The role of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) involves providing direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. LPNs perform a range of essential duties in various healthcare settings. Obtaining licensure is a structured process designed to ensure practitioners meet minimum competency standards for safe practice. This article provides a step-by-step guide to acquiring a Florida LPN license through the Florida Board of Nursing.
Complete an Approved Practical Nursing Program
The journey toward licensure begins with the completion of a formal education program that satisfies the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) requirements. Candidates must graduate from a practical nursing program that is either approved by the FBON or accredited by a recognized national body, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This educational foundation is mandated by state law, specifically referenced in Chapter 464, Florida Statutes.
These programs typically span 12 to 18 months, depending on the school and attendance status. The curriculum is comprehensive, combining theoretical instruction with extensive clinical practice to prepare students for real-world scenarios. Core subjects include fundamental nursing principles, pharmacology, and concepts related to medical, surgical, pediatric, geriatric, and obstetric nursing.
A significant portion of the education involves clinical training, which must occur in settings that include long-term care, acute care, and community environments. State regulations require a specific percentage of total program hours be dedicated to hands-on clinical experience. Graduating from an approved program confirms the applicant has the foundational knowledge necessary to sit for the national licensing examination.
Register for and Pass the NCLEX-PN Examination
After completing the approved practical nursing program, the next step is to register for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This standardized examination is used by state boards of nursing to determine if a candidate is prepared for entry-level practice. Registration must be completed with both the Florida Board of Nursing (as part of the application) and directly with the testing vendor, Pearson VUE.
The NCLEX-PN is administered using Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), where the test adjusts the difficulty of subsequent questions based on the candidate’s responses. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in four major categories of client needs to pass the exam. This proves their ability to provide safe and effective nursing care.
An Authorization to Test (ATT) is issued by Pearson VUE once the Florida Board of Nursing deems the applicant eligible. This authorization is necessary to schedule a testing appointment at an approved center. Applicants who fail the NCLEX-PN on their first attempt may retake the exam, but failing three consecutive times requires completing a board-approved remedial course before additional attempts are granted.
Fulfill Mandatory Florida Licensure Requirements
Applicants must satisfy specific mandatory prerequisites established by Florida law before a license can be issued. A primary requirement is the submission of electronic fingerprints through a LiveScan service provider for a criminal background screening. This Level 2 screening checks both Florida and national criminal history records. Results are sent to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse for the Board’s review.
The background check is a non-negotiable step, and the Florida Board of Nursing cannot approve an application until the results are received and reviewed, as outlined in relevant sections of Chapter 456 and 464, Florida Statutes. Fingerprints must be submitted electronically and within a specific timeframe relative to the application submission date. This process ensures that practitioners meet professional standards of conduct.
Applicants are also required to attest to completing certain prerequisite coursework. Nurses must meet state-mandated education requirements in topics such as the prevention of medical errors, HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence. Satisfying these specific, public-health focused requirements is a necessary step in the overall licensing procedure.
Submit Your Application to the Florida Board of Nursing
The final administrative phase for new graduates is the formal submission of the application for “Examination Applicants” to the Florida Board of Nursing. This step involves gathering and submitting all necessary paperwork and fees to initiate the official review process. The application is typically submitted electronically through the state’s online services portal.
Required documentation includes the completed application form, official transcripts verifying graduation from the approved nursing program, and payment of the required fees. The Board must also receive verification of a passing NCLEX-PN score and the completed background screening results before moving forward with a final decision. The application acts as a formal request for the state to verify that all prior prerequisites have been met.
Once all required components are received, the Board’s staff reviews the file for completeness. If all requirements are verified and the applicant is cleared, the license is issued. The entire verification process may be completed in less than 30 days if the applicant proactively submits all necessary materials.
Steps for Licensure by Endorsement
An alternative pathway for LPNs holding an active license in another U.S. state or territory is licensure by endorsement. This process allows already-licensed professionals to obtain a Florida LPN license without retaking the NCLEX-PN examination. The primary requirement is holding a valid, unrestricted license from the other jurisdiction, which must be verified and sent directly to the Florida Board of Nursing.
Applicants for endorsement must still meet all of Florida’s mandatory requirements, including the electronic LiveScan criminal background screening. They are also required to complete any Florida-specific coursework, such as HIV/AIDS and domestic violence education, mandated for all state licensees.