Rasmussen University Launches Weekend Practical Nursing Diploma Program at Ocala Campus
PR Newswire•01/10/2026•08:30 ET
0
Key Highlights
- ➤Ocala weekend Practical Nursing program enrollment opens, with classes beginning January 2027
- ➤Practical Nursing Diploma can be completed in as few as 15 months
- ➤Estimated Florida tuition and fees total approximately $27,000
- ➤Florida LPN demand projected to rise 2.3% annually through 2037
- ➤LPN workforce adequacy projected to decline from 85% in 2022 to 55% by 2037
Expert Statements
Heather Ann Smith, Area dean of nursing at Rasmussen University
“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. 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.”
Pete Beasley, Senior campus executive director at Rasmussen University—Ocala
“As Ocala and its surrounding communities continue to grow, so does the need for skilled healthcare professionals. 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.”
Rasmussen University Launches Weekend Practical Nursing Diploma Program at Ocala Campus PR Newswire
New weekend program expands access to nursing education for working adults and career changers in Central Florida
Get started
Create a free account to read the full story.