Online LPN Programs in Florida
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Are you interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Florida? Florida is among the states with the highest employment of LPNs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Earning an online practical nursing certificate offers flexibility and convenience compared to on-campus programs. Learn about the top-ranked online LPN programs in Florida, how to apply, and what to expect once you’re enrolled.
Top Online LPN Programs in Florida
Charlotte Technical College
Port Charlotte, FL- Campus
Charlotte Technical College is a public institution enrolling learners in associate and certificate programs. The school provides on-campus and online programming to support students located in Port Charlotte and throughout the country. With flexible scheduling options, online learning is an excellent choice for working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
Enrollees in the school's practical nursing program complete field-specific coursework and gain important training. Individuals often use the training from their degree or certificate program to succeed in entry-level roles. An additional option for graduates of certificate or associate programs is to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Charlotte Technical College at a Glance:
- Number of Associate Programs: Data not available
- Number of Associate Programs Available Online: Data not available
- Number of Certificate Programs: 20
- Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: Data not available
- In-State$3,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled244
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Santa Fe College
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Online
Learners interested in pursuing an associate or certificate in nursing can consider Santa Fe College, a public institution in Gainesville. Students can enroll in the associate nursing bridge program on campus or online. The flexibility of online programs often appeals to working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
Along with field-specific knowledge, degree-seekers gain practical skills in the field. Many individuals apply their training to entry-level LPN positions immediately after graduation. An additional option for graduates of certificate or associate programs is to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Santa Fe College at a Glance:
- Number of Associate Programs: 37
- Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 37
- Number of Certificate Programs: 42
- Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 42
- In-State$1,872
- Out-of-state$7,418
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled12,830
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Traviss Technical College
- Lakeland, FL
- Campus
Traviss Technical College is a Lakeland-based public institution offering a practical nursing program. The school provides on-campus and online programming to support students everywhere. Rather than relocating or commuting to campus, learners can choose to study online.
While earning a LPN associate degree or certificate, participants complete field-specific coursework and gain important training. These programs often lead directly to entry-level LPN positions. Many graduates of associate or certificate programs pursue bachelor's studies, often transferring their credits to reduce degree-completion time.
Traviss Technical College at a Glance:
- Number of Associate Programs: Data not available
- Number of Associate Programs Available Online: Data not available
- Number of Certificate Programs: 28
- Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: Data not available
- In-State$2,851
- Out-of-state$8,367
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate10%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled257
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Florida Gateway College
- Lake City, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
With online and on-campus options, Florida Gateway College delivers associate and certificate programs from its campus in Lake City. Enrollees in the LPN-to-RN bridge program gain technical skills necessary for positions in the field. Graduates often apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Online learning benefits working professionals who need to schedule their studies around full-time employment. The institution's admissions counselors can help applicants select the best program for their goals and interests.
Florida Gateway College at a Glance:
- Number of Associate Programs: 16
- Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
- Number of Certificate Programs: 37
- Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 7
- In-State$2,369
- Out-of-state$9,473
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,792
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
College of Central Florida
- Ocala, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Learners can obtain an associate degree or certificate from College of Central Florida, a public school located in Ocala. To prepare for entry-level roles in nursing, many students enroll in the LPN-to-ADN bridge program. Before pursuing employment, graduates can also earn a bachelor's degree, which can increase career opportunities.
Online students can eliminate the cost of commuting to campus for in-person classes. Additionally, online learning provides flexible scheduling options that improve accessibility for busy students. Before choosing a program, applicants should consider their personal interests and professional goals.
College of Central Florida at a Glance:
- Number of Associate Programs: 19
- Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
- Number of Certificate Programs: 38
- Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 5
- In-State$2,832
- Out-of-state$10,632
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled5,331
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
South Florida State College
- Avon Park, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Learners who plan to pursue nursing careers can earn an associate degree or certificate from South Florida State College, a public institution in Avon Park. Students enrolled in the LPN-to-RN program can attend classes on campus or online. Studying remotely allows learners to attend class without commuting or adjusting their schedule to attend day classes.
Coursework covers crucial theories and practical knowledge. After completing their associate or certificate program, individuals can apply for entry-level positions relevant to their training. To increase their earning potential, graduates can pursue bachelor's studies after earning their associate degree or certificate.
South Florida State College at a Glance:
- Number of Associate Programs: 26
- Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 9
- Number of Certificate Programs: 43
- Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 7
- In-State$3,135
- Out-of-state$11,829
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled2,777
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Florida State College at Jacksonville delivers a practical nursing career certificate from its campus in Jacksonville. Certificate-seekers gain technical skills necessary for positions in the field. After completing their program, graduates can enroll in bachelor's programs to increase their job options and earning potential.
Enrollees not located near campus can pursue the school's programs remotely, without relocating. Online learning is also ideal for students who work full time and need flexible scheduling options. For specific information about the institution's programs, prospective applicants can consult an admissions counselor.
Florida State College at Jacksonville at a Glance:
- Number of Associate Programs: 53
- Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 10
- Number of Certificate Programs: 98
- Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 17
- In-State$2,095
- Out-of-state$7,947
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled20,717
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Pensacola State College
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Pensacola State College delivers a practical nursing vocational certificate. Featuring crucial technical training, the program help students gain LPN-specific skills necessary for entry-level positions. Graduates often apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
By studying online, enrollees can eliminate the cost of commuting to Pensacola for in-person classes. An additional benefit of online learning is the scheduling flexibility, which can be important to working professionals and students with family responsibilities. Interested applicants should consider their career goals and contact the admissions department for more information.
Pensacola State College at a Glance:
- Number of Associate Programs: 32
- Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 5
- Number of Certificate Programs: 53
- Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 6
- In-State$1,890
- Out-of-state$7,558
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,604
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Gulf Coast University
- Fort Myers, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Learners can enroll in the practical nurse program online or on campus in Fort Myers at Florida Gulf Coast University. Associate and certificate programs in nursing foster the field-specific skills graduates need to impress prospective employers. Before pursuing employment, graduates can also earn a bachelor's degree, which can increase career opportunities.
Offering online and on-campus classes, the school educates enrollees in many states. Additionally, the flexibility of online learning can be ideal for busy students with personal and professional responsibilities. Prospective applicants should review their program's requirements and graduate outcomes.
Florida Gulf Coast University at a Glance:
- Number of Associate Programs: 1
- Number of Associate Programs Available Online: Data not available
- Number of Certificate Programs: Data not available
- Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: Data not available
- In-State$6,118
- Out-of-state$25,162
- In-State$6,974
- Out-of-state$28,170
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled16,022
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
How do Online LPN Programs Work?
Online LPN programs are technically hybrid, not fully remote. Hybrid means that distance learners may complete most requirements online, except for in-person labs or clinical placements. Supervised hands-on clinical rotations at healthcare facilities are a fundamental aspect of the program. While some online programs can arrange placements close to your home, you may have to find your own at approved sites.
Asynchronous programs allow you to complete coursework at any time, as long as you meet deadlines. They appeal to highly motivated, independent learners who need minimal supervision. Synchronous programs require you to log on at specific times and may work best for students who want more interaction with faculty and students.
An online LPN takes 12-15 months to complete. The graduation timeline depends on the school and whether you opt for full-time or part-time enrollment.
Programs typically offer 1,350 clock hours or 45 vocational credit hours. Clock hours are the total time a student spends learning through a combination of lectures, labs, and hands-on clinical training. In this scenario, 30 clock hours equals one vocational credit hour. Depending on the school, coursework topics vary and can include:
- Practical Nursing Foundations
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Comprehensive Nursing and Transitional Skills
- Pharmacology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- College Composition
- Human Nutrition
- Human Development Across the Lifespan
- Intermediate or Higher Algebra or Statistics
- Introduction to Healthcare
- Medical Terminology
Applying to an Online LPN Program in Florida
Before applying to an online LPN program in Florida, research the school and review the admission requirements to ensure you meet the enrollment criteria.
Deciding on the right online LPN program for you depends on factors such as accreditation, program length, curriculum, and clinical requirements. Our ranking of the best online LPN programs in Florida takes into account these considerations to help you make the right choice.
- Admission Materials:
- Official high school transcript or GED certificate
- Proof of age – must be at least 18 years of age when the program starts
- Application and fee
- Professional references
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Drug/alcohol screening
- Physical exam/immunizations
- Passing SAT or ACT scores
- Coursework in Math and English
- GPA Requirement: Some programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Other Requirements:
- Current CPR certification (Pensacola State College)
- An ATI TEAS of 58.7% or higher (Erwin Technical College) and 60% or higher (Florida Gateway College)
- TABE score of at least an 11 in Math, English and Reading (Florida Gateway College)
- HESI A2 exam scores are a requirement of Florida State College at Jacksonville
- TOEFL scores for international students
- Some schools require you to complete an orientation
Why is Online LPN Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation ensures that online LPN programs adhere to common quality standards and are more likely to offer cutting-edge and current nursing theory and practice. Receiving an education from an accredited school can lead to higher job prospects and eligibility to receive federal and state funding.
Accreditation also affects your opportunity for licensure. The Florida Board of Nursing is the governmental body that oversees the state’s licensure process and ensures that the nursing field follows all rules and regulations.
To apply for a license, you must complete a Board of Nursing-approved or accredited nursing education program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Board will also accept graduates from a U.S. territory, international, or military nursing program with passing NCLEX-PN scores.
All the programs in this ranking are accredited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online LPN Programs in Florida
Tuition for the top online LPN programs in Florida ranges from $5,519 for an in-state student to $21,221 for an out-of-state student. Other program fees include course materials, lab fees, and uniforms. Most schools offer scholarships and financial aid to help you manage expenses.
Page last reviewed on June 25, 2024. The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the Accredited Schools Online Rankings Team.
