On August 4, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (the System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.
Program format:
- On Campus
Practical Nursing Diploma
Complete the Practical Nursing program at Rasmussen University in as few as 15 months for around $25,000.12 With a mix of online and on-campus learning, you’ll be prepared for the NCLEX-PN® exam3 and the opportunity to advance in our LPN to RN Bridge. Eight start dates per year and no prerequisite coursework required for admission to help you start on your schedule.
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ACEN AccreditationAccredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)4
Program Overview
Practical Nursing Program Overview
In our Practical Nursing program, you’ll prepare to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in as few as 15 months.1 Online courses and on-campus labs help you learn to provide safe, ethical, holistic and compassionate care for a variety of patients. Not only will you practice how to collaborate with other nurses and physicians but also grow confidence in yourself and nurture a spirit of lifelong learning.
You’ll work alongside compassionate experts who have centered their working lives around helping nurses grow and succeed—from faculty members and academic advisors to peer tutors, financial aid experts and 24/7 tech support.
As a national leader in nursing education, our job is to support you from your very first step in our Practical Nursing program, including:
- Eight start dates per year
- No prerequisite coursework for admission
- No waiting list at many campuses for qualified applicants
- No need to apply twice
Outcome rates
Practical Nursing Program Outcome Rates
View Student Achievement Data below. Data includes the NCLEX-PN Pass Rate and Program Completion Rate for Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) programs.
Practical Nursing outcome rates at Rasmussen University campuses.
| Campus and Program | NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 1a | Program Completion Rate 2a |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University – Central Pasco Professional Nursing Associate's degree1 | 76.51% | 52.80% |
| Rasmussen University – Fort Myers Professional Nursing Associate’s degree2 | 78.63% | 29.90% |
| Rasmussen University – Mankato Professional Nursing Associate’s degree3 | 78.38% | 45.20% |
| Rasmussen University – Moorhead Professional Nursing Associate’s degree4 | 69.23% | 32.90% |
| Rasmussen University – Ocala Professional Nursing Associate’s degree5 | 77.09% | 27.30% |
| Rasmussen University – Overland Park/Topeka Professional Nursing Associate’s degree6 | 87.50% | 28.60% |
| Rasmussen University – Romeoville/Joliet Professional Nursing Associate’s degree7 | 62.96% | 33.50% |
| Rasmussen University – St. Cloud Professional Nursing Associate’s degree8 | 71.00% | 61.50% |
| Rasmussen University – Tampa/Brandon Professional Nursing Associate’s degree9 | 82.14% | 28.90% |
- 1a NCLEX Pass Rate is based on First-Time Candidates taking the licensure exam in 2025.
- 2a Program Completion Rate reflects students who completed the program in no more than 100% of the stated program length beginning with the enrollment in the first nursing course taken between July 2024 and April 2025.
Education Advancement
Nursing Education for Every Level
With the many Nursing programs at Rasmussen University, you can easily transfer credits from one level to the next. Start by completing a Practical Nursing Diploma and quickly enter the nursing field as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Then, you can choose to enroll in our LPN to RN Bridge and prepare to become a registered nurse with an Associate’s degree in Nursing. How far you go in your nursing education and career path is up to you.
You are here
Step 1
Practical Nursing Diploma
Prepare for the NCLEX-PN and start helping patients as an LPN.
Request more info
Step 2
LPN to RN Bridge
Finish faster, sit for the NCLEX-RN®8 and prepare for opportunities as a registered nurse (RN).
Explore This Program
Step 3
RN to BSN Entry Track
Study online to become a sought-after BSN-prepared RN.
Explore This Program
Step 4
MSN/DNP
Advance into nurse practitioner, education, professional or executive leadership specialties.
Should I Become an LPN or Go Straight to RN?
One of the great benefits of the nursing field is the number of opportunities for growth in your education and career goals. The first decision is where to start your nursing education. The Practical Nursing Diploma takes as few as 15 months.1 The Professional Nursing (ADN/RN) program takes as few as 21 months1 and leads to RN licensure. Neither program requires prerequisite coursework to apply. The LPN route gets you working sooner, while the ADN route takes you further.
| Program Detail | Practical Nursing (LPN) | Professional Nursing (ADN/RN) |
|---|---|---|
| How long it takes | As few as 15 months1 | As few as 21 months1 |
| Estimated tuition and fees | Around $25,00017 if you qualify for the LPN Care Grant | Less than $56,00018 |
| What you will need | No prerequisite courses required | No prerequisite coursework required |
| Format | Blended: online coursework, campus learning, hands-on labs and clinicals | Blended: online coursework, campus learning, hands-on labs and clinicals |
| Credits | 56 credits / 15 courses | 102 credits / 25 courses |
| Prepares you for | Practical nursing roles and the NCLEX-PN | Entry-level RN practice and NCLEX-RN |
| Key notes | 8 starts/year; no waitlist at many campuses20 | 8 starts/year; no waitlist at many campuses20 |
Curriculum
What Types of LPN Classes Will I Take?
As a Practical Nursing program student, your comprehensive education includes online and on-campus courses, plus hands-on experience in a clinical setting with experienced nursing faculty. You will develop networks of nursing cohorts with your peers as you all learn how to provide safe, ethical, holistic and compassionate client-centered care for diverse individuals.
Featured Courses
This course introduces students to skills required for basic care and comfort of individuals experiencing alterations in skin integrity, nutrition, and metabolism. Students demonstrate appropriate techniques for data collection, medical asepsis, standard precautions, and universal precautions. Accurate medication calculation and demonstration of safe medication administration are required.
This course provides an overview of the Practical Nurse’s role when providing client-centered care for the older adult. The student will focus on promoting a holistic approach to care for the geriatric client. This course examines basic pathophysiological, nutritional, pharmacology, psychosocial, and ethical and legal responsibilities associated with the care of the older adult client. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in healthcare settings.
This course focuses on caring for clients with mental health disorders. Emphasis is placed on foundations of mental health concepts, therapeutic environments, coordinated care, and crisis management interventions. Care of the client with substance abuse, addictive disorders, and psychobiologic disorders, as well as special populations with mental health disorders, is presented. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in mental healthcare settings.
This course provides foundational knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics as related to client care. Major drug classifications, as well as principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are explored for medications affecting the body systems. Legal, ethical, and professional considerations surrounding medication administration are explored. Resources needed for safe medication preparation and administration, as well as principles of professional communication related to client safety, are presented.
Take the Next Step Toward Your LPN License
Request more information and an admissions representative will walk you through the admissions process, program requirements, campus features, student resources and more—with no application fee and no obligation.
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Tuition & Costs
Estimate Your Tuition and Fees
With eight start dates a year and a total of 15 courses, students can finish in as few as 15 months1 for an estimated $27,149.
Practical Nursing Diploma
Tuition per credit
$384
Total credits
56
Total tuition
$21,504
Total fees
$5,645
LPN Care Grant Savings
$2,000
Full-time estimated tuition and fees
$25,149*
Use our tuition estimator
*This reflects pricing for Florida students. Please speak with an admissions representative or use the tuition estimator tool to calculate your costs.
Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).
Affordability
More Ways to Save on Tuition
Higher education should be a manageable investment, and there’s more than one way to save on tuition. Talk to an admissions representative and learn how our hybrid on-campus and online Practical Nursing (LPN) program is designed to be more affordable. You could also save up to $2,000 with the LPN Care Grant.5
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Financial Aid
94% of Rasmussen University's full-time undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid.10 You’re not alone figuring out how to pay for nursing school. -
Transfer Credit
Get your transfer credits reviewed in one business day (on average). You can also take a $149 self-directed assessment to show that you don’t need to take a specific course. -
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Military
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Answering the Call to Care
Through caring for herself, her younger sisters and children through volunteering, Tasia not only discovered her calling, but answered it by pursuing a nursing education.
Tasia T.:
I was fresh out of high school, and I was working a 9 to 5 job. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do. My great aunt had reached out to me and she was like, whatever you want to do, I'll help you out. Growing up with a big family, I think I've always kind of been a caregiver. So nursing was in the back of my mind.
Rasmussen University, they did a very, very good job of giving us the resources that we need. I reached out to some tutors online too, just to help me write papers. It was so helpful and my grades reflected that as well.
I wasn't really expecting to meet close friends like I did. We built a community pretty much right away.
Working in nursing homes and doing my clinicals, you get to know the family and the patient. You have to really get to know their personality, their likes, their dislikes, their nonverbal communication, you know, and just the sense of knowing what they want and don't want, I think builds a sense of trust. And I built a really good relationship, kind of in like a, a grandparent way, almost.
Dr. Carrie Daninhirsch:
Please rise as I officially present the graduating class of 2025.
Tasia:
With my LPN from Rasmussen University, I would love to go into pediatrics. I grew up with three little sisters, so I've always loved kids and just caring for them. After a 12 hour clinical, it's so nice coming home to a supportive family and one who I can actually spend time with and want to spend time with after such a long day.
My mom's my best friend, so I kind of go to her with anything that I have - any problems and issues, and she's always there to listen unconditionally.
Tasia's mom:
She's going to be the first college graduate in our family. I can't wait to see what she does because I know she's going to go far.
Tasia:
I tell my little sisters all the time, you know, that they have to try new things. And especially I say do it if you're scared, if you're scared to do it, do it anyway. It pushes yourself to go farther than you ever thought that you could. It pushed me to go farther than I ever thought I could.
I'm Tasia Thongratsamy and I am a Rasmussen University graduate.
Rasmussen University, they did a very, very good job of giving us the resources that we need. I wasn't really expecting to meet close friends like I did. We built a community pretty much right away.
Tasia T.
Practical Nursing Graduate
Admissions
Practical Nursing Program Requirements
Nursing school built to get you started—not to hold you back. At Rasmussen University, you only need to apply once, and you can begin your Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) classes when it’s convenient for you with eight start dates per year.
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Prerequisite Courses for Admission
No prior college coursework? No problem. You can begin the Practical Nursing program right away.
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Waitlists at Many Campuses
Qualified applicants can usually start at their chosen campus when it works best for their schedule.1
$0
Application Fee
There is no cost to apply, and financial aid assistance is available for those who qualify.
From the blog
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
You’ve always known that you like to care for people, and becoming a licensed practical nurse is one way you can utilize your natural abilities. But how exactly do you become an LPN? Let's dive deeper into the education requirements, clinical training, common skills, exams and more.
Read MoreNursing information sessions
See Your Future at a Nursing Information Session
You focus on your Nursing degree and becoming a licensed practical nurse—we’ll provide the tools and resources to help you get there. Learn more about our Nursing programs and your local campus at a Nursing Information Session and receive help on your nursing application.
What Happens at an Information Session
Get answers on Nursing courses and scheduling, cost and financial aid, transfer credit, and what clinicals ask of you.
- Virtual or in-person tour of the campus, including the simulation lab
- Talk through your nursing career path with a School of Nursing admissions representative
- Start enrollment once your questions are answered
Register for a Session
Pick a campus, program, date and time to register for an upcoming session. You can also bring a friend to the same session and pursue nursing education together.
Campuses
Find a Campus Near You
Browse the map to find the Rasmussen University campus closest to you.
Find your nearest campus
Select a campus
Choose from the list or map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions new Practical Nursing students ask us most.
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) provides hands-on nursing care, working under the direction of healthcare workers such as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians. This can include monitoring patients’ health, administering basic care, reporting patients’ concerns and updating health records.
For more insight into the role of an LPN, check out our blog post: What Does an LPN Do? A Closer Look at These Versatile Caregivers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for LPNs between 2023 and 2033 is 3%, which is as fast as the national average.2
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide licensing exam for nurses, and the NCLEX-PN is the examination for practical nursing that students must successfully complete in order to start working as licensed practical nurses.
Upon completion of the program, students can pursue the national council licensing exam and pursue a practical nursing career or additional education.
As an LPN, you can work in long-term care settings, assisted living centers, in-home health care services, clinics, outpatient/ambulatory care centers, rehabilitation centers and more.
To learn more about the opportunities available to you, check out our blog post: Where Do LPNs Work? 10 Healthcare Settings They Serve In.
Practical nursing refers to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who provide hands-on nursing care, working under the direction of healthcare workers such as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians. This can include monitoring patients' health, administering basic care, reporting patient concerns and updating health records. Many LPNs work in assisted living or residential services rather than in hospitals.
Professional nursing, on the other hand, refers to registered nurses who usually earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN). They typically have a greater variety of job opportunities in the work environment by passing the NCLEX-RN and becoming registered nurses (RNs). RNs often supervise others and count on their critical thinking skills to perform assessments and make judgments about patient care. RNs are more likely to work in hospitals in a variety of roles.
Both licensed practical nurses and registered nurses need to successfully complete the national council licensure examination.
To learn more about the differences, check out our blog post: Practical Nursing vs. Professional Nursing: Understanding the Differences.
At Rasmussen University, you can earn your diploma in as few as 15 months.1 After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you're set to begin working as an LPN.
Though this is not a fully online Practical Nursing program, it does include some self-directed assessments as a means to save time and money and online coursework. The program is largely hands-on and campus-based—where you’ll get career-focused training through onsite clinicals. Plus, in the greater Tampa metro area, you can choose between weekday or evening and weekend course options.
Completing a full state board-approved educational program (like earning your Diploma at Rasmussen University) and passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
At Rasmussen University, we’re here to help. Support services include academic advising, nursing-specific library services, Writing Lab, tutoring, financial aid for those who qualify, 24/7 technical support and more.
Having accreditation means the University has met established quality standards as set by the accrediting body. Achieving accreditation tells the public and student body that an entity meets industry expectations for quality, and students can have confidence that quality control checks have been carried out by a third party. Learn more about our Practical Nursing program accreditation.
Unlike many other nursing schools, there are no prerequisite courses to apply. There are also no wait lists at many campuses for qualified applicants. You only need to apply once, and you can begin your LPN classes when it’s convenient for you with our eight start dates per year.
Still have questions? Talk with an admissions representative: 833-606-1911
Why Students Choose Rasmussen
I loved nursing school. I loved the classes, the people and everything I learned. Every day reminded me why I’d waited so long to do this. Don’t let your age convince you it’s too late. If you have a dream, go after it.
Kerri S.
Practical Nursing Graduate
Ready to Change Your Life?
Get personalized program information or apply today—no fees required.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
American Public University System (the System) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The System is comprised of American Military University (AMU), American Public University (APU), Rasmussen University (RU), and Hondros College of Nursing (HCN). HLC accredits degree-granting institutions nationwide and is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The practical nursing program at Rasmussen University part of American Public University System at the:
- 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 Continuing Accreditation.
- Eagan campus (with an off-campus instructional site in Hennepin/Anoka) 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 Continuing 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 Continuing 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 Continuing 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 Continuing Accreditation.
Answering the Call to Care Copy Right test
Through caring for herself, her younger sisters and children through volunteering, Tasia not only discovered her calling, but answered it by pursuing a nursing education.
Rasmussen University, they did a very, very good job of giving us the resources that we need. I wasn't really expecting to meet close friends like I did. We built a community pretty much right away.
Tasia T.
Practical Nursing Graduate
Answering the Call to Care Copy Left test
Through caring for herself, her younger sisters and children through volunteering, Tasia not only discovered her calling, but answered it by pursuing a nursing education.
Rasmussen University, they did a very, very good job of giving us the resources that we need. I wasn't really expecting to meet close friends like I did. We built a community pretty much right away.
Tasia T.
Practical Nursing Graduate