LPN Bridge clinical requirements

[mattestin]

Hey, I've been visiting this site for a long time reading and finally decided to register.

I am strongly considering transitioning into a nursing career. I want to get started right away, and that being said -- LPN is my only option. RN programs nearby will not accept registration and begin until over a year from now, in the fall of 2017. I would hope to be able to complete my LPN and pursue my ADN as I continue to work and gain experience as an LPN.

• Is it a good idea to go ahead and begin the LPN program or should I wait?
  
• I am looking into online LPN-ADN programs. Do the LPN clinical requirements meet those of the ADN/are there additional clinical for bridging?
  
• Do you know of/recommend any bridge programs?
  

There are very limited options in this area, and it would not be the most responsible decision for me to have to move in order to take campus courses in an RN program.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

There are additional clinical requirements for LPN to RN bridge as the scope, skills and expedited knowledge base differs

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

LPN-to-ADN programs will have additional clinical practicum requirements that focus on professional registered nursing, so the clinical hours you complete while enrolled in the LPN program will not be sufficient.

The two main online LPN-to-RN programs are offered at Excelsior College and Indiana State University. Both schools have a clinical practicum requirement that requires you to show up in-person, face-to-face.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

During the year that you would have to wait to get into the community college you could complete your general education class requirements.

I did the LPN to RN route and if I had to do it over again, I would have went straight for my RN. I spent 16 months from 7am-2pm M-TH in my LPN program and I only got to skip the fundamentals portion of the bridge program. I also got so wrapped up in my new role as an LPN and ended up not finishing school until close to 15 years later. I finally did it, but the plan was to avoid the wait list (GPA was not a factor back then) for the RN program by doing the LPN to RN program that had no wait list back then. Oh well, better late than never.

Without knowing what state you are in I could not suggest possible programs. There are several in my state, some great, some good, and some runaway fast and never look back for LPN, RN or bridge students.