Finish Florida LPN Programs in Months
A variety of career paths and new openings in nursing make a career as an LPN a wise choice for anyone considering the healthcare field in Florida. According to the Florida Center for Nursing, which is part of the College of Health and Public Affairs at the University of Central Florida, there were 157 vacancies for LPNs in hospitals and 1,513 openings in home health care services in 2013.
Demand for qualified LPNs remains strong in Florida and practical nurses can find work in several other areas, such as public health organizations, hospices, or psychiatric hospitals. Those ready to take the first step towards this rewarding career should read on to learn more about LPN programs in Florida, licensing and renewal requirements, and employment and salary trends across the state.
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Top 10 Online LPN Programs in Florida
These rankings include
#1 Online LPN Programs in Florida [2023 Guide]
Charlotte Technical College
Port Charlotte, FL - 2 years
- 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
#2 Online LPN Programs in Florida [2023 Guide]
Erwin Technical College
Tampa, FL - 2 years
- Campus
Delivering online and on-campus associate and certificate programs, Erwin Technical College educates learners based in Tampa and throughout the country. To qualify for LPN positions, students can earn an associate degree or certificate, which require coursework and technical training. Rather than entering the workforce immediately, many graduates pursue bachelor's studies to qualify for more advanced roles and higher salaries.
Online enrollees in the college's practical nursing program eliminate the cost of commuting for on-campus classes. Asynchronous LPN programs often attract busy students and working professionals, who need the ability to schedule coursework around other responsibilities. For specific information about the institution's programs, prospective applicants can consult an admissions counselor.
Erwin 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: 33
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: Data not available
#3 Online LPN Programs in Florida [2023 Guide]
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- 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
#4 Online LPN Programs in Florida [2023 Guide]
Traviss Technical College
Lakeland, FL - 4 years
- 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
#5 Online LPN Programs in Florida [2023 Guide]
Florida Gateway College
Lake City, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#6 Online LPN Programs in Florida [2023 Guide]
College of Central Florida
Ocala, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#7 Online LPN Programs in Florida [2023 Guide]
South Florida State College
Avon Park, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#8 Online LPN Programs in Florida [2023 Guide]
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#9 Online LPN Programs in Florida [2023 Guide]
Pensacola State College
Pensacola, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
#10 Online LPN Programs in Florida [2023 Guide]
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Initial Licensure Requirements in FL
Every state has different mandates for practical nursing licensure and renewal. Before enrolling in a nursing program, review the requirements for licensing in the state you eventually wish to work in to make sure you fulfill all the necessary steps. The Florida Board of Nursing is the governmental body that oversees the state's licensure process and also ensures that the field follows all rules and regulations. This section explains the licensing process specifically for LPNs in Florida and requirements for keeping an active license.
Basic Eligibility
-
Proof of graduation from a Florida approved program or program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on College Nursing Education (CCNE)
-
Submission of electronic fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) using a Livescan service provider
Education and Training Requirements
The Florida Board of Nursing has strict requirements on acceptable preparatory courses for licensure. A 3-week NCSBN course fulfills all criteria for preparing for the NCLEX and the full list of licensure examination preparatory courses from the Florida Department of Health are listed online. Candidates who complete a one-year LPN training program or associate degree from an accredited or Florida-approved nursing program should also be well prepared for the NCLEX exam.
Those who have graduated from a nursing education program in the jurisdiction they are practicing in or a military nursing program and has been issued an NCLEX code must submit this code along with their application for licensure.
Once licensed, practical nurses in Florida can only work under the direction of a registered nurse or other licensed health care provider.
Additional Requirements for Licensure
-
Submit an application with $110 Application and Licensing Fee to the Board of Nursing and a $200 fee to Pearson VUE, the testing vendor
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Schedule an appointment with Livescan for electronic fingerprinting
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Pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Examination (NCLEX-PN)
-
Once eligibility is approved, you will receive instructions for registration with Pearson VUE
Maintaining a Florida LPN License
The Florida Department of Health will send a renewal postcard in the mail at least 90 days before a license expires. LPNs have until midnight, Eastern Time, on the day their license expires to renew without being placed in delinquent status. The expiration date for current licenses is July 31, 2017. Licenses can be renewed online or by mail. Renewal licensing fees range between $55 and $195 if renewed before the license expires, and depends on Active or Inactive status; higher fees apply if the license is already expired or has become delinquent.
Unless certified by a health care specialty program that has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification, renewal applicants are required to complete 27 continuing education hours. All hours must be board approved. A new two CE requirement for Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace goes into effect starting August 1, 2017 and will be required every four years thereafter. LPNs who were issued a license by examination during the current biennium do not need to complete any CEs for renewal. CEs can be fulfilled in person or through home study.
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A Look at LPN Employment in FL
The Florida Center for Nursing reports more than 78,000 LPN licenses were issued in 2013 with more than 50,500 LPNs in the workforce. More than 40 percent of LPNs worked in a long term care setting and 17 percent worked in home health care services. Job growth is expected to remain steady through 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reports a 16 percent increase in jobs for LPNs across the nation.
| Area | Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach | 10,470 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | 7,910 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | 5,120 |
| Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall Metropolitan Division | 4,510 |
| West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Boynton Beach Metropolitan | 3,270 |
| Jacksonville | 3,180 |
| Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach Metropolitan | 2,690 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | 1,790 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | 1,490 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | 1,480 |
Resources for Students Attending Colleges In Florida
A professional organization for school nurses, provides career opportunities and membership information. Also provides information about the latest industry news, School Health Advocacy Day, and advocacy and legislative information for school nurses.
Only resource for nursing professionals and Florida residents who want learn more about the state of the workforce. Includes information about the Florida Action Coalition.
AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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