How Can I Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the State of Florida?

Types of Nursing Degrees

When applying to nursing school, choosing the right degree program can be daunting. Why are there so many different types of nurses? How are the degrees different? What duties can I expect to perform on the job? What kind of job can I get after I finish my degree? When figuring our how to become a licensed practical nurse, these are good questions to ask.

In general, there are four different types of nurses:

1. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): Training for CNAs is typically the shortest for all types of nursing degrees. CNAs can receive their diploma or certificate in as little as four to 12 weeks. CNAs must pass an exam to become state certified. 
2. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): Diploma programs for LPNs can be completed in as little as 12 months. Upon graduation, students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become state licensed and qualified for work. 
3. Registered Nurses (RNs): There are two main paths to becoming a registered nurse. Students can earn an associates degree in nursing (two year duration) or a bachelor of science in nursing (four year duration). Upon graduation, students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become state licensed and qualified for work. Some states may have additional requirements for licensure.
4. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): Students interested in becoming an advanced practice registered nurse can earn a master of science in nursing (two year duration) or a doctor of nursing practice (three to four years duration). MSN and DNP programs typically require students to have an active RN license. After graduation from a MSN or DNP program, students must pass a national certification exam. Depending on your area of specialty and the state in which you reside, additional certification, clinical experience, or licensure may be required. 

What does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do?

When you are deciding to become a licensed practical nurse, it is important to understand what they do. LPNs are responsible for providing basic patient medical care. This includes taking vital signs and blood pressure, placing IV lines or catheters, drawing blood, dispensing medication, changing bandages and dressings, and feeding, dressing, or bathing patients. LPNs have an important responsibility to act as a communication bridge between the patient, their family and also caregivers, and the patient’s care team. They are critical to helping patients and their families understand their care plan and procedures they will undergo. LPNs also keep doctors and RNs updated on the patient’s status, maintain patient medical records, and perform administrative work. 

How do LPN Duties Differ from RN duties?

LPNs are typically directly responsible for patient care and spend more time interacting with patients than other types of nurses. LPNs are the “boots on the ground” that provide basic care and also ensure their patients are comfortable. RNs typically spend less time directly interacting with patients and more time interacting with the greater care team. Although RNs perform medical tasks and provide treatment, they also work with doctors to create care plans. RNs may perform a management role and typically oversee LPNs. 

Given the high degree of patient contact, LPNs may benefit from a compassionate heart and also a love for people. Becoming an LPN can be  a rewarding endeavor for anyone that has a passion for helping others.

Working as an LPN in Florida

After choosing to become a licensed practical nurse and receiving your diploma, then it is time to go to work. As the Baby Boomer population continues to age, the overall need for healthcare should increase nationally. The number of seniors will also continue to rapidly increase in coming years, particularly in Florida–one of the top retirement spots in the United States. As such, the population of seniors in Florida is expected to rise, prompting the need for additional nurses and other healthcare workers to keep pace with care needs for the aging population.

In addition, chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and age-related disorders have become more prevalent, adding to the increase in demand for healthcare. LPNs will be needed to help care for patients in home health settings, residential care facilities, and also outpatient care settings. Nationally, the average expected growth rate for LPNs from 2021 to 2031 is above average at 6%, and is expected to add approximately 41,000 LPN jobs over the next 10 years. 

Overview of the LPN Program at Justee College

Justee College offers two nursing programs–an associate of science in nursing (ASN) and also a licensed practical nurse diploma (PN). Our practical nurse diploma program prepares graduates for employment as a licensed practical nurse, offering instruction and clinical experience in medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, medication administration, geriatric and long-term care nursing, and obstetrical and pediatric nursing. The program consists of approximately 1,350 clock hours, with over half the hours spent on clinical applications. Classes are delivered in a traditional classroom setting on Justee’s campus. Class topics in the practical nurse diploma program include:

• Medical Terminology
• Introduction to Nursing
• Long Term Care Nursing
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Pharmacology and Intravenous Therapy Skills
• Medical Surgical Nursing I & II
• Maternal Newborn Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Mental Health Concepts
• Community Health
• Transition to Practice

Graduates of the PN program will become eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, the state board examination necessary to become a licensed practical nurse.

How to Register for Justee College’s LPN Program

Are you ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Justee College’s licensed practical nurse diploma program is here to support you with skilled instructors and applicable real-world clinical experience. We are devoted to your success and look forward to helping you achieve your dream of becoming an LPN! Contact us to schedule a campus tour and request a course catalog, or apply today!