LPN to BSN. Can you work as an RN while achieving the BSN

[brittanyac22]

Hi there, I am starting LPN school in January '16 and would graduate December '16. Would I be able to start up to LPN-BSN online bridge program right out of school? Also, can you obtain your RN degree and work as the registered nurse while still continuing to obtain the BSN through ISU online? Thank you for any information.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

In order to work as an RN, you will need to meet the state's requirements to receive the license. That is going to mean completing an RN program, so unless you attend either a diploma program or an ADN program, you will not be able to work as an RN while completing an initial RN licensure BSN program. Whether you would be able to start a program right out of school will depend on the school's requirements. Check any school you look into against a list of approved programs provided by your state BON as well as accreditation by either CCNE or ACEN.

[MbellLPN]

If your planning on attending ISU's LPN-BSN program you will not be able to work as a RN until you obtain your BSN and take the nclex. As far as being able to start program after you get your Lpn depends on if you have completed all of your prereqs prior to the application deadline of the semester you intend on starting in. Also have you taken the teas? Once you take it it is only valid for two years according to ISU requirements so keep that in mind as well. Also if you graduate in December IsU program starts in the spring and fall. The deadline for the spring is usually oct 1 which you wouldn't meet it because you won't be done with school. The deadline for the fall (aug) is usually may 1 in which you may meet that one depending on how soon you take and pass your nclexpn and any remaining prereqs if you have any. Hope this helps.