OHIO LPN looking for LPN to RN program

kessadawn, BSN, RN · Nov 11, 2011

I'm not sure what they offer online, as I've been out of school awhile, but Kent State had a good LPN to RN bridge program. My friend worked fulltime while she completed it. Good luck!

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Nov 11, 2011

Check with your states BON to see what distant learning classes are accepted.

LPN2RN2BSN2MSN · Nov 11, 2011

I would suggest Excelsior College in Albany, New York. I did the bridge program and it worked well for me. I am now doing the BSN program through Excelsior also. The bridge program is a self- paced, distance program. Their phone number is 888-647-2388. Good Luck!

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Nov 11, 2011

a previous blog stated, "i would suggest excelsior college in albany, new york. i did the bridge program and it worked well for me. i am now doing the bsn program through excelsior also. the bridge program is a self- paced, distance program."

however, you originally asked for "i would like an online program with clinicals," last i heard excelsior does not have clinicals attached to their self-paced program. instead of clinicals, you take a two-day test at the end of the program.

i am attending indiana state university's (isu) distant learning program, which also has clinicals. in fact, there are 6 clinicals and 8 didactic classes for the lpn to bsn program. this program is a true distant learning program--you study on your own but you are enrolled in classes each semester. each week goals are assigned, you turn in your work each sunday night, and you must participate in weekly discussion boards, etc. because most of the work is via the internet and by writing, your ability put your thoughts into written form is essential.

to make sure that each student is absorbing the information for the subject, each student must also pass an ati exam for the subject--meaning you have the classes' general work, quizzes/tests, as well as the ati test before you can pass the class and take another.

isu's program is set up similar to their brick and mortor class in terre haute; the only difference between the two classes is the dl student does not drive to the university and sit in class. requirements, reading and clinicals are the same.

the one problem with isu is (this problem only exists for non-california students) is dl isu students must set up their own clinicals. in calif, the bon requires isu to locate and set up clinicals for their students. there is a trade off. the calif bon requies that no calif student take more than one clinical a semester. this extends the calif student's program to a minimum of 3 years (remember there are 6 clinicals). those students outside calif do not have the restriction and could matriculate through the program at a faster rate.

isu's program is rigorous. you will be expected to not only read and understand the information but will be required to answer/discuss specific questions weekly on isu's blackboard. you must provide citations with your rationale for your answer.

there may be other distant learning programs authorized by your state's bon that fit your parameters, and this is why i suggested checking with your bon for your state.

beware of companies such as the college network, which are only publishing companies and are not accredited. some colleges/universities will accept their transcripts others will not. there are other distant learning colleges who are accredited and offer distant learning prerequisites as well as gen education classes. ivy tech offers such classes and they are completely online. i know little about this college other than isu accepts this college's accredited classes and their trasncript.

prosareus · Dec 18, 2012

I am a lpn in the suburban cleveland area and I am looking a for a cleveland lpn to rn program too. i have research all of the typical programs and they all seem a bit off putting. I finally looked in the kent state university program and it seems to be the most flexible of the lot. they have morning, evening and weekend program. also in columbus i do knlw that columbus state has a lpn to rn program. hondros seems to be very popular in your area. its a bit expensive but worth it. we just got one here in cleveland but its not as recognized as it is in columbus ohio. if your looking to become an advanced practice nurse i would go to a state school were the credits transfer easily. i hear a lot of nurses say that they want to advance to the next level but rush into programs that are springing up everywhere but hit closed doors everywhere because the credits dont transfer, think about where you want to go in nursing and then pick your program. remember that every role in nursing is valid but you must prepare for the role that you feel called to have. I am not critising any nursing program but be very careful of your decision