:

  • Large acute care and specialty hospitals, including teaching and tertiary centers
  • Nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living communities
  • Outpatient clinics, physician practices, and urgent care centers
  • Home health and hospice agencies serving urban and suburban neighborhoods
  • Military and federal healthcare settings

Demand for practical nurses remains steady as the region’s population grows and ages. National government data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate about as fast as the average employment growth for LPNs through 2032, with especially strong utilization in long-term care and home health. State and local hiring patterns in Jacksonville reflect these trends, with roles available across hospital systems and post-acute care providers.

LPN programs in Jacksonville typically follow the Florida Department of Education’s practical nursing framework of about 1,350 clock hours. Many full-time cohorts are designed to be completed in approximately 12 months, while part-time or evening/weekend options often extend to about 18 to 24 months, depending on course sequencing and clinical scheduling at each institution.

Programs prepare students for licensure by aligning coursework and clinical training to the NCLEX-PN test plan. In Florida, practical nursing programs must be approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, which oversees program standards and licensure. Graduates seeking LPN licensure apply to the Board, complete required background screening, and pass the NCLEX-PN to practice in Jacksonville and throughout the state.

Employment Opportunities for LPNs in Jacksonville

The healthcare sector in Jacksonville, Florida, is a dynamic and expanding industry, offering numerous employment opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). This growth is largely fueled by a rising regional population and an increased emphasis on health and wellness throughout Northeast Florida.

The labor market in Jacksonville demonstrates a strong trajectory, with healthcare leading other key sectors in job creation. Roles for nurses and medical technicians are experiencing significant growth, a trend projected to continue due to an aging demographic and ongoing healthcare infrastructure expansions, such as the Mayo Clinic’s recent $432 million expansion project.

Types of Facilities Hiring LPNs

LPNs in Jacksonville find employment across a diverse range of healthcare settings:

  • Hospitals and Medical Centers:LPNs serve as vital members of healthcare teams in traditional hospital environments. Facilities such as UF Health Jacksonville often hire LPNs for various clinics, including specialties like dermatology. Baptist Health, a major local employer, offers LPN positions, sometimes including training and transition programs for new graduates. Additionally, rehabilitation hospitals like Encompass Health Jacksonville and North Florida Rehabilitation Hospital actively seek LPNs for various shifts.
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Homes:There is consistent demand for LPNs in skilled nursing and residential care settings. The Jacksonville Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare and PruittHealth are examples of facilities offering LPN opportunities within this sector.
  • Rehabilitation Centers:Beyond hospital-affiliated units, specialized rehabilitation centers like Brooks Rehabilitation employ LPNs to provide direct nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse, adhering to care plans and state regulations. Other facilities such as Fouraker Hills Rehab & Nursing Center and River City Rehab also have LPN roles.
  • Senior Living and Assisted Living Facilities:Senior living communities frequently hire LPNs for roles focusing on resident wellness, medication management, service planning, and staff supervision. Notable employers include Westminster Communities of Florida, Legend Senior Living (The Windsor at San Pablo), Sunrise Senior Living, and The Fountains at Mill Cove.
  • Home Health Agencies:Jacksonville provides numerous LPN home health care job openings. Agencies like Baptist Home Health Care by BAYADA, Alivia Home Health, Angels of Care Home Health, and Trilogy Home Healthcare offer LPNs the chance to deliver high-quality nursing care to patients in their homes.
  • Private Practices and Outpatient Clinics:LPNs are integral to private physician practices, including those specializing in areas like dermatology, and increasingly in outpatient centers that perform procedures traditionally done in hospitals.
  • Other Specialized Settings:Opportunities for LPNs extend to unique environments such as BioLife Plasma Services (plasma donation centers), Mental Health Resource Center, Inc., and substance abuse treatment centers like MedMark Treatment Center. The Naval Hospital Jacksonville also offers LPN roles through contractors like Spectrum Healthcare Resources.

Major Healthcare Employers in Jacksonville Hiring LPNs

Leading healthcare systems and facilities in Jacksonville are key employers for LPNs:

  • Baptist Health: A locally governed, not-for-profit health system, and one of the largest private employers in the region.
  • Mayo Clinic Florida: A top-ranked medical group with a significant presence in Jacksonville, known for its ongoing expansion projects.
  • UF Health Jacksonville: A large academic health center, employing over 5,000 individuals.
  • Encompass Health Jacksonville: Recognized as a national leader in inpatient rehabilitation services.
  • Brooks Rehabilitation: Offers a comprehensive system of rehabilitation care across various settings.
  • Sunrise Senior Living: A prominent provider of senior living and assisted living communities.
  • Wekiva Springs Center(UHS Careers): A facility specializing in psychiatric and substance abuse disorders.
  • North Florida Rehabilitation Hospital (Lifepoint Health): An acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital.
  • BioLife Plasma Services: A plasma donation center with a local presence.

Smaller Facilities and Networks

Beyond the major healthcare systems, numerous smaller facilities and specialized networks also contribute significantly to LPN employment opportunities in Jacksonville:

  • Home Health Agencies: Examples include Alivia Home Health, Trilogy Home Healthcare, Concierge Home Care, and Angels of Care Home Health, which provide in-home patient care services.
  • Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers: Facilities such as Fouraker Hills Rehab & Nursing Center and River City Rehab are regular employers.
  • Assisted Living and Senior Care Communities: The Fountains at Mill Cove, The Addison of Oakleaf, and Grand Living are among the many local communities offering LPN roles.
  • Specialty Centers: Specialized facilities addressing specific health needs are also present.
  • Staffing Agencies: Companies like IntelyCare, AMN Healthcare, and ATC Healthcareplay a crucial role in connecting LPNs with diverse opportunities across various Jacksonville facilities, often providing flexible schedules and contract positions.

List of LPN Programs in Jacksonville, FL

We have compiled a list of LPN programs in Jacksonville, FL to help you find the right training. The table below provides each school’s city and state, program highlights, and a direct link to the program page. Use this information to compare your options and take the next step toward a nursing career. Visit the linked pages for the most current details on admissions and curriculum. Check back regularly as program information may change.

Jacksonville, FL

Florida State College at Jacksonville

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Florida State Board of Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • $3,942 total program tuition
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • 94% licensure pass rate
    • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
*Source: IPEDS 2025, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/