Professional Nursing (LPN-RN)

This program is designed to prepare students who currently hold a valid, unencumbered Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license issued by the Florida Board of Nursing, for employment as Registered Nurses (RN). The program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and graduates can apply and take the examination to practice as Registered Nurses.

This program is comprised of a newly designed integrated pathway of nursing education called the Professional Nursing (LPN-RN) program. It serves as a dedicated bridge for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) transitioning to Registered Nurses (RNs) through an accelerated delivery method. The program is structured to meet the requirements of the Florida Board of Nursing and complies with statutory regulations The content follows section (s.) 464.019, Florida Statutes (F.S.) and includes but is not limited to: the professional role of the registered nurse, the legal scope of practice both in theoretical instruction and clinical experience, instruction in body structure and function; acute, long-term care, and community settings in the areas of geriatric, psychiatric, medical, surgical, pediatric, obstetric, and professional nursing; pharmacology, administering medications; mental health, interpersonal and personal relationship skills, health teaching, counseling skills, human growth and development over the lifespan, nutrition, family, and professional nursing.

Program. Professional Nursing (LPN-RN) is a 900-hour Career and Technical Education certificate program (Florida program number H170608) at Withlacoochee Technical College in Inverness. A certificate of completion and/or licensure eligibility is issued to each student who successfully completes the competencies and meets the basic skills requirement for the program.

Mission. The mission of the Professional Nursing program is to provide high-quality innovative instruction to enable individuals to pursue a career as a licensed registered nurse, and to prepare students to give competent nursing care for our community in a variety of healthcare settings.

Program accreditation. The Withlacoochee Technical College Diploma Nursing Program holds pre-accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA); holding pre-accreditation status does not guarantee that initial accreditation will be received.

Accredited college. Withlacoochee Technical College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, celebrating 41 years of accreditation, and is an approved training site of the Florida State Board of Cosmetology, Florida State Board of Nursing, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Board of Massage Therapy, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and HVAC Excellence. All programs offered at WTC are approved and regulated by the Florida Department of Education.

Post-secondary admission. Students 16 years or older are eligible to apply for admission to many of WTC’s programs. The admissions process must be completed before enrollment and, with a few exceptions, programs are open for enrollment in August and January of each school year. Most programs admit students on a first-come, first-served basis; if the program is full, a waiting list is maintained.

Enrollment process. The enrollment process includes completing the online application, testing and counseling (if required), meeting with an advisor, and paying the nonrefundable enrollment fee. Student Services will arrange tours of the campus and/or appointments with instructors to view the classroom/shop areas.

Residency. Two forms of documentation providing at least 12 consecutive months of residency prior to enrolling, and a completed Residency Affidavit, are needed to qualify for in-state tuition. Honorably discharged veterans and other students using educational assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for an out-of-state fee waiver.

Transfer of credit. Students who attended other accredited technical centers may submit copies of their records at the time of application; records are reviewed by counselors in conjunction with individual instructors to determine if credit can be transferred.

Program admission requirements. In addition to WTC admission requirements, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• All applicants must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Minimum scores are stated in the admission packet.
• Applicants must have at least 2 years’ experience as a Practical Nurse.
• Have sufficient ability to communicate in the English language to communicate with staff and patients as well as to successfully pass the state board exam after program

Other program requirements.

• Provide documentation of having had a physical examination by a qualified healthcare provider, a negative tuberculosis test, and current with required vaccinations by the program’s clinical facilities (upon acceptance).
• Successfully complete a Level 2 background check (upon acceptance).
• Have a negative drug screen (to be conducted at the start of the program).

Limited access. Admission to the Professional Nursing (LPN-RN) program is considered limited access. All applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee using WTC’s Selection Criteria Matrix; top candidates participate in additional on-campus appointments consisting of a personal interview, an essay, and further program information. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED(R), meet the basic skills requirements or have an exemption, and hold a current, unencumbered Florida LPN license, a 30-hour IV therapy certificate and a current American Heart Association BLS card.

Schedule. The Professional Nursing (LPN-RN) program is a 900-hour program, full time approximately 12 months (900 clock hours taking 52 weeks). Classroom instruction is held on Wednesdays from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Clinical hours occur from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm on either Tuesdays or Thursdays; clinical hours during the practicum may include evenings, nights and/or weekend assignments and will be 12 hours in length. The application window for the January 2027 cohort is closed.

Enrollment. Post-secondary students enroll in this program on a full-time basis. This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 900 clock hours taking 52 weeks and one occupational completion point. The clinical schedule varies. Students must be available at different times during the program to complete the clinical portion of the program. Students must also have reliable transportation.

Calendar. WTC uses a two-session calendar. The fall session, for most programs, starts in the beginning of August and ends in December; the spring session starts in January and ends in May. Short programs and licensure programs may start earlier or later than this schedule, and some programs, such as the Florida Law Enforcement Academy, are offered in the evenings and on weekends. Unless otherwise specified for the program, full-time post-secondary students attend class Monday through Friday with a scheduled 30-minute lunch break.