LPN TO RN Bridge programs

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2017

why so many pre-requisites if we are already practicing LPN's?

Just because someone is a practicing LPN with plenty of hands-on work experience, it does not always mean (s)he has the fund of knowledge necessary to successfully complete a bridge program.

I completed an LPN-to-ASN bridge program that did not require prerequisites. Some of my former classmates were forced to withdraw from the program because they could not complete medication math or dosage calculations properly. In this instance, working in the field as LPNs did not necessarily mean they knew how to do dosage calculations. Perhaps a prerequisite math course could have prevented those unfortunate withdrawals from the program.

One of my former classmates actually asked, "Is asthma contagious?" Perhaps a prerequisite course in microbiology or pathophysiology would have bestowed upon her the knowledge to know that asthma is not contagious, because her many years of LPN experience didn't necessarily mean she knew.

That was just a few examples and some food for thought.

Archerlpvn, LPN, LVN · Apr 11, 2017

That poor, poor LPN that's asked if asthma was contagious lol.. smh

sunlovingnurse · Apr 12, 2017

That's very unfortunate that the LPN that you are speaking of did not get a good foundation from her LPN classes.

AS8812, BSN, DNP, RN · Apr 18, 2017

Hi ! I am in AZ also. I have three months left of my LPN to BSN bridge program at the university of Phoenix. Yes, I had to do prereqs but they were calculated into my class plan and were excelerated - 5-9 weeks. On campus only one night a week for 4 hours. When clinicals start, you still have class one night plus a clinical day. Totally worth it. To me anyway ! :)

good luck

sunlovingnurse · Apr 18, 2017

Thank you so much for that info. I really want to do the program but I also have to consider cost and my age. At 52 years old, I don't know if that is the best route for me to be finishing when I am even closer to 55 years old. But I so appreciate the info. Good luck with your program and the NCLEX. :)

sunlovingnurse · Apr 18, 2017

Oh BTW-How long did it take you to do the bridge program there ?

Thanks

AS8812, BSN, DNP, RN · Apr 18, 2017

There were a good variety of ages ! One of my good friend/classmate is 50. She's been an LPN for 20 years. There are a few of my classmates like that! With your BSN you can do so much and for me it was with the $$ (loans). The director of the nursing program said with your BSN you can be a clinical instructor. The UOP pays 50$/hr for that. (Just an example). It took me about 3 years. I needed micro and patho a few other undergrad credits.

Have you looked into rio salado online or the other community colleges for the accelerated classes to knock out some prerequisites? I took a few before I decided on UOP. But ultimately it was the fastest route.

:)