LPN to MSN: Where do I begin?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth

I have a question. I'm currently in a 2 year part-time LPN program and I want to further my education to eventually receive my MSN. I don't even know where to start after this however. I don't know where to even begin searching. Where would be a good place to begin?

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Dear LPN student,

That's great! I'm sure many of us here started our nursing careers as LPNs- I did (except in California, I was called an LVN). RN is the next logical step up from LPN. The hierarchy of nursing degrees is:

Associate Degree (ADN)-----> Bachelor's Degree (BSN)----> Master's Degree (MSN).

LPNs, are licensed by the state as a nurse, but do not have a college degree, as LPN training is vocational. A very good way to learn is to talk with other nurses during your clinical rotations. You will learn so much from them and also begin to network. Click on this LPN/LVN Forum link to connect with other LPNs and students here at allnurses.

The way it works is, complete your LPN training. Look for RN programs that offer LPN to RN bridge or transition programs, with these degree pathways:

• LPN to RN with Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
  
• LPN to RN with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
  

Decide if you want an online program, or traditional classroom setting. You will find online programs, traditional classroom programs, and hybrids.

In an online program, be sure and ask if you will have to show up on campus for a few clinical days. These programs will take you about one to two years. (I highly recommend going for your BSN degree to be more marketable).

Also check to see if your LPN school has any affiliate links to an RN program. This will simplify admission and acceptance for you.

Be sure that the school you choose is accredited. Look for ACEN or CCNE. ADN programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). (formerly NLNAC). Bachelor's or higher degree programs should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

One last idea- as self-education, start perusing/contacting online school sites now. The schools themselves will gladly tell you about admission criteria, and answer all your questions (there are no dumb questions, remember). You'll be so much more informed when the time comes.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[marie o'brien]

Beth, the one thing you forgot to mention was to be admitted to an LPN to RN bridge program (ADN), was that she would have to have all the pre-nursing courses, A&P, chemistry, etc. I did a bridge program and I think when I figured it out, the amount of time it took I could have had a BSN (especially if you consider the time spent in LPN school. At the time I thought I wasted time going to LPN school. However in hindsight It did give me the confidence to know I could perform. Just my opinion, but I think she would be better off (if RN is her goal) to enroll in a BSN program and preferably an on-campus program. New grads are having a hard time getting jobs now and I think Human Resources tend to hire from traditional schools.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Thank you, Marie, you are so right. LVNs must complete pre-reqs such as Anatomy & Physiology, and Chemistry.

I did the same as you- took the longest. possible. route to my RN degree, and later, advanced degree. But it was what I needed to do at the time (support my family and work) and like you, I have no regrets.