Best LPN to RN/BSN Programs in Florida 2027

Best LPN to RN/BSN Programs in Florida 2027
Updated September 15, 202625+ min read

Best Florida LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2027

Ranked by NCLEX pass rates, cost, and outcomes — with side-by-side ADN vs BSN bridge comparisons for working LPNs.

A Florida LPN earning the state median of about $61,770 per year stands to gain a 36 percent pay increase by moving into an RN role, where the median wage reaches $84,190.

Florida now has 24 or more accredited LPN to RN and LPN to BSN bridge pathways alongside the state's best LPN programs. The practical tension is that public colleges run selective cohorts with prerequisite coursework, entrance exams, and single annual starts, while private programs can admit within weeks at total tuition ranging from roughly $15,000 to $48,000.

The BSN pathway tends to protect against hiring preferences for bachelor's-prepared nurses in Florida's larger health systems, even when it costs more upfront.

10 Florida LPN to RN/BSN Programs Ranked by NCLEX Pass Rate

Verified school-level first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Florida LPN to RN bridge programs are not published together in one central 2024 to 2025 dataset, so every figure below is worth confirming at the source. Start with each program's own outcomes, admissions, or consumer information page, where you can find the first-time pass rate, the reporting year, and how many test-takers it covers. Then cross-check the Florida Board of Nursing, NCSBN pass-rate reports, and the program's admissions office for the most current cohort numbers.

How we ranked these

Factors considered
  1. Graduation and completion rates
  2. NCLEX-RN first-time pass performance
  3. Student-faculty ratio and class size
  4. Net price and total program cost
  5. Accreditation and entrance requirements
Data sources
  • IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, student-faculty ratios and net price — nces.ed.gov
  • NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
  • Internal program database
  • Independent editorial research
  • College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
PA

Pasco-Hernando State College

New Port Richey, FL · $5,000 – $10,000/yr · NCLEX-RN pass rate 96.9% (3-yr weighted avg)

Hispanic-Serving Institution
Best for: Long-tenured LPNs seeking advanced placement credit

Pasco-Hernando State College in New Port Richey runs one of the more generous LPN bridges in the state, awarding 17 advanced college credits for prior nursing education and capping cohorts at 36 students. The ADN transition is ACEN accredited, admits for fall, and the college reports a 96% licensure pass rate with an 84% completion rate in 2025. Admission is competitive, with applicants ranked by prerequisite GPA and TEAS scores.

  • Nursing (RN) ADN Transition (LPN) — On-Campus
    Pasco-Hernando State College
    ACEN accredited
    • 17 advanced college credits awarded for prior nursing education
    • Cohort size up to 36 students with one fall start each year
    • Apply by March 30, 2026; TEAS at Proficient or higher; 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Reported 96% licensure pass rate and 84% completion rate (2025)
    • Offered at the West and North campuses
    • Applicants ranked by prerequisite GPA and TEAS scores
    • Background check and drug screening required
    • ACEN accredited
    Visit Website
PO

Polk State College

Winter Haven, FL · $9,000/yr (net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 96.8% (3-yr weighted avg)

Hispanic-Serving Institution
Best for: Working LPNs needing evening and weekend clinicals

Polk State College in Winter Haven built its transition track for LPNs, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and military medics. Students earn an Associate in Science in Nursing with estimated total tuition of about $13,000, and the college awards ten credits for a current LPN license. Clinicals run across Polk County on day, evening, or weekend shifts, and there is no waiting list for students who need to reapply.

  • Nursing (Transition Track), AS (LPN to RN), Associates — On-Campus
    Polk State College
    • ACEN accredited LPN to RN transition track
    • Two concentration options in the transition track
    • Estimated total program tuition of about $13,000
    • TEAS score of 70 and a 2.5 GPA required
    • Ten credits awarded for a current LPN license
    • Day, evening, or weekend clinical shifts
    • Clinical placements across Polk County
    • No waiting list for reapplying to the program
    Visit Website
ST

State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota

Bradenton, FL · ~$22,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 94.9% (3-yr weighted avg)

Hispanic-Serving Institution
Best for: Recent PN graduates advancing to RN

State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota offers a summer-start nursing transition that awards ten credit hours of advanced placement to qualified LPNs. The ACEN-accredited program is available at three campuses and articulates into the college's RN-to-BSN degree. Applicants need a current, unencumbered Florida PN license plus recent LPN work experience or a recent PN graduation, and the application window runs August 1 to September 15, 2026, with mandatory orientation on October 5, 2026.

  • A.S. Nursing Transition Program, Associates — On-Campus
    State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota
    ACEN accredited
    • Twelve-month nursing transition program starting in summer
    • Ten credit hours of advanced placement for qualified LPNs
    • Current, unencumbered Florida PN license required
    • Recent LPN work experience or recent PN graduation accepted
    • TEAS entrance exam and 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Available at three campuses
    • Articulates into the college's RN-to-BSN degree
    • Application window August 1 to September 15, 2026; orientation October 5, 2026
    Visit Website
NO

Northwest Florida State College

Niceville, FL · $5,000/yr (net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 93.6% (3-yr weighted avg)

Northwest Florida State College in Niceville keeps costs among the lowest in this group, with reported total program tuition of $6,351 and $104 per credit. Its LPN cohort runs four semesters inside the Associate of Science in Nursing, using a point-based admission formula that weighs GPA, HESI scores, and prior coursework. A spring-only start and a required tablet for class and clinicals are the main logistics to plan around.

  • LPN-to-RN, Associates — On-Campus
    Northwest Florida State College
    ACEN accredited
    • Total program tuition of $6,351 at $104 per credit
    • 72 total credit hours across four semesters
    • HESI RN Fundamentals Exam and 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Point-based selective admission system
    • Spring semester start only
    • Dedicated LPN cohort
    • Criminal background check and drug testing required
    • ACEN accredited
    Visit Website
IN

Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, FL · $4,000/yr · NCLEX-RN pass rate 93.1% (3-yr weighted avg)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Indian River State College in Fort Pierce runs a Bridge to RN track that opens to LPNs, respiratory therapists, and paramedics alike. The program takes about 1.5 years, uses HESI testing for admission, and leans on an on-campus Simulation Center plus clinical partner externships. It is ACEN accredited and articulates toward bachelor's completion for nurses who want to keep going.

  • Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (RN), Bridge to RN — Hybrid
    Indian River State College
    ACEN accredited
    • Bridge to RN track for LPNs, respiratory therapists, and paramedics
    • About 1.5 years to complete; starts summer
    • HESI entrance exam and 2.7 GPA minimum
    • Apply by February 28, 2027
    • ACEN accredited
    • State-of-the-art Simulation Center on campus
    • Clinical partners offer externship opportunities
    Visit Website
CO

College of Central Florida

Ocala, FL · $12,000/yr · NCLEX-RN pass rate 92.6% (3-yr weighted avg)

College of Central Florida in Ocala offers a three-semester LPN to ADN bridge that starts each May. The limited-access program is ACEN accredited, and the college reports that 87% of its students receive financial aid, with roughly $1 million in scholarships awarded annually. Graduates are set up for the NCLEX-RN and for RN-to-BSN completion later.

  • Nursing: Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree Nurse Bridge — On-Campus
    College of Central Florida
    ACEN accredited
    • Three-semester LPN to ADN bridge starting each May
    • ACEN accredited with continuing accreditation status
    • Limited access program at the Ocala campus
    • 87% of students receive financial aid
    • About $1 million in scholarships awarded annually
    • Reported graduate starting salary of $31,000 to $47,000
    • Prepares graduates for RN-to-BSN pathways
    Visit Website
FL

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL · under $5,000/yr · NCLEX-RN pass rate 91.6% (3-yr weighted avg)

Florida State College at Jacksonville puts both paramedics and LPNs into one 72-credit bridge option inside its Associate in Science in Nursing. Admission is limited and based on academic performance, and applicants must hold a current Florida or Compact State license plus at least six months of work experience. The ACEN-accredited track prepares students for entry-level RN roles after licensure.

  • Associate in Science (A.S.) in Nursing (Bridge Option for Paramedics and Licensed Practical Nurse) — On-Campus
    Florida State College at Jacksonville
    ACEN accredited
    • Bridge option for paramedics and licensed practical nurses
    • 72 total credit hours
    • Current Florida or Compact State license required
    • At least six months of work experience required
    • Limited admission based on academic performance
    • ACEN accredited
    Visit Website
CH

Chipola College

Marianna, FL · $1,000/yr (net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 89.8% (3-yr weighted avg)

Chipola College in Marianna keeps its LPN to RN bridge small and structured, with a single Summer II admission point and a three-semester sequence to the ADN. Prerequisites must be finished with a C or higher, and students need a valid LPN license, an FDLE background check, and a drug screen. Clinical rotations cover medical-surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health nursing.

  • Nursing: LPN to RN, Associates — On-Campus
    Chipola College
    • Three-semester bridge leading to an ADN
    • Summer II admission; limited access, limited enrollment
    • Valid LPN license required
    • FDLE background check and drug screen required
    • Prerequisite courses must be completed with a C or higher
    • Coursework includes medical-surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and mental health nursing
    • Approved by the Florida Board of Nursing
    Visit Website
GA

Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay

Saint Petersburg, FL · $28,000/yr · NCLEX-RN pass rate 89.5% (3-yr weighted avg)

Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay runs an accelerated LPN/LVN to ADN bridge with four start dates a year and a free, no-essay application. The ACEN-accredited program can be finished in as few as 18 months, and transfer credits may shorten that further. Support includes an assigned academic advisor, faculty tutors, and on-campus clinical learning labs.

  • LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge — On-Campus
    Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay
    ACEN accredited
    • Accelerated LPN/LVN to ADN bridge completed in as few as 18 months
    • Four start dates per year; next term begins July 6, 2026
    • Free application with no essay required
    • TEAS entrance exam required
    • ACEN accredited
    • Transfer credits may be accepted to shorten the path
    • Assigned academic advisor plus faculty tutors
    Visit Website
ST

St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg, FL · $1,000/yr · NCLEX-RN pass rate 89.7% (3-yr weighted avg)

St. Petersburg College offers an LPN transitional track to the Associate in Science in Nursing with day and evening options, so working nurses can pick weekday or weekend clinicals. The program is ACEN accredited and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, and graduates can move straight into the college's RN-to-BSN completion program. Admission requires a TEAS exam and a 2.0 GPA minimum.

  • Nursing A.S. Degree: L.P.N. Transitional, Associates — Hybrid
    St Petersburg College
    ACEN accredited
    • LPN transitional track to the Associate in Science in Nursing
    • Day track with weekday clinicals or evening track with weekend clinicals
    • TEAS entrance exam and 2.0 GPA minimum
    • ACEN accredited and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing
    • Clinical rotations in acute, long-term, and community settings
    • Credits transfer into the college's RN-to-BSN completion program
    Visit Website

LPN to ADN vs LPN to BSN in Florida: Which Bridge Is Right for You?

Both the LPN to ADN and the LPN to BSN bridge can move you from practical nursing into registered nursing, but the two pathways differ sharply in length, cost, and long-term return. Florida's state colleges dominate the ADN bridge market, while only a handful of schools (Chamberlain University, Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology, West Coast University Miami, and Herzing University Orlando) currently offer a direct LPN to BSN bridge for 2026 enrollment. Understanding the trade-offs below will help you choose the route that fits your timeline, budget, and career goals. Keep in mind that the Institute of Medicine's landmark recommendation calling for 80 percent of nurses to hold a BSN continues to shape hiring: many Florida hospital systems, and all Magnet-designated facilities, now prefer or require a bachelor's degree for new RN hires.

DimensionLPN to ADN BridgeLPN to BSN Bridge
Typical Duration12 to 18 months (some as short as 12 months at State College of Florida Manatee Sarasota or Fort Myers Technical College)28 to 49 months depending on schedule track (Herzing runs 28 months; West Coast University Miami offers 34 month accelerated, 39 month evening/weekend, and 49 month working-professional options)
Total Cost Range (Florida Residents)Roughly $2,500 to $7,000 at public state colleges; private schools such as West Coast University Miami list approximately $48,700 for the ADN bridgeApproximately $15,600 to $32,500 at private institutions such as Cambridge and Chamberlain; no public Florida college currently offers a direct LPN to BSN bridge
Credential EarnedAssociate Degree in Nursing (ADN), eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RNBachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN
Salary and Earnings UpliftProgram-level earnings data for these programs are not yet available at the federal level; Florida ADN-prepared RNs generally start in a similar pay band to BSN nurses, though the gap widens over timeBSN graduates typically earn a higher median salary within a few years, and program-level earnings for BSN completers are not yet published for most Florida bridge programs
Career CeilingQualifies you for most staff RN positions; advancement into management, education, or specialty certifications often requires a BSN or higherOpens doors to charge nurse, case management, nurse educator, and leadership roles without needing an additional RN to BSN program
Magnet Hospital EligibilityADN holders may be hired by Magnet hospitals but are generally required to earn a BSN within a set timeframe after hireFully eligible at hire, meeting the Magnet Recognition Program's preference for baccalaureate-prepared nurses
Availability in Florida (2026)Widely offered at more than a dozen state and community colleges, plus select private schoolsLimited to roughly four institutions with confirmed 2026 enrollment: Chamberlain (Jacksonville), Cambridge (Altamonte Springs), West Coast University (Miami), and Herzing (Orlando)
Delivery FormatCampus, hybrid, and select evening/weekend options at most state collegesPrimarily campus-based; Herzing offers a hybrid model with asynchronous online didactic courses paired with on-campus clinicals

Fastest and Most Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Florida

Florida LPNs searching for "6 month LPN to RN programs in Florida" should know that no accredited Florida bridge program documented in 2026 actually delivers an RN credential in six months. The fastest realistic options run approximately 9 to 13 months, and most programs fall in the 12 to 18 month range. Below are the three lowest net-price programs from our rankings alongside the quickest-completing bridge tracks we identified. Keep in mind that accelerated timelines come with trade-offs: heavier per-semester course loads, compressed clinical rotations with limited scheduling flexibility, and stricter admissions requirements such as higher minimum GPAs or recent graduation windows.

SchoolProgramApproximate DurationIn-State TuitionEstimated Net PriceKey Admission Notes
North Florida CollegeLPN to RN Bridge Program~12 months (3 terms)$2,994$804Applications accepted March through June; fall start only
St. Petersburg CollegeNursing A.S. (LPN Transitional)~24 months$2,682$1,471TEAS exam required; 2.0 minimum GPA; day or evening schedule available
Indian River State CollegeAssociate in Science in Nursing (Bridge to RN)~18 months$2,764$3,815HESI exam required; 2.7 minimum GPA; summer start
Florida Gateway CollegeLPN to RN Bridge: Fast-Track, A.S.~12 monthsN/AN/ATEAS score of 55% or higher; 2.8 GPA; must be a recent Florida LPN graduate (within 3 years)
Eastern Florida State CollegeTransition to Associate Degree Nursing RN~13 monthsN/AN/AMust hold a current LPN license
North Palm CollegeFast-Track LPN to RN Program9 to 12 months (advertised)N/AN/APrimarily online format; accreditation and NCLEX eligibility details should be verified directly with the school

Online, Hybrid, and Campus Format Options for Florida LPN Bridge Students

A campus-based cohort with fixed daytime clinicals looks nothing like a hybrid program built around evening lectures and weekend labs, yet both lead to the same NCLEX-RN outcome. Choosing the Right LPN/LVN Bridge Program depends less on which format sounds more modern and more on how your work schedule, commute, and learning style actually function.

What the Three Models Look Like

Among the 15 ranked Florida LPN to RN and BSN programs, nine run as traditional campus programs (Pasco-Hernando State, State College of Florida, Northwest Florida State, Florida Gateway, College of Central Florida, Galen, FSCJ, West Coast University, and South Florida State), where lecture, lab, and clinical hours are all scheduled on-site. Six operate as hybrid programs (Indian River State, Santa Fe, St Petersburg College, Saint Johns River State, Valencia, and Rasmussen), pairing online theory coursework with in-person labs and clinicals on set days. None of the top-ranked programs offer a fully online didactic track, which reflects a broader reality in Florida nursing education: even self-paced or remote-heavy LPN to RN Bridge Programs still require supervised, in-person clinical hours to meet Florida Board of Nursing requirements.

Clinical Placement for Distance Learners

Hybrid programs typically assign clinicals at partner hospitals or long-term care facilities near the student's home region, often on fixed weekly days (Saint Johns River State, for example, runs clinicals weekly at local facilities alongside Tuesday/Thursday afternoon classes). Confirm placement logistics before enrolling, since some LPN Bridge Programs assign sites and others require you to arrange your own.

Choosing a Format While Working

  • Shift compatibility: Evening or part-time tracks (like Florida Gateway's fast-track option) suit LPNs working day shifts.
  • Tuition reimbursement timing: Ask your employer whether reimbursement pays per term or only after program completion.
  • Commute math: Hybrid formats cut campus days but still require reliable transportation to clinical sites.
  • Start date flexibility: Rasmussen offers multiple starts per year, useful if your employer's reimbursement cycle doesn't align with a single annual intake.

What It Takes to Get in: Admissions, Prerequisites, and Selectivity

Florida LPN-to-RN bridge programs use selective, limited-access admissions, and every school sets its own bar. Understanding the common requirements will help you build a competitive application well before deadlines hit. Here is what most programs expect in 2026.

  • Active, Unencumbered Florida LPN License
    Every bridge program requires a current Florida LPN license in good standing (or, at a few schools like Florida State College at Jacksonville, a compact-state license). Some programs, such as State College of Florida–Manatee-Sarasota and Florida Gateway College's part-time bridge, also require documented LPN work experience, often at least six months in an acute-care or clinical setting.
  • Minimum GPA: Typically 2.0–2.8, With Science Courses Often Held to a Higher Standard
    GPA thresholds vary significantly. College of Central Florida's LPN-ADN Bridge sets a 2.0 overall college GPA but requires a 2.5 in nursing-curriculum coursework. Florida Gateway College raises the bar to a 2.8 prerequisite GPA and 3.0 in the science sequence. Pasco-Hernando State College and St. Petersburg College sit at the lower end with a 2.0 minimum, while Santa Fe College and Northwest Florida State College ask for 2.5. At competitive programs, your prerequisite GPA is often used as a ranking factor, so aim above the posted minimum.
  • Entrance Exam: TEAS or HESI Score Benchmarks
    Most programs require the ATI TEAS, with minimum composite scores ranging from 55 percent (Florida Gateway College) to 60 percent (College of Central Florida, Marion Technical College) and as high as 78 percent at Valencia College's accelerated track. A handful of programs, including Northwest Florida State College and Indian River State College, use the HESI instead. Florida Gateway College's part-time bridge pathway accepts a HESI/RNET score of 75 or above taken within the past two years, plus a Foundations Upward Mobility Exam score of 80 or higher.
  • Prerequisite Coursework
    Expect to complete Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology, English Composition, College Algebra or Statistics, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and Nutrition before you can apply. Requirements vary by school, so check your target program's catalog early, some courses must carry a grade of C or higher, and expired science courses may need to be repeated.
  • Background Screening, Drug Testing, and Clinical Compliance
    A Level 2 background check with fingerprinting and a drug/alcohol screening are standard across Florida programs. Clinical-site requirements add a long list of immunization documentation, commonly Hepatitis B (with titers), MMR, Varicella, Tdap, flu vaccination, TB screening, and in some cases COVID vaccination or a signed declination. A current physical exam and CPR/AED certification round out the clinical-readiness file.
  • Advanced Standing and Credit for LPN Education
    Bridge programs award LPNs advanced standing or block credit for prior nursing education and licensure, which is what makes these tracks shorter than a traditional ADN. Pasco-Hernando State College, for example, grants 17 advanced credits to entering LPNs. However, there is no single statewide formula, each school determines how many credits to award and whether portfolio review, challenge exams, or course equivalencies apply. Confirm your credit award in writing before you enroll.
  • Waitlists, Cohort Caps, and Competitive Entry
    Limited-access admissions are the norm at Florida's state and community colleges. Cohort sizes can be very small, Santa Fe College caps its bridge cohort at roughly 10 students, and popular programs at Valencia College and Pasco-Hernando State College accept applications once a year, creating stiff competition. Several private institutions, including West Coast University–Miami and Rasmussen University, advertise no waitlists and multiple start dates per year, but tuition is significantly higher. Note that institution-wide admission rates published on federal scorecards reflect the college as a whole, not the nursing program specifically, so they should not be read as a measure of how selective the bridge track is.

The LPN-To-RN Bridge at a Glance

Moving from LPN to RN in Florida follows a predictable sequence. Use this timeline to map out your plan, from first prerequisite course to your new RN license.

Five-step timeline from meeting prerequisites through passing the NCLEX-RN, spanning roughly 12 to 24 months total for Florida LPN-to-RN bridge students

Florida LPN to RN Licensure and NCLEX-RN Requirements

Finishing an LPN to RN bridge program or one of the state's LPN to BSN Programs is the first milestone, but the real finish line is holding an active RN license. Florida's Board of Nursing process involves several moving parts, from fees to fingerprinting, and understanding each step before you graduate keeps delays to a minimum.

Application and Fees

Once you complete a Florida-approved LPN to RN bridge program, you submit a license-by-examination application through the Florida Board of Nursing. The 2026 application fee runs approximately $175, which covers processing, initial licensure, and statutory add-ons. You also pay a separate NCLEX-RN registration fee of $200 directly to Pearson VUE, the testing vendor.

Background Check Requirements

Florida requires electronic fingerprinting for all initial RN applicants. Following HB 975 (effective 2024), the Board no longer accepts paper fingerprint cards submitted in-state. Most applicants use a Livescan provider: in-state fees typically range from $42 to $58, while out-of-state applicants converting ink cards to electronic submission may pay closer to $65. Budget accordingly, as this cost sits outside your Board fees.

The NCLEX-RN Exam

The NCLEX-RN uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT), adjusting question difficulty based on your responses. The exam ranges from 85 to 150 items, and results are reported as pass or fail against a national passing standard. Pearson VUE schedules appointments at testing centers statewide; most candidates receive results within 48 hours.

Multistate Licensure Through the Nurse Licensure Compact

Florida participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) as of 2026, providing LPN/LVN Reciprocity across member states. If you declare Florida as your primary state of residence and meet all background check and education requirements, you receive a multistate license allowing you to practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. This is a significant advantage for travel nursing or telehealth roles that cross state lines. Applicants whose primary residence is outside Florida receive a single-state Florida license instead.

Salary and ROI: What Florida RNs and BSNs Earn After the Bridge

The financial case for bridging from LPN to RN in Florida is straightforward. According to BLS data from May 2024, Florida's median annual wage for LPNs sits at roughly $61,770, while the state's median for registered nurses reaches $84,190, a jump of more than $22,000 per year. That gap compounds quickly: over a 10-year career horizon, an RN credential translates to an estimated $220,000 or more in additional lifetime earnings compared with staying at the LPN level. Florida employs nearly 230,000 RNs statewide, making it one of the largest nursing labor markets in the country, and demand continues to climb. At the 90th percentile, experienced Florida RNs earn upward of $120,330, while even early-career nurses near the 10th percentile bring home approximately $67,970. For context, the national median hourly wage for RNs is $42.79; Florida's mean hourly rate of $42.40 runs close to that benchmark. Regarding the BSN wage premium, published research and hospital pay-scale analyses consistently show that BSN-prepared nurses in Florida earn roughly 10 to 15 percent more than ADN holders in comparable roles, with the gap widening in Magnet-designated hospitals and leadership positions. Program-level graduate earnings for individual Florida bridge programs are not yet reported across all institutions, so prospective students should request outcomes data directly from schools they are considering.

OccupationFlorida Median Annual WageFlorida 10th PercentileFlorida 25th PercentileFlorida 75th PercentileFlorida 90th PercentileFlorida Mean Hourly WageTotal Florida Employment
Registered Nurses$84,190$67,970$78,660$101,180$120,330$42.40229,940
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$61,770N/A$58,540$64,710N/AN/A38,620

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida LPN to RN Programs

Florida LPN to RN bridge programs vary widely in length, format, and cost. Below are concise, data-grounded answers to the questions prospective bridge students ask most often.

  1. How long does an LPN to RN bridge program take in Florida?

    Most LPN to RN bridge programs in Florida take 12 to 20 months of full-time study, though part-time schedules can stretch that to 18 to 24 months. For example, College of Central Florida and Fort Myers Technical College offer 12-month tracks, while Florida Gateway College runs an 18-month, 72-credit program. Your timeline depends on the school, schedule, and how many transfer credits you bring in.

  2. Is there a 6-month LPN to RN program in Florida?

    As of 2026, no accredited LPN to RN bridge program in Florida can be completed in six months. The shortest documented options run about 12 months full-time. Programs that advertise very short timelines in Florida are typically LPN certificate programs, not RN bridge tracks. Plan for at least one full calendar year to earn your associate degree and qualify for the NCLEX-RN.

  3. Can you complete an LPN to RN program entirely online in Florida?

    Not entirely. Some Florida bridge programs offer online or hybrid coursework for lectures and theory classes, but all accredited LPN and RN programs require in-person clinical rotations to meet Florida Board of Nursing and accreditation standards. Fort Myers Technical College, for instance, uses a hybrid model. Expect to complete hands-on clinical hours at approved healthcare sites regardless of how the didactic portion is delivered.

  4. What is the cheapest LPN to RN program in Florida?

    Public state and technical colleges generally offer the lowest tuition. Florida Gateway College, for example, charges roughly $103 per credit hour for in-state students, making it one of the most affordable options in the state and nationally. Private institutions typically cost considerably more. Always confirm the total program cost, including fees, books, and clinical supplies, because per-credit rates alone do not capture the full expense.

  5. What is the difference between an LPN to RN (ADN) and an LPN to BSN program in Florida?

    An LPN to ADN (or ASN) bridge focuses on core nursing courses and typically takes 12 to 20 months, awarding an associate degree and NCLEX-RN eligibility. An LPN to BSN bridge adds upper-division nursing and general education coursework, resulting in a bachelor's degree. At Herzing University in Orlando, for example, the ASN bridge runs about 20 months and 72 credits, while the BSN bridge takes roughly 28 months and 120 credits. The BSN path costs more and takes longer but may improve competitiveness with employers increasingly favoring bachelor's-prepared nurses.

More Florida LPN to RN/BSN Programs to Consider

The programs below are not ranked. They are a regional directory for readers whose first-choice Florida bridge program is full, has a waitlist, or sits too far from home. Each entry lists the city, delivery format, and the average net price reported for the school.

Central Florida

Lake-Sumter State College
The Bridge Track for working LPNs and paramedics runs at the Leesburg and South Lake campuses with spring and summer starts. Students complete 72 credit hours, with seated classes, skills labs, and clinical rotations at Advent Health Waterman, Orlando Health, and UF Health. Average net price: about $5,855.
  • A.S. Nursing (Bridge Track)
Leesburg, FL · On-Campus
Valencia College
The Accelerated Track is a three-semester hybrid for LPNs, paramedics, CVTs, and RRTs, with nursing theory delivered online and clinical rotations at Central Florida facilities. There is one fall start per year and a minimum ATI TEAS score of 78. Average net price: about $12,037.
  • R.N. Accelerated Track in Nursing
Orlando, FL · Hybrid
Rasmussen University
The LPN to RN Bridge can be finished in as few as 18 months through online coursework, lab simulations, and clinical placements, with eight start dates a year and no prerequisite coursework. Average net price: about $21,909.
  • LPN to RN Bridge
Ocala, FL · Hybrid
Eastern Florida State College
The Transition to Associate Degree Nursing program is a 13-month hybrid for Florida-licensed LPNs, paramedics, and respiratory therapists. Coursework covers transition nursing, maternal-newborn and pediatric care, and critical care, with clinicals in Brevard County hospitals. Average net price: about $6,440.
  • Transition to Associate Degree Nursing
Melbourne, FL · Hybrid

North Central Florida and the Big Bend

Santa Fe College
This hybrid bridge runs 14 months and 62 credit hours, mixing online coursework with clinical experiences in local healthcare settings. Cohorts cap at about ten students, and both fall and spring entry points are offered. Average net price: about $11,098.
  • Nursing Bridge LPN, A.S.
Gainesville, FL · Hybrid
Saint Johns River State College
The LPN Bridge to ASN pairs online nursing core classes with on-campus sessions in St. Augustine and weekly twelve-hour clinical rotations. Students finish in about four semesters, and applicants from Clay, Putnam, and St. Johns counties get priority admission. Average net price: about $6,135.
  • LPN Bridge to ASN
Palatka, FL · Hybrid
Florida Gateway College
Two bridge routes are available: a part-time fast track with an evening schedule finished in 12 months, and a traditional full-time option of roughly three semesters. Both cover patient assessment, care planning, and clinical practice. Average net price: about $5,364.
  • LPN to RN Bridge: Fast-Track Part-Time, A.S.
  • LPN to RN Bridge: Traditional Full-Time, A.S.
Lake City, FL · On-Campus
North Florida College
The bridge is a one-year, three-term accelerated pathway to an Associate Degree in Nursing and NCLEX-RN eligibility. The cohort model builds on LPN experience with advanced nursing concepts, patient assessment, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making. Average net price: about $804.
  • LPN to RN Bridge Program
  • BSN (ADN-RN to BSN)
Madison, FL · On-Campus

Northwest Florida (Panhandle)

Gulf Coast State College
LPNs enter this two-semester ADN articulation with advanced standing. Choose weekday classes Monday through Thursday, or a weekend option with Friday classes and weekend clinicals that lets working nurses keep a full-time schedule. Average net price: about $4,709.
  • LPN to ADN Articulation
Panama City, FL · Hybrid
Pensacola State College
The LPN to RN Career Mobility Option takes three semesters and combines lecture, lab, simulation, and clinical instruction. Admission is limited to 40 students each fall, with a 2.8 GPA minimum and HESI entrance scores. Average net price: about $3,957.
  • LPN to RN Career Mobility Option
Pensacola, FL · On-Campus

Southwest Florida

Florida SouthWestern State College
The LPN to RN Transition pathway covers 60 credits of general education and prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and psychology, positioning students to apply to the limited-access nursing program. Average net price: about $7,247.
  • LPN to RN Transition
  • Nursing, AS (LPN Bridge)
Fort Myers, FL · On-Campus

South Florida

HCI College
The LPN to RN program takes about 20 months and leads to an Associate of Science in Nursing. Credits from LPN training are accepted, so students move into advanced nursing and general education courses on a schedule built around work. Average net price: about $35,425.
  • LPN to RN
West Palm Beach, FL · On-Campus
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
The Bridge to BSN is a 32-month campus program for LPNs, paramedics, and respiratory therapists. Coursework includes nursing informatics, evidence-based practice, and a clinical practicum, preparing students for RN licensure and leadership roles. Average net price: about $26,250.
  • Bridge to BSN
Delray Beach, FL · On-Campus
Broward College
The LPN-RN Transition is an Associate of Science covering transition nursing, health alterations, pharmacology, and psychiatric, pediatric, and women's health nursing, with labs across three campuses. Up to 10 credits may be awarded for prior learning. Average net price: about $14,506.
  • Nursing (LPN-RN Transition)
Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-Campus
Miami Dade College
The Bridge Full-Time option at the Benjamin León School of Nursing builds on LPN experience with medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, maternal-child health, and community nursing, plus clinical rotations at partner facilities. Average net price: about $5,463.
  • Bridge Full-Time
  • Bridge Option in Nursing
  • Professional Nursing (LPN-RN)
Miami, FL · On-Campus

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