Lpn to Rn

[bridgettFtRN]

What is the difference between a LPN to RN program than just doing RN.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

An LPN to RN program requires one to first hold an LPN license. Because a student in an LPN to RN program has already completed some nursing education, although with a different scope of licensure, that allows the students in the "bridge" program to take fewer classes. An RN program prepares students to become RNs without needing to first become an LPN.

[ddrftw]

I think the main difference is that the RN is 4 years and lpn is just 2 years or so then people would go work as a lpn for a couple of years and then return to school to become a RN and that's when they go do the bridge program.

[Extra Pickles]

I think the main difference is that the RN is 4 years and lpn is just 2 years or so then people would go work as a lpn for a couple of years and then return to school to become a RN and that's when they go do the bridge program.

No, this is incorrect.

An RN program that ends in an Associate Degree is a "2-year" program, although one typically has to do a year or more of pre-requisite courses prior to acceptance into the nursing program itself. A 4-year program, or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree has the pre-requs (usually) rolled into it. All routes lead to taking the same NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

LPN programs, which are certificate programs not college degrees, can be completed in as little as ten months or take up to two years depending on the depth of the program. All routes lead to taking the same NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

If someone has an LPN license already, it makes sense to do a bridge program that eliminates the most basic nursing courses required, focusing on the courses needed to complete the Associate degree (or Bachelor if going for BSN from LPN). Saves anywhere from a semester to a year, again depends on program.