On August 4, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (the System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.
Program format:
- On Campus
Practical Nursing (LPN Program) Diploma
Complete the Practical Nursing program at Rasmussen University in as few as 15 months for around $25,000, if you qualify for the LPN Care Grant.completion-time-transfer-creditsLPN-tuition-fees With a mix of online and on-campus learning at 10 campuses in Minnesota and Florida, you’ll be prepared for the NCLEX-PN® examNCLEX-PN-trademark and the opportunity to advance into the LPN to RN Bridge. Eight start dates per year and no prerequisite coursework required for admission to help you start on your schedule.
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ACEN AccreditationPractical Nursing programs in Minnesota and Central Pasco, Florida, are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).acen-lpn-all
Program Overview
Practical Nursing Program Overview
In our Practical Nursing program, you'll prepare to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in as few as 15 months.completion-time-transfer-credits On-campus labs help you learn to provide safe, ethical, holistic and compassionate care for a variety of patients. Not only will you practice how to collaborate with other nurses and physicians but also grow confidence in yourself and nurture a spirit of lifelong learning.
You'll work alongside compassionate experts who have centered their working lives around helping nurses grow and succeed—from faculty members and academic advisors to peer tutors, financial aid experts and 24/7 tech support.
As a national leader in nursing education, our job is to support you from your very first step in our Practical Nursing program, including:
- Eight start dates per year
- No prerequisite coursework for admission
- No waiting list at many campuses for qualified applicants
- No need to apply twice
- Program Accreditation
- ACEN at Select Campusesacen-lpn-all
- LPN Care Grant
- Save Up to $2,000LPN-care-grant
- Locations
10 Campuses
- Curriculum
- 15 Courses
- Cost Per Credit
- $384fl-credit-pricing
Careers & Outcomes
Examine Your Future with a Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
The Practical Nursing program is a great way to get into a nursing role. Learn more about what you'll be prepared for once you graduate, from the NCLEX-PN exam and direct patient care skills to licensed practical nurse (LPN) career pathways.
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Be Prepared to Do
In-person practice, hands-on demonstrations, peer study groups, online library resources and more—everything you need to pass the NCLEX-PN® exam and continue your path into licensed practical nursing.NCLEX-PN-trademark
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Prepare to Take the NCLEX-PN Exam
Our LPN program is designed to help you prepare to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN exam. After successful completion of the licensing exam, you'll be on your way to a confident nursing profession.
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Pursue a Meaningful Career
Many LPNs are satisfied with their careers as hands-on care providers. Our Practical Nursing grads are prepared to start their careers in a wide range of environments.
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Advance with Our LPN to RN Bridge
If you decide to advance your education to increase your scope of practice, we offer a bridge option to becoming a registered nurse (RN) through our Professional Nursing (ADN/RN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
Skills You'll Gain
Skills for Essential Patient Care
From basic care and monitoring vital signs to foundational knowledge of pharmacology, mental health nursing, maternal-child and more, you'll gain a variety of nursing skills to become a caring and confident nurse.
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Compassionate Patient Care
Our real-world partnerships help you succeed as an LPN through extensive hands-on clinical experiences as you earn your Practical Nursing Diploma.
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Healthcare Industry Insight
Learn from experienced Practical Nursing program faculty and leadership who can provide a strong foundation in the medical field.
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Critical Thinking and Confidence
By dealing with real-world scenarios, you'll learn how to think and act quickly in the interest of your patients' health.
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Experience Across Healthcare Settings
Gain clinical exposure in healthcare settings like clinics and long-term care.
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Transferable Skills
Develop employer-valued transferable skills, or soft skills, including critical thinking, digital fluency, communication and more.
Typical Career Paths
Get Started in Entry-Level Nursing Practice
The Practical Nursing Diploma program can help you gain quick entry into the field. About 51,800 openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Practical Nursing graduates are prepared to support their communities in this high-demand career.
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5.9%
projected job growth for licensed practical nurses between 2024 and 2034 in Minnesota according to the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
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2.3%
projected job growth over the next decade in Florida, according to the Florida Center for Nursing (FCN).
As a licensed practical nurse (LPN), common careers take place in:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Assisted living centers
- Rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient/ambulatory care centers
- Home health care services
- Clinics
- Physician's offices
The BLS reports that licensed practical nursing duties may include:
- Monitor patients' health by checking their blood pressure, body temperature and other vital signs.
- Provide basic patient care and comfort.
- Discuss care with patients and listen to their concerns and communicate with family members.
- Report patients' status and concerns to registered nurses (RNs), advanced practice nurses or physicians.
- Document patient care and maintain health records.
Outcome Rates
Practical Nursing Program Outcome Rates
View Student Achievement Data below. Data includes the NCLEX-PN Pass Rate and Program Completion Rate for Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) programs.
| Campus and Program | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 1a | Program Completion Rate 2a |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University – Central Pasco Practical Nursing DiplomaACEN-lpn-cpo | 93.94% | 39.30% |
| Rasmussen University – Eagan Practical Nursing DiplomaACEN-lpn-eagan | 85.51% | 25.20% |
| Rasmussen University – Fort Myers Practical Nursing Diplomalpn-ftmyers-not-accredited | 100.00% | 14.00% |
| Rasmussen University – Mankato Practical Nursing DiplomaACEN-lpn-mankato | 93.75% | 14.30% |
| Rasmussen University – Moorhead Practical Nursing DiplomaACEN-lpn-moorhead | 85.00% | 46.70% |
| Rasmussen University – Ocala Practical Nursing Diplomalpn-ocala-not-accredited | 87.23% | 11.50% |
| Rasmussen University – St. Cloud Practical Nursing DiplomaACEN-lpn-stcloud | 100.00% | 8.30% |
| Rasmussen University – Tampa/Brandon Practical Nursing Diplomalpn-tb-not-accredited | 89.66% | 32.60% |
- 1a NCLEX Pass Rate is based on First-Time Candidates taking the licensure exam in 2025.
- 2a Program Completion Rate reflects students who completed the program in no more than 100% of the stated program length beginning with the enrollment in the first nursing course taken between October 2024 and July 2025.
Education Advancement
Nursing Education for Every Level
With the many Nursing programs at Rasmussen University, you can easily transfer credits from one level to the next. Start by completing a Practical Nursing Diploma and quickly enter the nursing field as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Then, you can choose to continue with our LPN to RN Bridge option and prepare to become a registered nurse with a Professional Nursing Associate's degree in Nursing. How far you go in your nursing education and career path is up to you.
You are here
Step 1
Practical Nursing Diploma
Prepare for the NCLEX-PN and start helping patients as an LPN.
Request more info
Step 2
LPN to RN Bridge
Finish faster, sit for the NCLEX-RN®NCLEX-RN-trademark and prepare for opportunities as a registered nurse (RN).
Explore This Program
Step 3
RN to BSN Entry Track
Study online to become a sought-after BSN-prepared RN.
Explore This Program
Step 4
MSN/DNP
Advance into nurse practitioner, nursing education, professional or leadership and administrative specialties.
Explore This Program
How Does LPN Compare to Other Early Entry Nursing?
One of the great benefits of the nursing field is the number of opportunities for growth in your education and career goals. The first decision is where to start your nursing education. LPNs and LVNs are the same type of nurse but with different titles based on the licensure state. Our Practical Nursing LPN/PN program gets you working sooner, while still providing a clear and quick route to educational growth.
| Career Detail | LPN | LVN | CNA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing states | All states, excluding Texas and California | Texas and California | Varies by state |
| How long training takes | As few as 15 monthscompletion-time-transfer-credits | About 12 months, according to the BLSbls-nursing-lpns | As few as 3–6 months, according to the American Red Crossred-cross-cna |
| Job outlook | 3%bls-nursing-lpns | 3%bls-nursing-lpns | 3%red-cross-cna |
| Typical employers | Nursing care facilities, hospitals, home healthcare, physicians' offices, government | Nursing care facilities, hospitals, home healthcare, physicians' offices, government | Nursing care facilities, hospitals, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, home healthcare, government |
| Work schedules | Full-time; may need to work nights, weekends and holidays | Full-time; may need to work nights, weekends and holidays | Most full-time, some part-time; may need to work nights, weekends and holidays |
| Work environment | Under supervision of RNs and doctors; provide basic medical care to ill, injured, convalescing patients or persons with disabilities | Under supervision of RNs and doctors; provide basic medical care to ill, injured, convalescing patients or persons with disabilities | Under supervision of LPNs, LVNs or RNs; provide basic care and help with daily activities |
Courses
What Types of LPN Classes Will I Take?
As a Practical Nursing program student, your comprehensive education includes online and on-campus courses, plus hands-on experience in a clinical setting with experienced nursing faculty. You will develop networks of nursing cohorts with your peers as you all learn how to provide safe, ethical, holistic and compassionate client-centered care for diverse individuals.
Featured Courses
This course introduces students to skills required for basic care and comfort of individuals experiencing alterations in skin integrity, nutrition, and metabolism. Students demonstrate appropriate techniques for data collection, medical asepsis, standard precautions, and universal precautions. Accurate medication calculation and demonstration of safe medication administration are required.
This course provides an overview of the Practical Nurse’s role when providing client-centered care for the older adult. The student will focus on promoting a holistic approach to care for the geriatric client. This course examines basic pathophysiological, nutritional, pharmacology, psychosocial, and ethical and legal responsibilities associated with the care of the older adult client. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in healthcare settings.
This course focuses on caring for clients with mental health disorders. Emphasis is placed on foundations of mental health concepts, therapeutic environments, coordinated care, and crisis management interventions. Care of the client with substance abuse, addictive disorders, and psychobiologic disorders, as well as special populations with mental health disorders, is presented. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in mental healthcare settings.
This course provides foundational knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics as related to client care. Major drug classifications, as well as principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are explored for medications affecting the body systems. Legal, ethical, and professional considerations surrounding medication administration are explored. Resources needed for safe medication preparation and administration, as well as principles of professional communication related to client safety, are presented.
Program Highlights
Quick Course Facts
The contemporary, outcomes-based, laddered curricular framework aligns to the Quality and Safety Education for Nursing (QSEN) Competencies and the National League for Nursing (NLN®) Education Competencies.nln-tm
- 56 Credits
- 15 Courses to Complete
- Transfer 4 Credits for English Composition
- Eight Start Dates Per Year
Take the Next Step Toward Your LPN License
Request more information and an admissions representative will walk you through the admissions process, program requirements, campus features, student resources and more—with no application fee and no obligation.
Student Experience
What It's Like to Be a Practical Nursing Student
Whether you're showing up for an in-person lab or completing assignments online, there are a variety of support services ready to help.
Campus Labs and Collaboration
You'll experience interactive on-campus labs that prepare you for direct patient care. State-of-the-art facilities and simulation labs help you practice like you're in a real clinical setting. This also allows you to practice with your Nursing student peers and get immediate feedback from the experienced faculty.
Online Courses and Online Exam Preparation
Online general education courses can be completed on your schedule. You can also get support for your in-person and online learning with a variety of online resources. Access the exceptional library resources, including specific collections for NCLEX-PN exam study prep.
When you need extra support, help is only a few clicks away, including:
- 24/7 tech support
- Personalized academic advisor
- Discuss assignments with a peer tutor
- Writing Lab and APA tools
- Togetherall® mental health supporttogetherall
- On-demand career resources
Tuition & Costs
Estimate Your Tuition and Fees
With eight start dates a year and a total of 15 courses, students can finish in as few as 15 months for an estimated $25,149 with the LPN Care Grant.completion-time-transfer-creditsLPN-tuition-fees
Practical Nursing Diploma
Tuition per credit
$384
Total credits
56
Total tuition
$21,504
Total fees
$5,645
LPN Care Grant Savings
$2,000
Full-time estimated tuition and fees
$25,149*
Use our tuition estimator
*This reflects pricing for Florida students. Please speak with an admissions representative or use the tuition estimator tool to calculate your costs.
Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).
Tuition Savings
LPN Care Grant
Up to $2,000
Tuition savings for eligible Practical Nursing students to help empower their first steps.LPN-care-grant
Affordability
More Ways to Save on Tuition
Higher education should be a manageable investment, and there's more than one way to save on tuition. Talk to an admissions representative and learn how our hybrid on-campus and online Practical Nursing (LPN) program is designed to be more affordable. You could also save up to $2,000 with the LPN Care Grant.LPN-care-grant
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Financial Aid
94% of Rasmussen University's full-time undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid.education-statistics You're not alone figuring out how to pay for nursing school. -
Employer Benefits
Over 300 employers have an alliance with Rasmussen University. If your employer has an alliance, you could save up to 20% on your tuition.corp-grant-terms -
Military Tuition Benefits
Utilize our 20% military grant, tuition grants or your GI Bill® education benefits to start the next chapter of your professional life.lower-tuition-not-eligiblegi-bill -
Transfer Credits
Get your transfer credits reviewed in one business day (on average). You can also take a $149 self-directed assessment to show that you don't need to take a specific course.
Answering the Call to Care
Through caring for herself, her younger sisters and children through volunteering, Tasia not only discovered her calling, but answered it by pursuing a nursing education.
Tasia T.:
I was fresh out of high school, and I was working a 9 to 5 job. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do. My great aunt had reached out to me and she was like, whatever you want to do, I'll help you out. Growing up with a big family, I think I've always kind of been a caregiver. So nursing was in the back of my mind.
Rasmussen University, they did a very, very good job of giving us the resources that we need. I reached out to some tutors online too, just to help me write papers. It was so helpful and my grades reflected that as well.
I wasn't really expecting to meet close friends like I did. We built a community pretty much right away.
Working in nursing homes and doing my clinicals, you get to know the family and the patient. You have to really get to know their personality, their likes, their dislikes, their nonverbal communication, you know, and just the sense of knowing what they want and don't want, I think builds a sense of trust. And I built a really good relationship, kind of in like a, a grandparent way, almost.
Dr. Carrie Daninhirsch:
Please rise as I officially present the graduating class of 2025.
Tasia:
With my LPN from Rasmussen University, I would love to go into pediatrics. I grew up with three little sisters, so I've always loved kids and just caring for them. After a 12 hour clinical, it's so nice coming home to a supportive family and one who I can actually spend time with and want to spend time with after such a long day.
My mom's my best friend, so I kind of go to her with anything that I have - any problems and issues, and she's always there to listen unconditionally.
Tasia's mom:
She's going to be the first college graduate in our family. I can't wait to see what she does because I know she's going to go far.
Tasia:
I tell my little sisters all the time, you know, that they have to try new things. And especially I say do it if you're scared, if you're scared to do it, do it anyway. It pushes yourself to go farther than you ever thought that you could. It pushed me to go farther than I ever thought I could.
I'm Tasia Thongratsamy and I am a Rasmussen University graduate.
Rasmussen University, they did a very, very good job of giving us the resources that we need. I wasn't really expecting to meet close friends like I did. We built a community pretty much right away.
Tasia T.
Practical Nursing Graduate
Admissions
Practical Nursing Program Requirements
Nursing school built to get you started—not to hold you back. At Rasmussen University, you only need to apply once, and you can begin your Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) classes when it's convenient for you with eight start dates per year.
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Prerequisite Courses for Admission
No prior college coursework? No problem. You can begin the Practical Nursing program right away.
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Waitlists at Many Campuses
Qualified applicants can usually start at their chosen campus when it works best for their schedule.limited-seats-lpn
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Application Fee
There is no cost to apply, and financial aid assistance is available for those who qualify.
From the blog
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
You’ve always known that you like to care for people, and becoming a licensed practical nurse is one way you can utilize your natural abilities. But how exactly do you become an LPN? Let's dive deeper into the education requirements, clinical training, common skills, exams and more.
Read MoreNursing Information Sessions
See Your Future at a Nursing Information Session
You focus on your Nursing degree and becoming a compassionate, skilled nurse—we'll provide the tools and resources to help you get there. Learn more about our Nursing programs and your local campus at a Nursing Information Session and receive help on your nursing application.
What Happens at an Information Session
Get answers on Nursing courses and scheduling, cost and financial aid, transfer credit, and what clinicals ask of you.
- Virtual or in-person tour of the campus, including the simulation lab
- Talk through your nursing career path with a School of Nursing admissions representative
- Start enrollment once your questions are answered
Register for a Session
Pick a campus, program, date and time to register for an upcoming session. You can also bring a friend to the same session and pursue nursing education together.
Campuses
Find a Campus Near You
Browse the map to find the Rasmussen University campus closest to you.
Find your nearest campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions new Practical Nursing students ask us most.
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) provides hands-on nursing care, working under the direction of healthcare workers such as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians. This can include monitoring patients' health, administering basic care, reporting patients' concerns and updating health records.
For more insight into the role of an LPN, check out our blog post: What Does an LPN Do? A Closer Look at These Versatile Caregivers.
Yes, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for LPNs between 2025 and 2035 is 3%, which is about as fast as the national average.bls-nursing-lpns
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide licensing exam for nurses, and the NCLEX-PN is the examination for practical nursing that students must successfully complete in order to start working as licensed practical nurses.
Upon completion of the program, students can sit for the National Council Licensing Exam and pursue a practical nursing career or additional education.
As an LPN, you can work in long-term care settings, assisted living centers, in-home health care services, clinics, outpatient/ambulatory care centers, rehabilitation centers and more.
To learn more about the opportunities available to you, check out our blog post: Where Do LPNs Work? 10 Healthcare Settings They Serve In.
Practical nursing refers to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who provide hands-on nursing care, working under the direction of healthcare workers such as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians. This can include monitoring patients' health, administering basic care, reporting patient concerns and updating health records. Many LPNs work in assisted living or residential services rather than in hospitals.
Professional nursing, on the other hand, refers to registered nurses who usually earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN). They typically have a greater variety of job opportunities in the work environment by passing the NCLEX-RN and becoming registered nurses (RNs). RNs often supervise others and count on their critical thinking skills to perform assessments and make judgments about patient care. RNs are more likely to work in hospitals in a variety of roles.
Both licensed practical nurses and registered nurses need to successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination. To learn more about the differences, check out our blog post: Practical Nursing vs. Professional Nursing: Understanding the Differences.
At Rasmussen University, you can earn your diploma in as few as 15 months.completion-time-transfer-credits After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you're set to begin working as an LPN.
Although this is not a fully online Practical Nursing program, it does include a self-directed assessment to help save time and money and online coursework. The program is largely hands-on and campus-based—where you'll get career-focused training through onsite clinicals. Plus, in the greater Tampa metro area, you can choose between weekday or evening and weekend course options.
To become an LPN, you must complete a full state board-approved educational program (like earning your Diploma at Rasmussen University) and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
At Rasmussen University, we're here to help. Support services include academic advising, nursing-specific library services, Writing Lab, tutoring, financial aid for those who qualify, 24/7 technical support and more.
Having accreditation means the University has met established quality standards as set by the accrediting body. Achieving accreditation tells the public and student body that an entity can distinguish their curriculum and faculty within their specialty fields. Students can have confidence that quality control checks have been carried out by a third party based on peer review and established standards. Learn more about our Practical Nursing program accreditation.
Unlike many other nursing schools, there are no prerequisite courses to apply. There are also no wait lists at many campuses for qualified applicants. You only need to apply once, and you can begin your LPN classes when it's convenient for you with our eight start dates per year.
Still have questions? Talk with an admissions representative: 833-606-1911
Why Students Choose Rasmussen
I loved nursing school. I loved the classes, the people and everything I learned. Every day reminded me why I'd waited so long to do this. Don't let your age convince you it's too late. If you have a dream, go after it.
Kerri S.
Practical Nursing Graduate
Ready to Change Your Life?
Get personalized program information or apply today—no fees required.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
American Public University System (the System) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The System is comprised of American Military University (AMU), American Public University (APU), Rasmussen University (RU), and Hondros College of Nursing (HCN). HLC accredits degree-granting institutions nationwide and is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The practical nursing program at Rasmussen University part of American Public University System at the:
- Central Pasco campus, located in Odessa, Florida, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
- Eagan campus (with an off-campus instructional site in Hennepin/Anoka) located in Eagan, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
- Mankato campus, located in Mankato, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
- Moorhead campus, located in Moorhead, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
- St. Cloud campus, located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs