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Suncoast Technical College Nursing Programs are in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education's (USDE) Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v).

Removing barriers to cross-border practice, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement allowing a nurse to have one license and the privilege to practice in other compact states. Implemented in 2000, the NLC fosters public protection and access to care through the mutual recognition of one state-based license that is enforced locally and recognized nationally. A majority of state nurse associations, hospital associations, and health care facilities in every state support the NLC. The NLC includes important patient safety features such as facilitation of the sharing of licensure, investigative and disciplinary action information among member states. All graduates from Suncoast Technical College Nursing are eligible to test for any state licensure in compliance with U.S. Department of Education's (USDE) Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v).

The links below show all states where Florida Nursing Licenses are accepted once Initial Licensures has been achieved in Florida.

• Nurse Licensure Compact

• Nurse Compact

Are you passionate about caring for others? Do you want to make a difference in people's lives? If so, our Practical Nursing Program is perfect for you. This program prepares students to plan and administer nursing care to patients in hospitals, extended care facilities, physicians' offices, healthcare agencies, and private homes. This care includes providing for the physical and emotional needs of the patient, administering medications, providing therapeutic procedures and interventions, and assisting with rehabilitation. So if you're ready to start making a real difference in the world, apply today!

What to expect:

• Learn about theoretical instruction and clinical experience in medical, surgical, maternal-child, mental health, and geriatric nursing.

• Instruction includes both acute and long-term care situations; personal, family, and community health concepts; mental health concepts.

• Develop an understanding about nutrition; human growth and development; body structure and function; interpersonal relationship skills; pharmacology; legal aspects; American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS); communication skills; and current nursing technology and trends.

• Over 50 percent of the total program hours are clinical.

• Students must submit to drug testing prior to clinical rotations.

• Learn patient assessment skills, procedures and interventions, and medication administration using the Skills Lab and Pediatric and Adult Human Patient Simulator.

• Clinical assignments at three local hospitals, several nursing homes, community mental health facilities, and other selected healthcare agencies.

This program maintains approval from the Florida State Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) given by the Florida State Board of Nursing. This is a national licensing exam with reciprocity in all states. This licensure provides the LPN with eligibility to articulate with the registered nurse (RN) transition programs at community colleges or in the university system.

All teachers are registered nurses, licensed by the State of FL, and credentialed by the Board of Nursing.

Registration Steps

1. Click on APPLY NOW. Complete application. 

2. Attend a Health Information Session (Virtual Zoom or In-Person).

• Sarasota Campus (941) 924-1365, Ext. 62283

• North Port Branch (941) 257-2252

NOTE: OCP-B earned AFTER completion of ALL Practical Nursing Courses