This program prepares students for entry level into the nursing field.  It provides students with skills necessary to practice nursing care in numerous health care settings. The content includes, but is not limited to, theoretical instruction and clinical experience in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing along with theoretical instruction and clinical experience in acute, care, long term care and community settings. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as licensed practical nurses. This program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.

This occupation has an average wage of $22.10 an hour, based on the Florida Occupational Employment and Wages for Polk County.

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program. The instructional processes, tools and materials used in this laboratory are similar to those used in industry.

The following table illustrates the postsecondary program structure: 

Occupational Completion Points (OCPs)

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of two Occupational Completion Points. OCPs provide a student with early completion training options linked to employment opportunities established by the Florida Department of Education based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system and accepted industry titles.

Admission Requirements

This program is available for adult students who are 18 years of age or older, who are interested in Technical College education for employment purposes and/or continuing their education at a postsecondary education institution. Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis following a Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) assessment, if applicable, and an interview with a Counselor at Traviss. Students must be able to attend school regularly and to participate satisfactorily in the activities of this program. 

Licensure/Certification

The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing. Upon completion of this program, students are eligible to apply to take and pass the Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, CAT NCLEX-PN to be employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). 

State Requirements for Obtaining a Florida Practical Nursing License