
Best LPN Programs in Florida
If you’ve ever considered entering the healthcare field in Florida, there’s never been a better time to go to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports favorable employment trends for the field through the year 2029, predicting a faster than average increase of 9%. With salaries like these, and an abundance of schools throughout the state that offer an LPN program, it’s no wonder that nursing has become a hot career prospect in Florida. LPNs in Florida earn approximately $25.85 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $53,780. This is roughly $2,080 per year less than the national average.
Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Florida? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Florida are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 90 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 30 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.
To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Florida click here.
Details on Florida LPN Schools & Classes
Students interested in becoming LPNs must first enter an accredited LPN program, which can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to complete. In order to receive licensure, students must pass the NCLEX-PN exam upon graduating. Florida boasts a plethora of schools that offer LPN programs, making it easy to get started. Florida LPN students will likely take classes such as the following:
- Practical Nursing Foundations
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Comprehensive Nursing and Transitional Skills
Accreditation
Ensuring that your school and program of choice hold proper accreditations is of paramount importance. LPN programs that hold national accreditations from places like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing are known for their quality. Prospective students can also check with the Florida Board of Nursing for a list of approved LPN programs in the state.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible to enroll in an LPN program at most Florida schools, students will need to have the following:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Must have documentation of a high school diploma, GED or higher degree
- May need a passing ATI TEAS score
- Have a current CPR card for healthcare providers
- Must pass a background check and drug test
Tuition and Costs
While the idea of paying for an LPN program can seem stressful, there are really just a few things that students must keep in mind. LPN programs require that students pay for tuition, mandatory/program fees, and course material expenses. These costs will fluctuate depending on school, but financial aid and scholarships are readily available for those who qualify. As an example, the LPN program at First Coast Technical College in St. Augustine costs just under $6,000 in tuition and lab fees, not including books, uniforms, and other mandatory fees.
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Florida LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
Florida LPN Licensing Requirements
Attending a nursing program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing is the first step to becoming an LPN in the state. Beyond that, the NCLEX-PN exam will need to be passed. Only graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX exam. Keep in mind that the ability to lift patients, pulling and pushing machinery, or extended periods of standing may be part of everyday job functions as an LPN. Other physical indications of strength may be a requirement.
NCLEX Exam Information
The NCLEX-PN is the exam that students must pass in order to gain licensure as an LPN. While graduates can take the exam, others eligible for the exam include:
- Graduates of an MSN or higher program or educational equivalent.
- Certificates of completion for practical nurse training in a registered nursing program.
- Graduate from a military nursing education program.
- Registered nurses from Canada who've pass the Canadian Nurses Association Testing Services Examination after August 8, 1995.
Applicants must submit their applications with the appropriate fees to the Board of Nursing before test registration. Electronic fingerprinting is required of all applicants. The NCLEX can be taken 3 times before being required to successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial training program. A comprehensive overview of the NCLEX-PN can be found here, and students can take the NCLEX-PN practice test as well.
LPN Reciprocity and NLC
Florida has opted into the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows multi-state nurse licensing. As of January 2018, the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) went into effect, which increased access to care and maintained public protections. LPNs moving into the state of Florida can apply for a license by endorsement. The applicants must have a current license in another state and must have worked as an LPN for 2 of the last 3 years. For detailed information about LPN endorsement by application in Florida check out Florida Board of Nursing's Endorsement page.
Top Ranked Florida LPN Programs
Orange Technical College

Orlando's Orange Technical College provides a year-long, 1,350-hour practical nursing program to prepare future LPNs for practice. The curriculum includes courses in Practical Nursing Foundations, Medical Surgical Nursing, and much more, giving students a steady foundation for patient care.
Cape Coral Technical College

Cape Coral Tech is located in Cape Coral, Florida, offering a professional, caring, and safe environment for students to pursue their educational goals. Cape Coral Tech strives to prepare students for rewarding healthcare careers via its 12-month LPN program, which has both part-time and full-time options.
Taylor College

Taylor College is committed to providing quality nursing education to Belleview students through its 16-month LPN program. Over the course of 4 semesters, students learn nursing theory and clinical competence to find success in their future nursing roles.
Pasco-Hernando State College

Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC) is located in New Port Richey, Florida, with additional campuses in Brooksville, Wesley Chapel, Spring Hill, and Dade City. PHSC combines high-tech educational facilities and state-of-the-art instruction within its practical nursing program, providing the advantages of a private education at an affordable price.
Rasmussen College - Ft Myers

Rasmussen College’s Fort Myers campus makes it easy to launch a practical nursing career through their LPN program. Students gain real-world skills in small classes, and NCLEX-PN exam preparation is built into the curriculum. This program has no wait-lists and no pre-nursing requirements.
Traviss Technical College

Traviss Technical College of Lakeland, part of Polk Education Pathways, offers a practical nursing program to prepare students with the hands-on training needed to serve under the supervision of physicians and RNs. The program includes theoretical instruction and clinical experience in a variety of healthcare topics.
First Coast Technical College

Students searching for a quality practical nursing education flock to St. Augustine's First Coast Technical College’s LPN program. Enrolled students learn to provide care for a myriad of patients, as well as hone their communication skills and ethical responsibilities. Full-time day and part-time evening options are available.
Marion Technical College

Ocala’s Marion Technical College offers a board-approved practical nursing program focused on preparing students for employment as entry-level LPNs. The curriculum combines lecture, laboratory practice to hone hands-on skills, and clinical externships. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN examination.
Jersey College - Tampa

Jersey College is located in Tampa, Florida, with additional campuses located in Jacksonville and Ft. Lauderdale. Jersey College seeks to properly educate competent and skilled practical nurses, utilizing day and evening courses to accommodate educational needs and career goals.
Florida Gateway College

Florida Gateway College (FGC) is located in Lake City, Florida, with additional sites located in Olustee. FGC strives to offer fresh opportunities and new directions to students through innovative programs, such as its 12-month LPN certificate program to train entry-level nursing professionals.
Fort Myers Technical College

Fort Myers Technical College offers a highly competitive practical nursing program designed to provide students with a quality nursing education. Enrolled students learn the necessary theoretical foundations and leadership skills to find success in the career, and hands-on clinical experiences give students the confidence to provide care in complex situations.
McFatter Technical College

McFatter Technical College, located in Davie, strives to provide a practical nursing program to train students to become skilled LPNs. Multiple opportunities to learn are incorporated into the curriculum through lectures, labs, simulations, and hands-on clinical experiences, giving students a comprehensive educational foundation for nursing.
Jersey College - Jacksonville

Jersey College’s Jacksonville campus offers a practical nursing program designed specifically for aspiring LPNs. Through coursework and clinical experiences, Jersey College aims to prepare students for successful employment in the healthcare field. The curriculum starts with fundamentals-level courses and goes on to advanced topics including mental, maternal, and pediatric health.
North Florida Technical College

North Florida Technical College, located in Starke, offers a 1,350 clock-hour practical nursing program to prepare students for entry-level medical careers. The curriculum includes coursework on caring for medical-surgical patients, pediatric care, geriatric care, and much more. A strong emphasis is placed on the propensity for lifelong learning.
Galen College of Nursing

Galen College of Nursing is located in Saint Petersburg, Florida, with additional campuses in Ohio, Kentucky, and Texas. Galen College is focused solely on nursing education and the development of the next generation of nurses, utilizing well-designed classroom and clinical instruction to help students acquire the knowledge, skill, and compassion to become successful LPNs.
South Florida State College

South Florida State College is an open-access higher education institution located in Avon Park, Florida, with additional locations in Arcadia, Bowling Green, and Lake Placid. South Florida State College is dedicated to providing a learning-centered environment with quality programs, including its excellent practical nursing program.
Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College is a public college located in Gainesville, Florida, with 5 additional campuses located throughout Alachua and Bradford counties. Santa Fe College offers a variety of educational options, including a competitive practical nursing program where students spend 50% of their time in classrooms and labs and 50% in clinical practice.
Withlacoochee Technical College

Withlacoochee Technical College (WTC) is located in Inverness, Florida. WTC strives to provide the highest quality academic and technical education for emerging careers, providing innovative instruction. WTC's practical nursing program fully prepares students for gainful entry-level employment as LPNs in hospitals, doctor's offices, and more.
Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations

West Palm Beach’s Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations offers an LPN program to prepare students to meet the requirements to become a successful practical nurse. A strong emphasis on safety and efficacy is the hallmark of this program, and the curriculum covers many fundamental topics in practical nursing. Upon completion, students can obtain official licensure after passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
Rasmussen College - Tampa

Rasmussen College offers its renowned practical nursing program at its Tampa campus, where students can complete their education in as little as one year. With 4 start times throughout the year, no waitlist, and no prerequisites, students are able to enter the healthcare workforce much faster.
Horizon Healthcare Institute - Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte's Horizon Healthcare Institute offers students a practical nursing program that consists of 1,350 hours of instruction, broken up into 603 hours of didactic learning, 72 hours of labs, and 675 hours of clinical instruction. Enrolled students can choose between the 11-month full-time day program, the 15-month part-time night program, or the 15-month part-time weekend flex program.
Horizon Healthcare Institute - Fort Myers

Horizon Healthcare Institute's Fort Myers campus provides students with a practical nursing program that consists of 1,350 total hours. The curriculum is divided into 603 classroom lecture hours, 72 lab hours, and 675 clinical instruction hours. Students can opt for the 11-month full-time program or the 15-month part-time option.
Florida Panhandle Technical College

Florida Panhandle Technical College, located in Chipley, provides students with a one-year practical nursing program. Students enrolled in the program complete a curriculum that offers coursework in practical nursing foundations, medical-surgical nursing, and much more.
Eastern Florida State College

Eastern Florida State College's Cocoa campus is home to a one-year practical nursing certificate program that teaches students to provide outstanding entry-level nursing care. Students are admitted in the January term each year and participate in a mix of classroom instruction and clinical experiences.
Medical Prep Institute of Tampa Bay

The practical nursing program at the Medical Prep Institute of Tampa Bay provides students with a foundation in topics such as pediatrics, pharmacology, geriatric nursing, and much more. Both clinical and laboratory training are included in the curriculum.
Lake Technical College

Lake Tech is located in Eustis, Florida, with off-campus locations in Clermont, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Mascotte, and Groveland. Lake Tech currently offers 26 postsecondary certificate programs, as well as apprentice programs-all utilizing hands-on, real-world training in small classes so students get the attention they deserve. The school's practical nursing program gives students the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate care in just 42 weeks of study.
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College

Miami’s Lindsey Hopkins Technical Center offers a board-approved practical nursing program to prepare tomorrow’s LPNs for employment. The curriculum includes theory, laboratory, and clinical experiences which are arranged at hospitals and other healthcare centers. The school offers financial aid options for well-qualified students.
Rasmussen College - Land O'Lakes

The Land O’ Lakes campus of Rasmussen College offers a practical nursing program with flexible scheduling options to accommodate students who strive to become LPNs. The career-focused curriculum and hands-on opportunities give enrolled students a solid foundation in practical nursing.
Emiraza College

Located in Fort Pierce, Emiraza College provides a pathway for career-minded students to earn a practical nursing diploma. Emiraza's curriculum includes classroom study, lab exercises, and clinical rotations to give students the real-world experience they'll need to succeed.
Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College is Florida's first public community college located in Lake Worth, with additional campuses in Belle Glade, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens. Palm Beach State College recognizes students' diverse needs and strives to offer an affordable LPN program that emphasizes patient-centered care.
Continued List of All Programs in Florida
Ranked | Program | Score |
---|---|---|
#31 |
Ridge Technical College
7700 State Road 544, Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 419-3060 | 87.33 |
#32 |
Daytona State College
1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 506-3000 | 87.10 |
#33 |
Florida State College at Jacksonville
101 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 646-2300 | 86.18 |
#34 |
South Tech Academy
1300 SW 30th Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(561) 369-7004 | 86.14 |
#35 |
Indian River State College
3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
(772) 462-4772 | 85.36 |
#36 |
Locklin Technical Center
5330 Berryhill Rd, Milton, FL 32570
(850) 983-5700 | 84.99 |
#37 |
Fortis Institute - Port St Lucie
9022-US 1, Port St Lucie, FL 34952
(772) 221-9799 | 84.78 |
#38 |
Atlantic Technical College - Coconut Creek
4700 Coconut Creek Parkway, Coconut Creek, FL 33063
(754) 321-5100 | 84.78 |
#39 |
Tom P. Haney Technical Center
3016 Highway 77, Panama City, FL 32405
(850) 767-5500 | 84.45 |
#40 |
Antigua College International
14505 Commerce Way #522, Miami Lakes, FL 33016
(786) 391-1167 | 84.37 |
#41 |
Pinellas Technical College - Clearwater
6100 154th Avenue N, Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 538-7167 | 84.01 |
#42 |
North Florida College
325 Turner Davis Dr, Madison, FL 32340
(850) 973-2288 | 82.99 |
#43 |
Manatee Technical College
5530 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211
(941) 751-8479 | 81.94 |
#44 |
Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing
3663 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33133
(305) 854-4400 | 81.91 |
#45 |
Rasmussen College - Ocala
2100 SW 22nd Place, Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 291-8560 | 81.33 |
#46 |
St. Johns River State College
283 College Dr, Orange Park, FL 32065
(386) 312-4176 | 80.93 |
#47 |
Robert Morgan Educational Center
18180 SW 122 Avenue, Miami, FL 33177
(305) 253-9920 | 80.80 |
#48 |
Pensacola State College
1000 College Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504
(850) 484-1000 | 79.76 |
#49 |
Pinellas Technical College - St Petersburg
901 34th Street S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
(727) 893-2500 | 79.21 |
#50 |
Okaloosa Technical College
1976 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 833-3500 | 79.13 |
#51 |
Suncoast Technical College
4748 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
(904) 448-9499 | 78.70 |
#52 |
Riveroak Technical College
415 Pinewood Dr SW, Live Oak, FL 32064
(386) 364-4698 | 78.52 |
#53 |
Big Bend Technical College
3233 South Byron Butler Pkwy, Perry, FL 32348
(850) 838-2545 | 77.57 |
#54 |
Charlotte Technical College
18150 Murdock Cir, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
(941) 255-7500 | 77.00 |
#55 |
Lively Technical College
500 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32304
(850) 487-7555 | 76.83 |
#56 |
Erwin Technical College
2010 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 769-5180 | 75.87 |
#57 |
Sheridan Technical College
5400 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33021
(754) 321-5400 | 75.57 |
#58 |
Emerald Coast Technical College
761 North 20th Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-1240 | 74.82 |
#59 |
Gulf Coast State College
3800 Garrison Ave, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
(850) 227-9670 | 74.58 |
#60 |
Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College
1450 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132
(305) 557-1100 | 74.27 |
#61 |
Piberry Institute
30356 Old Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033
(305) 245-2581 | 74.00 |
#62 |
Chancellor Institute
5648 West Atlantic Blvd, Margate, FL 33063
(954) 532-2680 | 73.07 |
#63 |
Immokalee Technical College
508 N 9th St, Immokalee, FL 34142
(239) 377-9900 | 72.54 |
#64 |
Gwinnett Colleges & Institute
1900 North Alafaya Trail, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826
(407) 691-3391 | 72.30 |
#65 |
Desoto County School of Practical Nursing
310 West Whidden Street, Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333 | 67.50 |
#66 |
Concorde - Jacksonville
7259 Salisbury Rd.,, Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 725-0525 | 66.39 |
#67 |
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology - Altamonte Springs
460 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
(407) 265-8383 | 65.83 |
#68 |
Southeastern College - Miami Lakes
5875 NW 163rd Street, Suite 101, Miami Lakes, FL 33014
(305) 820-5003 | 63.86 |
#69 |
Brewster Technical College
2222 N. Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 276-5448 | 63.72 |
#70 |
International Institute for Healthcare Professionals
6870 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487
(561) 394-5822 | 62.42 |
#71 |
Southeastern College - West Palm Beach
1756 North Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409
(561) 433-2330 | 61.95 |
#72 |
Evolution Health Academy
18350 NW 2nd Ave #402, Miami Gardens, FL 33169
(786) 709-5895 | 58.33 |
#73 |
Siena College of Health
7491 W Oakland Park Blvd. Suite 100, Lauderhill, FL 33313
(954) 484-4443 | 43.73 |
#74 |
Angel Technical Institute
453 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34207
(941) 251-6976 | 41.88 |
#75 |
West Lawrence School of Nursing
3632 Evans Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 454-5000 | 40.43 |
#76 |
J & J Healthcare Institute Inc.
1410 N Pine Hills Rd., Orlando, FL 32808
(407) 839-3363 | 37.50 |
#77 |
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology - Delray
5150 Linton Boulevard Suite 340, Delray Beach, FL 33484
(561) 381-4990 | 33.74 |
#78 |
Burnett International College
2601 S Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
(561) 736-3998 | 30.67 |
#79 |
South Dade Technical College
109 NE 8th St, Homestead, FL 33030
(305) 248-5723 | 25.46 |
#80 |
Ideal Professional Institute
20295 NW 2nd Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33169
(305) 653-7886 | 17.77 |
#81 |
Sigma Institute of Health Careers
1260 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334
(954) 485-0215 | 14.65 |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
Program |
---|
Ata College
7351 Spring Hill Drive, Suite 11, Spring Hill, FL 34606
(866) 438-2432 |
Atlantic Technical College - Broward County
4700 Coconut Creek Parkway, Coconut Creek, FL 33063
(754) 321-5100 |
Atlantis Educational Center
1111 Park Centre Blvd #102, Miami Gardens, FL 33169
(305) 625-2112 |
Brevard Nursing Academy
581 Robert J Conlan Blvd NE Suite 106, Palm Bay, FL 32905, Palm Bay, FL 32905
(321) 914-3041 |
Care Hope College
901 N Congress Ave C-201, Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(561) 966-0551 |
Florida Academy of Nursing
12002 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33025
(954) 322-1612 |
Premiere International College
2055 Central Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 454-5000 |
Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School at Seminole
12611 86th Ave. N, Seminole, FL 33776
(727) 545-6405 |
South Florida Medical College
1111 Park Center Blvd Ste 102, Miami Gardens, FL 33169
(305) 625-2112 |
Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.
Additional FL Nursing Resources
- Florida Board of Nursing 4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN C02 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252 Phone: (850) 245-4125
- Florida Nurses Association 1235 E. Concord St. Orlando, FL 32803 (407) 896-3261
LPN Salary in Florida
The table below lists career information collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Florida. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.
Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach | 8,670 | $26.47 | $55,060 |
Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater | 6,430 | $25.31 | $52,640 |
Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford | 4,370 | $26.40 | $54,910 |
Jacksonville | 2,670 | $24.97 | $51,940 |
North Port, Sarasota, Bradenton | 1,660 | $25.19 | $52,400 |
Lakeland, Winter Haven | 1,280 | $23.59 | $49,060 |
Cape Coral, Fort Myers | 1,130 | $25.89 | $53,850 |
Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville | 950 | $24.76 | $51,500 |
Port St. Lucie | 900 | $24.74 | $51,450 |
Pensacola, Ferry Pass, Brent | 890 | $23.78 | $49,470 |
Deltona, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach | 880 | $23.93 | $49,770 |
Tallahassee | 860 | $23.53 | $48,940 |
Naples, Immokalee, Marco Island | 620 | $26.01 | $54,110 |
Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin | 540 | $23.38 | $48,620 |
Gainesville | 490 | $24.78 | $51,540 |
Ocala | 470 | $23.66 | $49,210 |
Punta Gorda | 330 | $24.12 | $50,180 |
Panama City | 320 | $21.37 | $44,460 |
Sebastian, Vero Beach | 260 | $24.99 | $51,980 |
Homosassa Springs | 250 | $23.60 | $49,090 |
The Villages | 240 | $23.87 | $49,660 |
Sebring | 220 | $23.02 | $47,880 |