LPN wants to transition to RN

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Lost,

I'm so sorry for your experience, but don't be discouraged, and don't let this stop you. There are legitimate LPN to RN bridge programs.

Achieve Test Prep is not a school, is not affiliated with a college, and does not confer degrees. They are a test preparation company only.  

Look for a community college in your area that offers accredited LPN and RN programs. Typically they also provide an LPN to RN bridge program where you just attend the second year of the RN program after completing a few pre-requisites.

When you complete the program, the school will submit your name and grades to the New Jersey BON so you can apply to take the RN NCLEX.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

There are many avenues to achieve RN degree in NJ.

LPN Bridge Education Programs in New Jersey

Quote

If you are an LPN seeking to become an RN, you should know your options before you choose a school. New Jersey has many LPN-RN (also called LPN Bridge) programs, each of which offers different degrees and comes at a unique cost and program length. An LPN-RN program could lead to an Associate Degree, a combined Associate Degree and Diploma in Nursing, or a Baccalaureate Degree. Familiarize yourself with what New Jersey’s LPN-RN programs have to offer in the table below. Click on school names for more information about specific programs.

NJ Board of Nursing's list of all approved Diploma, ADN and BSN programs:

https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/programs.aspx

Also check for schools  RN NCLEX Pass Rates  along with asking program retention rate when choosing a program.

Best wishes in your journey.

 

[Mrugz, LVN]

I am in the same predicament.  51 years old with 10 lpn experience and no prequisites done.  Am scared of starting prereqs now which will take about 2 years and another year of school; I'd finish school at all most 55years.  I cant afford to work part time):  Any ideas of colleges that don't require prerequisites?

[caliotter3]

All RN programs require pretty nearly the same (mostly science) prerequisites.  If you must work full time, then take online courses.  If you can not make that work for you, then perhaps you should continue to work.  You should start the endeavor with the idea that this may, or may not work.  You don't have the luxury of extra time to regroup for glitches.  Accept your opportunities for what they are. Good luck.

[Jerijo65]

I agree with the others about looking into community colleges. There are 3 colleges within an hour of where I live. I'm 56, been a LVN for 17 years. I've been chasing that RN about that long also. I had all the prerequisites done but they where almost expired. I took them all online again with the community college where I got my vocational certificate. It's doable as long as you don't think online classes are easier. They are just as time consuming and need full attention as regular classes.  I do worry a lot about getting in a transition program and still working. I will have to work doubles on the weekends at a long term care facility or something like that. I'm also looking into telehealth companies for a completely remote job. I figure if going to school and getting that RN is meant to be, it will happen. If not, at least I can say I gave it my best shot.  Good luck to you!

[Bandaide, ADN]

I started nursing school at 52 and graduated with my ADN at 54. I decided that I would be 54 whether I went to nursing school or not, so I had better get to it. I took all the prerequisites over again because the first time around was decades before. You can do this, and will even have an advantage in some areas just because you are older. You probably will have better time management skills than some of your younger classmates. It won't be easy, but the good things rarely are.

I see that my profile still says nursing student - I graduated in 2012.