LPN to BSN vs traditional BSN

[monica427]

I've noticed a few LPN to BSN programs in my state (Georgia), but there doesn't seem to be too much information out there about them from students. I'm wondering how they differ from traditional BSN programs aside from the obvious (having to be an LPN). Does the length of time in the program tend to be different? Or do the instructors just teach knowing that you have a nursing background? Would there much overlap going into a BSN program as an LPN?

I'm really just starting to do some research and this seemed like a logical place to ask. I plan on contacting some of the schools in my state to get more information.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I am in Texas. LVN-to-BSN degree completions in my area differ from the traditional BSN programs in several ways.

1. Traditional BSN students typically complete two years of prerequisite courses and general core curriculum coursework, then another two years of nursing classes.

2. LVN-to-BSN students enter the program with either advanced placement, or en bloc credit, depending on the program. So an LVN who has completed the prerequisite classes would normally bypass the first one to two years of the BSN program and simply complete the remaining two to three years of professional nursing coursework.

3. Many LVN-to-BSN programs allow LVNs to test out of certain time-consuming courses by taking challenge exams to demonstrate their fund of knowledge. This also expedites the process of earning the BSN degree.

[monica427]

Thanks for the information Commuter! I've done a bit more research on programs in my state and it does seem like at least a couple of the programs allow students to test out of certain classes. My husband and I are trying to figure out what the best option is for him. We both want to go to nursing school, but we live in an area where nursing schools are extremely competitive. He's very smart, but his fresh-out-of-high school college grades don't reflect that, so his GPA isn't competitive enough for the ADN or BSN programs in our area. That's why we were looking at LPN programs with the hopes of bridging to BSN later on. But it seems like we'd have more options if we were willing to relocate to another area of our state. He supported me during my previous degree, so I want him to do what's best. Just trying to weigh our options!