2019 - 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 2026, predicting a 12% increase. 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. Florida LPNs earn around an hourly wage of $20.35 or annual salary of $42,320, which is roughly $1,710 less per year than 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 87 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 Palm Beach State College runs roughly $6,000 for Florida residents, including all expenses. Out-of-state students will pay a higher tuition rate.
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 eNLC
Florida has opted in to the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows multi-state nurse licensing. As of January 2018, the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) has been in effect, which increases access to care and maintains public protections. Nurses with an original NLC multistate license are grandfathered in to the eNLC. LPNs moving into the state 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: http://floridasnursing.gov/licensing/licensed-practical-nurse-registered-nurse-by-endorsement/
LPN Salary in Florida By Area
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater | 7,450 | $21.15 | $44,000 |
| Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford | 4,570 | $19.35 | $40,250 |
| Miami, Miami Beach, Kendall | 4,510 | $21.09 | $43,870 |
| Jacksonville | 3,580 | $20.47 | $42,580 |
| West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach | 3,200 | $21.40 | $44,520 |
| Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach | 2,940 | $21.07 | $43,830 |
| North Port, Sarasota, Bradenton | 1,690 | $20.76 | $43,190 |
| Lakeland, Winter Haven | 1,520 | $19.76 | $41,090 |
| Deltona, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach | 1,480 | $19.56 | $40,690 |
| Cape Coral, Fort Myers | 1,430 | $20.37 | $42,380 |
| Port St. Lucie | 1,110 | $20.53 | $42,700 |
| Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville | 1,070 | $20.28 | $42,190 |
| Pensacola, Ferry Pass, Brent | 1,030 | $18.31 | $38,080 |
| Tallahassee | 840 | $19.51 | $40,590 |
| Naples, Immokalee, Marco Island | 770 | $21.27 | $44,230 |
| Panama City | 740 | $17.89 | $37,220 |
| Gainesville | 720 | $19.86 | $41,300 |
| Ocala | 660 | $18.99 | $39,510 |
| Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin | 530 | $18.37 | $38,200 |
| Homosassa Springs | 510 | $18.93 | $39,360 |
| Punta Gorda | 500 | $19.33 | $40,210 |
| Sebastian, Vero Beach | 270 | $20.01 | $41,610 |
| Sebring | 260 | $19.78 | $41,150 |
| The Villages | 130 | $19.68 | $40,940 |
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Florida LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
Top Ranked Florida LPN Programs
Atlantic Technical College - Broward County
Atlantic Technical College – Broward County strives to prepare students for a rewarding LPN career via their ACEN-accredited practical nursing program. The curriculum includes theory, clinical procedures, and allows students to begin clinical experiences early on in the program. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to provide quality nursing care in hospitals and other medical facilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tom P. Haney Technical Center
Tom P. Haney Technical Center is located in Panama City, Florida. Haney strives to provide on-going professional development for students through offerings like its 45-week practical nursing program, which gives students the theoretical and clinical training needed to become successful LPNs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ridge Technical College
Ridge Technical College, part of Polk Education Pathways, is a vocational-technical center located in Winter Haven, Florida, successfully preparing and placing individuals in rewarding careers. Ridge Technical College believes that hands-on training will better prepare students for the practical nursing job market. Utilizing technical knowledge and instructor assistance, students are provided with effective learning experiences.
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.
Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing
Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing, located in Miami, offers a board-approved and ACEN-accredited practical nursing program that is hospital-based. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to provide safe and compassionate nursing care under the direction and supervision of an RN or physician. The school also offers both day and evening program options.
Herzing University - Winter Park
Herzing University - Winter's Park's Practical Nursing program prepares students to earn their Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certification. The program allows students to learn from nursing instructors with real-world healthcare experience and provides opportunities for students to practice in simulation labs and hands-on clinical environments. Graduates are prepared to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses exam (NCLEX-PN).
Pinellas Technical College - Clearwater
Pinellas Technical College offers a highly respected LPN program at its Clearwater campus, training and empowering students to provide safe and effective care to patients of all ages. PTC's practical nursing program includes 1,350 hours of instruction covering numerous healthcare topics.
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.
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.
Okaloosa Technical College
Located in Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Technical College offers a board-approved practical nursing program to prepare students to work in the rewarding nursing profession. Theoretical instruction and clinical experience are weaved together to create a comprehensive learning environment. The school begins a new class of 24 students every 6 months.
Atlantic Technical College - Coconut Creek
Atlantic Technical Center (ATC) is located in Coconut Creek, Florida, with an additional campus located in Ft. Lauderdale. ATC prepares students to succeed as practical nurses through its 12-month LPN program, which focuses on multiple principles of patient care.
North Florida Community College
North Florida Community College, located in Madison, boasts an LPN program which prepares students to work as part of a healthcare team to prevent illness and care for patients in a variety of health situations. Both classroom learning and clinical hours are utilized to provide a well-rounded nursing foundation.
Southeastern College - Miami Lakes
Southeastern College is located in Miami Lakes, Florida, with additional campuses located in West Palm Beach. Southeastern College offers mutliple degree and diploma pathways, including a renowned practical nursing program. Their 52-credit hour program takes roughly 12 months to complete and fully prepares students for rewarding LPN careers in hospitals, medical centers, and other healthcare facilities.
Continued List of All Programs in Florida
| Ranked | Program | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| #31 | Rasmussen College - Ocala 2100 SW 22nd Place, Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 291-8560 | 87.55 | Request Information |
| #32 | Rasmussen College - Tampa 4042 Park Oaks Blvd Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 246-7600 | 87.12 | Request Information |
| #33 | Daytona State College 1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 506-3000 | 86.99 | Request Information |
| #34 | Suncoast Technical College 4748 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233 (904) 448-9499 | 86.19 | Request Information |
| #35 | Emerald Coast Technical College (ECTC) 761 North 20th Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 (850) 892-1240 | 86.14 | Request Information |
| #36 | Manatee Technical College 5530 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211 (941) 751-8479 | 86.10 | Request Information |
| #37 | Florida Panhandle Technical College 757 Hoyt St, Chipley, FL 32428 (850) 638-1180 | 86.00 | Request Information |
| #38 | Robert Morgan Educational Center 18180 SW 122 Avenue, Miami, FL 33177 (305) 253-9920 | 84.74 | Request Information |
| #39 | Pinellas Technical College - St Petersburg 901 34th Street S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 (727) 893-2500 | 84.20 | Request Information |
| #40 | Lake Technical Center 2001 Kurt St, Eustis, FL 32726 (352) 589-2250 | 82.91 | Request Information |
| #41 | Pensacola State College 1000 College Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504 (850) 484-1000 | 81.76 | Request Information |
| #42 | Desoto County School of Practical Nursing 310 West Whidden Street, Arcadia, FL 34266 (863) 993-1333 | 80.99 | Request Information |
| #43 | Eastern Florida State College - Cocoa 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922 (321) 632-1111 | 80.31 | Request Information |
| #44 | Lively Technical Center 500 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32304 (850) 487-7555 | 80.19 | Request Information |
| #45 | Locklin Technical Center 5330 Berryhill Rd, Milton, FL 32570 (850) 983-5700 | 80.12 | Request Information |
| #46 | Indian River State College - Chastain 3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 (772) 462-4772 | 79.44 | Request Information |
| #47 | Charlotte Technical Center 18150 Murdock Cir, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 (941) 255-7500 | 78.83 | Request Information |
| #48 | Horizon Healthcare Institute - Fort Myers 3677 Central Ave , Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 939-1992 | 78.83 | Request Information |
| #49 | Medical Prep Institute of Tampa Bay 2304 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 932-1710 | 78.50 | Request Information |
| #50 | South Tech Academy 1300 SW 30th Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (561) 369-7004 | 78.49 | Request Information |
| #51 | Sheridan Technical College 5400 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33021 (754) 321-5400 | 78.13 | Request Information |
| #52 | Erwin Technical College 2010 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 769-5180 | 77.54 | Request Information |
| #53 | Florida State College at Jacksonville 101 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 646-2300 | 77.31 | Request Information |
| #54 | Fortis Institute - Port St Lucie 9022-US 1, Port St Lucie, FL 34952 (772) 221-9799 | 75.29 | Request Information |
| #55 | Gulf Coast State College 3800 Garrison Ave, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 (850) 227-9670 | 73.23 | Request Information |
| #56 | Horizon Healthcare Institute - Port Charlotte 1032 S Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33953 (941) 889-7506 | 72.80 | Request Information |
| #57 | Concorde Career Institute - Jacksonville 7259 Salisbury Rd.,, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 725-0525 | 70.41 | Request Information |
| #58 | Cambridge College of Allied Health and Technology - Delray 5150 Linton Boulevard Suite 340, Delray Beach, FL 33484 (561) 381-4990 | 69.55 | Request Information |
| #59 | Immokalee Technical College 508 N 9th St, Immokalee, FL 34142 (239) 377-9900 | 69.48 | Request Information |
| #60 | Cambridge College of Allied Health and Technology - Altamonte Springs 460 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 (407) 265-8383 | 69.20 | Request Information |
| #61 | Big Bend Technical College 3233 South Byron Butler Pkwy, Perry, FL 32348 (850) 838-2545 | 68.80 | Request Information |
| #62 | Emiraza College 510 South US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 (772) 489-8228 | 63.13 | Request Information |
| #63 | Brewster Technical College 2222 N. Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 276-5448 | 56.14 | Request Information |
| #64 | Gwinnett Institute 1900 North Alafaya Trail, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826 (407) 691-3391 | 55.43 | Request Information |
| #65 | International Institute for Healthcare Professionals - Boca Raton 6870 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487 (561) 394-5822 | 50.33 | Request Information |
| #66 | North Broward Technical Center 1871 W Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 (954) 427-8830 | 48.67 | Request Information |
| #67 | Siena College of Health 7491 W Oakland Park Blvd. Suite 100, Lauderhill, FL 33313 (954) 484-4443 | 48.00 | Request Information |
| #68 | Chancellor Institute 5648 West Atlantic Blvd, Margate, FL 33063 (954) 532-2680 | 40.50 | Request Information |
| #69 | Angel Technical Institute 453 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 251-6976 | 38.46 | Request Information |
| #70 | Med-Life Institute - Lauderdale Lakes 4000 N. St. Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319 (954) 943-8667 | 21.74 | Request Information |
| #71 | J & J Healthcare Institute Inc. 1410 N Pine Hills Rd., Orlando, FL 32808 (407) 839-3363 | 20.00 | Request Information |
| #72 | Sacred Heart International Institute 833 West Sample Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064 (954) 960-2624 | 19.54 | Request Information |
| #73 | Ideal Professional Institute 20295 NW 2nd Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33169 (305) 653-7886 | 15.84 | Request Information |
| #74 | Sunshine Academy 2755 South Federal Highway, Suite 9 & 10, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 (561) 572-2273 | 11.58 | Request Information |
| #75 | Sigma Institute of Health Careers 1260 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334 (954) 485-0215 | 5.83 | Request Information |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| Antigua College International 7500 N.W. 25th Street, Suite 237, Miami, FL 33122 (786) 391-1167 | Request Information |
| Ata College 7351 Spring Hill Drive, Suite 11, Spring Hill, FL 34606 (866) 438-2432 | Request Information |
| Dade County - Miami Lakes Technical Center 5780 NW 158th Street, Miami Lakes, FL 33014 (305) 557-1100 | Request Information |
| Med-Life Institute - Kissimmee 3465 West Vine Street , Kissimmee, FL 34741 (407) 434-0008 | Request Information |
| North Florida Technical College 609 N Orange Street, Starke, FL 32091 (904) 966-6764 | Request Information |
| Orange Technical College 301 West Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801 (407) 246-7060 | Request Information |
| Premiere International College 2055 Central Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 454-5000 | Request Information |
| RIVEROAK Technical College 415 Pinewood Dr SW, Live Oak, FL 32064 (386) 364-4698 | Request Information |
| Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School at Seminole 12611 86th Ave. N, Seminole, FL 33776 (727) 545-6405 | Request Information |
| South Florida Medical College 1111 Park Center Blvd Ste 102, Miami Gardens, FL 33169 (305) 625-2112 | Request Information |
| Southeastern College - West Palm Beach 1756 North Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 433-2330 | Request Information |
| West Lawrence School of Nursing 3632 Evans Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 454-5000 | Request Information |
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
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