Emerald Coast Technical College

Practical Nursing

Main Campus
DeFuniak Springs, FL
Certificate · On Campus
Practical Nursing
Emerald Coast Technical College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
In person at the Main Campus, 761 N. 20th Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL.
Tuition is $3,942 for Florida residents for the 1,350 clock hours (2026-2027 in-state clock-hour rate).
Tuition = 1,350 clock hours x $2.92 per clock hour (the College's 2026-2027 Florida-resident CTE rate, catalog p.76); lab fees = 1,350 x $2.25 per clock hour (catalog p.78). The total is the program page's printed Tuition & Fees (In-State) $8,084.50.
1,350 clock hours, approximately 45 weeks.
The general application is free; a $60.00 non-refundable registration fee is charged for each new program of enrollment.
Federal Pell Grant and other aid are available to eligible students (federal school code 041462); ECTC does not offer student loans.

Practical Nursing is a Certificate program offered by Emerald Coast Technical College in DeFuniak Springs, FL. The program takes 1,350 clock hours (approximately 45 weeks) to complete, with a total tuition of $3,942. Tuition = 1,350 clock hours x $2.92 per clock hour (the College's 2026-2027 Florida-resident CTE rate, catalog p.76); lab fees = 1,350 x $2.25 per clock hour (catalog p.78). The total is the program page's printed Tuition & Fees (In-State) $8,084.50.

Program Overview

Practical Nursing – 1,350 hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as licensed practical nurses. The content includes, but is not limited to, theoretical instruction and clinical experience in acute care, long term care and community settings; theoretical instruction and clinical application of vocational role and function; personal, family, and community health concepts; nutrition; human growth and development over the life span; body structure and function; interpersonal relationship skills, mental health concepts; pharmacology and administration of medications; legal aspects of practice; and current issues in nursing.

Offered at. Main Campus (DeFuniak Springs).

What sets this Program apart

Industry certification. Industry certification: NCLEX PN (LPN).

Completion and placement, 2025. Completion - 95%; Placement - 76%; Licensure - 96%.

Board of Nursing approval. The Practical Nursing program at Emerald Coast Technical College is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.

Money-Back Guarantee. This program is eligible for Florida’s Money-Back Guarantee Program at ECTC.

Admission Requirements and Process

Who may enroll. Students who have attained the age of 16 years, are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance, and who meet one or more of the following requirements may enroll in most Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs: a valid standard high school diploma; a GED® or other recognized equivalent of a high school diploma; a special diploma (specific provisions and restrictions apply); special admission provisions for persons with disabilities; a home-education affidavit; previously demonstrated competency in college credit/postsecondary coursework; or dual enrollment under F.S. 1007.271.

Transcripts. Students must provide documentation of the award of the valid standard high school diploma, GED®, or other recognized equivalent through official transcripts. Until ECTC receives official transcripts, the student is admitted on a provisional/conditional basis, and no financial aid will be disbursed.

Basic skills testing. Students who are enrolling in CTE programs over 450 hours in length and who do not meet certain exemption requirements should present current basic skills test scores (less than one year old). Students are required to attain appropriate exit scores before a certificate of program completion can be awarded.

Limited access programs. Limited access programs such as practical nursing, IT programs (at the main campus) and cosmetology require a student interview with career program staff prior to admission to the program. Waiting lists are maintained for some limited access programs and students may register and enroll only after receiving the appropriate program acceptance letter.

For this program. THE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM IS A COMPETITIVE, LIMITED ACCESS PROGRAM. Admission requirements: High School Diploma/GED; student must be at least 18 years old before first scheduled class clinical; a practical nursing program application is required in addition to the standard ECTC general application; background check; fingerprinting (must be performed by Walton County School District); physical, including PPD; TB skin test; TEAS (ATI) test; urine drug screen. Students are selected based on a competitive, comparative scoring report (rubric) that includes, but is not limited to TEAS (ATI) test score, prior education/GPA, previous health care experience, and interview.

General Requirements

  • Age
    Students must be at least 16 years of age and beyond the age of compulsory school attendance; this program requires 18 years of age or older.
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    Provide a valid standard high school diploma, GED® or other recognized equivalent through official transcripts (required for this program).
  • Basic skills
    Programs over 450 hours require current basic skills test scores unless an exemption applies; this program’s basic skills level is 11 in Communications (Reading and Language Arts)…
  • Florida residency
    Complete residency paperwork and provide 2 supporting documents; in general, legal residence in Florida for a minimum period of 12 months immediately preceding the initial date of…
  • Online orientation
    All students are required to complete online orientation.
  • Program interview
    This is a limited access program: a student interview with career program staff is required prior to admission.
  • Background check and screening
    Complete a background check and fingerprinting (performed by Walton County School District) and a urine drug screen.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Complete online orientation
    Complete Orientation/General Information Session. All students are required to complete online orientation, which includes financial aid, admissions, registration, and program offerings.
  2. 2
    Complete the general application
    There is no cost for submitting the general school application. This application informs Admissions that you are interested in attending ECTC.
  3. 3
    Send transcripts and residency documents
    Request that official high school and any college transcripts be sent directly to ECTC, and complete residency paperwork with 2 supporting documents.
  4. 4
    Complete the program application and testing
    Complete the program application and application requirements for this limited access program, including the required testing (TEAS (ATI) for nursing applicants; Wonderlic for cosmetology applicants), then the program interview.
  5. 5
    Complete the FAFSA
    Complete your free financial aid application (FAFSA) using ECTC’s federal school code 041462.
    FAFSA Code for Main Campus: 041462
    FAFSA
  6. 6
    Register and pay
    Complete registration for classes, pay registration fees and the parking fee if needed, then pay tuition & fees and purchase textbooks and supplies.

Program Schedule

Class offerings at the Main Campus (DeFuniak Springs).

  • Day program, full time (Monday - Thursday): 8:00AM-4:00PM
  • Evening program, part time (Monday - Thursday): 2:30PM - 9:00PM

Length. 1,350 clock hours, approximately 45 weeks.

Start dates. Accepting applications for: Spring, March 2027 (Day, 8:00AM-4:00PM), application deadline November 1, 2026; Summer, June 2027 (Day, 8:00AM-4:00PM), application deadline February 1, 2027; Fall, August 2027 (Evening, 2:30PM-9:00PM), application deadline March 1, 2027. Two day cohorts are admitted each year; one evening cohort is admitted every other year (odd numbered years).

Clock-hour schedule. Emerald Coast Technical College provides postsecondary career education on a clock-hour schedule. Full-time enrollment in a period may range from 450/525 clock hours to over 675 clock hours in limited-access, cohort-based programs (e.g., practical nursing).

Required Courses

Subject #Name
PRN0098Practical Nursing (PN) Foundations 1
PRN0099Practical Nursing (PN) Foundations 2
PRN0290Practical Nursing (PN) Medical Surgical 1
PRN0291Practical Nursing (PN) Medical Surgical 2
PRN0690Practical Nursing (PN) Transition to Practice
Totals

Campus Location

Main Campus
761 N. 20th Street
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Why Accreditation Is Important

Emerald Coast Technical College and Emerald Coast Technical College @ Magnet Innovation Center - Watersound are accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). Emerald Coast Technical College is accredited by Cognia.

Programs are approved and regulated by the Florida Department of Education.

The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.

Accreditations

Council on Occupational Education (COE)

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $3,942
Total Program Cost
≈ $8,084.5
Tuition = 1,350 clock hours x $2.92 per clock hour (the College's 2026-2027 Florida-resident CTE rate, catalog p.76); lab fees = 1,350 x $2.25 per clock hour (catalog p.78). The total is the program page's printed Tuition & Fees (In-State) $8,084.50.
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Direct program costs (2026-2027). Practical Nursing – 1,350 Clock Hours / 45 Weeks: Tuition & Fees (In-State) $8,084.50. Out-of-state tuition is higher.

How the figure breaks down. The College’s 2026-2027 CTE rate is $2.92 per clock hour for Florida residents (basic tuition $2.44, a student financial aid fee $.24, a capital improvement fee $.12 and a technology fee $.12), and lab fees are $2.25 per clock hour. For 1,350 clock hours that is $3,942 tuition and $3,037.50 lab fees; the rest of the published Tuition & Fees figure, $1,105, is other program fees the College does not itemise on this page.

Other costs. Pre-registration fees (approximate/estimated): TEAS (ATI) Test $75.00. After admission: Background check/Fingerprinting (WCSD) $75.00; Urine Drug Screen $40.00; PPD/TB Skin Test $15.00; physical and other immunizations depend upon provider.

Registration fee. A registration fee of $60.00 is assessed for each new program of enrollment during the school year. The registration fee is non-refundable. Students returning to the same program during the 2026-2027 school year will be assessed a $30.00 returning student registration fee.

Other published fees. Parking Fee $10.00; basic skills test $30 (depending on transcripts); TEAS $70; Wonderlic $15; transcript fee $5.00. Out-of-state tuition is $11.71 per clock hour; for Alabama residents in ECTC’s service area the 2026-2027 rate is $2.97 per clock hour.

Financial aid and funding. Federal Pell Grant (for eligible students); VA Education Benefits (for eligible beneficiaries); Florida Open Door Grant (for eligible students); Payment Plans Available. All students should complete the FAFSA; the Federal ID for Emerald Coast Technical College is 041462. Emerald Coast Technical College does not process or administer loans.

Money-Back Guarantee. In accordance with Section 1011.803, Florida Statutes, Emerald Coast Technical College participates in Florida’s Money-Back Guarantee Program for this program: a student who paid out-of-pocket, completed the program, earned the certificate and passed the required industry certification or licensure examination within three months, but was unable to obtain employment in the field within six months of completion, may be eligible for a tuition refund, subject to the program’s documented job-search and other requirements.

Refunds. Refunds will be processed by the business office of ECTC and the Walton County School District within 45 days of the last day of attendance if written notification has been provided by the student, or from the date ECTC terminates the student or determines the student to be withdrawn.

Curriculum

1,350 clock hours, approximately 45 weeks. Programs are developed in accordance with the State of Florida Department of Education Division of Career and Adult Education (DCAE) Curriculum Frameworks guidelines for student competency and skill attainment.

Required Courses

Subject #NameTotal
PRN0098Practical Nursing (PN) Foundations 1300
PRN0099Practical Nursing (PN) Foundations 2300
PRN0290Practical Nursing (PN) Medical Surgical 1300
PRN0291Practical Nursing (PN) Medical Surgical 2300
PRN0690Practical Nursing (PN) Transition to Practice150
Totals1,350

Career Outcomes

Employment wage statistics. Estimated 2026 wages in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: median annual wage $59,060 (Q1 $50,830, Q3 $63,240). Source: FL Labor Market Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics & Wages Program, as published in the College’s catalog.

Certification. Industry certification: NCLEX PN (LPN). Students are expected to register for and take the Florida licensure examination upon successful completion of the program.

Articulation. Students who successfully complete selected CTE programs at ECTC may be able to benefit from Florida statewide articulation agreements that apply CTE program completion to Florida state college credits in specific AS/AAS programs.

What to expect as an Emerald Coast Technical College student

Orientation. All students are required to complete online orientation. The orientation provides information to acquaint students with general policies, procedures, functions, and personnel, and includes financial aid, admissions, registration, and program offerings. Program orientations are provided by instructors during the first few days of scheduled classes.

Orientation to technology. Orientation to technology is provided at the beginning of each scheduled term and includes instruction on accessing the student’s school account to review grades, financial accounts, etc. and setting up and accessing Microsoft® 365, at no cost to the student while enrolled. ECTC will supply students with required technology; students are not required to purchase devices or software.

Job placement and employment support. Student services and instructional staff offer assistance with employability skills, including job application completion, resume writing, interview skills, and job referral/job placement. Assistance is also available free of charge through CareerSource®/Regional Workforce personnel located on the main campus in Building #100.

Student Ambassador Program. The Student Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for students dedicated to serving and representing Emerald Coast Technical College. Student Ambassadors provide campus tours, serve as ECTC representatives, and perform duties at campus and community events.

Student services on both campuses. The full range of student services, including but not limited to academic and career counseling, financial aid, services for students with disabilities, admissions, registration, and testing, are made available to students on both campuses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for financial aid? How do I apply for financial aid?
Financial Aid qualifications vary. All students should complete the federal government’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must complete the FAFSA for all financial aid, including Bright Futures. The Federal ID for Emerald Coast Technical College is 041462. A new FAFSA should be updated in January each year you continue your education. Emerald Coast Technical College does not process or administer loans.
Can I apply for a student loan?
At this time, Emerald Coast Technical College does not offer student loans.
What can I expect to pay for tuition and fees?
Each program's page contains an approximation to current program costs.
Where is ECTC located?
Emerald Coast Technical College's main campus is centrally located in beautiful Walton County. The main campus is in DeFuniak Springs just off I-10: 761 North 20th Street, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433. Emerald Coast Technical College @ Magnet Innovation Center - Watersound is near the beach, just off Hwy 98: 133 South Watersound Pkwy, Inlet Beach, Florida 32461.

Other Programs at Main Campus

Emerald Coast Technical College in DeFuniak Springs, FL also offers these 18 programs at 761 N. 20th Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.

Ready to get started?
Request information about Practical Nursing at Main Campus.
Practical Nursing