The Professional Nursing (LPN-RN) Program is designed to prepare students to pass the licensing examination and gain employment as a Registered Nurse (RN). The program includes classroom, simulation, and clinical experience in local healthcare facilities throughout Lee County. The average starting salary for an RN is $46,800. According to the Florida Board of Nursing and the F.S. 464.019, the diploma nursing education program content includes but is not limited to at least fifty percent clinical training, and no more than half of that clinical training can be comprised of simulation. This program includes a professional nursing curriculum plan that documents the clinical experience and theoretical instruction in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and psychiatric nursing, in acute care, long-term care, and community settings. The program provides theoretical instruction and clinical application in personal, family, and community health concepts; nutrition; human growth and development throughout the life span; body structure and function; interpersonal relationship skills; mental health concepts; pharmacology and administration of medications; legal aspects of practice; as well as interpersonal relationship and leadership skills; professional role and function; and health teaching and counseling skills.