Rasmussen University Launches Weekend LPN Program to Meet Nursing Demand
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy APEI?
Source: PRnewswire
- Program Launch: Rasmussen University has introduced a new weekend Practical Nursing Diploma program at its Fort Myers campus, aimed at expanding access to high-quality nursing education, with enrollment opening now and classes starting in July to help students balance work and education.
- Flexible Learning Model: The program features a flexible Friday to Sunday schedule, combining online coursework with hands-on field experiences, enabling students to complete their studies in as few as 15 months and prepare for the NCLEX-PN® exam, addressing the growing demand for nurses.
- Rising Nursing Demand: According to projections from the Florida Center for Nursing, the nursing workforce met only 85% of demand in 2022, with that number expected to drop to 55% by 2037, highlighting the critical shortage of practical nurses and underscoring the program's significance.
- Career Advancement Opportunities: A career as an LPN offers students meaningful work in diverse settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities, serving as a vital pathway for continued growth in the nursing profession, with Rasmussen University supporting students in launching rewarding healthcare careers.
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Analyst Views on APEI
Wall Street analysts forecast APEI stock price to fall
6 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 55.940
Low
38.00
Averages
45.40
High
53.00
Current: 55.940
Low
38.00
Averages
45.40
High
53.00
About APEI
American Public Education, Inc., through its institutions, American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen University (RU), Hondros College of Nursing (HCN), and Graduate School USA (GSUSA), provides online and campus-based postsecondary education and career learning. Its segments include APUS, RU and HCN. The APUS segment provides online postsecondary education directed primarily at the needs of the military, military-affiliated, public service and service-minded communities through American Military University (AMU), and American Public University (APU). APUS provides online postsecondary education to approximately 88,400 adult learners. The RU segment provides nursing and health sciences-focused postsecondary education to over 14,600 students at its 20 campuses in six states and online. The HCN segment offers pre-licensure nursing programs that are designed to prepare individuals for productive careers through both a PN degree and an ADN degree, and two Direct Entry ADN degrees.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Conference Call Announcement: American Public Education will host a conference call on May 11, 2026, at 5 PM ET to discuss its Q1 2026 financial results, with a press release to be issued beforehand, aiming to enhance investor transparency regarding the company's financial health.
- Investor Conference Participation: Management will participate in several investor conferences, including the William Blair Growth Stock Conference on June 3 and the DA Davidson Technology & Consumer Conference from June 10-12, showcasing the company's strategic developments and market positioning in the education sector.
- Online Education Services: The company provides online and campus-based education to approximately 109,000 students through its APU Global and RU Health+ segments, with APU Global focusing on military and veteran services, demonstrating the company's adaptability to diverse educational needs.
- Accreditation and Recognition: Both the American Public University System and Rasmussen University are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring educational quality and enhancing the company's credibility in the education sector, which is expected to drive student enrollment and retention rates.
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- Program Launch: Rasmussen University has introduced a new weekend Practical Nursing Diploma program at its Fort Myers campus, aimed at expanding access to high-quality nursing education, with enrollment opening now and classes starting in July to help students balance work and education.
- Flexible Learning Model: The program features a flexible Friday to Sunday schedule, combining online coursework with hands-on field experiences, enabling students to complete their studies in as few as 15 months and prepare for the NCLEX-PN® exam, addressing the growing demand for nurses.
- Rising Nursing Demand: According to projections from the Florida Center for Nursing, the nursing workforce met only 85% of demand in 2022, with that number expected to drop to 55% by 2037, highlighting the critical shortage of practical nurses and underscoring the program's significance.
- Career Advancement Opportunities: A career as an LPN offers students meaningful work in diverse settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities, serving as a vital pathway for continued growth in the nursing profession, with Rasmussen University supporting students in launching rewarding healthcare careers.
See More
- Platform Transition: Rasmussen University has selected D2L Brightspace to replace Blackboard, aiming to enhance content creation efficiency through artificial intelligence, thereby streamlining administrative processes and improving learning experiences, which further drives educational innovation.
- Implementation Plan: A pilot is scheduled for May 2026, followed by the rollout of D2L Brightspace across all programs, with a particular focus on nursing education to meet students' demands for personalized and flexible learning, thereby enhancing educational quality.
- AI Integration Tools: Rasmussen University will also implement D2L Lumi Tutor and Lumi Feedback, which provide tailored study support for students and time-saving tools for educators, facilitating the construction of high-quality personalized learning activities.
- Long-term Partnership: The collaboration between D2L and American Public Education, Inc. will be further strengthened, reflecting a shared commitment to student success and educational innovation, supporting Rasmussen University's ongoing development in the education sector.
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- Platform Transition: Rasmussen University has selected D2L Brightspace to replace Blackboard, aiming to enhance content creation efficiency through artificial intelligence, thereby optimizing educational experiences and increasing student engagement.
- Technological Innovation: D2L Brightspace will leverage its award-winning platform and AI-driven Lumi tools to provide personalized learning recommendations, assisting educators in creating high-quality content, which in turn enhances student outcomes and retention rates.
- Implementation Plan: Rasmussen plans to pilot D2L Brightspace in May 2026, followed by a full rollout with a focus on nursing education, addressing modern learners' needs for flexible and personalized learning opportunities.
- Long-term Partnership: The collaboration between D2L and American Public Education, Inc. reflects a shared commitment to educational innovation and student success, expected to enhance educational quality and student satisfaction.
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- Graduate Count: Rasmussen University will celebrate the achievements of over 450 graduates during its 2026 Illinois Commencement Ceremony, showcasing the institution's national reach and appeal with participants from 24 states.
- Speaker Lineup: Keynote speaker Kristie Geil, Chief Nursing Officer, will address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, inspiring graduates to lead and innovate in the evolving healthcare landscape, reflecting the university's commitment to nursing and health sciences.
- Alumni Welcome Ceremony: 2021 graduate Doris Jones will lead the Alumni Pinning Ceremony, symbolizing the transition of graduates from students to alumni, thereby strengthening the connection between Rasmussen University and its community of over 84,000 alumni.
- Future Event Schedule: The Illinois ceremony is the first of three commencement celebrations planned for 2026, with subsequent events in Florida and Minnesota, highlighting the university's ongoing influence and commitment to education across the nation.
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- Record Graduate Numbers: Rasmussen University will celebrate the achievements of over 450 graduates at the 2026 Illinois Commencement, representing 24 states, showcasing the university's national reach and appeal.
- Distinguished Keynote Speaker: Chief Nursing Officer Kristie Geil will deliver the keynote address, emphasizing the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals and inspiring graduates to lead innovation in the evolving healthcare landscape, reflecting the university's commitment to nursing and health sciences.
- Alumni Community Welcome: 2021 graduate Doris Jones will welcome new graduates into the alumni community during the ceremony, symbolizing the transition from student to alumnus and further strengthening the connection between Rasmussen University and its over 84,000 alumni.
- Future Ceremony Arrangements: The Illinois commencement is the first of three celebrations nationwide in 2026, with subsequent ceremonies planned in Florida and Minnesota, demonstrating Rasmussen University's ongoing influence and commitment to education across the country.
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