A public technical college in Hialeah can put a practical nursing certificate within reach for under $10,000, while a private nursing school across the county line may charge twice that or more. The right choice depends on more than tuition: schedule, clinical placements, and NCLEX-PN preparation vary sharply among the vocational centers and private nursing colleges serving Miami-Dade County.
Hialeah sits inside one of Florida's densest healthcare job corridors, and demand for bilingual LPNs is strongest in clinics, long-term care, and home health agencies. Local job demand, program costs, NCLEX pass rates, licensure steps, and a ranked program list all shape the decision.
Why Hialeah Is a Strong Market for New LPNs
Where do Hialeah LPNs actually find work once they pass the NCLEX-PN? The answer is closer than most students expect, and it's a big reason the local job market holds up well for new graduates of the best LPN programs in Florida.
Local Employers Hiring Now
Hialeah itself has a working core of healthcare employers that regularly bring on LPNs. Palmetto Subacute Care Center, a skilled nursing facility on W 28th Street, lists LPNs among its ongoing hiring categories alongside RNs, CNAs, and rehab therapy staff.1 Hialeah Hospital and Southern Winds Hospital add acute and long-term care shifts to the mix, and the outpatient clinic corridors along W 49th Street and Palm Avenue give graduates a dense cluster of physician offices and specialty practices within a short drive of most campuses.
Bilingual Skills Are a Real Advantage
Hialeah's population is overwhelmingly Hispanic, and English/Spanish fluency is often treated as a hiring edge rather than a nice-to-have. Employers serving this community consistently favor LPNs who can communicate comfortably with patients and families in Spanish, which gives bilingual graduates an advantage that's harder to quantify on paper but shows up clearly in hiring conversations.
The Wider Metro Expands Options
Graduates aren't limited to Hialeah proper. Baptist Health South Florida in nearby Doral hires LPNs, Segal Institute for Clinical Research in Miami Lakes and TrueCare24 in Miami Gardens add research and home-based settings2, and staffing networks placing LPNs in Hialeah Gardens extend the reach further into Miami Dade.3 Add Opa-locka and the broader Miami metro, and the commuting radius covers dozens of potential employers.
Florida also lets LPNs pursue IV therapy certification, a Specialty Certification for LPNs that requires a 30-hour course under state rule4 and permits tasks like flow adjustment, site inspection, and hanging hydrating fluids5 (though not blood products, chemotherapy, plasma expanders, or investigational drugs)6; employers may separately restrict IV push medications and mixing IV solutions.7 That certification broadens job eligibility across hospitals, infusion clinics, and long-term care.
LPN Earnings in the Miami Metro Area
LPN wages in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area span a wide range depending on experience, certifications, and practice setting. The local median of roughly $59,730 trails both the Florida statewide median (approximately $61,770) and the national median of $64,400. LPNs who hold IV certification or work in specialty clinic roles, such as dermatology or cardiology offices, tend to land in the 75th to 90th percentile of the pay scale.
Program Length, Schedule, and Format Options in Hialeah
Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College structures its practical nursing program around 1,350 total hours, with 675 hours reserved for clinical rotations. Full-time students at most Hialeah-area LPN programs can finish in roughly 11 to 14 months; evening-only students should plan for a longer path, often 16 to 18 months when coursework is spread across additional terms.
Program Length and Pacing
Compu-Med Vocational Careers Corp in Hialeah lists its practical nursing program at 12 months, with multiple cohort start dates each year. Florida National University does not publish a standardized completion timeline in months, while Miami Lakes Educational Center lists its practical nursing program at 15 months, so direct confirmation is the safest way to pin down your exact finish date.
Scheduling Options by Campus
- Florida National University: Evening core courses typically run 4pm to 10pm Monday through Friday; weekend hours are generally 7am to 3pm, with occasional 7am to 7pm exceptions. Clinical rotations may be scheduled any day of the week.
- Miami Lakes Educational Center: Day sessions run Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 1:40pm; evening sessions run 4:00pm to 9:30pm. No weekend or clearly part-time track is published.
- Compu-Med Vocational Careers: The Hialeah campus runs roughly 12-month cohorts, but daily schedule specifics are not published. Clinical sites are typically 50 to 100 miles away.
Online and Hybrid Reality
Fully online LPN programs do not exist in Hialeah because clinical hours require hands-on patient care. As of 2025-2026, no accredited Miami-area LPN program has confirmed a hybrid format; practical nursing coursework remains on campus. Clinical rotations are always in person at hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers, but specific facility lists are not public, so ask each school for current placement sites before enrolling.
Related Articles
Tuition and Cost Comparison for Hialeah-Area LPN Programs
Tuition for LPN programs near Hialeah varies dramatically depending on the type of institution. Public vocational and technical colleges in the Miami-Dade and Broward County systems typically offer the lowest sticker prices, often well under $10,000 for the full program. Private and for-profit schools can cost two to four times as much. The net price figures below reflect institution-wide averages after financial aid, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education (2024). Individual LPN students may pay more or less than these averages depending on their personal aid eligibility, residency status, and enrollment intensity.
| School | City | Sector | In-State Tuition | Net Price After Aid (Avg.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College | Miami Lakes | Public Technical College | Not published separately | $2,839 |
| Miami Dade College | Miami | Public College | $2,838 | $5,463 |
| Lindsey Hopkins Technical College | Miami | Public Technical College | Not published separately | $6,243 |
| Sheridan Technical College | Hollywood | Public Technical College | Not published separately | $6,677 |
| Florida Academy of Nursing | Miramar | Private | Not published separately | $10,054 |
| Atlantic Technical College | Coconut Creek | Public Technical College | Not published separately | $10,414 |
| William T. McFatter Technical College | Davie | Public Technical College | Not published separately | $11,901 |
| Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College | Miami | Public Technical College | Not published separately | $12,776 |
| Florida National University | Hialeah | Private | $17,368 | $23,043 |
| Concorde Career Institute, Miramar | Miramar | Private, For-Profit | Not published separately | $27,673 |
| FVI School of Nursing and Technology | Miami | Private, For-Profit | Not published separately | $35,514 |
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates at Hialeah-Area Nursing Schools
Florida's NCLEX-PN performance has been a persistent concern, and the gap between the state's first-time pass rate and the national average should be front of mind for anyone comparing LPN programs in the Hialeah area.
Florida vs. National Pass Rates
The state's first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate has fluctuated in recent years. In 2023, Florida graduates passed at a rate of roughly 75%, well below the national average of about 87%. The 2024 cycle showed improvement, climbing to approximately 81%, though the national average also rose to around 88%. As of 2026 reporting, the state rate has slipped again to roughly 79%, ranking near the bottom nationally. That consistent gap means program selection in South Florida matters more than it might in a higher-performing state.
What the Numbers Tell You Locally
The Florida Board of Nursing publishes quarterly program-level pass rate reports, broken out by school. Miami Dade College's Benjamin Leon School of Nursing, one of the most established LPN programs in Miami, self-reported an 80% NCLEX-PN pass rate for the 2023 to 2024 academic year, along with an 89% job placement rate. That figure aligns closely with the statewide average but still trails the national benchmark. For other Hialeah-area programs, complete 2024 or 2025 first-time pass rates have not been confirmed through publicly available Board of Nursing summaries at the time of this writing. Prospective students should request the most recent quarterly reports directly from each school or check the Board's website for updated data.
When a Pass Rate Triggers Action
Florida flags practical nursing programs whose first-time pass rates fall more than 10 percentage points below the national average at comparable institutions. A program that misses the mark for two consecutive years faces probation, with the possibility of a one-year extension before potential termination. No Hialeah-area programs have been publicly identified as being on probation in the most recent cycle, but this status can change quickly. Ask admissions offices directly whether the program is in good standing with both the Florida Board of Nursing and its accrediting body.
A strong pass rate, generally 85% or above, signals that a program's curriculum, clinical hours, and NCLEX prep resources are aligned with exam expectations. Rates consistently below 75% warrant serious scrutiny before you commit tuition dollars.
Accreditation and Florida Board of Nursing Approval
Not every LPN program in the Hialeah area carries the same credentials, and confusing one type of approval with another is a common mistake prospective students make. Here is what each designation actually means for your career.
Florida Board of Nursing Approval: The Non-Negotiable
Florida Board of Nursing (BON) program approval is the baseline requirement. If a practical nursing program is not BON-approved, its graduates cannot sit for the NCLEX-PN and therefore cannot become licensed.1 As of 2025, three programs serving the Hialeah area hold current BON approval:1
- Florida National University (Hialeah): Approved prelicensure PN certificate program.2
- Miami Lakes Educational Center: Approved 15-month practical nursing program.
- Compumed Vocational Center: Approved PN diploma program.
You can verify any program's current approval status directly through the Florida Board of Nursing's education program listings.1
Voluntary Programmatic Accreditation: A Separate Layer
Florida does not require programmatic accreditation for PN programs, so it remains voluntary. Agencies such as ACEN, NLN CNEA, and COE evaluate curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes independently of the state board. Among Hialeah-area programs, Florida National University holds ACEN candidate status for its PN certificate (not yet full accreditation)2, while Compumed Vocational Center has earned initial NLN CNEA accreditation. Miami Lakes Educational Center does not list a voluntary programmatic accreditation through any of these bodies.
Why It Matters Beyond Licensure
Programmatic accreditation of Accredited LPN and RN Programs influences more than just the quality label on your diploma. Federal financial aid eligibility, employer hiring preferences, and your ability to articulate credits into an LPN to RN in Florida bridge program can all hinge on whether the school holds recognized accreditation. If you plan to eventually pursue an ASN or BSN through a bridge pathway, confirm that your target RN program accepts credits from your LPN school's accrediting body. Taking ten minutes to check both BON approval and accreditation status before enrolling can save you semesters of frustration later.
How to Get Your Florida LPN License
Earning your LPN license in Florida follows a clearly defined path set by the Florida Board of Nursing. Budget roughly $425 to $455 in state and testing fees before you sit for the exam, and plan for biennial continuing education once you are licensed.
Hialeah LPN School Rankings 2027
Below are the top LPN programs serving Hialeah students, ranked by net price, institutional graduation rates, and program-level earnings data from federal sources. The list spans public technical colleges with Florida resident pricing and private schools with rolling admission and evening options. Commute distance from Hialeah and a clear route to NCLEX-PN licensure separate the strongest choices from the rest.
How we ranked these
- Median graduate debt loads
- Institutional graduation rates
- Net price for Florida students
- Program-level earnings where reported
- Local access for Hialeah commuters
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living index by state — bea.gov
Florida National University
Florida National University is the only school on this list with a practical nursing program located inside Hialeah, delivered at its campus on West 20th Avenue. The certificate blends classroom theory with clinical rotations at hospitals, nursing homes, physicians' offices, and home health agencies around Miami. Small cohorts and daytime or evening scheduling make it a workable fit for Hialeah residents who need to keep earning while they train.
- 45 total credit hours across 10 courses
- Coursework includes fundamentals, pharmacology, and pediatric nursing
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam
- Clinical placements in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health
- Certificate awarded by the university on completion
Practical Nursing Certificate Program — On-Campus
FVI School of Nursing and Technology
FVI School of Nursing and Technology runs an 18-month practical nursing diploma from its Miami campus, built around simulation labs and supervised clinical rotations. The school maintains clinical and employer relationships with South Florida health systems and holds transfer agreements that help graduates continue toward RN or BSN study. Rolling admissions, success coaching, and job placement assistance round out the support model for adult learners.
- 18-month diploma program totaling 57 credit hours
- Hands-on simulation lab training plus hospital clinical rotations
- NCLEX-PN preparation integrated into the curriculum
- Rolling admissions with financial aid and scholarships
- Job placement assistance and dedicated success coaches
- Approved by the Florida Board of Nursing
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College
Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College sits just north of Hialeah and offers one of the most flexible public routes into practical nursing in the area. The 15-month program runs on an open-entry, open-exit model with day and evening schedules, and completers can earn college credit toward an associate degree. It is also one of the schools Miami Dade College points students toward while its own practical nursing program is paused.
- 15-month program with rolling admissions
- Open enrollment lets students start throughout the year
- Day and evening class options
- Total program tuition of $6,366, plus a $20 application fee
- 675 clinical hours in hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Articulation credit toward the RN program at Miami-Dade College
- TEAS entrance exam required
- HOSA student organization available
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Florida Academy of Nursing
Florida Academy of Nursing in Miramar delivers a hands-on practical nursing diploma with an emphasis on patient safety and professional development. The program totals 1,485 hours, with day and evening tracks and ACCSC accreditation. Experienced faculty and small-group support are central to how the school describes the student experience.
- 1,485 total program hours
- Day track runs 71 weeks; evening track runs 79 weeks
- Onsite campus delivery only
- Accredited by ACCSC
- Prepares students to apply for state LPN licensure
- Flexible day and evening class schedules
Practical Nursing Diploma Program — On-Campus
Sheridan Technical College
Sheridan Technical College's practical nursing program is one of the more established public options within commuting distance of Hialeah, with multiple start dates every year. Coursework spans medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing, paired with clinical time in acute and long-term care. The school also builds in a pathway for graduates who want to continue toward an RN or BSN.
- 12-month program with five start dates per year
- Approved by the Florida Board of Nursing
- Reported 92% licensure pass rate
- Curriculum covers medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing
- Clinical experience in acute, long-term, and home health settings
- Basic Life Support training included
- Employability skills integrated into coursework
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College has become a primary public entry point for practical nursing in Miami-Dade, and Miami Dade College directs its own LPN applicants here while its program is paused. The program spends at least half its hours in clinical settings and keeps a fixed daytime schedule that leaves evenings open for work. Safety, cultural sensitivity, and wellness are threaded through the curriculum.
- About 1,350 hours of instruction
- At least half the program is supervised clinical experience
- 675 supervised clinical hours
- TEAS entrance exam required
- $20 application fee
- Approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
William T McFatter Technical College
William T. McFatter Technical College in Davie offers a 12-month practical nursing program that mixes theory, lab, simulation, and clinical work from the first term. Florida residents pay far less than out-of-state students, and the college admits new cohorts several times a year. The program is ACEN accredited and reports a very high licensure pass rate.
- 12-month full-time program, Monday through Thursday
- ACEN accredited
- $3,780 tuition for Florida residents; $6,525 total program cost
- Five start dates per year
- Reported 97% licensure pass rate and 77% job placement rate
- TEAS entrance exam required
- Integrated lab, simulation, and clinical experiences
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — Hybrid
Concorde Career Institute-Miramar
Concorde Career Institute's Miramar campus runs a fast-track practical and vocational nursing diploma that puts students into nursing coursework from day one. Labs and clinical rotations are arranged with regional healthcare employers, and financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. The school also supports graduates who want to keep going toward RN study.
- Diploma completed in about 12 to 13 months
- Direct admission as a nursing student from day one
- Hands-on labs and clinical rotations with local providers
- Prepares students for the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-VN
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Pathway support for continuing on to RN study
Practical / Vocational Nursing Diploma Program — On-Campus
Atlantic Technical College
Atlantic Technical College in Coconut Creek offers a 12-month practical nursing certificate with classroom and clinical instruction integrated from the start. The college admits students five times a year and reports a licensure pass rate near the top of this list. Money-back guarantee eligibility and college credit transfer options add value for graduates planning further study.
- 12-month, 1,350-hour program
- ACEN accredited
- TEAS or HESI entrance exam required
- $3,780 total program tuition
- Five start dates per year
- Reported 99% licensure pass rate and 97% job placement rate
- Money-back guarantee eligibility
- College credit transfer opportunity
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College runs one of South Florida's largest nursing schools, but its Medical Campus practical nursing certificate is paused for the upcoming term, and the college refers LPN applicants to Lindsey Hopkins and Miami Lakes. The one-year certificate is still ACEN accredited and prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Applicants should confirm current cohort availability directly with the college before planning around it.
- One-year career technical certificate
- ACEN accredited
- TEAS entrance exam and prerequisite courses required
- Clinical training at hospitals, assisted living, and outpatient centers
- Reported 80% licensure pass rate and 89% job placement rate
- Offered at the Medical Campus
Licensed Practical Nursing Career Technical Certificate — On-Campus
CNA-to-LPN Bridge Programs Near Hialeah
A standard LPN certificate assumes you're starting from scratch. A bridge program assumes you already know how to take vitals, turn a patient, and chart care, and it shortens the road accordingly. Because CNA clinical hours and foundational coursework, key factors in the CNA vs LPN vs RN equation, often count toward LPN requirements, Hialeah-area bridge tracks run about 11 to 15 months, often overlapping with the 12 to 15 months required for a traditional program.
Where to Find a Bridge Track in Miami-Dade
Miami Lakes Educational Center, featured among the Best LPN Programs in Miami 2026, runs the clearest example in the area: a 15-month practical nursing bridge built specifically for current Florida CNAs, totaling 1,350 hours with 675 of those in clinical settings, at an in-state cost near $5,961. Dade Institute of Technology and Health offers a similar CNA transition track spanning 46 weeks, also limited to students who hold active CNA status. Both programs expect you to already be working, or recently have worked, as a certified nursing assistant before you enroll.
What Doesn't Have a Formal Bridge
Not every Board-approved program in the area runs a dedicated bridge cohort. Miami Dade College's accelerated LPN certificate and Florida National University's 45-credit Practical Nursing Certificate Program don't advertise a separate CNA track. Instead, they may grant advanced placement credit for prior CNA coursework on a case-by-case basis, which can trim time without restructuring the whole curriculum around your background.
Weighing the Trade-off
The time savings on a true bridge program are real, often several months shorter than starting cold, and the cost can land lower than a full-length certificate. But eligibility is narrower: you need an active CNA license and, in most cases, documented work experience before a school will even review your application.
