Best Florida LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Florida’s LPN to RN bridge programs integrate classroom learning with hospital-based training. Students gain advanced knowledge in pharmacology, adult and pediatric nursing, and community health. With clinical rotations and licensing preparation, graduates are well-positioned to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue RN roles.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Florida
Rasmussen University
Ocala, FL - Private 4-year - rasmussen.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Bridge
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rasmussen University-Florida's LPN to RN Bridge program is a hybrid offering that enables licensed practical nurses to accelerate their education, potentially earning an Associate Degree in Nursing in just 18 months. This program is tailored for working professionals, blending online coursework with in-person elements to provide flexibility. It grants credit for prior nursing experience, allowing students to build on their clinical skills efficiently. As an accredited program, it focuses on enhancing career opportunities and earning potential without requiring entrance exams like the ACT or SAT, making it ideal for LPNs aiming to advance in the nursing field.
- Hybrid program format
- Completion in 18 months
- Credit for previous nursing training
- Pathway for LPNs
- Accredited nursing program
Eastern Florida State College
Melbourne, FL - Public 4-Year - easternflorida.edu
Associate - Transition to Associate Degree Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Florida State College offers a 13-month hybrid Transition to Associate Degree Nursing program tailored for licensed healthcare professionals like practical nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists. This accelerated pathway leads to an A.S. degree and NCLEX-RN eligibility, with an estimated total cost of $10,800 for Florida residents. The program provides advanced standing and extensive clinical experiences across Brevard County, requiring a current Florida professional license for admission. No concentration is specified, and as an associate degree program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.
- 13-month hybrid nursing program
- Designed for healthcare professionals
- Estimated $10,800 total cost
- Accredited nursing program
- Clinical experiences countywide
- Advanced standing for professionals
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, FL - Public 4-Year - spcollege.edu
Associate - Nursing A.S. Degree - L.P.N. transitional
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
St. Petersburg College's Nursing A.S. Degree - L.P.N. transitional program is a hybrid pathway for licensed practical nurses aiming to become Registered Nurses. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, it offers flexible day or evening schedules with a blend of online and in-person learning. The curriculum includes comprehensive clinical experience and theoretical instruction, covering areas like medical-surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing, along with pharmacology and legal ethics. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and can seamlessly transfer to SPC's BSN program. Admission requires a background check and drug screening, with no entrance exam needed for this associate-level program.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Day or evening schedule.
- Two-year program.
- Hybrid learning format.
- Fully approved by Florida Board.
- Transfers to BSN program.
- Requires background check.
- Drug screening mandatory.
- Offers clinical experience.
Saint Johns River State College
Palatka, FL - Public 4-Year - sjrstate.edu
Associate - LPN Bridge to ASN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Johns River State College's LPN Bridge to ASN program provides a hybrid pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses to advance to an Associate in Science in Nursing degree. This program, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, allows completion in four semesters with 10 transfer credits for LPN experience. It combines online coursework with on-campus and clinical components, offering flexibility and preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam. No specific entrance exam is mentioned for this associate-level program, and it serves as a stepping stone to further education like a BSN.
- Hybrid nursing program
- 10 transfer credits for LPNs
- 4 semester completion time
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- ACEN accredited program
- Online and campus classes
- Clinical experiences included
- High NCLEX pass rates
- Pathway to BSN degree
Miami Dade College
Miami, FL - Public 4-Year - mdc.edu
Associate - Professional Nursing (LPN-RN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami Dade College offers a Professional Nursing (LPN-RN) Career Technical Certificate in a hybrid format, enabling Licensed Practical Nurses to transition to Registered Nurses in under a year. This accelerated program combines online and in-person learning, focusing on advanced patient care and preparing students for the RN licensing exam. With 900 hours of coursework, it supports working professionals by providing stackable credentials and exposure to multiple nursing specialties, enhancing career mobility in various healthcare environments without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam.
- Accelerated hybrid format
- One-year or less program
- Bridges LPN to RN
- 900-hour career certificate
- Multiple nursing specialties
- Stackable nursing credentials
- Prepares for RN licensing exam
Florida LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Florida LPN to RN bridge programs are designed for licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Typical admission requirements in Florida include:
- Current, unencumbered LPN license issued by Florida or another Nurse Licensure Compact state
- Graduation from an approved practical nursing program, with official transcripts
- Completion of prerequisite college courses, commonly including Anatomy and Physiology with labs, Microbiology, English Composition, College Algebra or Statistics, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and Nutrition
- Minimum GPA set by the college or university and an entrance exam such as TEAS or HESI, depending on the school
- Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification
- Florida Level 2 background screening with fingerprinting, drug screening, and required immunizations and health documentation for clinical placement
- Proof of health insurance and liability insurance for clinicals
LPNs actively working in Florida may receive advanced standing or articulated credit after validation testing or skills assessment. Many programs schedule labs and clinicals in blocks, evenings, or weekends to help working LPNs balance job and coursework, though availability varies by campus.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula in Florida build on practical nursing experience and expand your scope to the full RN role. You can expect coursework in transition to professional nursing, advanced medical surgical nursing, health assessment across the lifespan, pharmacology at the RN level, pathophysiology, mental health nursing, maternal newborn, pediatrics, gerontology, community and public health, leadership and management, and evidence based practice. Supervised clinical rotations take place in hospitals, long term care facilities, community health and ambulatory settings. Programs may use simulation for a portion of clinical learning as permitted by Florida law, but hands on patient care in approved clinical sites is required.
For licensure in Florida, you must graduate from a program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and pass the NCLEX RN. Many colleges and universities also hold national nursing accreditation, such as ACEN or CCNE, and institutional accreditation. State approval is required for eligibility to test. National accreditation can support transfer of credits, admission to RN to BSN or graduate programs, and employer preference.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Bridge pathways are offered across Florida by public state colleges, universities, and private institutions. Programs are available in large metro areas and smaller communities, often with multiple start terms and various scheduling options. While each curriculum is unique, Florida LPN to RN students typically complete:
- Transition to RN practice and role socialization
- Comprehensive health assessment with lab
- Pharmacology and medication management at the RN level
- Adult medical surgical nursing I and II with clinical rotations
- Maternal newborn and pediatric nursing with clinicals
- Mental health and psychiatric nursing
- Gerontology and chronic care
- Community and public health nursing
- Nursing leadership, management, and delegation
- Integrated NCLEX preparation and capstone clinical
Learning is delivered through lectures, skills and simulation labs, case studies, and direct patient care experiences under faculty supervision.
Career Outlook
Florida’s growing and aging population sustains strong demand for RNs in hospitals, long term care, home health, ambulatory surgery, primary care, public health, schools, and specialty clinics. Shift options include days, nights, weekends, and 12 hour rotations, which can support different work life preferences. RNs in Florida practice with a broader scope than LPNs, including comprehensive assessments, care planning, patient education, IV therapy, and leadership responsibilities. Compared with LPN roles, RN positions generally offer higher wages, wider employment settings, and clearer advancement pathways into charge roles, specialty certifications, and graduate education. LPNs remain vital to Florida’s workforce, particularly in long term care and outpatient settings, but moving to RN can expand clinical autonomy and career mobility.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full time LPN to ADN: often 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework after completing prerequisites, depending on awarded advanced standing and clinical scheduling
- Part time LPN to ADN: commonly 18 to 30 months, with lighter course loads each term
- Evening and weekend tracks: similar total credits to full time but spread across more terms to accommodate working LPNs
- LPN to BSN: typically 24 to 36 months of nursing coursework after prerequisites, varying by transfer credits and program structure
Total time to graduation depends on how many general education and science prerequisites you have completed, how many credits are articulated from your LPN, and clinical site availability.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Florida
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Myers Technical College |
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| Rasmussen University |
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| West Coast University-Miami |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition for Florida LPN to RN bridge programs varies by institution type and the number of credits you must complete. Public state colleges generally offer the lowest in state tuition for ADN level coursework, while private institutions and BSN pathways cost more. A typical total program cost for an in state LPN to ADN student often falls in the mid four figures to low five figures before living expenses, with private programs higher.
Plan for additional expenses beyond tuition:
- College fees, background check and Level 2 fingerprinting, drug screening
- Immunizations, titers, CPR certification, and health insurance
- Uniforms, shoes, stethoscope, supplies, skills lab fees
- Textbooks, e resources, and exam preparation materials
- Transportation, parking, and potential tolls to clinical sites
- Application for licensure with the state, NCLEX registration, and related fees
Housing costs in Florida vary widely by region. Many state colleges are commuter focused with limited on campus housing, so most students budget for off campus rent, utilities, and commuting.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Florida
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Gateway College |
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| Florida State College at Jacksonville |
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| Pasco-Hernando State College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Yes, many Florida LPN to RN programs offer hybrid options. Didactic coursework is often available online, while skills labs and all direct patient care clinical hours are completed in person at approved Florida clinical sites. Fully online prelicensure RN programs are not practical because Florida requires hands on clinical training. Programs may incorporate simulation within state limits, but simulation does not replace all clinical experiences.
- Online or hybrid: theory courses online, scheduled on campus labs, and clinical rotations at partner facilities
- On campus: traditional classroom instruction with local clinical placements
- Out of state online programs placing students in Florida must meet Florida approval requirements for clinical experiences
Always verify that your chosen program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing to ensure eligibility for the NCLEX RN and state licensure.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Florida
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of Florida LPN to RN bridge programs at the ADN or BSN level must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as Registered Nurses. The Florida Board authorizes candidates to test after it receives a complete application, required fees, official education verification or transcripts from an approved RN program, and a background check via Livescan fingerprints. Once authorized, candidates receive an ATT to schedule the exam. If you do not pass, you may retest after the national 45-day wait; Florida requires completion of a Florida Board-approved remedial course after three failed attempts before additional retakes are permitted.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Florida licenses already-licensed RNs from other U.S. jurisdictions by endorsement. Applicants typically must verify an active, unencumbered RN license obtained by passing the NCLEX (or SBTPE), meet Florida’s education requirements, submit Livescan fingerprints for a background screening, and complete the required medical errors education prior to licensure. Florida does not maintain separate one-to-one reciprocity agreements with individual states. Instead, Florida participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows nurses with a multistate license from their primary state of residence to practice in other compact states, including Florida. Florida residents who meet compact criteria may be issued a Florida multistate license; nurses who move their primary residence to Florida must apply for a Florida license to maintain multistate privileges.
Licensure Requirements
The Florida Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure. For initial RN licensure by examination, LPN to RN bridge graduates must generally provide:
- Completed application and required fees
- Official verification of graduation from an approved RN program or official transcripts showing completion of RN curriculum
- Livescan fingerprint-based background screening
- Social Security number for license issuance as required by Florida law
- Passing NCLEX-RN results
- Completion of a 2-hour Prevention of Medical Errors course prior to initial licensure
For licensure by endorsement, Florida requires verification of original licensure and examination, background screening, and completion of board-required education as noted above.
License Renewal
Florida RN licenses renew biennially. All required continuing education must be completed within the two-year renewal cycle before submitting your renewal. Florida requires 24 contact hours each biennium, which must include board-specified topics. These include:
- 2 hours in Prevention of Medical Errors each renewal
- Domestic Violence education every third biennium
- Additional subjects prescribed by the Board, such as Florida laws and rules and human trafficking, as required by current statute and rule
Maintain documentation of completed CE for audit. Check the expiration date printed on your license and the Board’s renewal portal for your specific renewal window and any updates to required topics.
Average LPN State Salary in Florida
$60,320
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 12 to 20 months.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Program Focus:
This pathway builds upon the existing knowledge and skills of an LPN, focusing on the core competencies and clinical skills required for a registered nursing role. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between practical and registered nursing.
Average In-State Tuition in Florida:
Varies by institution, but generally ranges from approximately $6,000 to $15,000 for the entire program. For example, some colleges charge around $103 to $113 per credit hour.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming a registered nurse and entering the RN workforce.
School Types:
Primarily offered at state and community colleges.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally 2 to 4 years, with some accelerated options taking as little as 28 months.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Program Focus:
The curriculum is more comprehensive than ADN programs, with a greater emphasis on nursing theory, research, leadership, and public health. It is designed to prepare nurses for a broader range of roles and leadership positions.
Average In-State Tuition in Florida:
Tuition can vary significantly, with a broad range from approximately $12,000 to over $200,000 depending on whether the institution is public or private.
Best For:
LPNs who have long-term career goals that may include advanced practice, management, research, or teaching roles.
School Types:
Offered at universities and some state colleges, with a growing number of online and hybrid program options.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Workforce: With programs as short as one year, the LPN to ADN path is the quickest route to becoming a registered nurse.
- Lower Cost: Tuition at community and state colleges is generally more affordable than at universities, making this a more budget-friendly option.
- Strong Foundation in Clinical Skills: The curriculum is intensely focused on developing the essential hands-on clinical skills needed for patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.
- Option for Future Advancement: Graduates can begin working as RNs and later pursue an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program, often with tuition assistance from their employer.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Expanded Career Opportunities: A BSN is often a requirement for leadership, administrative, and specialized nursing roles, and is becoming the preferred credential for many healthcare employers.
- Higher Earning Potential: RNs with a BSN degree typically have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers.
- Foundation for Advanced Degrees: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree in nursing (DNP or PhD).
- Broader Scope of Practice: The BSN curriculum provides a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice, nursing research, and community health, preparing graduates for a wider range of healthcare challenges.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Florida
Avon Park, FL
South Florida State College
- Associate - Transition (LPN/Paramedic to RN) Program
Campus Based - Website
- One-year accelerated nursing pathway
- For LPNs and Paramedics
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Campus-based program
- Associate of Science degree
Bradenton, FL
State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota
- Associate - A.S. Nursing Transition Program
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to RN Transition Program
- Multiple Campus Locations
- Flexible Admission Options
- ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
- Requires Current PN License
- Prerequisite GPA Requirements
- TEAS Exam Mandatory
- Evening/Weekend Options Available
Delray Beach, FL
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
- Associate - ASN Bridge track to RN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 75-week accelerated nursing path
- Bridge track for healthcare professionals
- Hybrid learning format
- ACEN accredited program
- Career placement support
- Comprehensive exam preparation
- Multiple campus locations
- Experienced medical instructors
Doral, FL
West Coast University-Miami
- Associate - LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Website
- 20-month accelerated program
- Technologically advanced simulation labs
- No waitlists for admission
- LPN to ADN pathway available
- Individual NCLEX exam preparation
- One-on-one academic support
- Total program credits: 67
- Career services assistance
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Broward College
- Associate - Nursing (LPN-RN Transition)
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Requires Florida LPN license.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Includes anatomy and pharmacology.
- Focuses on ethical nursing practice.
- Evidence-based care approach.
- Multiple campus locations.
- Comprehensive patient care training.
Fort Myers, FL
Florida SouthWestern State College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Focus on LPN to RN transition.
- Requires specific general education courses.
- Anatomy and physiology courses included.
- Microbiology and human nutrition covered.
- Admission requires 'C' or better grades.
- Prepares for AS degree in Nursing.
- Strong theoretical and practical focus.
Fort Myers Technical College
- Associate - Professional Nursing (LPN-RN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 12-month accelerated nursing program
- Hybrid classroom and clinical training
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Total 900 training hours
- Cost approximately $7,526.74
- Must be current Florida LPN
- Minimum age 18 years
- High school diploma required
Gainesville, FL
Santa Fe College
- Associate - Nursing Bridge LPN, A.S.
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 14-month nursing bridge program
- Hybrid learning format
- ACEN accredited program
- 98.8% job placement rate
- Takes 10 students per cycle
- Licensure exam preparation
- $6,619 in-state tuition
- Clinical and classroom training
Jacksonville, FL
Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Associate - Associate in Science (A.S.) in Nursing (R.N.) (Bridge Option for Paramedics and Licensed Practical Nurse)
Campus Based - Website
- 72 credit hours required.
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
- Limited admission based on criteria.
- Financial aid eligible.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Combines lectures, labs, clinicals.
- For paramedics and LPNs.
Lake City, FL
Florida Gateway College
- Associate - LPN-RN Bridge: Fast Track
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month accelerated nursing program
- 30 credit hours nursing courses
- 100% job placement rate
- Hands-on clinical training
- Average RN salary $66,210
- In-state tuition $103.32/credit
- ACEN accredited program
- Flexible evening class schedule
Madison, FL
North Florida College
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- One-year accelerated program.
- Requires current LPN license.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Associate Degree in Nursing.
- Campus-based learning.
- Admissions March 1-June 1.
- Classes start in August.
- Focus on practical nursing skills.
Melbourne, FL
Eastern Florida State College
- Associate - Transition to Associate Degree Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 13-month hybrid nursing program
- Designed for healthcare professionals
- Estimated $10,800 total cost
- Accredited nursing program
- Clinical experiences countywide
- Advanced standing for professionals
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
Miami, FL
Miami Dade College
- Associate - Professional Nursing (LPN-RN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated hybrid format
- One-year or less program
- Bridges LPN to RN
- 900-hour career certificate
- Multiple nursing specialties
- Stackable nursing credentials
- Prepares for RN licensing exam
New Port Richey, FL
Pasco-Hernando State College
- Associate - Nursing (RN) ADN Transition – LPN
Campus Based - Website
- LPNs receive 17 advanced credits
- Multiple campus location options
- 98.45% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Limited access program
- Requires active LPN license
- Estimated in-state tuition $2,630
- Clinical background check required
- Prerequisite GPA 2.5 minimum
Niceville, FL
Northwest Florida State College
- Associate - LPN-to-RN
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to RN transition track
- 61 total credit hours
- Four-semester program structure
- Clinical experience integrated
- Florida resident tuition ~$6,351
- Cumulative GPA requirement 2.50
- HESI exam required for admission
- Active FL PN license needed
Ocala, FL
College of Central Florida
- Associate - Nursing - Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree Nurse Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- Three-semester bridge program
- Full-time classes begin May
- Limited access program
- ACEN accredited nursing program
- Designed for Florida-licensed LPNs
- Campus located in Ocala, FL
- Tuition $112.92 per credit hour
Rasmussen University
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Completion in 18 months
- Credit for previous nursing training
- Pathway for LPNs
- Accredited nursing program
Orlando, FL
Valencia College
- Associate - R.N. Accelerated Track in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-semester accelerated program
- Hybrid learning format
- Limited-access program
- Designed for healthcare professionals
- NCLEX exam preparation
- Accredited by ACEN
- Online theory components
- On-campus clinical testing
Palatka, FL
Saint Johns River State College
- Associate - LPN Bridge to ASN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid nursing program
- 10 transfer credits for LPNs
- 4 semester completion time
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- ACEN accredited program
- Online and campus classes
- Clinical experiences included
- High NCLEX pass rates
Saint Petersburg, FL
Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay
- Associate - LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- 18-month full-time program
- On-campus learning format
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN® exam
- Four annual start times
- Career advancement opportunity
- Builds on existing PN/VN experience
- Multiple campus locations available
St. Petersburg, FL
St Petersburg College
- Associate - Nursing A.S. Degree - L.P.N. transitional
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Day or evening schedule.
- Two-year program.
- Hybrid learning format.
- Fully approved by Florida Board.
- Transfers to BSN program.
- Requires background check.
Tampa, FL
Hillsborough Community College
- Associate - Nursing AS - LPN Transition Option
Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated program for LPNs.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN examination.
- Offered on Dale Mabry campus.
- Includes clinical experience.
- Requires Health Sciences application.
- 63 credit hours total.
- 10 credit hours for LPNs.
- Prerequisite courses required.
West Palm Beach, FL
HCI College
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- ACEN Initial Accreditation
- Career Advancement Opportunity
- One to Two Year Program
- $25,000 Potential Salary Increase
- West Palm Beach Campus Location
- Deeper Medical Training
- Flexible Career Transition