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.
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PROGRAM: LPN to RN/BSN
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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.
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.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,190 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Florida Gateway College
- The LPN to RN Bridge program at Florida Gateway College offers an accelerated completion option, allowing students to finish the traditional full-time component in approximately three semesters.
- The program provides seamless matriculation to RN-BSN programs, enabling graduates to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as three semesters.
- Priority admission is given to Florida Gateway College graduates who meet competitive admission criteria, enhancing enrollment opportunities for current students.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,190 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,767 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Pensacola State College
- The LPN to RN Bridge program at Pensacola State College offers an accelerated pathway to earn the ADN in just three semesters, enabling quicker career progression for Licensed Practical Nurses.
- The program features limited access admission to ensure favorable student-faculty ratios and quality clinical resources, enhancing individualized instruction and clinical experience.
- Upon successful completion, students receive an additional 10 term credit hours, increasing their total to 72 term credits towards their Associate in Science Degree in Nursing.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,767 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,923 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected College of Central Florida
- The College of Central Florida LPN to RN Bridge program waives the $30 application fee for students who complete their general admission application during a required nursing information session, offering a direct financial benefit to prospective students.
- This program is designed to be completed in three semesters (one calendar year) with full-time classes starting in May, allowing motivated LPNs an accelerated path to becoming registered nurses.
- Students gain access to the AdventHealth Center for Nursing, a state-of-the-art facility with multiple skills labs, simulation rooms, and classrooms, enhancing hands-on learning and clinical preparedness.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,923 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,236 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Valencia College
- The LPN to RN Bridge program offers guaranteed admission in the following semester for students who just miss initial acceptance, providing a reliable pathway to enrollment.
- The program requires IV certification and values science prerequisite grades highly in its competitive admissions, ensuring students are well-prepared for the accelerated pace.
- Students receive dedicated support from assigned Student Success Coaches to develop customized education plans and career readiness, including resume building and job shadowing.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,236 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,409 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected South Florida State College
- The South Florida State College LPN to RN Bridge program allows students to earn an Associate of Science degree and become eligible for RN licensure within one year, enabling rapid career advancement.
- The program offers eligibility to apply for the NCLEX exam for licensure in Florida and 27 other nursing compact states under the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), providing broader geographic mobility for nursing practice.
- South Florida State College’s program includes a clear prerequisite completion process with required college-level courses ensuring strong academic preparation and readiness for advanced nursing education before program admission.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,409 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,518 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lake-Sumter State College
- The LPN to RN Bridge program at Lake-Sumter State College offers a shortened, three-semester curriculum that grants 17 credit hours of prior nursing coursework, enabling faster progression to RN licensure.
- The program features a hybrid format, combining online and in-person instruction, providing flexibility for working LPNs to continue their education without full-time campus attendance.
- Strong clinical partnerships with local healthcare providers like AdventHealth ensure high-quality, real-world clinical experiences and enhance job placement opportunities post-graduation.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,518 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,959 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected St Petersburg College
- The LPN to RN Bridge program at St. Petersburg College offers a day theory schedule combined with weekday clinicals, providing structured, consistent in-person learning for hands-on skill development.
- The program uses a state-of-the-art simulation lab (SCENE) to deliver highly realistic clinical training experiences that enhance practical nursing competencies.
- It provides a flexible schedule with day and evening class options, accommodating working LPNs who need adaptable timing to balance education and employment.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,959 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,566 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Daytona State College
- Daytona State College’s LPN to RN Bridge program awards ten semester hours of Advanced Standing credit for current Florida practical nurse licensure, accelerating degree completion.
- The program requires one year of recent professional work experience, ensuring students have practical background and readiness for advanced nursing coursework.
- Admission includes a competitive selection process based on TEAS scores, GPA, and licensure standing, promoting high-quality student cohorts and academic rigor.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,566 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,995 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Saint Johns River State College
- St. Johns River State College’s LPN to RN Bridge program prioritizes students from Clay, Putnam, and St. Johns counties in its selection process, increasing admission chances for local applicants.
- The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring recognized quality education and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
- The program is offered across multiple campuses—Palatka, Orange Park, and St. Augustine—providing convenient access and potentially enhancing clinical placement opportunities through strong local healthcare connections.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,995 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Eastern Florida State College
Melbourne, FLProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,707 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Eastern Florida State College
- Eastern Florida State College’s LPN to RN Bridge program offers a 13-month accelerated hybrid format that combines online learning with local clinical experiences, enabling faster completion while balancing flexibility.
- The program grants 16 transition credits for prior LPN coursework, significantly reducing the total credits needed toward the Associate Degree in Nursing, which saves time and tuition costs.
- Students must have an active Florida LPN license with at least one year of work experience, ensuring a focused cohort with practical insight, and the program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, supporting recognized credentialing and employer acceptance.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,707 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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.
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