Do you have a passion for healthcare, but do not want to spend years going to school? Then a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree may be perfect for you. LPN programs can take as little as one year to complete and will allow graduates to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospices, clinics, and long-term care centers. LPNs obtain a basic nursing education that includes learning how to check blood pressure, dress wounds, or provide everyday assistance for patients who need it, such as helping them get dressed or bathed.
If lpn programs in Florida interest you, we are here to help by listing our top choices.
Best 10 LPN Programs in Florida
Florida Panhandle Technical College
Established in 1967, Florida Panhandle Technical College began as a vocational-technical center with only nine programs available. Today, there are more than 30 programs that provide workforce training to members of the Chipley, Florida community. The one-year LPN program trains students to accomplish a variety of tasks, such as monitoring patients and medical equipment, gather information, and administer medications. Upon completion of the program, students will be allowed to take the Licensed Practical Nurse Certification exam.
School Overview
Lake Technical College
The Practical Nursing program at Lake Technical College is available at both the main campus and the Clermont campus. This institution has a 72 percent placement rate and 92 percent completion rate of this one-year, 42-week program. Students will be able to get hands-on experience through clinical practice and classroom curriculum. Walk-in clinics, hospitals, schools, doctors’ offices, and nursing homes are just a few of the settings students will be able to work in after graduation.
School Overview
Fort Myers Technical College
Accredited by the Commission of the Council of Occupational Education and AdvancED, Fort Myers Technical College prepares students for the real world through career and technical training in a variety of popular industries, including architecture, healthcare, transportation, information technology, and more. One of the five healthcare-related programs in Practical Nursing, which is a competitive program that requires application reviews by an Admissions Committee, will determine if each student should be admitted into the program. Interactive simulated labs and clinical rotations can be expected to be a part of the curriculum.
School Overview
Cape Coral Technical College
Since Cape Coral Technical College opened its doors in 1993, the 14-acre institution offers career and technical training in five industries, but the nursing program was its first official program. The Practical Nursing program can be completed in either a full-time or part-time capacity, taking as little as 13 months to complete. The LPN program from this college has been ranked as #2 in the state of Florida by PracticalNursing.org for several reasons in part due to its small class sizes, hands-on clinical training, and experienced nurses, who are also Licensed, Registered Nurses.
School Overview
Big Bend Technical College
Big Bend Technical College is a small, two-year institution located in Perry, Florida. The instructors of the LPN program want to prepare students to be successful in their future careers through an in-depth education that offers courses like family and community health, structure and function of the human body, nursing needs of the patient, and nutrition. The program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and requires a total of 1,350 hours to graduate. They accept up to 30 students based on the applicant’s score, prior education, and/or medical employment.
School Overview
Erwin Technical College
Accredited by the Commission on the Council of Occupational Education, Erwin Technical College is a small institution that offers full-time and part-time programs. However, one of the most popular programs is its Licensed Practical Nursing program. The day-time program is a 15-month, 1350 clock hour program, while the evening program takes approximately 18 months to complete. Fifty percent of the program is spent in the clinical areas, which is determined through the Coordinating Council and may include out-of-county facilities.
School Overview
Lorenzo Walker Technical College
Accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and the AdvancED Accreditation Commission, Lorenzo Walker Technical College is a two-year institution that has been ranked #8 in Best Community Colleges in Florida. The Practical Nursing program allows students to get hands-on clinical experience and will teach future LPNs how to care for patients, administer medications, therapeutic treatments, and rehabilitation assistance. The program requires 1,350 hours to complete and is approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing.
School Overview
Indian River State College
Indian River State College is a mid-sized, four-year college that has at least 5,380 undergraduate students enrolled in one of its associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and career and technical certificates. The Practical Nursing program is a 1,350 clock hour program that will prepare students to measure and record patients’ vital signs, prepare and administer injections, assist patients with everyday tasks they are unable to do on their own, and dress wounds. The school covers a four-county area and applicants to the Practical Nursing Program are encouraged to review the Application Booklet to ensure all requirements are met before applying.
School Overview
Marion Technical College
Marion Technical College is a two-year college in Ocala, Florida that was ranked #3 in Best Community Colleges in Florida. Approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, the Practical Nursing program allows students to receive hands-on training in its lab and a clinical externship at rehabilitation centers, local hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Approximately one year is needed to graduate and requires passing grades on the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) and the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). The program was ranked as one of the Best LPN Programs in Florida by NursingProcess.org and a Top U.S. Nursing School by Nursing Schools Almanac.
School Overview
PiBerry Institute
Students will become familiar with theoretical instruction, clinical experience, and other innovative techniques in the Practical Nursing program at PiBerry Institute. At least 61 credits and 1,350 clock hours are required to complete the program; however, upon graduating, students will have the opportunity to sit for licensure as a Practical Nurse in the State of Florida, making them LPN. Bedside manner, preparing and giving injections and enemas, taking vital signs, and more will be taught during this program.
School Overview
How the LPN Programs in Florida Were Ranked
While all of these institutions have LPN programs, we decided to use a point system that awarded more points to colleges with low tuition costs and high graduation rates. This is done to ensure all of our readers can easily find the school that fits their budget and needs. Each college was carefully researched, so hopefully, you can find one that works for you.
We welcome feedback on our educational lists, so please feel free to contact us if you feel there was an error made by one of the schools or if you would like a specific college listed.