Military BenefitsPractical Nursing (LPN Track)
Diploma
- Next Start Dates
- May 12, 2021
- July 06, 2021
15 courses
to complete the Practical Nursing program
#1 educator
of Practical Nursing graduates in Florida and Minnesota2
Practical Nursing to Get You on the LPN Track
In our Practical Nursing program, you’ll learn from compassionate experts who have centered their working life around helping nurses grow and succeed—from faculty members and academic advisors to tutors, financial aid experts and 24/7 tech support.
Our job is to support you from your very first step, including:
- Eight start dates per year
- No prerequisites
- No waiting list at many campuses
With a mix of online courses, on-campus lab simulations and clinical experiences, you’ll develop the knowledge you need to take the NCLEX-PN®3 licensure exam and become a safe, practicing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Learn More at a Nursing Information Session
On this page
What Will I Be Prepared to Do When I'm Done?
Take the NCLEX-PN® Exam
Taught by experienced faculty, our Nursing program prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-PN®3 national certification exam and become a confident LPN.
Launch a Career as an LPN
Our grads are prepared to start their careers in a wide range of environments, including assisted living and long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, clinics, hospitals and more.
Pursue a Growing Career
The projected job growth for licensed practical nurses between 2016 and 2026 is 12% in Minnesota and 19% in Florida, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s much faster than the national average!4
"It is an amazing college. For single moms or people who have barriers, it is not just catered to one group. I believe anyone could come in and fit at Rasmussen."
Nikita M.
Graduate, Practical Nursing Diploma
Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!
A Career Path You Can Visualize
With the many nursing programs at Rasmussen University, you can easily transfer credits from one level to the next. Start by earning a Practical Nursing Diploma and taking the licensure exam (NCLEX-PN®3) to become a licensed practical nurse. Then, you could enroll in the LPN to RN Bridge and become a registered nurse. Whether you go all the way to the top or demonstrate excellence in nursing right where you are, there are lots of options available to you. And by laddering at Rasmussen University, you can save time and money in the process.
-
Diploma: Practical Nursing (PN/LPN)
Start here if:
You’re interested in patient care and want a quick entry into the field as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) with opportunities for career advancement.
Finish in as few as:
12 months1
Licensed Practical Nurse
(median annual wage by industry)5
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $48,840
- Government: $48,400
- Home healthcare services: $48,130
- Hospitals; state, local and private: $45,550
- Offices of physicians: $43,620
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Associate’s Degree: Nursing (ADN/RN)
Next step if:
You want to become a registered nurse (RN) and leverage your practical nursing diploma through the LPN to RN Bridge.
Or start here if:
You want to begin your nursing career as a registered nurse by earning your ADN.
Finish in as few as:
12 months (LPN to RN Bridge)
Or 18 months (ADN/RN)1Registered Nurse
(median annual wage by industry)6
- Government: $79,790
- Hospitals; state, local and private: $75,030
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $70,330
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $66,250
- Educational services; state, local and private: $63,690
-
Bachelor’s Degree: Nursing (RN to BSN or BSN)
Next step if:
You’re ready to earn your BSN, want to become a Bachelor-prepared registered nurse and are looking for opportunities to advance your career.
Or start here if:
You want to begin your nursing career as a BSN-prepared registered nurse. Choose from two pre-licensure entry tracks—standard and second degree.
Finish in as few as:
12 to 18 months (RN to BSN)1
33 months (BSN Standard)
18 months (BSN Second Degree)Registered Nurse
(median annual wage by industry)6
- Government: $79,790
- Hospitals; state, local and private: $75,030
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $70,330
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $66,250
- Educational services; state, local and private: $63,690
-
Graduate Degrees: Nursing (MSN & DNP)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Prepare for healthcare today and in the future as a nursing leader. A choice of three specializations allows you to define your career course.
- Nursing Leadership and Administration
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A program for nurses called to lead at the highest levels in healthcare and public health and policy—the definitive terminal degree for nurse leaders.
Choose the specialization that best aligns with your interests and career goals:
- Executive Leadership
- Public Health and Policy
Sample job titles:
MSN:
- Director of Nursing
- Director of Education
- Clinical Nursing Informatics Officer
- Chief Nursing Officer
DNP:
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nursing Administrator
- Director of Public Health and Policy
- Government or Policy Activist
You’ve always known that you like to care for people and becoming an LPN is one way you can utilize your natural abilities. But what exactly does an LPN do? Let's a take a look at some of the common responsibilities of this role along with places they might work.
Read moreTuition & Savings
Do the Math
With eight start dates a year and a total of 15 courses—each 11 weeks in length—full-time students can finish in as few as 12 months for as low as $22,995.
$325 cost per credit
x 56 total credits
_______________________
$18,200 total tuition
+ $4,795 total fees
_______________________
$22,995 estimated total program cost
This reflects pricing for Florida students. Please speak with an admissions advisor or use the tuition estimator tool to calculate your costs.
Other Ways to Save
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions advisor and learn how our Practical Nursing program is designed to be more affordable with transfer credits, credit by assessment, loans and grants, scholarship opportunities, and corporate and military discounts for those who qualify.
Find more about:
Nursing Information Sessions
To learn about Rasmussen nursing programs, entrance requirements and to receive help planning, attend an online Nursing Information Session where you’ll learn about TEAS scores, background checks, immunizations and more.
What Should I Know Before I Enroll?
Help Paying for College
You’re not alone figuring out how to pay for college. Our admissions advisors can help you find ways to save through credit by assessment options, loans, scholarships and more.
Transfer Students
We believe in giving credit where it’s due. Review our credit transfer policies at a nursing information session or on our transfer policy page—we've designed them to help you maximize credits, potentially save money and expedite your graduation.
Support at Every Turn
You’ll find the support you need to grow as a nurse from mentors and faculty in this program. Our library services, academic support and career planning teams are ready to help.
Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs Near Me
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The practical nursing program at Rasmussen University at the:
- Brooklyn Park/Maple Grove campus, located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
- 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 Initial Accreditation.
- Eagan campus, 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 Initial 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 Initial 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 Initial 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 Initial Accreditation.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for these practical nursing programs is Initial Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at
http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm
- Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
- According to 2016, 2017 and 2018 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training conferrals as reported in IPEDS.
- NCLEX-PN is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
- Labor Market Employment Outlook Statistics reported through CareerOneStop, [employment information accessed August 10, 2020] Florida: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/StateAndLocal/ProjectedEmployment.aspx?soccode=%20292061&location=fl. Minnesota: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/StateAndLocal/ProjectedEmployment.aspx?soccode=%20292061&location=mn. Projected Annual Job Openings for the occupation listed refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed September 30, 2020] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm#tab-5. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed September 30, 2020] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-5. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed September 30, 2020] https://www.bls.gov/oes/. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed September 30, 2020] www.bls.gov/ooh/. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed September 30, 2020] https://www.bls.gov/oes/. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed September 30, 2020] www.bls.gov/ooh/. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed May 2020] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mn.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_fl.htm. BLS salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed May 21, 2020] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed May 21, 2020] www.bls.gov/ooh/. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.