Cape Coral Technical College’s Licensed Practical Nursing program has been recognized and ranked #1 in industry rankings.
The school is ranked #1, according to PracticalNursing.org as well as #1 in Florida by NursingProcess.org.
“Cape Coral Tech was previously ranked #2 in 2023 by NursingProcess.org, and we are very proud to be ranked #1.” Cape Coral Technical College Principal Charlie Pease said. “We are grateful for the excellent instruction, professionalism, and wealth of experience and industry knowledge provided by our outstanding faculty to consistently make our practical nursing program one of the best in the country!”
Pease said they have been one of the top-ranked programs in the state for several years now. The school takes great pride in the program and the teachers are very proud of the work they do, as are the students.
To earn this designation, students must take a national certification exam, according to Department of Practical Nursing and Health Sciences Chair Candy Shearer.
“It measures their clinical judgment, their critical thinking, how they are going to care for the patient — the priorities.” She said. “And to do that, they have to complete our program.”
The pass rate at Cape Coral Technical College has been outstanding, even with a change to increase the emphasis on clinical judgment on the exam to reflect more of what students experience in clinicals.
“So far, we’ve had two classes with a 100% pass rate. It’s good. We’re very excited.” Shearer said.
One of the great things about Cape Coral Technical College is the small school environment — a 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, Pease said.
“We run three groups at once.” he said of the LPN program. “We usually have a junior class that runs and a senior class that runs. We have a part-time practical nursing group as well.
The next full-time practical nursing program will begin on May 6, 2024, with application requirements ending on March 8, 2024. Class hours are 8am – 2:30pm Monday through Friday with clinical times varying. The cost of the program is $7,776.
Applicants must take a placement test, which includes reading, English and math, Shearer said.
“I conduct an interview. We look at the student’s work history and whether they have gone to any other degree-granting school.” She said.
As applicants become popular, they are placed in a selection matrix with the highest scores being accepted into the program.
“It’s very competitive.” Shearer said.
The LPN program takes one year to complete and consists of clinical components, mostly from the second semester, and theoretical components.
“We work really hard. We want to inspire our students to be knowledgeable and compassionate at the same time and flexible. You have to be flexible,” Shearer said.
After a year, the students will have a career where most make $28 an hour — or $58,000 a year as new graduates, which is the minimum.
The coaches have 130 years of experience between them. Shearer said she has been a nurse since 1996.
“I am so proud of our teachers and the hard work they put in. It shows in the results.” Pease said. “We get our students jobs and good careers. We have a career in the year theme. It’s really great to see our students taking off in their careers and continuing to grow – the sky is the limit.”
The majority of the 16 programs offered at Cape Coral Technical College are registered with start dates in January. Pease encourages those interested to register. He said they can help students obtain financial aid and scholarships.
“Finances should not be a barrier for anyone trying to register here.” Pease said.
Shearer said they have an evening nursing assistant program from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 15 weeks.
“All other programs are full-time, day programs.” Pease said. “We are round-the-clock hours, which is different from credit hours. School students have to attend around the clock and be here all day — from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a break for lunch.
More information can be found at capecoraltech.edu.
Cape Coral Technical College’s LPN program has recently been ranked as the top program in the region, solidifying its reputation as a leading provider of nursing education. With a focus on practical skills and hands-on experience, the program boasts a high job placement rate and a strong track record of producing successful and competent graduates. As the demand for qualified nurses continues to grow, this program stands out as a top choice for individuals looking to pursue a career in the healthcare field.