The Miami metro area is home to several strong CNA to LPN programs designed to help working CNAs move into practical nursing roles. Each program varies in terms of cost, speed, flexibility, and hands-on learning. Here’s a quick snapshot of what each school offers:
1. Miami Dade College CNA to LPN
Accelerated, High NCLEX Pass Rate
Miami Dade College offers an accelerated CNA to LPN certificate program designed to prepare students efficiently for licensure. The program lasts one year and emphasizes both foundational nursing concepts and practical skills, ensuring graduates can safely deliver patient care from day one.
Students cover key areas like Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology, Anatomy, and Adult Health, along with a Professional Role Transition course that smoothly guides CNAs into the broader responsibilities of an LPN. Classes are held at MDC’s Medical Campus, with admissions dependent on scores from the TABE and TEAS entrance tests and completed prerequisites.
Notably, MDC’s program boasts an 80% NCLEX-PN pass rate and an impressive 89% job placement rate. Graduates typically find employment in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and assisted living facilities, benefiting from strong earning potential and career opportunities across South Florida.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Format | In-person classroom and clinical training |
| Schedules | Daytime; specific schedules vary by semester |
| Address | 950 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33127 (Medical Campus, New Student Center – Room 1113) |
| Phone | 305-237-4101 |
| Website | mdc.edu/lpn |
2. Florida National University
Flexible, Career-Focused Training
Florida National University offers a practical nursing certificate program designed for individuals seeking a focused, career-oriented path to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The program totals 45 credit hours and includes essential subjects such as fundamentals of practical nursing, medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, pediatrics, maternity, and clinical communications.
Courses are delivered in-person at the South Campus in Miami and the Hialeah Campus. Students complete clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience. The program prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN exam required for Florida state licensure.
Classes are structured for convenience, accommodating various student schedules. Graduates can pursue employment opportunities across multiple healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, and outpatient facilities.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 45 credit hours (approximately 1–2 years) |
| Format | In-person classroom instruction and clinical rotations |
| Schedules | Flexible scheduling options available (daytime and evening classes) |
| Address | South Campus: 11865 Southwest 26th Street Suite H3, Miami, FL 33175 Hialeah Campus: 4425 West 20th Avenue, Hialeah, FL 33012 |
| Phone | South Campus: (305) 226-9999 Hialeah Campus: (305) 821-3333 |
| Website | fnu.edu/nurse-practical-nurse-certificate-program-miami |
3. Dade Institute of Technology and Health
One-year program with 1,350 hours and strong clinical focus
This program stands out for its high clinical hour count—680 hours—and for offering a streamlined transition option for certified CNAs. Students with a valid CNA license can qualify for advanced standing and bypass up to 120 hours of basic healthcare coursework after completing the transition course with a passing grade.
The Practical Nursing program at Dade Institute of Technology and Health includes 1,350 total contact hours completed over approximately 46 weeks. Students spend 600 hours on classroom theory, 70 hours in lab practice, and 680 hours in clinical training. Courses cover medical-surgical nursing, IV therapy, pediatric and maternity care, and NCLEX-PN exam prep. Classes combine lectures, lab work, and hands-on instruction in supervised clinical settings.
To apply, students must hold a high school diploma or GED, pass the HESI entrance exam, complete immunizations, and pass a Level 2 background check. Classes are held in North Miami Beach.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 46 weeks (1,350 total contact hours) |
| Format | In-person; includes classroom theory, lab practice, and clinical training |
| Schedules | Not specified; contact the school for current schedule options |
| Address | 1140 NE 163rd Street, Ste 21-23, North Miami Beach, FL 33162 |
| Phone | 305-671-3666 |
| Website | https://dadeinstituteoftechnology.com/practical-nursing-lpn-2/ |
4. Miami Lakes Educational Center – Practical Nursing Program
15-month CNA-to-LPN bridge with flexible schedules
This Practical Nursing program at Miami Lakes Educational Center offers a structured, 1,350-hour curriculum designed to help Florida CNAs become LPNs in just under 15 months. The program includes 675 hours of clinical training and prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. What sets this program apart is its affordability—tuition for in-state students is approximately $5,961—and the fact that most graduates complete the program without incurring student debt.
Students attend classes either during the day (8:30 a.m. – 2:10 p.m.) or in the evening (4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.), making it a flexible option for working adults. Coursework covers everything from medical-surgical and pediatric nursing to nutrition, pharmacology, and mental health concepts. Clinical rotations take place at local hospitals and community-based health facilities. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, TEAS test, background check, and proof of immunizations. Both full-time and part-time options may be available depending on seat availability.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | Approximately 15 months (1,350 hours, including 675 clinical hours) |
| Format | In-person classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training |
| Schedules | Day: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–2:10 PM Evening: Monday–Friday, 4:00 PM–9:30 PM |
| Address | 5780 NW 158th Street, Miami Lakes, FL 33014 |
| Phone | (305) 557-1100 |
| Website | https://miamilakes.edu/practical-nursing/ |
5. Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing
Hospital-based training, flexible hours
This Miami-based program offers hospital-based practical nursing education through HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, with both day and evening class options to support working students. The program runs across three trimesters, totaling 1,372 clock hours, and prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam in about one year.
Class topics include nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical care, maternal and pediatric nursing, and clinical experience in each area. Students attend clinicals and labs directly on hospital grounds or at affiliated healthcare sites. The estimated cost is around $9,267, which includes tuition, ATI learning tools, clinical fees, and uniforms. Books are covered under the ATI fee.
Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, pre-entrance exam, background check, CPR certification, and updated medical records. The program is provisionally licensed and ACEN-accredited. NCLEX-PN pass rates have improved over recent years, and job placement has ranged from 71% to 100%.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | Approximately 1 year (3 trimesters; 1,372 clock hours) |
| Format | Hospital-based, in-person classroom and clinical training |
| Schedules | Day and evening classes available |
| Address | 3663 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33133 |
| Phone | (305) 854-4400 or (305) 285-2777 (for program-specific info) |
| Website | Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing |
🕒 Need to Finish Fast?
Miami Dade College and Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing both offer one-year programs that can help you become an LPN relatively quickly. MDC may appeal more to those wanting a structured, academically recognized setting with a strong job placement rate (89%), while Mercy Hospital provides a hospital-based experience that’s ideal for learners who prefer on-the-ground, clinical immersion.
🧪 Want More Clinical Training?
Dade Institute of Technology and Health offers one of the most hands-on experiences, with 680 clinical hours—more than any other program on this list. It’s a good fit if you’re a CNA looking to build real-world skills before taking on LPN duties. The CNA transition track also helps cut down on unnecessary repetition if you’ve already covered basics.
💵 Looking for an Affordable Option?
Miami Lakes Educational Center stands out as the most budget-friendly program, with tuition around $5,961 for in-state students. Many graduates complete the program without taking on student debt. It’s a smart option if you’re watching your finances but still want a thorough education.
🌙 Need Evening or Flexible Classes?
If you’re juggling work or family, both Miami Lakes and Mercy Hospital offer evening schedules. Florida National University also provides flexible day/evening options, which may benefit working adults who need adaptable class times without sacrificing quality.
💡 Need a Career-Focused Curriculum?
Florida National University may be best for those who want a career-oriented structure with a wide range of medical content, from maternity to pharmacology. It’s also one of the few programs offering instruction across multiple campuses for added convenience.
✅ Tips Before You Decide
Don’t stop at comparing the brochures—reach out to each school directly. Ask about current schedules, job placement support, clinical locations, and class sizes. Talking to a school representative can also help you gauge how responsive and supportive the program might be once you’re enrolled. It’s one of the best ways to determine if a school is a good fit.
Final Note
Each of these programs has strengths that may align better with your personal needs—whether it’s speed, flexibility, cost, or clinical experience. There’s no “one-size-fits-all,” so weigh your priorities and contact the schools to get the answers you need. That extra step can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.