Do LPN-RN bridge programs entail class 4-5 days/wk?

[GaMBA]

Please forgive my ignorance, but I'm still learning about schooling options in the nursing field. Ultimately I am thinking about pursuing my BSN, but for financial reasons I am considering getting my LPN first, then bridging over to an RN and/or BSN. I hear people say that these bridge programs typically place LPNs in the second-yr RN program. Does this mean that the bridge programs require a fulltime school committment, ie 4 or 5 days a week of all-day classes and clinicals?

One other questions: Do employers tend to offer tuition reimbursement for LPN-RN bridge programs? And are they flexible with your work schedule to allow you to attend classes and clinicals?

Thanks for your help!

[AimeeJo RN]

I can only comment on my own experience. My bridge program was January through August. We were busy at least 4 to 5 days a week. There is not much time left to allow for a full time job, especially if you have kids. You could try an online LPN to RN program, or the college in your area might have a different schedule.

[Perpetual Student]

There seem to be two different main program types for in person LPN to RN programs. The first, which I will be beginning an example of this fall, has totally separate classes for the LPN to RN students for the duration of the program. The other type of program has a brief transitional term (often in the summer) followed by completing the entire 2nd year with the students who're not already LPNs. Both require quite a bit of time, but, at least locally the ones devoted to students who're already LPNs (i.e. separate courses for LPN to RN students) are scheduled to enable students to work at least part time.

For example, during the first few weeks I'll be in class/lab pretty much 5 days per week (but only for a few hours on a couple of the days), then 4 days per week (full days for clinicals and a few hours per day on the lecture days) for a couple of weeks, then 2 to 3 days per week for the rest of the quarter. I anticipate being able to work 3 days per week most weeks.

[Jules A, MSN]

I guess I got lucky. My LPN program was 4-5 days a week but my LPN to RN bridge where I joined the second year RN students was only 3 days a week. Good luck!