How to Go from LPN/LVN to RN

Working under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), depending on the state of practice, provide basic care to patients in various healthcare settings. Often, LPNs/LVNs seek to transition to RNs to open up new opportunities for career advancement and an expanded scope of practice. To achieve this transition, LPNs/LVNs can pursue further education through programs designed specifically for an LPN/LVN to RN bridge.

These programs, such as Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), provide the necessary knowledge and skills to take their nursing careers to the next level.

What Is the Pathway from LPN/LVN to RN?

LPNs/LVNs generally have completed a diploma or certificate program in practical nursing. However, to become an RN and increase your scope of practice, you will need to earn a higher level of education, such as an ADN or a BSN.

The main differences between an ADN and a BSN lie in the level of education, duration of study, scope of coursework, and potential career opportunities. Here are some key distinctions:

• Education Level: The ADN is typically a two-year program offered at community colleges or vocational schools. It focuses on nursing practice essentials and prepares students for entry-level positions. On the other hand, the BSN is a four-year degree program offered by colleges and universities. It provides a broader education that includes additional leadership, research, community health, and management coursework.
• Duration: The ADN program is usually shorter, taking two years of full-time study. Being four years in length, BSN programs require more time to finish. However, accelerated BSN programs are also available for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree and the previously mentioned LPN/LVN to RN bridge programs.
• Clinical Experience: ADN and BSN programs include clinical rotations or experiences where students gain hands-on practice in various healthcare settings. However, BSN programs may offer more clinical experience, exposing students to a wider range of patient populations and healthcare environments.
• Career Opportunities: While ADN and BSN graduates can become RNs after passing the NCLEX-RN examination, BSN-prepared nurses may have broader career prospects. Many healthcare organizations and institutions prefer or require nurses to hold a BSN degree for certain roles, such as leadership positions, public health nursing, research, or specialized areas of practice. BSN graduates may also have a higher chance of advancement to management or administrative positions within the nursing profession.

Whether you choose the LPN/LVN to ADN or LPN/LVN to BSN program, it is important to ensure that they are accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) so that you can apply for licensure after earning your degree.

LPN/LVN to RN Prerequisites & Requirements

Depending on the program and state specifications, requirements to apply and gain entry might vary. Generally, admission requirements include a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED), a current LPN/LVN license in good standing, a minimum GPA, and a passing score on an entrance exam. Years of experience as an LPN/LVN are also expected for most programs. Prerequisite courses for each program could vary, but the following courses are generally required:

• English composition
• Anatomy and physiology
• Biology
• General chemistry 

Some schools will allow you to use some of your LPN/LVN experience as credits to fast-track your education time. It's important to research each program of interest to verify that you meet their prerequisites and requirements and that they fit your needs and interests.

LPN/LVN to RN Curriculum

The curriculum for LPN/LVN to RN programs varies among institutions. However, the general curriculum typically builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired during the LPN/LVN training. Typical coursework you might expect includes:

• General Education Courses: LPN/LVN to RN programs often include general education courses that provide a broader educational foundation. These may include English composition, psychology, sociology, and mathematics.
• Nursing Core Courses: LPN/LVN to RN bridge programs focus on enhancing nursing knowledge and skills. The curriculum typically includes nursing courses that cover topics such as:
  • Nursing theory and practice: This course covers advanced nursing concepts, nursing process, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
  • Pharmacology: Students learn about medications, their effects, dosages, administration routes, and potential interactions.
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing: This course focuses on providing nursing care to patients with various medical and surgical conditions.
  • Maternal-Child Nursing: Students learn about prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and care for infants and children.
  • Mental Health Nursing: This course covers the assessment, intervention, and management of mental health disorders.
  • Pediatric Nursing: Students learn about caring for infants, children, and adolescents, including growth and development milestones, common pediatric conditions, and family-centered care.
  • Community Health Nursing: This course emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and healthcare delivery in community settings.
  • Leadership and Management: Students learn about nursing leadership principles, management skills, healthcare policy, and ethical issues in nursing practice.
• Clinical Practicum: LPN/LVN to RN programs include clinical experiences where students apply theoretical knowledge in real healthcare settings. These supervised clinical practicums provide hands-on experience in various areas of nursing practice, allowing students to develop and refine their clinical skills.
• Transition Courses: LPN/LVN to RN bridge programs often have specific transition courses designed to help LPNs/LVNs integrate their prior knowledge and skills with the expanded scope of practice as RNs. These courses focus on areas where LPNs/LVNs may need to enhance their abilities, such as critical thinking, assessment, and care planning.

It's important to note that the specific curriculum and course titles may vary between institutions. It's recommended to research and review the curriculum of the LPN/LVN to RN programs offered by the institutions you are considering to get a detailed understanding of the coursework and clinical experiences involved in the program.

Differences between LPN/LVN and RN

LPNs/LVNs and RNs provide a wide range of fundamental nursing services, including basic assessments, supporting patient comfort, aiding in patient care and recovery, and contributing to the patient care plan. However, due to the differences in additional clinical training experience and education in theoretical knowledge, RNs have a deeper and broader scope of practice that enables them to work in settings and patient demographics with higher acuity, unpredictability, and complexity.

Here is a brief overview of LPNs/LVNs' and RNs' responsibilities to demonstrate some comparisons and differences in their roles. It is important to note that specific job responsibilities might differ depending on state and institutional regulations and policies.

LPN/LVN Duties

• Measure and monitor patient vital signs.
• Administer oral, rectal, and topical medications for patients.
• Keep records of patient health and progress.
• Identify and communicate changes in patient health status to the healthcare team.
• Assist with patient's daily activities and hygiene (including bathing, toileting, dressing, etc.)
• Collect specimens for testing, such as capillary blood, stool, and urine.

RN Duties

• Monitor and assess the patient's symptoms and progress.
• Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results.
• Consult and collaborate with physicians, doctors, and other advanced professionals in the patient's circle of care.
• Set up and coordinate treatment plans or contribute to existing care plans.
• Administer medications and treatments (including IVs and medications through central lines).
• Educate patients and families on how to manage/prevent illnesses or injuries.
• Supervise and delegate tasks to LPNs/LVNs, per state's guidelines.

LPN/LVN to RN Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LPNs/LVNs earned a median annual wage of $55,860, and RNs earned a median annual wage of $89,010 in May 2022. Most LPNs/LVNs are employed in the nursing facilities and home care industries, whereas most RNs are employed in general medical and surgical hospital settings. 

The top-paying industry for LPNs/LVNs is personal care services paying a median annual wage of $90,950. For RNs, the top-paying industry is wholesale trade agents and brokers, paying an average salary of $112,480 as of May 2022. 

For LPNs/LVNs, California has the highest level of employment, paying a competitive annual mean wage of $69,930. However, the highest paying state is Washington at a close $69,950. Similarly, California offers the highest level of employment and compensation for RNs at an annual mean wage of $133,340.

LPNs/LVNs and RNs may also receive health insurance, bonuses, incentive payments, retirement plans, and paid time off. Some employers may offer differential pay for night shifts, weekends, or holidays, and private practices or academic institutions may offer different salary structures than hospitals or medical centers. 

It is worth mentioning that salary ranges can change over time due to factors such as inflation, demand for these roles, and changes in healthcare policies. Therefore, researching the specific salary ranges and job opportunities in your desired location and consulting reliable sources such as recent job market reports, and professional organizations for the most up-to-date information is recommended.

FAQ

Q: How much does an LPN/LVN to RN Cost?

A: Many variables influence how much it costs to bridge education. A factor is which school you choose and where it is located. This can impact whether or not you are living at home and commuting and the associated cost of living. Whether you are getting an associate degree or a bachelor's degree can also determine expenses. Generally, a BSN is more expensive than an ADN program. Similarly, a private college or state school program for an out-of-state student could be more expensive than a state program for a student in-state. Because of all the variables, it is difficult to say how much it will cost, but it is recommended that you do your research specific to the program and time of study that you are interested in well in advance.

Q: Can I receive credit for my previous LPN/LVN education and experience in an LPN/LVN to RN program?

A: LPN/LVN to RN programs often recognize and give credit for previous LPN/LVN education and experience. The specific amount of credit or advanced placement granted may vary between programs. It's advisable to check with the particular program you are interested in to understand their policies and procedures regarding credit for prior LPN/LVN education and experience.