How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Florida

Florida’s three percent unemployment rate in May 2022 was the third-lowest since 2005.

In addition, the health care and social assistance sector in Florida has a 16.2 percent projected growth rate through 2029, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Consequently, becoming a licensed practical nurse in Florida is a sound career move.

With in-person, hybrid, and online classes that can prepare you in as few as 13 weeks, you could be pulling down triple or greater than Florida’s $10 an hour minimum wage upon graduation from an authorized LPN training program.

LPN Education and Licensing Requirements in Florida

Florida LPNs work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.

Sunshine State LPNs cannot give patients blood transfusions, blood products, or plasma expanders, administer chemotherapy, or any investigational products or IV push medications, nor can they mix IV solutions independently.

Chapter 464 of the 2018 Florida Statutes — also known as the Nurse Practice Act — governs nurses and nursing standards in Florida.

Under this Act, the Florida Board of Nursing oversees education and licensing criteria for all nurses working in the Sunshine State.

Licensed Practical Nursing Schools in Florida

Orange Technical College: Main Campus

Topping Practical Nursing’s list of best LPN schools in Florida, Orange Technical College, located at 301 W Amelia Street in Orlando, FL, requires 1350 clock hours and costs $6,422.72.

The total includes $3942 for tuition, $114 for processing, insurance, and parking fees, $283.95 for required course materials, a $220 supply fee, and $954.53 for books.

In addition, the cost includes a $500 online curriculum access fee and your $408.25 industry certificate and license fee.

Concorde Career Institute: Jacksonville, Florida

Concorde allows you to become an LPN in 12 months during the day or in 20 months of evening and weekend classes at their Jacksonville, FL campus, 7259 Salisbury RD.

However, the course costs significantly more than OTC.

Daytime tuition at Concorde runs $31,557 for 67 credit hours, while the evening/weekend program costs $33,366 plus textbooks and incidental fees.

In addition, students must graduate from high school first or hold a GED or equivalent and must have reached age 18 before classes begin.

Reduce the cost of Concorde Career Institute’s LPN program by signing up for every scholarship the school offers, regardless of whether you meet the criteria for intended recipients.

Many scholarships require the school to award the funds, even if no suitable candidate applies.

Tom P. Haney Technical College

Located at 3016 Highway 77 in Panama City, FL, Tom P. Haney’s 12-month, 1350-clock-hour Licensed Practical Nursing program costs an estimated $5,979.50, including $900 for books and supplies.

In addition, Haney offers financial aid based on need and merit.

The college only accepts applications twice a year, two months before classes begin.

LPN students must pass a background check performed via the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

In addition, Haney’s program received a 100 rating for completion and licensure from the Council on Occupational Education, with an 80 placement rate.

Pensacola State College

Located at 1000 College Blvd in Pensacola, prospective LPNs at Pensacola State College must apply to the school and the LPN program to be accepted.

Students must pass a background check, a drug screen, and a physical and provide proof of immunization for a list of infectious diseases.

Students also need proof of current health care provider CPR training from the American Heart Association.

The program includes a focus on leadership training using team-based strategies.

The program costs $5394.50 in-state, $5844.50 for Alabama residents, and $16,969.40 for out-of-state students.

First Coast Technical College: Main Campus

The main campus, 2980 Collins Avenue in St. Augustine, houses FCTC’s practical nursing program.

Including preadmission fees, tuition, labs, uniforms, a stethoscope, and a blood pressure cuff, the program costs $8,411.60.

Buying used books and equipment could save you up to $1,153.95.

Apply early for tuition assistance by filling out the Federal Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA).

Many available financial aid programs and scholarships at First Coast use means testing and merit.

Apply for everything available.

Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Florida – Summary Table

Florida LPN Experience and Salary Expectations

Florida employs the fourth-highest number of licensed practical nurses of all 50 states.

Florida’s need for licensed practical nurses will increase by nine percent by 2030.

The current mean annual wage for Florida LPNs, $47,860, makes nursing a sound career choice.

Although the lowest ten percent earn $37,150, it still beats a minimum wage job by $16,350 and puts an extra $1362.50 per month in that nurse’s pocket.

Intriguingly, the top ten percent of LPNs make $63,790, more than three times the annual salary of a minimum wage earner.

Regional Salary in Florida