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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Florida
Florida offers several accredited LPN programs through community colleges, technical centers, and vocational schools. Most programs can be completed in 11 to 14 months and include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical rotations. The table below lists top programs — tuition shown is approximate in-state/in-district and does not include books, fees, or supplies.
Florida's LPN pipeline runs through state colleges and career centers — Palm Beach State, Broward College, Miami Dade College, and Hillsborough CC are among the largest. Private options like Rasmussen University offer multiple start dates at premium pricing. All Florida programs must meet the 1,350-hour standard (including 675 clinical hours) set by the Florida Board of Nursing. Limited-access designation means competitive admissions, not open enrollment.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erwin Technical College | Tampa | Technical College | 12 months | $5,200 |
| Lindsey Hopkins Technical College | Miami | Technical College | 12 months | $5,800 |
| Orange Technical College | Orlando | Technical College | 11 months | $5,400 |
| Pensacola State College | Pensacola | State College | 12 months | $6,200 |
| Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth | State College | 11 months | $5,900 |
| Broward Technical College | Fort Lauderdale | Technical College | 12 months | $5,500 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Florida
No Florida LPN program is fully online — 675 clinical hours must be completed in person at approved facilities. Several schools offer hybrid formats with online theory coursework. Rasmussen University's Florida campuses have the most flexible hybrid scheduling with 4+ start dates per year. Community college hybrid options are limited but growing.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Florida residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Florida LPN Program
Florida's 'limited access' designation means LPN programs have competitive admissions — meeting minimum requirements doesn't guarantee a seat. TEAS or HESI scores are weighted heavily. Prerequisites typically include anatomy, English, and math. Background checks and drug screens are mandatory before clinical placement. Start the application early; popular programs fill months in advance.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Florida
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Florida Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Florida
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Florida earn an average of $60,320 per year ($29.00/hour). This places Florida near the national average the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Florida typically range from $44,600 for entry-level positions to $75,800 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Florida
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Miami | $63,800 |
| Orlando | $60,200 |
| Tampa | $61,400 |
| Jacksonville | $59,100 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $64,200 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Florida is projected to grow 5% over the next decade — faster than average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 5,200 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Florida
The majority of LPNs in Florida work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Florida is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Florida
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Florida
Florida LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Florida LPNs are regulated by the Florida Board of Nursing under Chapter 464, Florida Statutes. Florida is an NLC state. IV therapy rules are spelled out in detail under FAC Rule Chapter 64B9-12.
You Can Direct Patient Care
Florida LPNs work under the direction of an RN, physician, or other authorized healthcare practitioner:
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing patient monitoring
- Wound care, dressing changes, and wound vac management
- Vital signs, blood glucose, and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to the nursing care plan
- Supervising and delegating to CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy (Two Tiers)
Florida has one of the most detailed IV therapy frameworks in the country, with two distinct levels of LPN IV authorization:
- Basic (all LPNs from approved programs): Calculate and adjust IV flow rates, observe and report IV adverse reactions, inspect insertion sites, change IV dressings, remove peripheral IV catheters, and hang bags of hydrating fluid — all under RN direction
- IV Certified LPN (requires 30-hour post-graduation course): Start peripheral IVs, administer IV fluids and approved medications, and perform additional IV therapy functions under RN direction
- Central/PICC line access requires an additional 4-hour training course with RN-witnessed proficiency assessment
- Your employing facility must also approve you to perform IV therapy — state certification alone isn't enough
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Initial comprehensive patient assessments
- Creating, modifying, or signing off on nursing care plans
- Triage in emergency departments
- Initiating blood products, chemotherapy, or plasma expanders without direct RN supervision
- Administering investigational drugs
- Independent practice without RN/physician direction
Florida LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galen College of Nursing | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | LPN-to-ADN bridge at multiple FL campuses (Tampa, St. Petersburg) |
| Rasmussen University | Hybrid | 12–18 months | LPN-to-BSN bridge with online + clinical in FL locations |
| St. Petersburg College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge at Pinellas County campuses |
| Broward College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | LPN-to-ADN transition in Fort Lauderdale area |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist, popular with working FL LPNs |
Florida Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: floridasnursing.gov
- Phone: (850) 488-0595
- Address: 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C02, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
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