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Quick Answer
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Florida is one of the fastest ways to enter healthcare. Cambridge College’s 45-week Practical Nursing diploma program prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam and entry-level LPN careers in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and more, with campuses in Miami and Delray Beach.
South Florida’s healthcare system is growing, and it needs nurses now. The region’s mix of hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities creates steady, ongoing demand for qualified nursing professionals at every credential level.
For many people who want to get into nursing, the LPN is the right first move. It is faster than a two-year Nursing degree, gets you working sooner, and gives you a foundation to build on if you choose to advance later.
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology offers a 45-week Practical Nursing diploma program at campuses in Miami and Delray Beach, designed for students who want to enter nursing efficiently without cutting corners on preparation.
45 weeks
Program length
1,370 hrs
Clock hours of training
What an LPN Does
Licensed Practical Nurses provide direct, hands-on patient care under the supervision of Registered Nurses and physicians. In South Florida’s healthcare settings, LPNs typically:
- Monitor vital signs and report changes to the care team
- Administer medications and treatments as directed
- Assist with wound care, IVs, and catheter management
- Provide personal care and hygiene support
- Communicate with patients and families about care plans
- Document patient information accurately and consistently
LPNs work across a wide range of settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living communities, home health agencies, physician offices, and outpatient clinics. In South Florida, where the senior population is particularly large, long-term care and assisted living represent strong and stable employment sectors for LPNs.
Why 45 Weeks Makes a Difference
Most community college RN programs run two years or more. Cambridge’s PN diploma program is 45 weeks, which means students can be licensed and working in under a year. That matters for people who need to start earning sooner, who want to confirm that nursing is the right field before committing to a longer program, or who simply prefer a direct, focused path to their license.
The program covers 1,370 clock hours of instruction and clinical training, including coursework in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn care, pediatrics, geriatrics, and mental health. Clinical rotations place students in real healthcare environments before graduation.
Students prepare for the NCLEX-PN exam, which is required to practice as an LPN in Florida. Cambridge uses ATI tools and study supports to help students go into the exam prepared.
Flexible Schedules Built for Real Life
Cambridge understands that most students are also managing jobs, families, or both. The PN program at Cambridge is available during weekdays or evenings, so students can choose the schedule that fits their life. Faculty and staff are accessible, and academic support is built into the program rather than offered as an afterthought.
With campus locations in Miami and Delray Beach, South Florida students have options close to home rather than commuting across the region for the right program.
The LPN as a Launchpad
For students who want to advance beyond the LPN, Cambridge offers a clear path. The Associate of Science in Nursing program provides advanced standing for graduates who hold a valid, unencumbered LPN license, which reduces the time required to complete the bridge to Registered Nurse. From there, Cambridge’s RN to BSN and MSN Family Nurse Practitioner programs offer continued advancement for students who want to move into leadership, specialized care, or advanced practice roles.
Not every student plans that far ahead when they enroll in a PN program. But having the option to grow within one institution, with faculty who already know you, makes the path to advancement more accessible.
Questions About the LPN Program at Cambridge
How long does it take to become an LPN at Cambridge College?
Cambridge’s Practical Nursing diploma program is 45 weeks and 1,370 clock hours. Students who complete the program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam are eligible to work as entry-level Licensed Practical Nurses.
What does an LPN do in a hospital or nursing home?
LPNs provide direct patient care including monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with procedures, providing personal care, and communicating with patients and families. They work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and physicians.
Is there demand for LPNs in South Florida?
Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 54,000 LPN job openings nationally each year through 2034. South Florida’s large senior population and growing healthcare infrastructure create consistent local demand, particularly in long-term care, assisted living, and outpatient settings.
Can I advance from LPN to RN after completing the program?
Yes. Cambridge’s Associate of Science in Nursing program offers advanced standing for licensed LPNs, shortening the path to RN. Further advancement is available through Cambridge’s RN to BSN and MSN Family Nurse Practitioner programs.
Does Cambridge offer evening or flexible PN schedules?
Yes. The Practical Nursing program at Cambridge is available in both weekday and evening formats so students can build their education around work and family commitments.
How does Cambridge prepare students for the NCLEX-PN?
Cambridge uses ATI tools and targeted study support throughout the program to help students master the content areas covered on the NCLEX-PN exam. Faculty guide students on high-priority topics and provide preparation resources leading up to the exam.
What campuses offer the PN program at Cambridge College in South Florida?
Cambridge’s Practical Nursing diploma program is available at the Miami and Delray Beach campuses. Each campus provides hands-on labs, experienced faculty, and clinical externship connections with area healthcare facilities.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. bls.gov
- Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology. Practical Nursing Program. cambridgehealth.edu/practical-nursing