Rasmussen University part of American Public University System (Rasmussen) is expanding access to nursing education in Central Florida with the launch of a new weekend Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma program at its Ocala campus. Enrollment is now open, with the first weekend classes beginning in January 2027.
Designed with working adults and busy families in mind, the new weekend program provides students with the flexibility to pursue a nursing education while balancing work and other responsibilities. The program combines Friday–Sunday scheduling with a mix of on-campus and online coursework, hands-on learning experiences and clinical education designed to prepare students to provide safe, competent patient care and sit for the NCLEX-PN® examination.
"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," said Heather Ann Smith, area dean of nursing at Rasmussen University. "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."