If you aspire to be a licensed practical nurse, or LPN, and live in the state of Florida, you've come to the right place. On this page, you'll find all of the basic information that you need to learn how to become an LPN in Florida. As you will see, it involves completing an approved training program and passing a licensing exam.
Without question, the most critical step in becoming an LPN in Florida is completing your LPN training. With that in mind, it's imperative to enroll in a program that has a solid reputation and that is known for graduating students who go on to pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Learn more about licensing requirements for LPNs in Florida along with a lot of other useful information by reading on below.
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Top LPN Programs in Florida
Given how important it is to select an LPN program that will adequately prepare you for the NCLEX-PN, it pays to take your time and do your homework when looking for programs. It's easy to feel overwhelmed simply because there are so many options across the state. To make this easier, here's a list of some of the most popular and highly rated LPN programs in Florida:
Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations
5154 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33417 (561) 683-1400Angel Technical Institute
453 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 251-6976Atlantic Technical College - Broward County
4700 Coconut Creek Pkwy, Margate, FL 33063 (754) 321-5100Brewster Technical College
2222 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 276-5448Burnett International College
2601 S Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415 (561) 736-3998Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
460 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 (407) 265-8383Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology - Delray
5150 Linton Blvd STE 340, Delray Beach, FL 33484 (561) 381-4990Charlotte Technical College
18150 Murdock Cir, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 (941) 255-7500Eastern Florida State College
1519 Clearlake Rd, Cocoa, FL 32926 (321) 632-1111Emerald Coast Technical College
761 N 20th St, Defuniak Springs, FL 32433 (850) 892-1240Emiraza College
510 S US Hwy 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 (772) 489-8228Gwinnett Colleges & Institute
1900 N Alafaya Trail #100, Orlando, FL 32826 (407) 691-3391Immokalee Technical College
508 N 9th St, Immokalee, FL 34142 (239) 377-9900Indian River State College
3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 (772) 462-4772International Institute for Healthcare Professionals
6870 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33487 (561) 394-5822J & J Healthcare Institute, Inc.
1410 N Pine Hills Rd, Orlando, FL 32808 (407) 839-3363Jersey College
3625 Queen Palm Dr, Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 246-5111Jersey College
8131 Baymeadows Cir W, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 733-3588Lindsey Hopkins Technical College
750 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33136 (305) 324-6070Locklin Technical Center
5330 Berryhill Rd, Milton, FL 32570 (850) 983-5700Medical Prep Institute of Tampa Bay
2304 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 932-1710Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing
3663 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33133 (305) 854-4400Okaloosa Technical College
1976 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 (850) 833-3500Piberry Institute
30356 Old Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33030 (305) 245-2581Premiere International College
2055 Central Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 454-5000Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School at Seminole
12611 86th Ave N, Seminole, FL 33776 (727) 545-6405Riveroak Technical College
415 Pinewood Dr SW, Live Oak, FL 32064 (386) 364-4698Robert Morgan Educational Center
18180 SW 122nd Ave, Miami, FL 33177 (305) 253-9920Santa Fe College
3000 NW 83 St, Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 395-5000Siena College of Health
7491 W Oakland Park Blvd #100, Tamarac, FL 33319 (954) 484-4443Sigma Institute of Health Careers
1260 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334 (954) 485-0215South Tech Academy
1300 SW 30th Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (561) 369-7004Southeastern College
17395 NW 59th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33015 (305) 820-5003Southeastern College
1756 N Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 433-2330St. Johns River State College
283 College Dr, Orange Park, FL 32065 (386) 312-4176Tom P. Haney Technical Center
3016 FL-77, Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 767-5500West Lawrence School of Nursing
3632 Evans Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 454-5000
In addition to checking a program's NCLEX pass rates to ensure that they are properly preparing students, make certain that the program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Keep in mind that many LPN programs have online components that make it easier for busy, working adults to complete the work.
LPN Licensing Requirements in Florida
It helps a lot to understand the licensing requirements for LPNs in Florida, as it allows you to get through the process as quickly and efficiently as possible. The only way to be eligible to work as an LPN in Florida is by obtaining an LPN license, and licensing is handled by the Florida State Board of Nursing.
Some licensing requirements for LPNs in Florida include:
- Complete a board-approved LPN training program, which typically takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
- Submit your application to the state board of nursing prior to sitting for the exam along with the required fees and an electronic fingerprint for a background check.
- Take and pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, which is administered at sites around the state throughout the year.
If you possess an LPN license from another state, you may be able to transfer it to Florida through the endorsement process.
LPN licenses in Florida expire every two years on July 31, and it is important to renew yours in a timely manner to avoid problems.
Florida Board of Nursing
All issues regarding LPN licenses in the state of Florida are handled by the Florida Board of Nursing. For example, when you apply for your license, you will submit your application to them. In the future, you must renew your license with them and contact them for any other assistance.
Contact information is as follows:
Florida Board of Nursing
4042 Bald Cypress Way #120, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-4125
Fax: (850) 617-6460
LPN Salary & Employment Outlook in Florida
Before going through the work, effort and expense of becoming a licensed practical nurse in Florida, you'd probably like to make sure that LPNs are fairly compensated and able to find work easily in the Sunshine State. Because the state of Florida has such a large population of senior citizens, job opportunities abound for LPNs, who work with seniors in nursing homes, hospitals and even in their own homes.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for LPNs in Florida is $46,710, which is equal to $22.46 per hour. This is slightly less than the nationwide average pay for LPNs, which is $48,820 per year, or around $23.47 per hour.
As for job outlook for LPNs in Florida, the news is very good. According to the BLS, there is expected to be a 22-percent increase in LPN jobs in Florida from 2014 through 2024. This rate is 6-percent higher than that for the nationwide LPN job growth rate, so it proves that LPNs in Florida have plenty of opportunities now and will have even more in the upcoming years. If you break into the field now, you can rest assured of enjoying steady employment throughout your career.
LPN Salaries in Florida by Area
The amount that you can expect to earn as an LPN in Florida will vary based on numerous factors, and location is among the most important of them. As you will see from the list below, salaries and available jobs for LPNs vary widely across the state. It might be worth your while to relocate if you live in an area with fewer opportunities.
| Area | Total Employments | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gainesville | 990 | $26.63 | $55,380 |
| Port St. Lucie | 1,360 | $23.60 | $49,100 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach | 380 | $23.45 | $48,780 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | 10,650 | $23.34 | $48,540 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton | 1,920 | $23.31 | $48,480 |
| Jacksonville | 3,120 | $22.65 | $47,110 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | 6,920 | $22.60 | $47,010 |
| Ocala | 610 | $22.44 | $46,680 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | 4,360 | $22.30 | $46,390 |
| Homosassa Springs | 390 | $21.76 | $45,260 |
| The Villages | 270 | $21.76 | $45,250 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | 1,090 | $21.43 | $44,570 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island | 850 | $21.17 | $44,040 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | 990 | $21.05 | $43,780 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | 1,110 | $21.03 | $43,740 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | 1,250 | $20.98 | $43,640 |
| Punta Gorda | 350 | $20.93 | $43,530 |
| Tallahassee | 940 | $20.87 | $43,400 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | 1,120 | $20.70 | $43,050 |
| Sebring | 200 | $19.49 | $40,540 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | 680 | $18.74 | $38,980 |
| Panama City | 330 | $18.53 | $38,530 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Becoming an LPN in Florida doesn't have to be difficult. By selecting the right LPN school to enroll in, you will be on your way to earning your license in no time.
