Florida LPN to RN Guide

1. Why Advance from LPN to RN in Florida?

Florida is one of the fastest-growing states for healthcare careers, making it an ideal location for LPNs to advance to RN status. Here's why thousands of Florida LPNs make this career move every year:

• Significant Salary Increase: Florida RNs earn an average of $88,000/year compared to LPNs at $60,320/year - that's a $27,680 annual increase!
• Expanded Scope of Practice: RNs can administer medications, interpret diagnostic tests, create comprehensive care plans, supervise LPNs and CNAs, and practice more independently.
• Career Advancement: RN credentials open doors to leadership roles, specialized nursing fields (ICU, ER, OR), and advanced practice opportunities.
• Job Growth: Florida projects 7% RN job growth through 2034, driven by the state's aging population and growing healthcare infrastructure.
• Retirement Destination: Florida's large retiree population creates constant demand for skilled RNs in hospitals, long-term care, and home health settings.
• No State Income Tax: Like Texas, Florida has no state income tax - you keep more of your salary increase!
• Year-Round Employment: Florida's tourism and seasonal population create consistent healthcare needs throughout the year.

2. Florida LPN to RN Bridge Program Requirements

2.1 Prerequisites

To enroll in a Florida LPN to RN bridge program, you typically need:

• Active Florida LPN License: Must be current and without restrictions (verified through Florida Board of Nursing)
• High School Diploma or GED: Official transcripts required
• Minimum GPA: Usually 2.5-3.0 on a 4.0 scale (competitive programs may require 3.0-3.5+)
• Prerequisite Courses:
  • Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs)
  • Microbiology (with lab)
  • General Chemistry or Chemistry I
  • General Psychology
  • English Composition I & II
  • Developmental Psychology or Lifespan Development
  • Nutrition (some programs)
• Background Check & Drug Screening: Level 2 background screening required for Florida healthcare workers
• CPR Certification: Current BLS for Healthcare Providers from American Heart Association
• Work Experience: Many programs prefer 1-2 years of LPN work experience
• Entrance Exam: TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI A2 (varies by school)
• Immunizations: Proof of immunizations (MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Tdap, annual flu shot)
• TB Test: Negative tuberculosis test or chest X-ray
• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage (required by most programs)

2.2 Program Options

3. Top Accredited LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Florida

Florida has numerous accredited LPN to RN bridge programs approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Here are some of the top options:

4. Florida LPN vs RN Salary Comparison

One of the most compelling reasons to advance from LPN to RN in Florida is the significant salary increase. Here's a detailed comparison based on 2026 data:

Experience Level	LPN Salary	RN Salary	Annual Increase
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$52,000/year	$75,000/year	+$23,000
Mid-Career (3-5 years)	$60,320/year	$88,000/year	+$27,680
Experienced (5+ years)	$66,000/year	$96,000/year	+$30,000

Additional Financial Benefits in Florida:

• Better Benefits: RN positions typically offer superior health insurance, retirement plans (403b/457), and paid time off
• Shift Differentials: Night and weekend shifts often pay 15-25% more in Florida hospitals
• Specialty Pay: RNs in ICU, ER, OR, L&D, and NICU earn additional premium pay
• Sign-On Bonuses: Many Florida hospitals offer $5,000-$20,000 sign-on bonuses for RNs (especially in high-demand areas)
• Travel Nursing: Florida RNs can earn $85,000-$130,000+ as travel nurses with housing stipends
• Seasonal Demand: Winter season in Florida creates premium pay opportunities due to increased population

5. How to Apply to LPN to RN Programs in Florida

The application process for LPN to RN bridge programs in Florida typically follows this timeline:

5.1 Application Steps

1. Research Programs (4-6 months before desired start date)
   • Compare program lengths, costs, formats, and accreditation
   • Check Florida Board of Nursing approval status
   • Review NCLEX-RN pass rates (aim for 85%+ first-time pass rate)
   • Consider location, schedule flexibility, and clinical partnerships
2. Complete Prerequisites (6-12 months before application)
   • Finish all required prerequisite courses with minimum required grades
   • Ensure your Florida LPN license is current and without restrictions
   • Complete CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers)
   • Gather official transcripts from all colleges attended
3. Submit Application (3-6 months before program start)
   • Complete online application through college admissions portal
   • Submit application fee ($30-$100, varies by institution)
   • Request official transcripts be sent directly to the nursing program
   • Provide copy of current Florida LPN license (verified through DOH)
   • Submit letters of recommendation (usually 2-3 professional references required)
   • Write personal statement or essay explaining career goals
4. Take Entrance Exam (2-3 months before acceptance)
   • Register for TEAS or HESI A2 (check which exam your program requires)
   • Study using official prep materials, practice tests, and study guides
   • Schedule your exam at an approved testing center or online proctored exam
   • Submit official scores directly to your chosen programs
5. Acceptance & Enrollment (1-2 months before program start)
   • Receive acceptance notification (via email or portal)
   • Submit enrollment deposit to secure your seat ($100-$500)
   • Complete Florida Level 2 background screening
   • Complete 10-panel drug screening at approved facility
   • Provide proof of immunizations (MMR, Hepatitis B series, Varicella, Tdap, flu)
   • Submit negative TB test or chest X-ray
   • Provide proof of health insurance coverage
   • Attend mandatory nursing orientation session
   • Register for courses and secure financial aid/payment plan

6. Financial Aid for LPN to RN Students in Florida

Don't let cost prevent you from advancing your nursing career! Florida offers numerous financial aid opportunities for LPN to RN students:

6.1 Federal Financial Aid

• Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year for eligible students (does not need to be repaid)
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: Low-interest loans for students with financial need
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Available regardless of financial need
• Federal Work-Study: Part-time employment opportunities to help pay education expenses
• How to Apply: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov/fafsa - opens October 1st annually

6.2 Florida State Aid

• Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG): Need-based grant for Florida residents attending eligible institutions
• Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP): Provides eligible students with on-campus employment
• Florida Bright Futures Scholarship: Merit-based scholarship for Florida high school graduates (may apply to returning students)
• Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship: For underrepresented minority nursing students in Florida
• Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program: Loan repayment for nurses who work in underserved areas of Florida

6.3 Employer Tuition Assistance

• Hospital Tuition Reimbursement: Many Florida hospitals offer $3,000-$8,000/year for employees pursuing RN degrees
• Return Commitment: Usually requires 1-2 year work commitment after graduation
• Major Florida Employers:
  • AdventHealth (Orlando, Tampa, multiple locations)
  • HCA Florida Healthcare (statewide network)
  • Baptist Health South Florida
  • Orlando Health
  • Tampa General Hospital
  • Jackson Health System (Miami)
  • Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville)

6.4 Military & Veterans Benefits

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: Covers tuition, fees, and provides housing allowance for eligible veterans
• Military Tuition Assistance: Active duty service members can receive up to $4,500/year
• Florida GI Bill Waiver: Waives out-of-state fees for veterans using federal education benefits
• Veterans Education Benefits: Additional state-specific benefits for Florida veteran students

6.5 Scholarships

• Florida Nurses Association (FNA) Scholarships: Multiple scholarships for Florida nursing students
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): Various nursing scholarships and grants
• National League for Nursing (NLN) Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships for nursing students
• Institutional Scholarships: Check with your specific college for school-based scholarships and foundation awards
• Local Organizations: Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, professional associations, hospital auxiliaries, and community foundations
• Minority Scholarships: National Black Nurses Association, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Philippine Nurses Association

7. NCLEX-RN Exam in Florida

After completing your LPN to RN bridge program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) to become a licensed RN in Florida.

7.1 Florida NCLEX-RN Requirements

7.2 NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

• Florida First-Time Pass Rate: Approximately 86% (2023-2024 data)
• National Average: 85-90%
• Note: LPN-to-RN bridge students often have higher pass rates (88-92%) due to prior clinical experience

7.3 Exam Format & Structure

• Question Count: 75-145 questions (computerized adaptive testing - CAT)
• Time Limit: Maximum 5 hours (including tutorial and breaks)
• Question Types:
  • Multiple choice
  • Select all that apply (SATA)
  • Fill-in-the-blank calculations
  • Ordered response (drag and drop)
  • Hot spot (point and click)
  • Audio/video questions
• Content Areas:
  • Safe and Effective Care Environment (26-38%)
  • Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%)
  • Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%)
  • Physiological Integrity (38-62%)

7.4 Scheduling & Testing in Florida

1. Apply to Florida Board of Nursing: Submit your application for licensure by examination online through the Florida Department of Health MQA portal
2. Complete Background Screening: Florida requires Level 2 background screening (fingerprinting)
3. Receive ATT: After approval, you'll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE via email
4. Schedule Exam: You have 90 days from your ATT issue date to schedule and take your exam
5. Choose Testing Center: Pearson VUE has testing centers throughout Florida:
   • Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach
   • Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater
   • Orlando, Jacksonville, Tallahassee
   • Naples, Sarasota, Gainesville
6. Processing Time: Initial application review typically takes 4-6 weeks in Florida
7. Results: Unofficial "Quick Results" available 48 hours after exam for $8 fee

7.5 Florida Temporary Permit

7.6 NCLEX-RN Preparation Tips

• Official NCSBN Resources: NCSBN Learning Extension offers the official NCLEX prep course ($50-$150)
• Practice Questions: Complete at least 3,000-5,000 practice questions before your exam
• Top Study Programs:
  • UWorld NCLEX-RN Review ($129-$329) - highly recommended
  • Kaplan NCLEX Prep ($299-$999)
  • Hurst Review ($500+)
  • ATI NCLEX Prep (usually included with nursing programs)
• Study Groups: Form study groups with classmates for motivation and accountability
• Test-Taking Strategies: Focus on understanding rationales, not just memorizing answers
• Mark Klimek Lectures: Free audio lectures covering NCLEX strategies (available on YouTube)
• Content Review: Review pathophysiology, pharmacology, and priority nursing interventions

8. Florida Board of Nursing Contact Information

The Florida Board of Nursing regulates all nursing education and licensure in the state. Here's how to reach them:

8.1 Common Board of Nursing Services

• License Verification: Check your license status or verify another nurse's license online at floridasnursing.gov
• License Renewal: RN licenses in Florida must be renewed every 2 years by the last day of the licensee's birth month
• Address Changes: Update your contact information through the MQA online portal
• Continuing Education: Florida RNs must complete 27 continuing education (CE) hours every 2 years, including:
  • 2 hours Florida laws and rules
  • 2 hours medical errors prevention
  • 1 hour human trafficking
  • 2 hours domestic violence (first renewal only)
  • 2 hours HIV/AIDS (first renewal only)
• Program Approval: Search for Florida Board of Nursing-approved RN programs online
• Complaint Investigations: Report concerns about nursing practice or violations through the online portal
• Temporary Permits: Apply for temporary practice permit while awaiting NCLEX results