Higher Education after LPN--What Program Credits Transfer?

[nursetati]

Hello Everyone!

I currently hold a B.S. in another discipline, however I plan to enter into the nursing field via the LPN path. After completing an LPN program, I plan to do a LPN-RN bridge program, then an RN-BSN bridge program, etc. My ultimate plan is to become a nurse practitioner or DNP.

I have read various articles about how certain regionally accredited programs do not often accept credits from nationally accredited programs. However certain nationally accredited LPN programs like Eastwick College, seem like the most reasonable way to go for me.

Does anyone know if I would be able to get my RN and then later my BSN at other institutions having completed a LPN and RN program at these schools?

If so, what colleges and universities would accept credits from nationally accredited schools?

I do not just want to cut myself short and not be able to further my education, due to accreditation rules.

Thanks in advance : )

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

LPN > ASN > BSN>MSN Nurse Practitioner: Your education plan is the long way to obtain graduate nursing degree.

Per Eastwick College, NJ accreditation page, https://eastwick.edu/affiliations-and-accreditations/ LPN program approved by NJ board of nursing ONLY; not listed as NLN CNEA Accredited Program --only national nursing organization that accredits LPN programs. LPN course credits usually not transferable to BSN degree programs, especially when nursing program not CNEA accreditted. Eastwick NCLEX pass rate is high, total # graduates taking exam low < 10 per quarter, with~ 25 over entire year compared to other LPN programs in NJ..

Since you have a previous BS degree, most nursing programs only accept previous collage credits taken within past 5 years applicable for higher degree. Prerequisites and science based courses vary by school, most can be taken at a community college to save money.

Have you looked at BSN/MSN Accelerated Programs: The Fast Track to Careers in Nursing This would be a shorter path to BSN degree and ability to take NCLEX licensure exam.

List of accelerated program available here: https://www.aacnnursing.org/Nursing-Education-Programs/Accelerated-Programs

Best wishes in your nursing journey.

[Matthew RN, MSN]

I would also suggest not starting with an LPN, but instead jumping to a BSN as your initial degree. Either accelerated or generic BSN. The LPN to ADN to BSN route will add many years and a significant amount of extra schooling if your intention is graduate nursing. However some universities programs are built with steps, for example some programs require LPN first then RN then BSN. These are built so there is not extra time or schooling.

To answer your actual questions as far as transferability. Usually you are transferring the final product (LPN certificate, ADN degree, BSN degree) and pre-requisites classes rather than individual nursing classes.

LPN degrees transfer to LPN to RN bridge programs with an LPN license and then some amount of required pre-requisites (often you have already taken) and these programs often have a requirement for some amount of work as an LPN (1-3 years). LPN to RN bridge programs are less common than generic ADN programs, I have heard of students traveling to other states for bridge programs. Once you have your ADN then RN to BSN programs are very common, and can usually be completed online. In these cases an RN is usually required plus prerequisite courses (often you have already taken).

One thing you will find different between RN programs and LPN programs is that most LPN programs are not nationally accredited. My state does not have a single nationally accredited LPN program (all state accredited) with almost all of my states RN programs nationally accredited.

[beekee]

Skip the LPN, unless you need to work as a nurse while you work on your RN. I went the ADN route, then did an online RN to BSN program. I’m not going any further.

Where I went, the LPNs got 5 credits towards the RN classes. They got to skip half of the first semester of clinicals I think. That’s it.

[nursetati]

Thank you, everyone for the great feedback!

So, I have actually looked into accelerated BSN/MSN programs. However, due to the competitive nature of those programs, I have not had much luck with being admitted or getting off of the waiting list. I am still waiting to hear back from ADN programs, but if those don't work out either, I was hoping that an LPN program would be my next best option.

I wanted to explore EVERY option, because I feel like I am wasting time waiting around for potentially unfavorable admissions decisions. ? I just don't want to be stuck with not being able to further my nursing education by doing an LPN program instead.