Certified nursing assistants is a rewarding profession for most. It may be a stepping stone for others who dream of a career in nursing. If you’re ready to take the next step from nurse assisting, a CNA to LPN program in Orlando will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to prepare for licensure and practice as a practical nurse. While the program may not provide transfer credit for CNAs, there may be special considerations given in the admission process. CNAs will also be better prepared to manage and complete the clinical rotations covered in the program. The fast-track curriculum means completion of the requirements in 12 months or less, so you can be on your way to a new career in nursing.
Orange Technical College
The practical nursing program at Orange Technical College is open to certified nurse aides who want to prepare for practice as a practical nurse. The program is designed to prepare students for employment and advanced training in healthcare. It follows a planned sequence of instruction consisting of four Occupational Completion Points. The curriculum covers 1350 hours of theory and practical activities. Course modules include Practical Nursing Foundations, Practical Nursing Foundations 2, Medical Surgical Nursing 1, Medical Surgical Nursing 2, and Comprehensive Nursing and Transitional Skills. Students will learn human growth and development, nutrition, communication skills, current events in nursing, role of the vocational nurse, family and community health concepts, pharmacology and administration of medicine, legal aspects of nursing, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child nursing, and geriatric nursing. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCSB LPN exam. Those enrolling in an AS degree program will be eligible for articulated credits at Valencia College – up to 12 credits. Day and evening schedules are available. The duration of the program is 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must have valid government identification
- Must provide two proofs of Florida residency for in-state tuition rate
- Must take and pass the TABE Level A scores – Reading 10, Math 11, and Language 10
- TABE exemption is available for applicants who provide college transcripts showing degree earned, passing score on a State approved industry certification/licensure exam, or official concordant test scores no more than 2 years old, or active-duty military
- Complete the FAFSA if applying for financial aid
- Meet with the Admissions Counselor
- Complete online orientation
- Nurse aide applicants must provide proof of current certification
The cost of the program is $6,733.92.
- Website: https://www.orangetechcollege.net/
- Address: 2201 Crown Hill Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
- Phone: (407) 281-5155
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 92.00%
Gwinnett College
Certified nurse aides may enroll in the practical nursing program at Gwinnett College to prepare for practice as a licensed practical nurse. The diploma program trains students for positions where they would deliver basic bedside care to patients. It provides the didactic and skills training needed for entry-level employment and advanced nursing education. The curriculum will cover 1540 hours of the vocational role and functions for the practical nurse, foundations and fundamentals of nursing care, infection control, body structure and function, human growth and development, personal and family care in multiple environments, and mental health concepts. At the conclusion of the practical nursing program, students are fully prepared for success on the NCLEX-PN exam.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years of age or older
- Must take and pass the TEAS with a minimum score of 41.3%
- Must attend a program orientation
- Must submit a completed application for admission
- Must meet with an Admission Representative to complete a commitment-based interview and campus tour
- Must complete a Level II background prior to class start
- Must provide documentation of health examinations, pathology tests, and immunizations
The program cost of $28,190 includes the registration fee, tuition, textbooks, and supplies. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.gwinnettcollege.edu/
- Address: 1900 North Alafaya Trail Suite 100, Orlando, FL 38226:
- Phone: (407) 434-8700
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 78.26%
Herzing University
The practical nursing program at Herzing University prepares certified nurse aides for professional nursing practice. Students must complete 37 credit hours to qualify for the practical nursing diploma. They will obtain fundamental knowledge and skills in medical-surgical nursing, growth and development, pharmacology for nurses, and practical hands-on experience. Herzing’s benefits include flexible schedules to help students maintain a school-life balance, a career focused curriculum, face-to-face instruction from experienced and credentialed faculty, lifelong career coaching, and rolling admissions. Required nursing courses include growth and development, pharmacology for nurses with lab, fundamentals of nursing with lab and clinical, medical surgical nursing for LPNs, nursing specialty, LPN practical experience, and preparation for NCLEX-PN. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The program is designed to be completed in as few as 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above
- Applicants with a GPA of 2.00 and higher must submit TEAS scores of 48
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Complete a program orientation
- Provide proof of nurse aide certification
Tuition costs $495 per credit hour. Other costs for fees, books, and supplies must be covered by the student.
- Website: https://www.herzing.edu/orlando
- Address: 1865 FL-436, Winter Park, FL 32792
- Phone: (407) 641-5227
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 82.61%
Lake Technical College
The practical nursing program at Lake Technical College prepares nurse aides and other students for entry-level employment as a practical nurse. The curriculum will include theoretical instruction and clinical experience in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric nursing, acute care’ long term care, and community settings. It will also cover personal, family, and community health concepts, nutrition, human growth and development, anatomy, mental health concepts, legal aspects of practice, current issues in nursing, and pharmacology and administration of medications. The program will cover a total of 1,350 contact hours of theory and practical instruction. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as a practical nurse. The program spans 42 weeks for full-time students.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years of age or older
- Must take and pass the TEAS with the minimum score
- Must attend a program orientation
- Must submit a completed application for admission
- Must meet with an Admission Representative to complete a commitment-based interview and campus tour
- Must complete a Level II background prior to class start
- Must provide documentation of health examinations, pathology tests, and immunizations
- Must provide proof of current nurse aide certification
Tuition is approximately $3,888 plus books and fees. Students will also need to cover costs for uniforms and other supplies.
- Website: https://www.laketech.org/
- Address: 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis, Florida 32726
- Phone: 352-589-2250
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 73.60%
Rasmussen University
The nurse aide to practical nursing program at Rasmussen University prepares students to become a licensed practical nurse. Students will learn from compassionate experts who are committed to their success in nursing. The school offers eight start dates per year, no prerequisite course requirements, no waiting lists for qualified applicants, and online and on-campus courses. Course topics include introduction to nursing, client centered care, practical nursing skills, principles of gerontological nursing, principles of mental health nursing, principles of maternal child health nursing, and practical nursing diploma capstone. The program requires completion of 56 credit hours for the Practical Nursing Diploma. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX for Practical Nurses.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must achieve a score on the School of Nursing Entrance Exam that is acceptable for admission to the School of Nursing
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Must complete health physical and provide proof of immunizations
- Must complete criminal background screening
- Must have current BLS and CPR certification
- Must attend a School of Nursing Orientation
The estimated program cost with the LPN Care Grant is $21,555.
- Website: https://www.rasmussen.edu/
- Address: 4755 SW 46th Court, Ocala, FL 34474
- Phone: 352-629-1941
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%
Hajgden International College
The practical nursing program at Hajgden International College includes laboratory, classroom, and clinical experience to prepare students for practice as a professional nurse. The curriculum covers a total of 1,374 hours of theory and practical instruction. Theory and skills training are consistent with the role and scope of practice defined by the Florida Board of Nursing for practical nurses and is to be performed under the direction of a registered nurse. Areas of study include medical surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, obstetrical and geriatric nursing, and mental health concepts. It will also cover nursing care skills and applications needed to provide care for patients in acute and long-term care settings. Other areas of study include the vocational role and functions of the practical nurse, foundations and fundamentals of nursing care, infection control, human body structure and function, nutrition and diet therapy, human growth and development, mental health concepts, pharmacology and medication administration, ethical and legal aspects of nursing practice, interpersonal relationships, and employability skills. NCLEX preparation is an important part of the program to prepare students for success.
Admission criteria:
- Submit an admission application
- Must submit an official transcript or high school diploma
- Submit official college transcripts if applicable
- Must attend a nursing program orientation
- Must take and pass the entrance exam
- Must obtain medical clearance to include immunizations and vaccinations
- Must complete drug testing and background checks
Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://hajgdencollege.org/
- Address: 1722 W. Oak Ridge Rd. Orlando, FL 32809
- Phone: (407) 574-8411
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 42.96%