Practical Nursing (C.C.)

The Practical Nursing Career Certificate (C.C.) Program consists of classroom lectures, laboratory and clinical education components.  You’ll learn basic nursing and clinical skills as well as medical terminology, computer literacy and medical medication administration. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure examination (NCLEX) and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). From hospitals to physicians’ offices to nursing homes and home care, an LPN is an entry point into a nursing career path.

After earning your LPN license, and completion of general education requirements for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program, Practical Nursing graduates who have worked as an LPN for at least 6 months are allowed to apply for the RN Bridge Program at FSCJ, and ultimately completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from FSCJ. For information on the Bridge Program, click here.

Admission Requirements:

All students must complete the HESI A2 Admission Exam and Test of Adult Basic Skills Exam (TABE). HESI A2 cannot be waived, but the TABE test can be waived if the student’s HS transcripts shows graduation from a Florida public high school and enrolled all four years, obtained a degree from any college or university, or have successfully completed college algebra and English.  For more Admission details, please click here.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Bridge Program:

Each summer, we will admit a CNA only cohort. CNAs must have an active certification as well as 6 months’ experience supported by an employer verification. The inaugural CNA Bridge will begin Summer 2025. CNAs may also apply to start in Fall and Spring but will be mixed with non-CNA students. All CNAs are exempt from the first clinical course.

Class Schedules:

Students starting in Summer 2025 will be at the North Campus, 2 days per week (8am-4pm) for 10 weeks then move to the standard format of 4 days a week for the remainder of the program. A part-time night only cohort will begin at the North Campus in the Spring 2026 term.