Is there any LPN that has bridge online?

klone, MSN, RN · Jul 20, 2018

Excelsior is the only one I am aware of.

Orion81RN · Jul 21, 2018

Online LPN to RN is a terrible idea. There's a reason why you don't find these programs. I don't believe you could learn much on your own, let alone lab and clinical requirements.

mediwizard · Jul 22, 2018

I graduated In January and while I enjoy being a nurse. I'm ready to move forward. I thought being an Lpn first would be a big advantage (and it is..somewhat) But I wish I would've went ahead and got my RN first. I don't want to be stuck working in the nursing home. Its kinda hard working and going the traditional route. I looked into Indiana university and has an online LPN-BSN program but have been reading bad reviews. I'm really starting to feel frustrated and someone trapped.
Any schools that you know of or any opinions??

Doing an online LPN-RN bridging program is definitely a terrible idea. I mean if it is partly online i.e. the theoretical type courses then that is okay. BUT you need to have practical placement which can never be done online. How would you apply your knowledge as a future RN when you have never cared for patients in an RN capacity? That sounds outright dangerous and you would risk losing your license. I would also doubt your board of nursing would acknowledge your degree/program which would result to a waste of time and money. You definitely should not gamble with this. Maybe look for colleges/universities that offer both an online part of the program but still offer the traditional hospital placement. Good luck and hopefully you figure it out.

silverbat · Jul 22, 2018

I went from LPN to RN with Excelsior /regents college Back in 1996. I had no problems being licensed in my home state-MO. At that time there were a few states that didn't accept RNs licenses who graduated online. Illinois was one. Can't remember any others.

I had very little trouble going from LPN to RNat my hospital.

As an LPN team leader, I did IV meds and led the team I was on. There was one RN on the floor who did IV pushes.

When I graduated and waiting on boards, I oriented on my floor as a GN. I told them I needed to do pushed since I couldn't do them as an LPN, so for two weeks on day shift, I did every IV Push!!!

Since I worked full as LPN team lead the entire time of studying for RN, I was pretty comfortable in the role of team lead as a New RN.

I think it would have been very difficult if I had not had the work experience that I had.

mzsuccess · Jul 23, 2018

Online LPN to RN is a terrible idea. There's a reason why you don't find these programs. I don't believe you could learn much on your own, let alone lab and clinical requirements.

That's your opinion and I respect that but I've met wonderful nurses who are went to an online school

mzsuccess · Jul 23, 2018

Doing an online LPN-RN bridging program is definitely a terrible idea. I mean if it is partly online i.e. the theoretical type courses then that is okay. BUT you need to have practical placement which can never be done online. How would you apply your knowledge as a future RN when you have never cared for patients in an RN capacity? That sounds outright dangerous and you would risk losing your license. I would also doubt your board of nursing would acknowledge your degree/program which would result to a waste of time and money. You definitely should not gamble with this. Maybe look for colleges/universities that offer both an online part of the program but still offer the traditional hospital placement. Good luck and hopefully you figure it out.

Of course you have clinical I don't think the BON would let that fly. Everyone doesn't have that choice of going back to a community college but thanks for your opinion

Chargro88007 · Aug 4, 2018

Hi! LPN here. If you are in WA state, Lower Columbia College has a online LPN-RN bridge. Otherwise, Indiana State University has a LPN-BSN bridge that you can participate in from almost any state. While I understand the concerns that many people have, I disagree that online is a bad idea. If you are a LPN with good skills and experience, online can be a great way to go. Many LPN's that I graduated with have done this kind of bridge and been very successful. One important thing to note is that any LPN-RN bridge (as far as I know) will have a in-person skills lab and clinical requirement. Tests can be administered online via proctor, but there is no substitute for time at the bedside with a preceptor. Lower Columbia does the online portion first, followed by only clinicals in one summer. ISU does clinicals throughout the program but they are arranged at hospitals local to the student. Major university hospitals and children's hospitals have taken ISU students so you would be hard pressed to claim that they didn't get a great clinical opportunity. As an aside, the BON of CA had a falling out with ISU and still doesn't endorse the program so this option is out for CA residents. Finally, there is another LPN-RN online bridge in North Dakota at a state university. I didn't look further into this one as there were several requirements for flying to ND, but if you are open to flying in from out of state it may be a viable option. Best of luck!

Psander4 · Aug 25, 2018

Indiana State is a good opportunity for those who can't do traditional nursing because of full time jobs due to making sure your house doesn't go into foreclosure, etc. Clinicals are done in a facility of your choice as long as it is approved by Indiana state as an appropriate clinical site. Never let people deter you from your dream and aspirations....pray about it, try for it, if you succeed then it was intended for you to. Ppl will always have opinions but only you can live your best life. Good luck with your decision! Sending good vibes and blessings your way!