New weekend program expands access to nursing education for working adults and career changers in Central Florida
OCALA, Fla., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen University part of American Public University System (Rasmussen) is expanding access to nursing education in Central Florida with the launch of a new weekend Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma program at its Ocala campus. Enrollment is now open, with the first weekend classes beginning in January 2027.
Designed with working adults and busy families in mind, the new weekend program provides students with the flexibility to pursue a nursing education while balancing work and other responsibilities. The program combines Friday–Sunday scheduling with a mix of on-campus and online coursework, hands-on learning experiences and clinical education designed to prepare students to provide safe, competent patient care and sit for the NCLEX-PN® examination.
"A strong healthcare workforce starts with access to quality education, and we've seen tremendous growth and interest in our weekend Practical Nursing programs across our other Florida campuses," said Heather Ann Smith, area dean of nursing at Rasmussen University. "That demand demonstrates the need for flexible pathways that allow students to pursue a nursing education while balancing work and family commitments. Bringing this program to Ocala gives students another opportunity to prepare for a career in healthcare."
Meeting the Demand for Practical Nurses in Florida
The launch of a weekend Practical Nursing program in Ocala comes as Florida continues to face growing demand for licensed practical nurses (LPNs). According to the Florida Center for Nursing's 2025 Florida Health Care Workforce Projections, demand for LPNs in Florida is projected to increase by 2.3% annually through 2037, while supply is projected to decline by 0.9% annually. As a result, the state's LPN workforce adequacy is projected to decline from 85% in 2022 to 55% by 2037.
Practical nurses play an important role in healthcare, providing direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, physician offices, clinics and home health agencies. Rasmussen's expansion of its weekend PN program to Ocala provides another flexible pathway for individuals interested in entering the nursing profession while also helping address the local workforce need.
"As Ocala and its surrounding communities continue to grow, so does the need for skilled healthcare professionals," said Pete Beasley, senior campus executive director at Rasmussen University—Ocala. "The Ocala metropolitan area was one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and we're proud to expand our nursing offerings to help prepare more healthcare professionals to serve our growing community."
Expanding Access to Practical Nursing Education
The weekend Practical Nursing program at Rasmussen is designed for working adults and career changers seeking a flexible pathway into nursing. Offered at Rasmussen campuses across Florida, including Tampa/Brandon, Central Pasco, Orlando and Fort Myers, the program combines online and on-campus learning with hands-on nursing labs, simulations and clinical experiences.
Students can earn a Practical Nursing Diploma in as few as 15 months¹ for approximately $27,000², with eight start dates per year and no prerequisite coursework required for admission. Graduates are prepared to apply to take the NCLEX-PN® examination and may continue their education through Rasmussen University's LPN-to-RN Bridge option.
To learn more about the weekend Practical Nursing Diploma program at the Rasmussen University Ocala campus, visit https://www.rasmussen.edu/locations/florida/ocala/.
NCLEX-PN is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
1Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
2Estimated tuition and fees breakdown: Practical Nursing Diploma. Tuition Per Credit $384 x 56 total credits = $21,504 total tuition, + $5,645 total fees = $27,149 estimated total tuition and fees. This reflects pricing for Florida students. Please speak with an admissions representative or use the tuition estimator tool to calculate your costs. Program availability varies by state. Please see Rasmussen University catalog for details.
About Rasmussen University:
Rasmussen University part of American Public University System (Rasmussen), combines a rich history of educational excellence with the strength of a system dedicated to preparing students for service-oriented careers. The System is committed to enriching communities by delivering innovative, career-focused education and maintaining a longstanding commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. The System offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and across 20 Rasmussen campuses nationwide in eight areas of study, including nursing, health sciences, business, technology, and social services. Since 1900, Rasmussen has been creating opportunities, transforming lives, and strengthening communities through student-centered education that prepares graduates for in-demand careers. Learn more at www.Rasmussen.edu.
About American Public University System:
American Public University System (the System), provides postsecondary education that transforms lives, advances careers, and improves communities. With over 109,000 students and 250,000 alumni worldwide, the System includes American Military University (AMU), American Public University (APU), Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing.
The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI).
Contact: Molly Andersen
Mobile: 903.920.4366
Email: molly.andersen@rasmussen.edu
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SOURCE Rasmussen University
