LPN to RN Online Programs in FL: Browsing Top Schools
If you’re a working Florida LPN with aspirations to become a registered nurse, we’re here to help. We’ll introduce you to the convenience and affordability of getting the education and training you need through an online LPN to RN bridge program. Below, you’ll find information on Florida LPN to RN programs currently featuring online study, along with advice and information to help you choose the right one.
Uncovering Florida’s Online LPN to RN Bridge Programs
Online LPN to RN programs are a popular way for practical nurses to get the education they need to advance their careers by becoming registered nurses (RNs). That’s because they offer students greater convenience and flexibility in their studies than traditional campus-based programs. During your program search, though, you’ll discover that “online” LPN to RN programs in Florida are not entirely online.
Due to the hands-on nature of nursing practice, LPN to RN programs typically include skills labs and some nursing classes that are attended on their school’s campus. LPN to RN students additionally complete a substantial number of clinical hours at program-affiliated medical facilities in the student’s or school’s local area. We’ve profiled three of Florida’s online LPN to RN bridge programs below to show how these programs employ distance learning components.
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PROGRAM: LPN to RN/BSN
We help thousands of LPNs/LVNs work towards achieving their Associate Degree in Nursing or RN. The Test-Out Bridge Program makes achieving your RN faster and affordable, and previous college credits will count toward your advanced degree.
Eastern Florida State College
The 13-month Transition to Associate Degree Nursing RN program at Eastern Florida State College offers a quick way for current LPNs to earn their associate degree and qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam. Students complete two transition courses, after which they are awarded 16 credits for four foundational nursing courses required in the standard ADN program. Students then continue to complete the remaining ADN curriculum described below.
The degree requires 72 credits, including the 16 awarded transition credits. Coursework is delivered in a hybrid format that combines online elements with classes and labs attended during the day on EFSC’s Melbourne campus. Students additionally take part in clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities.
Duration: 13 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $10,867.50. (incl. tuition, fees, uniforms and equipment, and course materials)
Admissions Requirements:
- Active Florida LPN license
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Graduate from a regionally accredited LPN program
- TEAS test score of 69% or higher in Reading Comprehension
- Minimum of two years of LVN experience within the last three years
- Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR Card
- Complete criminal background check and drug screening
- Documentation of required immunizations
Curriculum:
- Transition Nursing + Clinical
- Fundamentals of Nursing Concepts
- Nursing Math and Pharmacology
- Basic Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing + Clinical
- Clinical Judgment & Critical Care
- Maternal, Newborn, and Pediatric Nursing + Clinical
- Leadership and Management Nursing Capstone + Clinical
- Transcultural and Community Health Nursing Study Abroad
- Transcultural and Community Health Nursing
Rasmussen College
Rasmussen College is a private school with campuses throughout the U.S., including five in Florida. Rasmussen offers its Professional Nursing Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/RN) program in a hybrid format that combines online courses with campus-attended lab simulations and clinical experiences. Earning the ADN degree requires completing 102 total general education credits and core nursing courses.
However, students entering the program with a valid LPN license are awarded 12 credits for three courses in the regular ADN curriculum. LPN students can complete all degree requirements in as few as 18 months, depending on the number of previously earned general education credits transferred into the program (up to 42 is allowed) and several courses taken each term.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost:$449/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Hold a current, unencumbered LPN license
- Pass the TEAS exam
- Provide proof of physical exam and required immunizations
- Pass a criminal background screening
- Possess current Basic Life Saving and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification with Defibrillator
Curriculum:
- Essentials of Pathophysiology
- Physical Assessment
- Nursing Care of the Older Adult
- Multidimensional Care II & III
- Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing
- Pharmacology for Professional Nursing
- Maternal-Child Nursing
- Professional Nursing Skills II
- Multidimensional Care IV
- Leadership and Professional Identity
- Associate Degree in Nursing Capstone
St. John’s River State College
Practical nurses with a current LPN license can jump-start their RN educations through the LPN to ASN program at St John’s River State College. Through its participation in the Florida Department of Education’s Statewide Articulation Agreement, the program awards students 10 credits for their LPN license toward completion of program requirements, allowing them to complete their degree studies with a total of 62 credits in as few as four semesters.
The program is presented in a hybrid format, with classes held online and on SJR State’s campus in St. Augustine. Class sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. In addition, students participate in 12-hour in-person clinicals held one day each week at healthcare facilities located throughout the school’s tri-county area. The program begins once annually in the fall.
Duration: One year
Mode: Hybrid
Cost:$78.84/-$315.53 (residency-dependent)
Admissions Requirements:
- Current unencumbered Florida or compact LPN license
- Completed application to SJR State and the LPN Bridge program
- Applicants are ranked based on their GPA, HESI scores, and the number of SJR State courses taken. Preference is given to students who have completed the SJR State Practical Nursing Program with a GPA of 3.0 or better on practical nursing courses.
- Completion of all general education and nursing-related courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Completion of a criminal and professional background check and drug screen
- Completion of the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (CPR and AED) program
- Verification of acceptable health status as evidenced by an annual physical exam
- Proof of liability/malpractice insurance
Curriculum:
- LPN Transition
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Adult Health Nursing II
- Mental Health Nursing
- Adult Health Nursing III & IV
- Parent-Child Nursing
- Transitional Nursing
Answering LPN to RN Bridge Program FAQs
The profiles above show how distance learning works in Florida’s online LPN to RN programs. To fill you in on a few things not included in the profiles, here are the answers to five questions often asked by prospective students about LPN to RN programs generally and the process for obtaining your Florida RN license.
What are the admissions requirements for LPN to RN bridge programs in Florida?
You’ll discover in your LPN to RN bridge program search that each program has its own admissions requirements. Common requirements include the following.
- A current, unencumbered LPN license. Most programs require a Florida LPN license
- Completion of an accredited LVN education program
- Minimum GPA figures for previously completed coursework
- Completion of general education and prerequisite coursework in subjects such as biology, anatomy, and physiology
- Professional practice experience as an LPN
- Documentation of required clinical experience
Programs may also require applicants to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) to help determine if the applicant needs to complete additional prerequisites before admission.
Is it possible to get financial aid to help pay for my Florida LPN to RN program?
Many financial aid resources are available to students in LPN to RN programs. Included are loans, scholarships and grants, tuition reimbursement and payment plans, and more. But these resources are only available to you if you qualify for them. The best way to learn about your funding opportunities is to contact the financial aid offices at the school whose LPN to RN programs you’re interested in. You’ll also find information online for potential financial aid resources. Examples include these sites from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Florida Department of Health, and the Florida Nurses Association.
Will I have to complete clinical requirements for my online LVN to RN bridge program in Florida?
You will. As an LPN, you know nursing is all about direct patient care. So, it’s no surprise that your LPN to RN program will include substantial clinical practice requirements in which you’ll hone your newly taught RN skills. The total number of clinical hours required can vary substantially (anywhere from 500 to 900) depending on the specific program. Clinicals are attended in program-approved medical settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, surgical centers, and outpatient clinics. If you’re a working practical nurse, you may be able to meet your clinical requirements through your current job.
How do I obtain my Florida RN license?
The Florida Board of Nursing (FOB)oversees the state’s registered nurse licensing process.Generally speaking, you will take the following steps to obtain your Florida RN license:
- Complete a state-approved Florida-based or out-of-state nursing program.
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Apply for licensure and pay the application fee (currently $110) through the Florida Department of Health.
- Meet all other licensure requirements, including three years of active nursing practice during the four years immediately before license application submission. Applicants must also complete the background screening process.
The complete requirements for obtaining your Florida registered nurse license are in Section 464.008 of the Florida Statutes.
What is the NCLEX-RN exam like?
Pearson/VUE is the company that administers both the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN exams. And in terms of the registration process and test format, the two exams are very similar. So, as a licensed practical nurse, you’re already familiar with what taking the NCLEX-RN will be like. The subject matter is also similar, but the NCLEX-RN exam focuses more on patient assessment and management, while the NCLEX-PN exam focuses primarily on basic patient care. Visit the official NCLEX website for exam details.
Top Online LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Florida
Finding the best online LPN to RN program in Florida for you starts by taking a look at the best programs in the state period. We’ve surveyed the entire lineup of Florida LPN to RN programs, including online components, and ranked the best below. Our selections were made by considering several student-focused elements: affordability, academic quality, study convenience, access to valuable educational and career support services, and more. Click the “About the ranking” button to learn more about selection methodology.
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg, FL | Public | $ | 2 | St. Petersburg College offers a transitional associate degree for LPNs looking to become registered nurses. This program offers flexibility with two tracks: a day track with courses on weekdays with admission in the fall semester, and an evening track with courses during the evenings and weekends with admission in the spring semester. This program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and will prepare students to sit for the national exam to become a registered nurse. Program Highlights: LPN to RN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1 |
Online Student %76% |
|||
| 2 | Eastern Florida State CollegeCocoa, FL | Public | $ | 2 | Eastern Florida State College offers an ADN program with a transition option for learners who already have their LVN degrees. The degree consists of a blend of general education courses, nursing courses, and support courses such as anatomy. There's also a special transition nursing clinical, which may enable students to complete clinical hours at their place of employment. The program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX exam and become RNs. Since the program is for working professionals, it's delivered in a flexible, hybrid format. Program Highlights: Associate Nursing Degree
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %65% |
|||
| 3 | Santa Fe CollegeGainesville, FL | Public | $ | 2 | Santa Fe College offers a 14-month Associate of Science in Nursing bridge program for prospective registered nurses. This is a hybrid program, with most lab and clinical work occurring in a classroom and some elements administered online. Only 10 students are admitted into the bridge program per application cycle. Upon graduation, students may sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses in Florida, or get a multi-state license in any of the other nursing compact states. Prerequisite courses must be taken before admission into the program. Program Highlights: Associate of Nursing Bridge Program
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
Online Student %55% |
Nursing Careers: Florida Salary Insights
When it comes to going back to school, you want to be sure the investment you make in your education will pay off in the long run. Below are current job growth and salary figures for LPNs and RNs in Florida to give you an idea of what you can expect to find in terms of job outlook once you’ve obtained your RN license.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Florida | $63,520 | $80,960 | $105,580 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Florida | $45,780 | $56,730 | $68,750 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Florida | 202,780 | 228,070 | 25,290 | 12.50% | 14,110 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Florida | 37,770 | 42,580 | 4,810 | 12.70% | 3,520 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
