Transitioning from a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can open new career opportunities in the healthcare field. The Orlando area offers several reputable programs designed to bridge this gap efficiently and effectively.
Here is a brief overview of each CNA to LPN program option in the Orlando area. For more detailed information, please see the sections further down the page.
- Orange Technical College provides a Practical Nursing program at its Avalon and Main campuses. This program totals 1,350 hours, usually completed within 12 months. It includes theoretical and clinical training in various nursing specialties, preparing students for the LPN licensure exam.
- Herzing University offers a Practical Nursing Diploma program at its Winter Park campus. This one-year program covers essential nursing skills and knowledge, with an emphasis on real-world experience and flexible scheduling. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses.
- Lake Technical College in Eustis, FL, provides a Practical Nursing program. This 1,350-hour program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience in multiple nursing fields. Upon completion, students are prepared to take the state licensure exam and enter various healthcare settings.
Orange Technical College
- Location: 301 W Amelia St, Orlando, FL 32801
- Phone: 407-317-3212
- Website: Orange Technical College Practical Nursing Program
Program Type
Practical Nursing
Duration and Schedule
This Practical Nursing program lasts 1350 hours, typically completed in about 12 months if attended full-time. Start dates are subject to program availability.
Program Structure
Campus Locations:
- Avalon Campus
- Main Campus
Mission: The goal of the Practical Nursing program is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for employment in the healthcare field, as well as to prepare them for advanced training.
Curriculum Overview
The program offers a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Students will cover various nursing fields, including:
- Medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing
- Acute care, long-term care, and community health settings
- Vocational roles and functions in nursing
- Personal, family, and community health concepts
- Nutrition and human growth and development
- Body structure and function
- Interpersonal relationship skills and mental health concepts
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Legal aspects of nursing practice
- Current issues in nursing
Occupational Completion Points (OCPs): The program is divided into three main sections, each corresponding to different Occupational Completion Points, which align with employment opportunities recognized by the Florida Department of Education.
- OCP A: Practical Nursing Foundations 1 – 300 hours
- OCP B: Practical Nursing Foundations 2 – 300 hours
- OCP C: Medical Surgical Nursing 1 – 300 hours
- OCP D: Medical Surgical Nursing 2 – 300 hours
- OCP E: Comprehensive Nursing and Transitional Skills – 150 hours
Academic Requirements
Students are expected to have an academic skill level equivalent to grade 11 in language, math, and reading to successfully complete the program.
Costs
The total costs for the program are subject to change. For the most current cost details, click HERE.
Certification
Upon completing the program, students will be eligible to take the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Articulated Credits: Graduates enrolling in an AS degree program at Valencia College can be awarded 12 articulated credits for the Nursing, Accelerated Track AS degree.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the Practical Nursing program at Orange Technical College, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- High school diploma or equivalent (Diploma, HSED, or GED)
- Grade 11 level in language, math, and reading
Herzing University
- Location: 1865 SR 436, Winter Park, FL 32792
- Phone: (407) 641-5227
- Website: Herzing University Practical Nursing Program
- Program Type: Diploma in Practical Nursing (LPN Prep)
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Program Highlights
Campus Experience: The Practical Nursing Diploma program at Herzing University’s Orlando campus offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). With 37 credits required, the program typically takes about 12 months to complete.
Course Structure: The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical training, covering key areas such as medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, growth and development, and specialty nursing fields. Students gain hands-on experience in labs and clinical settings, learning essential nursing procedures, medication administration, and vital sign measurement.
Faculty and Learning Environment: Students benefit from face-to-face instruction by experienced faculty members with real-world nursing experience. The program emphasizes a career-focused education with pathways to advance further in nursing, such as ASN, BSN, and MSN degrees.
Key Benefits
Flexible Schedule: Herzing University aims to accommodate the needs of busy students by offering flexible scheduling options. This is ideal for non-traditional students balancing school with other responsibilities.
Support Services: The university provides lifelong support through personalized student services and career coaching to help graduates advance in their nursing careers.
Rolling Admissions: Herzing University offers rolling admissions, allowing students to apply and start the program at various times throughout the year, without worrying about strict application deadlines.
Curriculum Details
Required Nursing Courses:
- NP 100 – Growth and Development (1 credit)
- NP 110 – Pharmacology for Nurses with Lab (2 credits)
- NP 120 – Fundamentals of Nursing with Lab and Clinical (5 credits)
- NP 125 – Medical Surgical Nursing I for LPNs (5 credits)
- NP 230 – Nursing Specialty (4 credits)
- NP 235 – Medical Surgical Nursing II for LPNs (5 credits)
- NP 275 – LPN Practical Experience (3 credits)
- NP 280 – Preparation for NCLEX-PN (3 credits)
General Education Courses:
- EN 104 – English Composition I (3 credits)
- HC 101 – Medical Terminology (1 credit)
Support Course:
- SC 144 – Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (4 credits)
- Must be completed with a grade of “B” (80%) or better within two attempts.
Professional Development Course:
- PD 202 – Professional Development II (1 credit)
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the Practical Nursing program at Herzing University, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- High school diploma or equivalent (Diploma, HSED, or GED)
- Meet cumulative GPA requirements
Program Duration
The Practical Nursing Diploma program can be completed in approximately 12 months, making it a swift and effective pathway to becoming an LPN. After completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain their LPN license in Florida.
Lake Technical College
- Location: 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis, FL 32726
- Phone: (352) 589-2250
- Website: Lake Technical College Practical Nursing Program
Program Type
Practical Nursing Diploma
Duration and Schedule
The Practical Nursing program at Lake Technical College spans 1,350 hours, which is typically completed within one year (42 weeks) on a full-time basis.
Program Costs
Tuition: Approximately $3,888, excluding books and additional fees. For the most current cost details, refer to the provided PDF.
Testing Requirements
Students are required to complete a Basic Skills Assessment and the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) as part of the admission process.
Campus Locations
- Main Campus
- Clermont Campus
Curriculum Overview
The Practical Nursing program at Lake Technical College provides both theoretical instruction and hands-on clinical experience in various nursing fields, including:
- Medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing
- Acute care, long-term care, and community health settings
- Personal, family, and community health concepts
- Nutrition and human growth and development
- Anatomy and mental health concepts
- Legal aspects of nursing practice and current issues in nursing
- Pharmacology and medication administration
Program Structure
Occupational Completion Points (OCPs): The program is structured into a sequence of courses designed to cover key nursing competencies:
- OCP A: Practical Nursing Foundations 1 – 300 hours
- OCP B: Practical Nursing Foundations 2 – 300 hours
- OCP B: Medical Surgical Nursing 1 – 300 hours
- OCP B: Medical Surgical Nursing 2 – 300 hours
- OCP B: Comprehensive Nursing and Transitional Skills – 150 hours
Employment Opportunities
Graduates from the Practical Nursing program can find employment in various healthcare settings, including:
- Walk-in clinics
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Laboratories
- Nursing homes
- Home care
- Doctors’ offices
- Correctional facilities
Recent Employers of Graduates:
- Florida Hospital Waterman
- Lake Correctional Institute
- Lifestream Behavioral Center
- Various long-term care facilities in Lake County
Licensure and Certification
Upon completing the program, students are eligible to take the state licensure exam for Practical Nurses. The program complies with the U.S. Department of Education’s regulations, and graduates can test for licensure in any state that participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into the Practical Nursing program at Lake Technical College, applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Skills Assessment and the TEAS exam
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Meet with a counselor or career advisor
- Complete the online application process
- Register and pay tuition and fees
- Purchase required books and supplies
- Complete the online new student orientation prior to the first day of class
Enrollment Steps
- Apply for financial aid, if applicable
- Complete the online application
- Meet with a counselor or career advisor
- Register and pay tuition and fees
- Purchase books and supplies
- Complete the online new student orientation
Contact Information
- Program Coordinator: Elise Veremakis, Interim Healthcare Programs Coordinator
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (352) 589-2250, x1843
Summary
Lake Technical College’s Practical Nursing program is a comprehensive, one-year program that prepares students for a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, graduates are well-equipped to enter various healthcare settings and pursue further education if desired. The program’s structure, support services, and employment opportunities make it a strong choice for those looking to advance their nursing careers.