Jacksonville, Florida is home to a thriving healthcare industry, offering numerous opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.
One of the most accessible ways to start a career in healthcare is through Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs. LPN programs are designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become licensed practical nurses. LPNs are essential members of the healthcare team, providing direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.
In this page, you will find a comprehensive list of LPN programs in Jacksonville, along with information about why pursuing LPN programs is a great way to start a career as a LPN.
Featured LPN Programs
The following is a list of the best LPN programs in the Jacksonville regional area. All programs are carefully assessed and selected based on rigorous research to provide you with the finest options for pursuing your LPN licensure. We continually update this list to ensure its accuracy and to reflect the most reliable choices available in the Jacksonville regional area.
Each program on this list is dedicated to offering comprehensive training and education, equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the field of practical nursing.
Learn more about each program by clicking on their details:
Jacksonville University
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, Jacksonville University’s Practical Nurse (PN) program could be the perfect starting point for you. In just 12 months, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
The program is offered in two tracks: traditional day courses beginning in the fall term and evening/weekend courses beginning in the spring term. This allows you to choose the track that works best for your schedule.
At Jacksonville University, they believe in making a high-quality, private school education affordable. Therefore, all applicants to the Practical Nurse program will be considered for scholarships. You’ll receive hands-on education from expert faculty at their state-of-the-art Healthcare Simulation Center, which is located just south of the Arlington campus. The program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and SACSCOC.
One of the main advantages of this program is the opportunity to practice clinical scenarios in a realistic environment using high-fidelity medical manikins. These manikins are incredibly lifelike and responsive, breathing, blinking, and responding as real patients would. This allows you to gain real experience and be better prepared for your future career.
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become an LPN. The faculty at Jacksonville University will guide, mentor, and prepare you to successfully enter the nursing profession.
Overall, the Jacksonville University Practical Nurse program offers a great opportunity to jumpstart your career in healthcare. With its affordable private school education, two track options, and hands-on education using high-fidelity medical manikins, you’ll be well-prepared to take your first steps in the nursing profession.
Admission Requirements
Application components required:
- Submit an online professional studies application (link provided)
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- Short-answer writing sample with three prompts (200-word limit for each prompt)
- One-way recorded virtual interview consisting of five questions (10-minute response time)
- TEAS test or HESI exam (no minimum score required)
Applicant selection is based on:
- GPA of high school diploma or its equivalent
- Writing sample
- Virtual interview
- TEAS or HESI Score
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $16,000 |
| Program Duration | 12 months |
| Class Schedule | Day Classes OR Weekend/Evening Classes |
| Website | https://www.ju.edu/chs/programs/practical-nurse-lpn.php |
| Location | 2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211 |
| Phone | (904) 256-8000 |
| [email protected] |
Florida State College at Jacksonville
The Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Practical Nursing Program is eligible for financial aid and is designed for individuals who want to provide direct care to clients in various healthcare settings. It is not an online program, and students are expected to complete 1,350 clock/contact hours to graduate.
The program’s ultimate goal is to create competent, ethical, and confident entry-level healthcare practitioners committed to lifelong learning. To this end, the program provides a positive, non-discriminatory, and supportive learning environment. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need to achieve a minimum grade of C or higher in all professional coursework to complete the program.
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN), which you must pass to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). In 2021, the program’s NCLEX-PN passage rate was 79.07%, while the rate for the year-to-date 2022 was 95%. These rates are quite encouraging and indicate that the program does a good job of preparing students for the licensure exam.
If you plan to work outside Florida after graduation, you should ensure that the program’s curriculum meets the requirements for licensure or certification testing in that state as FSC at Jackonville’s PN program may not meet every state’s standards. The program’s completion/graduation rate is 93.8%, which is an encouraging statistic.
The program includes clinical rotations, which are mandatory and scheduled in various clinical settings to provide students with hands-on experience in healthcare while learning in the student role. In summary, the Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Practical Nursing Program is a reputable program that provides students with a solid foundation to become successful LPNs.
Admission Requirements
- Pass background and drug screening upon acceptance
- Submit health history, immunization proof, background screening for clinicals
- Submit drug screening, criminal background check, and physical exam before enrolling
- Show current CPR certification through an approved course
- Provide official high school/GED/college transcripts
- Achieve 75% or higher overall score on HESI Admission Assessment (A2)
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,942 |
| Program Duration | 1,350 Clock/Contact hours |
| Class Schedule | Full time |
| Website | https://www.fscj.edu/academics/programs/cc/5657 |
| Location | 101 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Phone | 904-766-6581 |
| [email protected] |
Concorde
The Concorde Practical Nursing Diploma program will teach you fundamental knowledge about the nursing profession and the healthcare system. During the program, you will learn foundational skills to care for patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. You will also have the opportunity to participate in NCLEX-PN review to help you prepare for the licensure exam. There are two different scheduling options available, a daytime 12-month program and an evening/weekend 20-month program.
The Concorde Practical Nursing Diploma Program provides a comprehensive education that will prepare you to serve patients with a wide range of conditions and needs. You will learn practical skills for taking vital signs, inserting catheters, and more in the classroom. Then, you will apply those skills during clinical experience in a variety of real-world settings.
The program covers important nursing concepts such as foundations of nursing, anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing care, NCLEX review, and pharmacology. As part of their commitment to your success, Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.
Program length may be subject to change depending on transfer credits and course load. The Concorde Practical Nursing Diploma Program is approved by the Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, Florida Board of Nursing.
The Concorde Practical Nursing Diploma program offers scheduling options, NCLEX review, and financial aid to help students succeed. It is approved by the appropriate regulatory bodies, which is important for ensuring that graduates will be eligible to work in their chosen field.
Admission Requirements
- Personal interview and campus tour
- Completion of all admissions documentation, including applicable entrance assessments and Online Readiness Assessment
- Acceptable proof of graduation (high school diploma, GED, home school transcripts, or postsecondary degree)
- Equivalent proof of high school diploma includes completion of an associate degree program or a minimum of 60 semester/trimester credit hours (or 72 quarter credit hours) towards a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign transcripts require a foreign evaluation report and translation (if applicable)
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Full Time: $33,960 (Tuition: $31,557, Other Fees: $2,403) Part Time: $35,769 (Tuition: $33,366, Other Fees: $2,403) |
| Program Duration | Full Time: 50 weeks (12 months) Part Time: 80 weeks (20 months) |
| Clock Hours | 1722 hours |
| Class Schedule | Full time and part time schedules |
| Website | https://www.concorde.edu/nursing-programs/practical-vocational-nursing/jacksonville |
| Location | 7259 Salisbury Rd., Jacksonville, Florida 32256 |
| Phone | 904-515-5518 |
First Coast Technical College
If you’re located in Jacksonville’s southern suburbs, you may be interested in the First Coast Technical College (FCTC) program in St. Augustine. The day program consists of 1350 hours over 56 weeks, with classes held at the FCTC main campus. The program covers a variety of topics, including patient care, nursing care plans, medical-surgical care, geriatric care, HIV/AIDS education, mental health concepts, nutrition, pharmacology, and rehabilitation basics.
Before applying, you’ll need to meet certain testing requirements. The Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) test is used to assess your reading and math skills, and you’ll need a minimum score of 249 in reading and 245 in math to be eligible for the program. Once enrolled, you’ll learn how to provide vital patient care, administer medications, and assist with medical and surgical procedures. You’ll also learn how to evaluate patients’ physical and mental well-being, implement nursing care plans, and document procedures properly.
The program costs $6,106.50 for tuition and lab, plus additional expenses such as books, uniforms, and fees. It includes both unpaid clinical experience and preceptor rotation, providing you with real-world experience working with patients in various healthcare settings.
The FCTC practical nursing program in St. Augustine offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics relevant to nursing practice. However, it’s important to note that the program may not be suitable for everyone. The cost of tuition and other expenses may be a barrier for some students, and the testing requirements may be challenging for those who struggle with reading and math. Additionally, the program’s location in St. Augustine may be inconvenient for Jacksonville residents who would need to commute.
Admission Requirements
- Achieve a score of 249 in Reading and 245 in Math on the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS)
- Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and receive academic coaching test preparation
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Provide CASAS or TABE scores, unless meeting the basic skills exemption requirement
- Pass a level 2 Background Check and drug screen
- Undergo a physical examination and receive immunizations.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $6,106.50 |
| Program Duration | 56 weeks |
| Clock Hours | 1350 hours |
| Class Schedule | Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 3:00pm |
| Website | https://fctc.edu/programs/practical-nursing/ |
| Location | 2980 Collins Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Phone | 904-547-3475 |
| [email protected] |
Jersey College
With experienced instructors and administration who are committed to providing a comprehensive nursing education, Jersey College has been solely focused on nursing education for almost 20 years.
One of the benefits of this program is the individualized attention and support students receive. You’ll also become part of the Jersey College family atmosphere and join a network of nearly 10,000 alumni. The curriculum is built on the holistic nursing model, which recognizes the importance of addressing the physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs of patients in a complex society.
The modern facilities at the Jacksonville campus provide an excellent learning environment. You’ll have access to a 30,000 sq. ft. campus, 4397 sq. ft. simulation lab, 15 classrooms, and student study rooms and lounge space. The LPN program consists of both academic classroom work and clinical education, which takes place in training labs and with offsite practicum partners.
Jersey College’s LPN program follows a Humanistic model, recognizing that each person is unique and more than the sum of their parts. Upon completing the program, students can either pursue jobs in the nursing field or apply for the Bridge track of the Professional Nursing program. This flexibility allows adult students to balance work, home life, and nursing school.
The Jersey College School of Nursing Practical Nursing Program in Jacksonville provides a comprehensive nursing education in a supportive environment. The holistic nursing model, experienced faculty, and modern facilities make it a great choice for those pursuing a career in nursing.
Admission Requirements
- 18 years of age or older
- High school education or equivalent
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident card required
- Admission application completion
- Interview and recommendation for admission
- Advance program deposit for tuition and fees
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $24,800 (Tuition: $20,650, Other Fees: $4,150) |
| Program Duration | 12 – 18 months |
| Class Schedule | Day & Evening Classes |
| Website | https://www.jerseycollege.edu/nursing-programs/practical-nursing/lpn/jacksonville |
| Location | 8131 Baymeadows Cir W, Jacksonville, FL 32256 |
| Phone | 904-438-3674 |
| [email protected] |
LPN Salaries in Jacksonville
Let’s look at the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to see how LPN salaries stack up in Jacksonville compared to the national and state averages.
According to the table, Jacksonville is home to approximately 2,670 LPNs. That’s quite a considerable number of compassionate healthcare professionals in the city! Now, let’s talk numbers. LPNs in Jacksonville earn an average hourly wage of $24.97, which equates to an annual salary of $51,940. Not too shabby, right?
But how does this compare to the national and state averages? Let’s take a closer look. Across the entire United States, there are about 135,500 LPNs, and on average, they earn an hourly wage of $19.51, which leads to an annual salary of $40,580. Now, let’s shift our focus to the beautiful state of Florida. In the entire state, there are approximately 36,970 LPNs, and their average hourly wage is $25.85, with an annual salary of $53,780.
When we compare LPN salaries in Jacksonville to the national average, it’s evident that LPNs in the city are earning higher wages. They enjoy an hourly wage that’s around $5.46 higher and an annual salary that’s approximately $11,360 higher. That’s quite an increase!
Now, let’s talk about how LPN salaries in Jacksonville fare against the state average in Florida. While LPNs in the city earn slightly lower wages compared to the state average, their annual salary is only around $1,840 lower. It’s important to note that cost of living and regional factors can influence these slight variances in salaries.
| # of LPNs | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | |
| United States | 135,500 | $ 19.51 | $ 40,580 |
| Florida | 36,970 | $ 25.85 | $ 53,780 |
| Jacksonville | 2,670 | $ 24.97 | $ 51,940 |
Influences on LPN Salaries in Jacksonville
When it comes to LPN salaries in Jacksonville, Florida, there are several factors that can influence compensation levels. Here are three key factors that have a significant impact, particularly when compared to other cities in the state:
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Jacksonville compared to other cities in Florida can impact LPN salaries. If the cost of living in Jacksonville is lower than in other cities, LPN salaries may be adjusted accordingly. A lower cost of living may result in slightly lower salaries, while a higher cost of living may lead to higher salaries to ensure LPNs can meet their financial needs.
- Demand and Supply: The demand for LPNs and the supply of qualified professionals in Jacksonville compared to other cities in Florida can impact salaries. If there is a shortage of LPNs in Jacksonville, employers may offer higher wages to attract and retain qualified candidates. Conversely, if there is a surplus of LPNs, salaries may be more competitive or relatively lower.
- Local Economy and Healthcare Market: The local economy and healthcare market dynamics in Jacksonville compared to other cities in Florida can influence LPN salaries. Factors such as population size, healthcare infrastructure, and the presence of major healthcare systems or institutions can impact salary levels. Cities with a larger population or a higher concentration of healthcare facilities may offer more job opportunities and potentially higher salaries.