Rasmussen University (APEI) opens Orlando campus, launches LPN pathway; classes begin April 2026

Rasmussen expands Orlando footprint with first local LPN pathway

American Public Education’s Rasmussen University opens a two‑story campus at 8541 Southpark Circle in Orlando, expanding its Florida network and introducing a Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) program to the city for the first time. The site, Rasmussen’s sixth campus in the Florida market, adds hands‑on capacity with nursing skills and simulation labs, collaborative classrooms, dedicated faculty and student engagement spaces, and modern clinical technology. Enrollment is under way and classes begin in April 2026.

The campus complements Rasmussen’s existing North Orlando and Ocala locations and brings a full suite of nursing credentials to the local market, including the LPN diploma, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). APEI Chief Executive Angela Selden says the LPN pathway creates new entry points into nursing amid pronounced regional staffing challenges, while Rasmussen President Mark Arnold notes the campus will serve students across Orange, Osceola and surrounding counties. The facility is purpose‑built to mirror contemporary clinical environments and to prepare students for licensure and immediate workforce entry.

Instruction emphasizes experiential learning, with realistic clinical simulations, team‑based lab exercises and faculty‑led debriefs designed to accelerate readiness for hospitals, clinics and long‑term care providers facing staffing gaps. APEI frames the investment as part of its healthcare division’s next chapter of growth, positioning the Orlando campus as infrastructure that increases local capacity and expands access to career‑focused, affordable nursing education. The move is intended to help area health systems respond to rising patient demand by producing graduates ready for clinical roles.

Strategic expansion in Central Florida

Rasmussen has served Central Florida since 2007 and is intentionally growing its market presence to meet persistent workforce needs. The new Orlando site is positioned to increase enrollment throughput and clinical training hours available to the region.

Program rollout and timeline

Enrollment is open now for the April 2026 start, with the LPN offering providing an earlier entry point into nursing careers while ADN and BSN programs remain available for students pursuing longer licensure pathways. The campus prioritizes simulation‑based training to shorten time‑to‑practice for graduates.