Quick Answer: HCI College is a private, institutionally accredited healthcare college with nursing campuses in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. It offers a 72-credit Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that can be completed in as little as two years and a 16-month Practical Nursing (PN) diploma. The ADN program at both campuses holds initial accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and both nursing programs are approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN licensing exams.
WEST PALM BEACH and FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — As Florida faces one of the largest projected nursing shortages in the country, HCI College continues to train registered nurses and licensed practical nurses for hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and home health agencies across Palm Beach and Broward counties. Founded more than three decades ago as a provider of American Heart Association training courses, the college has grown into a focused healthcare school whose nursing programs now carry both state approval and national programmatic accreditation at each of its campuses.
HCI College at a Glance
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution | HCI College (formerly Health Career Institute) |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Type | Private postsecondary career college |
| Institutional accreditation | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) |
| Nursing program accreditation | ACEN initial accreditation, ADN program at both campuses |
| State approval | Florida Board of Nursing approved ADN and PN programs |
| State license | Florida Commission for Independent Education |
| Main campus | 1764 N. Congress Ave., Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 |
| Branch campus | 1201 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 |
| Phone, West Palm Beach | 561-586-0121 |
| Phone, Fort Lauderdale | 954-626-0255 |
| Nursing programs | Associate Degree in Nursing; Practical Nursing diploma |
| Other programs | Medical Assisting, Veterinary Assisting, Optometric Technician and other allied health programs |
From CPR Classes to Accredited Nursing School
HCI College’s path to nursing education has unfolded over three decades.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1993 | Health Career Institute founded, initially offering American Heart Association courses for physicians, nurses and EMS providers |
| 2013 | Associate Degree in Nursing program introduced |
| 2016 | U.S. Department of Education approves the school to award qualifying Federal Student Aid |
| 2017 | Branch campus opens in Lauderdale Lakes |
| 2019 | Branch moves to a remodeled facility in Fort Lauderdale; Health Career Institute becomes HCI College |
| 2023 | West Palm Beach ADN program earns ACEN initial accreditation |
| 2024 | Fort Lauderdale ADN program earns ACEN initial accreditation, effective July 18, 2024 |
The college’s roots in emergency and resuscitation training still shape its identity. Its instructional approach combines classroom learning with practical experience led by working healthcare professionals in both pre-hospital and hospital settings.
Two Campuses Serving Palm Beach and Broward
West Palm Beach: Main Campus
The West Palm Beach campus on North Congress Avenue serves as HCI College’s main campus and corporate home. It houses both the Associate Degree in Nursing program and the Practical Nursing program, along with other healthcare programs. The college launched Practical Nursing at West Palm Beach with an inaugural January class, expanding a program that was first offered at the Fort Lauderdale campus.
Fort Lauderdale: Branch Campus
The Fort Lauderdale campus on West Cypress Creek Road opened in 2019, replacing the earlier Lauderdale Lakes location. It offers both the ADN and PN programs. Since opening, the Fort Lauderdale ADN program has graduated several classes of nurses who now work in healthcare settings across Florida, according to the college.
Campus Program Comparison
| Program | West Palm Beach | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Nursing | Yes, ACEN initial accreditation | Yes, ACEN initial accreditation |
| Practical Nursing diploma | Yes | Yes |
| Florida Board of Nursing approval | Yes | Yes |
| NCLEX-RN program code | US70414600 | US70413500 |
| NCLEX-PN program code | US701237 | US70120900 |
The NCLEX program codes allow prospective students to look up each campus’s licensing exam results through the Florida Board of Nursing.
Associate Degree in Nursing: Program Deep Dive
Program Structure
HCI College’s ADN is a 72-credit-hour program that may be completed in as little as two years. Graduates earn an associate degree and become eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), the exam required to become a licensed registered nurse in Florida.
What ADN Students Learn
Associate degree nursing programs prepare students for entry-level registered nurse practice. Coursework typically combines general education with nursing core courses covering:
- Fundamentals of nursing and patient assessment
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Maternal and newborn care
- Pediatric nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Leadership and transition to professional practice
Students complete skills lab practice, simulation and supervised clinical rotations in healthcare facilities.
Transfer Credit Policy
HCI College does not accept transfer credits for nursing core classes. Students who have completed nursing coursework elsewhere should plan to complete HCI’s nursing core sequence. General education transfer policies are set out in the college catalog.
Why ADN Accreditation Matters
ACEN accreditation is voluntary. It involves a comprehensive review of academic standards, faculty and clinical partnerships. For students, programmatic accreditation can matter when:
- Applying to RN-to-BSN or other advanced nursing programs, many of which prefer or require graduation from an accredited program
- Seeking employment with health systems that consider program accreditation in hiring
- Comparing program quality across schools
The West Palm Beach ADN program’s initial accreditation became effective May 5, 2023. The Fort Lauderdale ADN program became a candidate for accreditation and then earned initial accreditation, effective July 18, 2024.
Announcing the West Palm Beach accreditation, Chief Academic Officer and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Celeste Blackwell said the milestone underscores the college’s mission to deliver exceptional nursing education. The college has since described the Fort Lauderdale accreditation as a reflection of its team’s pursuit of distinction in nursing education.
Practical Nursing: Program Deep Dive
Program Structure
HCI College’s Practical Nursing program is a 16-month diploma program. Graduates earn a Diploma in Practical Nursing and become eligible to take the NCLEX-PN to become licensed practical nurses.
What PN Students Learn
The program combines classroom instruction with clinical experience and simulation in:
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Geriatric and long-term care nursing
- Obstetrical nursing
- Pediatric nursing
The program also emphasizes professional competencies consistent with the practical nursing code of ethics.
Who Practical Nursing Fits
Practical nursing can be a faster entry point into the profession. Licensed practical nurses work under the direction of registered nurses and physicians, often in long-term care, rehabilitation, physician offices and home health. Some LPNs later return to school to become registered nurses.
ADN vs. PN: Which Path Fits?
| Factor | Associate Degree in Nursing | Practical Nursing Diploma |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | Associate degree | Diploma |
| Program length | As little as 2 years | 16 months |
| Licensing exam | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-PN |
| License earned | Registered Nurse (RN) | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) |
| Scope of practice | Broader, including care planning and supervision | Works under RN or physician direction |
| Typical settings | Hospitals, clinics, home health, long-term care | Long-term care, rehabilitation, physician offices, home health |
| Further education | RN-to-BSN and beyond | LPN-to-RN pathways |
| ACEN accreditation at HCI | Yes | Not applicable |
Students who want the broadest career options often choose the ADN. Students who want to enter the workforce sooner may start with practical nursing and continue their education later.
Accreditation and Approvals Explained
Nursing schools in Florida operate under several layers of oversight. Each one means something different.
| Body | What It Does | HCI College Status |
|---|---|---|
| Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) | Institutional accreditation for career schools | Institutionally accredited |
| Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) | Programmatic accreditation for nursing programs | ADN program accredited at both campuses |
| Florida Board of Nursing | Approves nursing programs whose graduates may sit for licensure exams | ADN and PN programs approved at both campuses |
| Florida Commission for Independent Education | Licenses private postsecondary institutions in Florida | Licensed, West Palm Beach #2077 and Fort Lauderdale #5625 |
| U.S. Department of Education | Determines eligibility for federal student aid | Approved to award qualifying aid since 2016 |
Prospective students can verify each status directly with the oversight body.
NCLEX Outcomes
Licensing exam results are one of the most important measures of a nursing program. HCI College has publicly reported strong first-time NCLEX-RN results in past periods. For the second quarter of 2023, the college reported a 100% first-time pass rate at its West Palm Beach campus and a 91.67% first-time pass rate at its Fort Lauderdale campus.
Pass rates can change from quarter to quarter and year to year, especially in programs with smaller graduating classes. Prospective students should review the most recent annual pass rates published by the Florida Board of Nursing using each campus’s NCLEX program code and compare them with other programs they are considering.
Hands-On Training and Simulation
HCI College emphasizes practical preparation. Its nursing programs combine classroom instruction with:
- Skills laboratories, where students practice procedures before working with patients
- Clinical simulation, which allows students to rehearse patient scenarios in a controlled environment
- Supervised clinical rotations in healthcare facilities
The college has written about the role of simulation labs in preparing students for real patients and about the growth of home-based care as a nursing setting, reflecting how nursing work is shifting beyond the hospital.
Why South Florida Needs More Nurses
Florida’s demand for nurses continues to outpace supply. The Florida Hospital Association has projected a statewide shortage of nearly 60,000 nurses by 2035. Several forces drive that need in Palm Beach and Broward counties:
- An aging population that requires more chronic disease management and long-term care
- Population growth across South Florida
- Retirements among experienced nurses
- Expansion of outpatient and home-based care, which creates new roles outside hospitals
For students, that demand can translate into opportunities across a wide range of settings. For employers, local nursing programs provide a pipeline of graduates already familiar with the region’s healthcare systems.
Career Paths for HCI Nursing Graduates
Registered Nurse Settings
- Hospital medical-surgical units
- Emergency departments
- Outpatient surgery centers
- Physician practices and clinics
- Home health and hospice
- Long-term care and rehabilitation
- Community and public health
Licensed Practical Nurse Settings
- Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Physician offices
- Home health agencies
- Assisted living communities
Continuing Education
ADN graduates often pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through RN-to-BSN programs while working. Graduation from an ACEN-accredited program can simplify that step at many universities.
The Admissions Process
Admissions requirements for each program are set out in HCI College’s student catalog and nursing student handbooks. Nursing programs commonly require items such as:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of admissions testing
- Background screening
- Health records and immunizations required by clinical sites
- An interview or meeting with admissions
Applicants should review the current catalog or speak with an admissions representative for the specific requirements at each campus. HCI College encourages prospective students to book a campus tour to meet with admissions.
Financial Aid
HCI College has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education to award qualifying federal student aid since 2016. Prospective students should complete the FAFSA and meet with the financial aid office to understand total costs, aid eligibility and repayment obligations. The college catalog includes tuition and fee breakdowns by program and semester.
Questions to Ask Any Nursing School
Prospective students comparing HCI College with other programs should ask every school the same questions:
- Is the program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing?
- Is the nursing program accredited by ACEN or another national nursing accreditor?
- What were the most recent annual first-time NCLEX pass rates for this specific campus?
- What are the program completion and job placement rates?
- What is the total cost, including tuition, fees, books, uniforms and exam costs?
- Where do students complete clinical rotations?
- Will my credits transfer to a bachelor’s program later?
- What academic support is available if I struggle?
Asking the same questions of each program makes direct comparisons possible.
Beyond Nursing
HCI College also offers allied health and animal care programs, including Medical Assisting, Veterinary Assisting and Optometric Technician training, with programs ranging from about 10 months to two years. These programs give students additional entry points into healthcare careers and reflect the college’s broader mission of preparing graduates for employment in healthcare and technical fields.
Brian’s Take
Nursing schools are easy to market and hard to evaluate. Every program promises hands-on training and caring faculty. The facts that separate them are verifiable: state approval, national accreditation and licensing exam results by campus.
HCI College’s story is a useful example of a small career college building credibility step by step. It started with CPR classes, added an associate nursing degree, earned federal aid eligibility, opened a second campus and then secured ACEN accreditation for the ADN program at both campuses. That sequence matters to students because programmatic accreditation is what many employers and bachelor’s programs look for.
The advice for any prospective nursing student is the same regardless of school: look up the campus-specific NCLEX results, read the catalog, understand the full cost and ask where clinical rotations happen. In a state projected to need tens of thousands more nurses, the demand side is not the question. Choosing a program that gets you licensed is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are HCI College’s nursing campuses?
HCI College has nursing campuses in West Palm Beach, at 1764 N. Congress Ave., Suite 200, and in Fort Lauderdale, at 1201 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 101.
Is HCI College accredited?
Yes. HCI College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Its Associate Degree in Nursing program holds initial accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at both campuses.
Is the HCI College nursing program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing?
Yes. Both the Associate Degree in Nursing and Practical Nursing programs are approved by the Florida Board of Nursing at the West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale campuses.
How long is the HCI College ADN program?
The Associate Degree in Nursing is a 72-credit-hour program that may be completed in as little as two years.
How long is the HCI College Practical Nursing program?
The Practical Nursing program is a 16-month diploma program.
What license can I earn after graduating?
ADN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses. PN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN to become licensed practical nurses.
What are HCI College’s NCLEX pass rates?
The college reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate at West Palm Beach and 91.67% at Fort Lauderdale for the second quarter of 2023. Check the Florida Board of Nursing for the most recent annual results by campus.
Does HCI College accept transfer credits for nursing courses?
HCI College does not accept transfer credits for nursing core classes.
Does HCI College offer financial aid?
HCI College has been approved to award qualifying federal student aid since 2016. Contact the financial aid office for details.
How do I schedule a campus tour?
Call the West Palm Beach campus at 561-586-0121 or the Fort Lauderdale campus at 954-626-0255.
About HCI College
HCI College, founded in 1993 as Health Career Institute, is a private postsecondary healthcare college with campuses in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and offers an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Practical Nursing diploma and allied health programs including Medical Assisting, Veterinary Assisting and Optometric Technician. Its Associate Degree in Nursing program holds initial accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at both campuses. HCI College’s mission is to provide education and training for careers in healthcare and technical fields and to prepare graduates for employment that serves the community.
Contact:
West Palm Beach Campus: 561-586-0121
Fort Lauderdale Campus: 954-626-0255
Sources and Further Reading
- History and Mission, HCI College
- Associate Degree in Nursing Program Page, HCI College
- Practical Nursing Program Page, HCI College
- HCI College Student Catalog 2026, Volume VIII.10, HCI College
- Associate Degree in Nursing Student Handbook (August 2026), HCI College
- Practical Nursing Student Handbook (September 2026), HCI College
- HCI College Nursing Program Receives ACEN Accreditation (West Palm Beach), Florida Trend
- HCI College Nursing Program Receives ACEN Accreditation (Fort Lauderdale), HCI College News
- HCI College Achieves 100% NCLEX First-Time Pass Rate at West Palm Beach Campus, HCI College News
- HCI College Campus Profile, College Raptor
- USF Expands Nursing Education With New Bachelor’s Program, University of South Florida St. Petersburg (citing Florida Hospital Association workforce projections)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Program Search
- Florida Board of Nursing, Nursing Education Program Annual Reports and NCLEX Pass Rates
