Yes, LPNs are in demand in Florida. Between an aging patient base and a wave of nurses approaching retirement, the demand for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is projected to increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033.That equates to thousands of job openings across Florida hospitals, physicians’ offices, schools, and long-term care facilities. Find out why more nurses are needed and how to launch your own LPN career with a practical nursing program in Florida.
What Is Driving the Need for Florida LPNs?
LPNs are among the many healthcare professionals needed to fill the growing healthcare gaps in the state. Several factors are contributing to this need:
Shifting workforce
A Tampa Bay Times article reports nearly 43% of all nurses in the state are 50 or older. And American Nurse projects that 1 million nurses will retire nationwide over the next 5-10 years. This trend of older nurses leaving the profession will create job openings for LPNs and other nurses statewide across all care settings.
Population growth
Florida is among the top U.S. states for retirees. Last year, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area had one of the highest population growths in the state, adding more than 43,000 residents. As the population surges, more healthcare professionals and medical support staff are needed to care for these residents.
Aging patients
While Florida’s population is growing, especially in certain metro areas, Floridians are also getting older. In a demographic shift called the “graying of America,” older adults will outnumber kids for the first time in U.S. history by 2034. An aging population means a higher use of healthcare services and a need for more LPNs to meet that demand.
What Is the First Step to Become an LPN?
Now is a great time to answer the call for LPNs, whether you are a recent high school graduate or employed in another field and want to make a career change. The path to becoming an LPN is ideal for anyone seeking to enter the healthcare profession quickly. For example, FVI School of Nursing and Technology’s practical nursing program can be completed in as little as 14 months.
Completing a practical nurse (PN) program from an accredited nursing school like FVI is the first step in the LPN career path. FVI’s PN program is designed to prepare students to take and pass the NCLEX-PN, the required test to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
This program provides the skills and knowledge needed to work in various healthcare settings. As a Practical Nursing student, you benefit from clinical rotations at high-quality local care sites and comprehensive hands-on training, including experience in FVIs’ skills and simulation labs. These tools help you gain confidence and grow your skills before you enter the field.
FVI practical nursing educators have extensive real-world experience and empower students with the training and knowledge to find career success. Whether you want to explore job opportunities out of school or pursue licensure immediately, the FVI Career Services Department is here to help you achieve your goals.
Call, visit, or contact us to learn more about FVI’s practical nursing school in Miami, Florida. If you’re ready to get started, apply now!
