The Practical Nursing pathway prepares students for licensure and careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) serving diverse patient populations across Florida's healthcare system. Students develop comprehensive clinical nursing skills, patient care competencies, and professional nursing ethics through rigorous classroom and clinical training. This pathway addresses Florida's significant nursing workforce shortage and offers graduates immediate employment opportunities across hospital, long-term care, home health, and specialty care settings.
Practical nurses are vital frontline healthcare providers who deliver direct patient care, monitor health status, administer medications, and provide emotional support to patients and families. Florida's aging population, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and high tourism-related injuries create strong demand for LPNs throughout the state. The pathway emphasizes both technical clinical skills and the compassionate communication essential to nursing practice.
Students complete rigorous training in health science fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, and maternal-newborn nursing. The program includes extensive clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities where students work under registered nurse supervision. Graduates complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and become Florida-licensed practical nurses.
Practical Nursing at a Glance
2
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Florida's practical nursing curriculum aligns with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) standards and Florida Board of Nursing regulations for licensed practical nurse preparation. The program encompasses comprehensive health science anatomy and physiology as the foundation for understanding patient pathophysiology. Students complete coursework in pharmacology, nursing assessment, care planning, infection control, and evidence-based nursing practice specific to Florida healthcare settings.
The curriculum prepares students for the NCLEX-PN examination and Florida practical nurse licensure. Clinical education includes minimum required hours in hospital, long-term care, and community health settings under registered nurse preceptorship. Students master professional nursing standards, legal and ethical responsibilities, and cultural competency required by Florida nursing boards.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Health Science Anatomy & Physiology | 8417100 |
| Practical Nursing | 8418400 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- ✓CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
- ✓First Aid
- ✓Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- ✓Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- ✓EKG Technician
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Licensed Practical Nurse - Hospital
Entry LevelSalary range: $77,070 - $99,260
Licensed Practical Nurse - Long-Term Care
Entry LevelSalary range: $77,070 - $99,260
Charge Nurse
ExperiencedSalary range: $77,070 - $99,260
Nursing Supervisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $77,070 - $99,260
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Clinical internships place students in hospital medical-surgical units, critical care environments, pediatric settings, obstetric units, psychiatric facilities, and long-term care facilities where they provide direct patient care under registered nurse supervision and develop professional practice competencies.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Florida CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Florida Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Florida's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Florida standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Florida
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The Dental Aide pathway prepares students for entry-level positions in dental offices, orthodontic practices, and dental clinics across Florida. Students develop skills in patient care support, sterilization techniques, chairside assistance, and basic administrative functions. This pathway serves as an excellent entry point into the dental field and aligns with growing oral health demand from Florida's expanding senior population and overall population growth. Dental aides are essential members of the dental care team, assisting dentists and hygienists while ensuring positive patient experiences. Florida's aging demographic and urban development continue to drive growth in dental service providers. The pathway emphasizes both technical skills and patient communication, preparing graduates for immediate workplace entry with the option to advance to dental hygiene or expanded dental assisting roles. The program combines classroom instruction in oral anatomy and dental procedures with hands-on practice in simulated and clinical settings. Students learn sterilization protocols, infection control, and OSHA compliance requirements. Graduates gain confidence working in fast-paced clinical environments and understand the importance of maintaining patient privacy and professional ethics.
Health ScienceHealth Science
Florida's Health Science pathway prepares students for careers in one of the state's largest and fastest-growing employment sectors. With extensive healthcare facilities across the state, from major medical centers in Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville to specialized hospitals and long-term care facilities, Florida's healthcare industry provides abundant career opportunities. The pathway includes five specialized tracks: Therapeutic Services, Diagnostic Services, Health Informatics, Support Services, and Biotechnology Research and Development. Students gain foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and patient care while specializing in their chosen track. Florida's emphasis on industry certifications enables students to earn credentials like CNA before graduation. The program connects students with Florida's healthcare ecosystem through clinical rotations, internships, and partnerships with healthcare facilities throughout the state. With Florida's aging population and expanding healthcare infrastructure, demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow.
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