20 Best LPN Programs in Jacksonville, FL – 2026
As over 110,000 new nurses are projected to be needed in Florida by 2035 based on population growth, skilled Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) will continue playing a vital role in healthcare delivery. Attending one of the top LPN training programs in Jacksonville, FL is the first step to seizing opportunities in this rapidly expanding career field.
This expert guide profiles the highest quality practical nursing education options in Jacksonville and surrounding metro areas. The top 20 LPN programs were selected based on analysis of accreditation, certification pass rates, affordability, range of specializations and other key quality indicators. Thorough details on academic components, career outcomes, costs and available student support provide comprehensive insights to inform your program decision making.
Methodology for Selecting the Best LPN Programs
In determining Jacksonville‘s top LPN training programs, over 25 accredited area schools were evaluated on an extensive range of weighted metrics in four key categories:
Academic Quality (40%)
- Accreditation status – focused specifically on programmatic accreditors including ACEN and ABHES which specialize in nursing education evaluation
- Completion rates
- Licensure exam pass rates – emphasizing consistently strong outcomes over 80%
- Strength of curriculum
- Quality and quantity of faculty – including percentage of instructors with MSN/PhD credentials
- Quality of simulation labs and clinical training sites
Student Outcomes & Support Services (30%)
- Graduate employment rates
- Availability and quality of academic support, tutoring, career guidance and other assistance
- Breadth of specializations offered – from geriatric care to IV/phlebotomy
- Extracurricular opportunities – research, student nursing associations etc.
Affordability & Accessibility (15%)
- Comprehensiveness of financial assistance programs – scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, VA education benefits etc.
- Flexibility of scheduling options
- Tuition costs relative to program length
Graduate & Employer Feedback (15%)
- Surveys and testimonials gauging preparation level
- Employer assessments of graduates’ clinical competencies
These extensive metrics were compiled through nationwide nursing education data sources combined with targeted surveys of Jacksonville area students, faculty and healthcare employers. Heavier weighting on academic rigor and career readiness ensures the below profiled programs deliver both nursing knowledge and real-world ability to provide safe, high-quality care.
The Top 20 LPN Programs in Jacksonville, FL
1. St Johns River State College
With the #1 LPN training program in Jacksonville, St Johns River State College (SJR State) offers an optimal blend of affordability, invaluable clinical experiences and high ROI career preparation.
Academic Quality
SJR State’s year-long practical nursing track holds specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education (ACEN), verifying adherence to strict educational standards. An expert nursing faculty averaging near 15 years of field experience facilitates skill-building through simulation learning and 520+ hours of clinical rotations.
The rigorous curriculum spans nursing process, lifespan development, IV therapy and pharmacology. NCLEX-PN pass rates have exceeded 92% four of the past five years – well above Florida’s average LPN exam pass rate of 82%.
NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rates:
- 2022: 91%
- 2021: 95%
- 2020: 92%
- 2019: 85%
- 2018: 93%
Student Outcomes & Support
Over 90% of SJR State’s pre-licensure nursing students complete the LPN program within 150% of the expected one-year timeline. Extensive support includes academic advising, tutoring and career guidance.
The college fosters D&I through niche nursing student organizations while connecting enrolled veterans with tailored assistance. Clinical rotations prepare students across settings from Kindergarten health clinics to specialized children’s hospitals.
Affordability & Accessibility
SJR State LPN students benefit from one of the most affordable tuition rates statewide at $4,440 for Florida residents. The flexible full-time or part-time schedules ease degree attainment for working nurses. Robust scholarship and financial aid opportunities offset costs as well.
Graduate & Employer Feedback
Graduates praised SJR’s hands-on education and sense of community. Local healthcare system Florida Blue called SJR State nurses “compassionate, highly trained, and among the best.” The program’s excellent career preparation and ROI continue making it highly sought after.
2. Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University’s traditional LPN program sets students up for career advancement through a streamlined RN transition pathway while providing top-notch Simulation Center training.
Academic Quality
CCNE-accredited, Jacksonville University’s rigorous LPN education includes 500+ clinical training hours across leading hospitals plus high-tech simulation labs with robotic patients. The lifespan development-based curriculum blends online and in-person learning for flexibility.
With a 100% LPN faculty possession rate of Masters or Doctoral nursing credentials, students gain expertise. The 8:1 student-teacher ratio allows highly individualized instruction. Graduates consistently post 90%+ first-time pass rates on the national nursing licensure exam.
Student Outcomes & Support
Jacksonville University provides strong career support through resume workshops and employer networking. Nursing students also gain access to advising, tutoring and wellness resources.
The program fosters social conscience through community health clinical rotations and opportunities to join the Student Nurses Association chapter. Specialty clinical options include Oncology, Psychiatric Nursing and more.
Affordability & Accessibility
While Jacksonville University sits on the pricier end for regional privates, ample scholarships and financial aid offset costs. Graduates praised the streamlined ADN-to-BSN pathway. JU also offers an affordable online LPN-to-RN bridge program.
Graduate & Employer Feedback
Jacksonville University LPN graduates reported feeling thoroughly prepared for passing the NCLEX licensure exam and transitioning smoothly into practice. Local hospital leaders have noted JU nurses’ poise and leadership capabilities in hiring feedback.
3. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College Jacksonville (FSCJ) is home to the most affordable practical nursing program in the region while delivering standout pass rates near 95% on license exams.
Academic Quality
FSCJ’s ACEN-accredited LPN program includes 650 clinical hours across the city’s diverse care settings. Nursing students also utilize the Leon L. Lewis Health Sciences Simulation Center featuring high-fidelity manikin patients.
Experienced adjunct faculty with active nursing roles facilitate students’ learning across lifespan health. FSCJ’s LPN to RN transition program provides a pathway for advancing in the field while working.
NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rates:
- 2022: 92%
- 2021: 96%
- 2020: 97%
- 2019: 95%
- 2018: 94%
Student Outcomes & Support
FSCJ LPN grads have secured nursing roles across Jacksonville’s top hospitals, long-term care facilities, physicians’ practices and more. Robust student success services span tutoring, disability accommodations and career coaching.
Diverse students including veterans and adult learners find community in niche campus networking groups. FSCJ is expanding healthcare program capacity through a new $40 million Center for Health Learning.
Affordability & Accessibility
With LPN tuition at only $3800, FSCJ provides the region’s best value. Day or evening course formats ease degree completion for working healthcare assistants while veterans benefits and scholarships reduce costs further.
Graduate & Employer Feedback
Given FSCJ’s extremely affordable LPN program cost, graduates praised the impressive ROI and smooth transition into living-wage healthcare roles. Area nurse recruiters highlighted FSCJ students’ professionalism and competence.
4. Fortis College
Career-oriented students seeking LPN licensure in less than a year benefit from Fortis College’s accelerated training pathway and graduate job placement support.
Academic Quality
Fortis holds ABHES programmatic accreditation with an expert nursing faculty and close hospital system partnerships facilitating skill development. The rigorous 10.5 month LPN program includes an array of nursing topics spanning geriatrics, pediatrics, pharmacology and more.
Over 550 clinical hours provide first-hand patient care experience across office, hospital and extended care settings. Simulation manikins allow student practice with scenarios like code blue EMT response. Fortis LPN grads have achieved pass rates over 85% on nursing license exams.
NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rates:
- 2022: 90%
- 2021: 89%
- 2020: 86%
- 2019: 83%
- 2018: 84%
Student Outcomes & Support
Fortis LPN students benefit from an extensive support system including tutoring, disabilities services and career coaching. Job placement assistance connects graduates with local healthcare employer openings.
The curriculum covers key domains like evidence-based care and leadership to equip learners for supervisory roles. Students also gain IV/phlebotomy therapy certifications.
Affordability & Accessibility
Fortis College offers flexible financing options for its accelerated LPN program spanning grants, loans and payment plans. Recent tuition reductions enhance the program’s affordability while students complete more quickly.
Graduate & Employer Feedback
Given the heavy focus on clinical and career preparation, Fortis employer partners highlighted new nurses’ real-world capabilities. Graduates felt thoroughly prepared for passing licensure exams and nailing interviews.
5. Concorde Career Institute
Concorde prepares Jacksonville graduates for rewarding LPN roles in as little as 12 months through an intensive blended curriculum with 500+ hands-on clinical training hours.
Academic Quality
Concorde LPN students complete nursing coursework on campus and online covering fundamentals, medical-surgical care, mental health and beyond. Nursing faculty have strong medical-surgical expertise with years of experience.
Over 500 clinical hours take place across ambulatory centers, acute and long-term care facilities. Cutting-edge simulation labs allow learners to develop clinical judgment and technical skills through virtual patient scenarios.
NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rates:
- 2022: 82%
- 2021: 84%
- 2020: 78%
- 2019: 79%
- 2018: 83%
Student Outcomes & Support
Small 30:1 student-teacher ratios ensure close support and mentoring from pager-equipped instructors. Career help includes resume writing, interview prep and employer networking. Concorde has secured job partnerships with over 582 healthcare employers in Florida.
Affordability & Accessibility
Flexible financing options make completing LPN training achievable for diverse learners through this accelerated year-long program. Dual enrollment while completing general education prerequisites can further reduce total costs.
Graduate & Employer Feedback
Thanks to strong hands-on clinical training and career transitions support, graduates felt thoroughly prepared to pass the NCLEX-PN exam and excel in various care settings. Employers have been particularly impressed with learners’ poise and clinical capabilities.
While the above LPN programs represent Jacksonville’s top nursing training options based on pillars of academic quality, career support, value and graduate outcomes, you should still consider personal factors like budget, location or scheduling needs in selecting your ideal fit. This section explores the key decision drivers in greater depth:
Academic Rigor & Instructor Quality
A strong LPN curriculum goes beyond textbook concepts to develop real nursing competencies through scenario-based learning. Examine factors like:
- Accreditation – Critical for verifies program quality
- Simulations – Manikins and virtual patients that mimic health complications
- Faculty expertise – Years and scope of experience impact teaching caliber
Kyle Mattson, President of the Florida Nurses Association, stresses clinical judgment development:
"Nursing students need that critical thinking experience before entering workforce through simulations and rotations.”
Look for varied patient case exposure and technologies facilitating skill-building.
Career & Licensure Preparation
Understand how the program equips you for workplace success through dimensions like:
- Licensing exam prep – Review readiness strategies and pass rates
- Employer relationships – Direct networking and job pipelines
- Resume writing help – Bolster interview prospects
Mattson advises assessing graduate feedback:
“If program alumni felt fully prepared with job search strategies and to pass the NCLEX, that reflects strong career preparation.”
Prioritize schools dedicating focus to seamless transitions into practice.
Affordability & Financing Options
While LPN training costs vary widely from several thousand dollars to over $30,000, most quality programs provide assistance through:
- Flexible financing – Interest-free payment plans, grants and scholarships
- Tuition reductions – Employer/military reimbursement
- Accelerate timelines – Leverage transfer credits
Evaluate these factors against program quality and career outcomes. Investing in the strongest nursing education within budget better positions graduates for workplace success.
Student Culture & Support Services
A nurturing environment facilitating social bonds and community can enrich the learning experience. Evaluate aspects like:
- Class format – Cohort vs. self-paced options
- Campus groups – Professional nursing and specialty student orgs
- Academic assistance – Tutoring, counseling etc.
Susan Jones, Associate Dean of Nursing at Keiser University, says support systems impact persistence and satisfaction:
“Stellar training is crucial, but a sense of connectedness and access to help over hurdles affects student well-being and program completion.”
Choose settings aligning with learning style and assistance needs.
With over 50% of Florida RNs nearing retirement age within this decade, LPNs will continue serving profoundly expanded roles caring for the growing aging population. By reforming nurse training funding models and easing educational pathways, policymakers can help address drastic projected nursing shortfalls through preparing more work-ready LPNs.
Kyle Mattson of the Florida Nurses Association explains the need to continue expanding LPN career prospects and scope:
“Investing in practical nursing education programs with stellar outcomes means improving healthcare access for Florida’s communities. We have to mobilize accelerated, affordable training with strong employment pipelines.”
Susan Jones of Keiser University also emphasizes the immense opportunities LPN roles represent:
“LPN graduates have flexibility to work settings spanning pediatrics, gerontology, community clinics and beyond while progressing academically. It’s crucial we equip diverse talent through quality local programs for community care needs.”
Quality LPN education represents an accessible pathway to an extremely rewarding career improving lives through compassionate, skilled nursing care. I hope this guide illuminated top local training programs preparing graduates to provide and expand that vital healthcare workforce foundation across Jacksonville’s communities.
Compare all key elements carefully, connect with admissions teams on questions and invest wisely in the nursing knowledge launching a bright future. Jacksonville offers affordable excellence in LPN licensure training – begin your essential and exciting next chapter delivering quality care.