Quick Answer: HCI College is accepting year-round applications for its 16-month Practical Nursing diploma at its West Palm Beach campus. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-PN, the licensing exam for Licensed Practical Nurses in Florida.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 7, 2026 — HCI College is reminding Palm Beach County residents interested in a nursing career that applications for its Practical Nursing diploma program are accepted throughout the year. That gives working adults, parents and recent high school graduates the flexibility to start training when their lives allow, rather than waiting for a single annual admissions window.
The college’s practical nursing program West Palm Beach students attend at 1764 North Congress Ave. runs about 16 months and leads to a Diploma in Practical Nursing. Graduates who meet all educational and institutional requirements may have their names submitted to the Florida Board of Nursing as candidates for the NCLEX-PN.
A Shorter Route Into Licensed Nursing
Palm Beach County’s skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, physician practices and home health agencies all rely on Licensed Practical Nurses for daily patient care. For many residents, a full registered nursing degree is a long-term goal, but they need a credential that can get them into the field sooner.
The practical nursing diploma fills that gap. The program consists of 46 semester credits and 1,350 clock hours completed over four semesters. Students combine classroom instruction with clinical experiences and clinical simulation, building both the knowledge and the hands-on competence employers expect from a new LPN.
“[Placeholder quote — e.g., on why year-round enrollment matters for Palm Beach County residents balancing work and family.]” said [Name, Title, HCI College].
Program Snapshot
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
| Duration | About 16 months |
| Structure | 4 semesters |
| Credits / Hours | 46 credits / 1,350 clock hours |
| Exam eligibility | NCLEX-PN |
| Enrollment | Year-round applications |
What Students Learn
LPN training West Palm Beach students at HCI study five core areas of practical nursing:
- Medical-surgical nursing — caring for adults with acute and chronic conditions
- Pharmacology — understanding drug classes, actions and side effects
- Medication administration — giving medications safely and accurately
- Geriatric and long-term care nursing — supporting older adults and restorative care
- Obstetrical and pediatric nursing — caring for mothers, newborns and children
The program’s stated objectives include following Florida’s Nurse Practice Act, meeting patients’ physical, social and psychological needs, performing nursing measures accurately and safely, and working as a responsible member of a care team serving patients of all ages and cultures.
Materials and Uniforms Included
One cost that catches nursing students off guard is the price of books, supplies and scrubs. HCI College includes required materials and a set of uniforms at no additional cost, which takes some of the guesswork out of budgeting.
Financial aid is available to students who qualify, and HCI offers career placement assistance to graduates of the program.
Understanding LPN Licensure in Florida
Many prospective students search online for LPN certification classes West Palm Beach, but Florida LPNs are licensed, not certified. The distinction matters. A license is issued by the state after a candidate completes an approved education program and passes the NCLEX-PN.
The Florida Board of Nursing is the state agency that decides whether an applicant qualifies to take the NCLEX-PN for practical nurse licensure. HCI College’s role is to provide the education and clinical preparation that make a graduate eligible to apply.
Accreditation and Approvals
HCI College holds several layers of oversight that prospective students can verify on their own:
- Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a recognized accrediting agency of the U.S. Department of Education
- Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education
- Approved by the Florida Board of Nursing
Students should confirm accreditation and approvals with any nursing school they consider. Those factors affect financial aid eligibility, licensure eligibility and how employers view the credential.
LPN Today, RN Later
For some West Palm Beach residents, the LPN diploma is a destination. For others, it’s a first step. Students comparing this diploma with an RN nursing school West Palm program should know that HCI College also offers a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. The college introduced that degree in 2013, and its West Palm Beach ADN program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Starting as an LPN lets students earn a paycheck in nursing, gain bedside experience and confirm their interest in the profession before committing to a longer degree.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Practical Nursing program must:
- Complete HCI’s general enrollment requirements
- Pass an FDLE Level II criminal background check
- Pass a 10-panel drug screen
- Complete a pre-entrance physical with required titers and vaccinations
- Provide a current American Heart Association BLS card
- Meet the academic requirement through one of three options:
- A TEAS composite score of at least 40
- At least 70 on each required HESI A2 section
- An earned associate degree (AS, AAS or AOS) or higher from an accredited institution
Applicants with accepted foreign translated degrees must also pass the Wonderlic Contemporary Cognitive Ability Test with a score of 17 or higher.
Academic Expectations
HCI’s standards are designed to prepare graduates for licensure and patient safety. Students must earn at least a B (80%) in each didactic course and score at least 90% on the dosage calculation test in PN106. They must also pass each critical skills performance within two attempts and complete all clinical hours.
Support is built in. Faculty and peer tutors are available, and students have 24/7 access to online tutoring through Tutor.com for nursing and general education courses.
Three Decades in South Florida Healthcare Education
HCI College began in 1993 as Health Career Institute, teaching American Heart Association courses to physicians, nurses and EMS providers. It has since grown into a private postsecondary college with diploma and associate degree programs at campuses in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
“[Placeholder quote — e.g., on HCI’s commitment to training nurses who stay and serve South Florida communities.]” said [Name, Title, HCI College].
How to Get Started
Prospective students can:
- Schedule a campus visit with Admissions
- Take HCI’s free three-minute Practical Nursing readiness quiz for a personalized report
- Request information about upcoming start dates and seat availability
- Review payment options, scholarships and financial aid
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply to HCI’s Practical Nursing program?
Applications are accepted year-round. Start dates and seat availability vary, so contact Admissions for current options.
How long does the program take?
About 16 months across four semesters.
Are classes offered in Spanish?
No. All HCI College classes are taught in English.
Is the program offered in Fort Lauderdale too?
Yes. The same Practical Nursing program is offered at both HCI College campuses.
About HCI College
HCI College is a private postsecondary institution serving South Florida from campuses in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Founded in 1993 as Health Career Institute, the college offers diploma programs in Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Optometric Technician and Veterinary Assisting, an Associate Degree in Nursing, and American Heart Association courses. HCI College is accredited by ACCSC and licensed by the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education.
Campus Locations
West Palm Beach
1764 North Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
(561) 586-0121
Fort Lauderdale
1201 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 626-0255
Media Contact: [Name], [Title], HCI College, info@hci.edu
Sources and Further Reading
- HCI College, Practical Nursing Program — https://www.hci.edu/programs/practical-nursing
- HCI College, Associate Degree in Nursing — https://www.hci.edu/programs/associate-degree-in-nursing
- HCI College, Accreditation — https://www.hci.edu/about/accreditation-scns
- HCI College, History and Mission — https://www.hci.edu/about/history-mission
- Florida Board of Nursing — https://floridasnursing.gov
