How to pursue an RN in the US with a Canadian LPN

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Hello, I am a Canadian citizen currently in BC studying my LPN.

I am hoping to moveto the US to continue to pursue my RN.

I do have dualcitizenship as my Dad is American, but I have heard a lot of mixed/confusinginformation regarding Canadian LPNs who want to pursue their RN is the states.

If anyone could helpprovide some answers it would be greatly appreciated!

  1. I'd like to know what are the different options I can pursue (I've heard you can go about it several different ways such as going for a Bachelors in Nursing or pursuing an ADN).

I know that an LPN and LVN in the states are basically the same thing but thelength of the course and what the courses covered may differ slightly, so I'mnot sure if the route to pursue my RN will necessarily be the same. I know Iwill have to rewrite a licensing exam, but are there any other barriers due tomy Canadian qualification?

2) I'd also like to know which option is fastest, most rigorous and perhaps the most affordable?

(AsI do not have a loan and have been juggling multiple jobs to pay for my schooling).

Thankyou for any nuggets of wisdom or advice you may have! :)

Specializes in Public Health.

Ya, you definitely do not need a previous bachelors before pursuing a BScN... It's not med or law school. I know many people who were RNs by 22-25 years of age as they went directly through from highschool or shortly after.

Where are you getting this inaccurate information?

Specializes in Public Health.

Also there are still TONS of LPN/RPN (what an LPN is called in Ontario) bridging programs in Canada. Within a 100 km radius from me I could probably list at least 5 or more. They are in Ontario, though, so I'm not sure how useful it would be to you but if you would like me to list them I would be happy to do so :)

Double check the sources of your information.

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
Silver, I don't know what you're talking about, I've done lots of research, yes you do. You cannot go from high school into RN you need a 4 year bachelor in anything first.

if there are supposedly so many PN to RN bridges out there can you name some?? As far as I know they have all been abolished in the last couple years as Canada is changing the system to become an RN. (with the exception of Athabasca which I have seen other Canadian lpns discuss on other forums, which is said to abolish that program as well soon and only offers on line).

Where are you getting this info from? All you need is the prerequisites for the the BSN. You do NOT need a Bachelors in something else first.There are dozens of PN-RN bridge programs available.

If you follow this link http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/nursing/undergrad/admission.html

it quite clearly states that they accept students apply directly from high school.

here is the link to the PN-BSN bridging program at UFV ;https://www.ufv.ca/calendar/2012_13/ProgramsF-L/HEALTH_NURS.htm

Or this one:http://www.tru.ca/nursing/programs/lpntobscn.html

What do you mean by "Canada is changing it's system to RN?" PN-RN programs are everywhere. Why on earth would they do away with PN-BSN programs?

One can obtain a Bachelor Degree in any field and then later on, if they wish to change careers, can enter the After Degree RN program which is 2 years!

Otherwise, one can enter University right after HS and do their BSN in 4 years.

The Athabasca University offers the LPN to RN, (approx 3 years as the program is distance) and one is allowed to take up to 7 years to finish. I'm debating this route, over a 5 year plan as I have kids attending College and at this point in my life I want to sit back and relax, rather then rush through and finish the program in 3 years.

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