Florida's ICH (International College of Health Sciences) - LVN to ADN program

Navigating the Florida Clinical Rotation

It is completely normal to feel a bit anxious about the logistics of out-of-state clinicals, especially when you are balancing a busy life in California. Many of us have had to travel for bridge programs, and the financial piece is often the most stressful part of the journey.

The cost for a three week stay in Florida can vary wildly depending on the season, but most students budget between $2,500 and $4,000 for the entire trip. This includes your flight, a rental car, and lodging, which is usually the biggest expense during peak tourist months.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, you want to prioritize safety and proximity to the clinical sites to avoid Florida traffic. Here are a few practical tips from those who have made the trek:

• Look for "Medical Professional" listings on Furnished Finder. This site is often cheaper than Airbnb because it is designed for travel nurses, and many hosts are open to short-term stays for students.
• Connect with your cohort early to find roommates. Splitting a three bedroom Airbnb with two other students can cut your lodging costs by more than half and provides a built-in study group for those long nights.
• Join the Facebook groups specifically for ICHS California students. There are several active private groups where students share "hand-off" rentals and advice on which local hotels offer student discounts.

Keep in mind that Florida weather can be unpredictable, so always pack extra scrubs in case you cannot find a laundry facility nearby. The travel is exhausting, but it is a temporary hurdle to get those three letters behind your name.

Have you already started looking into the specific clinical sites they use, or are you still in the early planning stages for 2026?