Rasmussen University Launches Weekend Practical Nursing (LPN) Program at Fort Myers Campus
Rhea-AI Summary
Rasmussen University (APEI) is launching a weekend Practical Nursing (LPN) diploma program at its Fort Myers campus, with enrollment open and weekend classes beginning in July. The program mirrors Rasmussen's Tampa/Brandon, Central Pasco, and Orlando weekend model and combines on-campus and online coursework.
Students will follow a Friday–Sunday schedule, complete hands-on field experience and optional self-directed assessments, and be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN®. Florida workforce data cited shows nursing met about 85% of demand in 2022, projected to fall to roughly 55% by 2037.
Positive
- Weekend classes start in July, expanding access for working students
- Enrollment open now at Fort Myers campus
- Program mirrors proven weekend model used in three other Florida campuses
- Prepares students for NCLEX-PN® with hands-on field experience
- Addresses projected nursing shortage: workforce met 85% of demand in 2022, projected 55% by 2037
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
APEI was up 0.43% while peers were mixed: KLC up 8.12%, UDMY up 3.78%, but LINC, QSG, and GOTU down between 1.49% and 3.06%, pointing to stock-specific dynamics around recent Rasmussen initiatives.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 20 | AI platform rollout | Positive | +0.4% | Rasmussen adopting D2L Brightspace with AI tools across programs, prioritizing nursing. |
| Apr 13 | Commencement ceremony | Positive | +0.2% | Illinois commencement celebrating over 450 graduates with livestream participation. |
| Apr 13 | Wellness award | Positive | -2.0% | APUS winning USDLA Compass Award for mental health and wellness support ecosystem. |
| Apr 07 | Tuition grant deal | Positive | -1.9% | AMU–MOAA partnership offering 20% tuition grant to MOAA members and families. |
| Apr 02 | Academic honors | Neutral | +0.3% | APUS recognizing high-achieving students via its Q1 2026 President’s List. |
Recent education- and nursing-focused announcements generally saw modest moves, with some positive corporate news met by selling, indicating mixed alignment between headlines and price reactions.
Over the past month, APEI news has centered on accessibility, student outcomes, and technology. Rasmussen’s AI-enabled D2L Brightspace rollout for nursing and other programs on Apr 20, 2026 coincided with a 0.43% gain. Earlier, commencement and partnership news around tuition grants, student recognition, and a mental health award produced small gains and some declines. Today’s Fort Myers weekend LPN launch continues the nursing-access theme within Rasmussen’s growth narrative.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement expands Rasmussen’s weekend LPN offerings to Fort Myers, targeting Florida’s projected nursing shortfall, where the workforce met about 85% of demand in 2022 and may meet roughly 55% by 2037. It follows recent moves in AI-enabled learning and access-focused partnerships across APEI’s brands. Investors may watch enrollment trends, clinical pass rates like NCLEX-PN outcomes, and how these nursing initiatives interact with broader strategic and regulatory developments.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Weekend LPN program to help students balance life while meeting the growing demand for nurses in
The weekend program mirrors the successful model currently offered at the Rasmussen University Tampa/
"We've seen tremendous success with our weekend LPN programs across
Strong Demand for Licensed Practical Nurses in
"A career as a LPN offers meaningful work in diverse settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, physician offices, and home health agencies, and serves as a vital pathway to continued growth in the nursing profession," said Hothem.
About the Rasmussen University Practical Nursing Program
Rasmussen University's Practical Nursing Diploma program prepares students to enter the nursing profession with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to provide safe, compassionate care, and can be completed in as few as 15 months1. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements and lab simulations while learning from experienced nursing faculty.
The program is designed to make nursing education accessible for working adults and career changers:
- Eight start dates per year
- No prerequisite coursework required for admission
- No waiting list at many campuses for qualified applicants
- No need to apply twice
"Accessible, high-quality nursing education makes a real difference for both students and the patients they serve," said Tom Toner, campus executive director, Rasmussen University—Fort Myers. "By expanding our weekend LPN program to
To learn more about the new weekend Practical Nursing Diploma program at the
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.
ABOUT RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY:
Rasmussen University, a university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission—an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the
ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC.:
American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI), through its institutions American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing provides education that transforms lives, advances careers, and improves communities.
Contact: Molly Andersen
Mobile: 903.920.4366
Email: molly.andersen@rasmussen.edu
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SOURCE Rasmussen University