Online LPN Programs in Florida
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.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online LPN Programs in Florida
Charlotte Technical College
- Port Charlotte, FL
- Campus
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.