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For many prospective students, the first question when comparing nursing programs in Orlando is simple: how long will it take to begin a nursing career?

The answer depends on the credential, previous education, admission requirements, and the time needed to complete Florida licensing steps after graduation. At Hajgden International College, the primary nursing pathways include Practical Nursing (PN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), and an RNtoBSN completion pathway for qualified registered nurses.

At a glance

Program schedules can vary based on academic preparation, course availability, clinical scheduling, and individual progress. The following guide provides a practical overview of each route.

Practical Nursing: approximately one year

Hajgden International College’s Practical Nursing program consists of four quarters, 12 months, and 1,374 hours. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience to prepare students for the responsibilities of practical nursing.

Hajgden’s Practical Nursing program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. The program is designed to prepare eligible graduates to take the NCLEX-PN, the examination required for those pursuing Florida LPN licensing.

What is included in the 1,374 hours?

The Practical Nursing curriculum includes instruction and hands-on preparation in areas such as:

• Foundations and fundamentals of nursing care
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Pediatric nursing
• Obstetrical nursing
• Geriatric nursing
• Mental health concepts
• Pharmacology and medication administration
• Nutrition and diet therapy
• Infection control
• Human growth and development
• Ethical and legal aspects of nursing practice
• Community and home care

Laboratory sessions allow students to develop essential technical skills in a supervised environment. Clinical experiences then provide opportunities to apply those skills in healthcare settings while developing communication, organization, patient-safety awareness, and professional confidence.

Learn more about the Practical Nursing program.

ASN: approximately 18–24 months

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) pathway generally takes approximately 18–24 months to complete at Hajgden International College. It is designed for students pursuing preparation for registered nursing practice and the NCLEX-RN.

Hajgden’s ASN program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. After successfully completing the program and meeting Florida requirements, eligible graduates may apply to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue Florida RN licensing.

What does ASN preparation involve?

ASN education combines nursing theory with laboratory simulation and clinical practice. Students build knowledge and judgment in areas including:

• Medical-surgical nursing
• Obstetrical nursing
• Pediatric nursing
• Geriatric nursing
• Acute care
• Long-term care
• Community health
• Pharmacology
• Medication administration
• Human growth and development
• Legal and professional responsibilities
• Patient and family education
• NCLEX-RN test-taking strategies

The ASN timeline is longer than the PN timeline because the program addresses a broader scope of nursing knowledge, clinical judgment, and professional responsibility. Students are expected to connect scientific concepts with patient assessment, care planning, documentation, communication, and safe clinical decisions.

For individuals comparing RN programs in Orlando, it is important to review the full program sequence rather than focusing only on the number of months. A strong program should explain how classroom learning, simulation, clinical preparation, and examination readiness are integrated.

Review the ASN program details to learn more about curriculum expectations and admissions information.

RNtoBSN: approximately 12 months

An RNtoBSN program is intended for qualified registered nurses who already have prior nursing education and are ready to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Hajgden International College’s current BSN information describes a 12-month completion format. The program page identifies the delivery method as 100% online. Current admission information includes an official registered nursing school transcript, current RN licensing or written proof of clearance to sit for the NCLEX-RN, and prior college coursework requirements.

Because an RNtoBSN pathway is designed for students who already possess nursing preparation, it is not the same as beginning an entry-level nursing program. Coursework focuses on advancing professional knowledge in areas such as:

• Evidence-based practice
• Community and population health
• Leadership development
• Interdisciplinary communication
• Health promotion
• Cultural sensitivity
• Professional nursing practice
• Critical thinking and clinical judgment

The current duration, course sequence, and admission criteria should be confirmed with the Hajgden admissions team before enrollment. Qualified registered nurses can also review the BSN program information.

Admissions can affect the overall timeline

The advertised program length is only one part of the complete journey. Admissions preparation may add time if transcripts, entrance testing, prerequisite coursework, or required documentation are not ready.

For PN and ASN applicants, the admissions process may include:

1. Completing the college admissions application.
2. Providing high school or GED documentation.
3. Submitting transcripts from previously attended schools, when applicable.
4. Completing the required entrance examination.
5. Reviewing program expectations with the admissions team.
6. Preparing health and clinical documentation before rotations.

Students entering clinical experiences should plan ahead for requirements such as physical examination documentation, immunization or immunity records, tuberculosis screening, CPR certification, drug screening, and background checks. Requirements and deadlines should be confirmed directly with the program because clinical sites may establish additional conditions.

Early preparation helps prevent avoidable delays. Organizing transcripts, reviewing entrance testing expectations, and beginning health documentation before the program start date can create a more efficient path through admissions and clinical preparation.

Florida licensing steps after graduation

Completing a nursing program is an important milestone, but graduates must also complete the Florida licensing process before practicing as a nurse.

PN graduates

A typical sequence for an eligible PN graduate includes:

1. Complete the approved Practical Nursing program.
2. Apply for Florida licensing by examination.
3. Complete required fingerprinting and background screening.
4. Ensure that official education records are submitted as required.
5. Register for the NCLEX-PN.
6. Receive authorization to test.
7. Schedule and pass the NCLEX-PN.
8. Confirm issuance of the Florida LPN license.

ASN graduates

A typical sequence for an eligible ASN graduate includes:

1. Complete the approved ASN program.
2. Apply for Florida RN licensing by examination.
3. Complete fingerprinting and background screening.
4. Confirm that official transcripts or education verification have been received.
5. Register for the NCLEX-RN.
6. Receive authorization to test.
7. Schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.
8. Confirm issuance of the Florida RN license.

Applicants should review the latest instructions through the Florida Board of Nursing and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing NCLEX registration information. Processing times can vary, so graduates should begin reviewing the requirements before completing the program.

Tuition planning and low payment plans

A realistic nursing timeline should include a realistic cost plan. When comparing nursing colleges in Orlando, prospective students should request a current tuition and program-cost outline and ask which expenses are included.

Common education-related expenses may include:

• Tuition and required institutional charges
• Textbooks and digital learning materials
• Uniforms and clinical shoes
• Stethoscope and other equipment
• CPR certification
• Health screenings and immunization documentation
• Background screening and drug testing
• NCLEX registration and testing expenses
• Transportation to classroom and clinical locations

Hajgden International College provides guidance regarding low payment plans and budgeting for educational expenses. Discussing a payment schedule early can help students organize monthly obligations, plan for clinical requirements, and maintain focus throughout the program.

Cost planning should also account for personal responsibilities, including transportation, childcare, work schedules, and the time required for study. Small class sizes and collaborative learning can provide meaningful academic support, but consistent attendance, preparation, and time management remain integral to progress.

Which timeline is right?

The best route depends on the desired role and educational starting point.

• Choose PN when the goal is to complete a focused nursing program in approximately one year and prepare for the NCLEX-PN.
• Choose ASN when the goal is to prepare for RN practice through an 18–24-month nursing degree pathway and the NCLEX-RN.
• Choose RNtoBSN when a qualified registered nurse with prior nursing education wants to advance to the BSN level through an approximately 12-month completion format.

Students who are still comparing nursing schools in Central Florida should consider more than duration. Program approval, classroom and clinical preparation, admissions guidance, faculty support, schedule options, licensing preparation, and cost planning all contribute to the overall educational experience.

Begin planning your nursing pathway

A nursing education can provide a structured pathway toward knowledge, skill development, leadership, and meaningful service in Orlando and throughout Central Florida.

Hajgden International College offers Practical Nursing and ASN programs approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, along with an RNtoBSN pathway for qualified registered nurses seeking continued professional development.

Let us guide you toward the program that aligns with your experience and career goals. Contact admissions to learn more about program timelines, current requirements, start dates, and low payment plans.