You may be required to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), the American College Test (ACT), the Pre-Nursing and Guidance Examination, or the Entrance Examination for Schools of Nursing. Besides having a high school diploma, other educational requirements are needed such as the completion of certain subject areas—English, Math (algebra, geometry), Science (chemistry, biology, physics) and Social Studies (psychology, sociology, economics), as well as a foreign language in some cases. For a complete list of approved professional nursing programs in Florida, click here.

The RN vs. the LPN
What’s the difference between a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)? For starters, registered nurses must be certified and licensed to practice in the state they plan to work in as well as take the state board license exam after graduating with a BSN, Associate's Degree, or hospital diploma.

According to the US Department of Labor, registered nurses (RNs) work to prevent disease and help patients cope with illness by providing direct patient care as well as assist physicians during treatments and patient exams. RNs can also administer medications. For more information on the RN’s role, log on to the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook by clicking here.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide basic bedside care and care for patients under the direction of RNs and physicians. Some of their tasks include taking vital signs, treating bedsores, applying ice packs or monitoring catheters, according to the US Department of Labor. They may also perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, among other duties. Many work in a nursing home setting. For more information on the LPN’s role, log on to the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook by clicking here.