Rasmussen University Launches Weekend LPN Program in Fort Myers with Eight Start Dates
American Public Education's Rasmussen University will launch weekend Practical Nursing (LPN) classes at its Fort Myers campus in July with Friday–Sunday schedules. The program offers eight annual start dates and a 15-month pathway to counter Florida's LPN staffing decline from 85% to 55% by 2037.
1. Program Launch Details
Rasmussen University will open a weekend LPN program at its Fort Myers campus starting in July, featuring Friday–Sunday schedules that blend on-campus labs with online coursework. Enrollment is now open, and the program can be completed in as few as 15 months.
2. Curriculum and Enrollment
The Fort Myers offering mirrors successful weekend LPN programs at Tampa/Brandon, Central Pasco, and Orlando campuses, providing eight start dates per year, academic support, hands-on clinical placements, and optional self-directed assessments to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam.
3. Regional Nursing Demand
Florida's LPN workforce met 85% of demand in 2022 but is projected to meet only 55% by 2037, highlighting a growing shortage of practical nurses and reinforcing strong local demand for Rasmussen's expanded LPN training.
4. Financial Implications for APEI
As a subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc., Rasmussen’s expanded weekend LPN offerings are expected to boost enrollment and tuition revenue, strengthening APEI’s healthcare education segment over the coming years.