Practical Nursing

Career Certificate Program (Program Code: 5234)

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Earn a certificate that will put you on a path to employment and licensure as an LPN.

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Program Overview

Get started in the nursing field as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) through Palm Beach State College's Practical Nursing Career Certificate Program (CCP). This program equips students with essential knowledge, skills and clinical experience needed to pursue licensure and begin a meaningful career in health care. 

Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training, students gain experience across key areas of nursing, including medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, geriatric and pediatric nursing. Graduates develop the practical skills required to care for patients of all ages and work effectively alongside registered nurses. 

This program builds your path toward a high-demand, rewarding career. You'll be ready to make a difference in a variety of health care settings, from hospitals and long-term care facilities to rehabilitation centers and physician offices. 

Program Details

  • Admission requirements:
  • Location: On-site at Lake Worth campus and approved health care facilities
  • Clock Hours: 1,350
  • Program length: One year (full-time)
  • Start Terms: Spring. View academic calendar.
  • Cost: Approximately $7,000 for Florida residents, including tuition, fees, books, uniforms and medical and background screening. View tuition details. 
  • Financial aid and scholarships: Available to qualified students. Learn about financial aid options.

Health Sciences Pathway Icon  This program is part of the Health Sciences Pathway. Learn more.

Career Outlook

PBSC's Practical Nursing CCP prepares graduates to enter the nursing profession with the foundational knowledge to become licensed practical nurses. In addition to LPN roles, you can apply your training in positions such as home health aides and nursing assistants.

With further education, this certificate can serve as a pathway to advanced nursing roles, including becoming a registered nurse. This program provides a strong foundation for a stable, in-demand career caring for patients across a wide range of settings and needs. 

Stackable Credentials

With a Practical Nursing certificate, you can:

  • Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Associate in Science in Nursing.
  • Take the NCLEX-PN state board examination to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Why Choose PBSC?

  • High Standards: Learn practices approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
  • Student Leadership: Get involved in PBSC's chapter of the Nursing Student Association.
  • Affordable Tuition: PBSC offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Florida, making a cutting-edge nursing education accessible to all.
  • Career-Ready Mindset: Learn from expert faculty and graduate with the skills employers need in today’s health care.
  • Supportive Community: Access internships, industry networking and daily interaction with faculty dedicated to your success.

How to Apply

  • Step 1: Attend a mandatory information session.
  • Step 2: After you attend an information session, you may apply to the program by selecting Program Code 5234 for the Practical Nursing CCP when you fill out PBSC's application on the Admissions webpage.
  • Step 3: Pass the HESI A2 exam.
  • Step 4: Take the Level A TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) exam if not exempt from TABE testing.
  • Step 5: Fill out a limited-access program application for the Practical Nursing program before the deadline listed on the application page.

Take the Next Steps

Palm Beach State College's Practical Nursing CCP is your affordable, flexible and direct route to a rewarding career in a field that's shaping the future. Gain the technical, ethical and problem-solving skills employers want. Start your journey today!

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Program Accreditation

This program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.


Licensure Information

Completion of the program requirements for PBSC's Practical Nursing CCP program makes you eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-PN) in Florida or one of the other 42 nursing compact states if you apply for a multistate license under the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

A list of current compact states can be located on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website: www.nursecompact.com. Since the Practical Nursing CCP program at Palm Beach State College is nationally accredited, the curriculum should meet the requirements of other states; however, some states have requirements in addition to the program’s curriculum. If you wish to take the NCLEX exam in a non-compact state, please contact the professional regulatory agency in that state to determine whether this degree will meet their licensure requirements.

Student eligibility to apply to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam in Florida is defined in 464.008, F.S., and includes possession of a valid form of identification and a social security number. Please visit the Florida Board of Nursing website to ensure your eligibility.