- Table of Contents:
- LPN to RN Bridge Overview
- Prerequisites & Requirements
- Best LPN to RN Programs
- Salary Expectations
- Is an LPN to RN Worth It?
- Accrediting Bodies
- FAQ
-
by
Melissa Mills, BSN (Columnist)
Are you a licensed practical nurse (LPN) looking to advance your career? The LPN to RN bridge program offers a shorter and smoother transition to becoming an RN.
These programs are designed to help you earn an associate's or bachelor's degree faster than starting from scratch by building on foundational nursing skills, expanding nursing theory and practice knowledge, and providing hands-on care experiences in different healthcare settings.
However, picking which school is best for you can be difficult, considering all the options and factors when applying. To help, we've compiled the best LPN to RN programs in 2024, along with prerequisites, requirements, and salary expectations.
What Is an LPN to RN Bridge Program?
Bridge programs give LPNs credits for previously completed nursing education and practical knowledge, allowing them to skip coursework they've already learned. The majority of LPNs shift their career due to numerous personal reasons. One of these is career growth and diverse opportunities, the excitement of taking on new challenges, and an expanded scope of practice such as being able to perform a wide range of medical procedures and making more independent clinical decisions.
Standard bridge programs for LPNs include LPN to ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and LPN to BSN(Bachelor of Science in Nursing) pathways. This course of study is designed to help LPNs have a smoother transition to a higher level of nursing education due to acknowledged prior education and experience.
LPN to ADN
To obtain an entry-level RN degree, LPNs can enter an LPN to ADN bridge program to earn an Associate's Degree in Nursing. These programs build on the LPN's nursing knowledge and teach them basic nursing skills and competencies to pass the NCLEX-RN and begin their careers. This pathway is shorter than the LPN to BSN, often taking only 1 to 2 years to complete.
LPN to ADN programs may be offered online or on campus. However, attending in-person practice labs and clinical experiences are usually required. Most LPN to ADN programs take about two years to complete as a full-time student. Part-time programs are less common but do exist at some nursing institutions.
Best Online RN to BSN Programs | 2024
LPN to BSN
LPNs interested in obtaining a BSN can enroll in an LPN to BSN bridge program. A BSN degree will open many doors and new opportunities in nursing care, research, and leadership. BSN-prepared RNs often earn more money due to the additional education and greater evidence-based nursing practice knowledge.
Complete BSN programs consist of 120 credit hours, which include general education courses, nursing-specific curricula, and nursing practice hours.
Bridge programs often offer hybrid, flexible, or online program formats so that nurses can continue their nursing practice while advancing their degrees and careers. Many LPN to BSN programs offer didactic nursing courses online. However, nursing students must attend in-person clinical experiences across various settings to practice new skills in patient care.
Can an LPN to RN Bridge Program Be Taken Entirely Online?
LPN to RN bridge programs can be taken online, but there are some nuances to consider:
- Online Coursework: Many schools offer the theoretical portion of the LPN to RN bridge program entirely online. This allows students to study at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes.
- Clinical Requirements: While the theoretical coursework can be completed online, the clinical requirements often need to be fulfilled in person. This is because nursing is a hands-on profession, and students need practical experience to develop essential skills. Some online programs might have partnerships with local healthcare facilities where students can complete their clinical hours.
- Hybrid Programs: Some online LPN-to-RN programs are hybrid, meaning they combine online coursework with a few on-campus sessions. These on-campus sessions might be for labs, simulations, or other hands-on training.
- Accreditation: When considering an online LPN to RN bridge program, it's crucial to ensure that the program is accredited. Accreditation ensures that the program meets specific standards of quality and that graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Prerequisites and Requirements
Advancing from an LPN to an ADN- or BSN-RN requires enrollment in a nursing school that offers a bridge program. You'll need to complete an application and meet all the admission requirements. It's important to note that education requirements and nursing experience vary by nursing college.
Common prerequisites and enrollment requirements include:
- Proof of a high school diploma or GED
- Valid LPN licensure in the school's state
- Proof of one to two years of professional nursing experience
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 - 3.0 for all previous college classes (varies by nursing school)
- Official transcripts from all previous college courses
- Completion of the nursing school application
- Proof of basic life support (BLS) certification
- One to three letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors
- Written personal statement explaining why you want to become an RN
- Criminal background check
- Fingerprinting
- Proof of a physical exam, drug screening, and immunizations
- Passing score on the TEAS or HESI A2 entrance exam, if required
Best LPN to RN Bridge Programs in 2024
The following nursing programs have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools. We also review NCLEX-RN pass rates, graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, price, program format, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States when ranking institutions.
Using these robust criteria, we've narrowed down hundreds of programs to the top 10 LPN to RN bridge programs.
1. Excelsior University - LPN to BSN
The bridge program at Excelsior University provides a pathway for LPNs to earn both an AAS in Nursing and a BSN degree simultaneously. Students learn independently during online courses and build on previous nursing knowledge and training. Students can earn up to 31 transfer credits for prior nursing school experiences toward the 121 credit hours required. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), this nursing program meets established quality standards.
2. Howard University - LPN to BSN
Howard University in Washington, D.C., offers three different nursing programs. The LPN to BSN program is designed specifically for practicing LPNs who want to obtain a BSN. All prerequisites must be completed before enrolling in the nursing program with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and a passing score on the TEAS entrance exam. This nursing program is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
3. Ohio University - LPN to RN via ASN
LPNs in Ohio can attend one of three Ohio University campuses for the LPN to RN program. Once completing this program, the student can take the NCLEX-RN and obtain licensure in Ohio. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
4. Rasmussen University - LPN to ADN
In as little as 18 months, you can go from an LPN to an RN at Rasmussen University, located in six states, including Florida, Illinois, and Kansas. If your ultimate goal is a BSN, you can keep going at this nursing school to earn that and advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) too.
This school is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), making it eligible to participate in financial aid programs if you meet the eligibility requirements.
5. Galen College - LPN to ADN
You can earn your RN at Galen College of Nursing in a little more than a year. The LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge program has no prerequisites, so you'll go directly into hands-on learning in a clinical setting that helps prepare you for the NCLEX-RN. With four starts each year and many campuses across nine states, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida, you'll go from an LPN license to an ADN in no time.
6. Santa Monica College - LPN to ADN
If you have a valid California LVN license and at least one year of clinical experience within the past two years, you might want to consider Santa Monica College. This bridge program requires 18 units of prerequisites, including Microbiology and anatomy. The entire nursing program for over two years cost around $4,000 to $5,000, but be ready to spend another $1,000 for other fees. This program is accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
7. Big Bend Community College - LPN to ADN
Big Bend Community College in Washington offers credits for prior healthcare and nursing experience to help you complete your ADN faster. The program is also designed for transfer students looking to continue their nursing education at all four-year colleges and universities in Washington state. New classes are offered on a limited basis, so check the application deadlines and plan. This nursing program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
8. Montgomery College - LPN to ADN
This college in Maryland offers an intensive Summer course for LPNs interested in the ADN program. The course requires admittance to the college and several prerequisites before you can begin. Students must also pass the TEAS exam to become an ADN nursing student at Montgomery College. The nursing program has received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
9. Utica University - LPN to ABSN
Utica University in Liverpool, New York, offers an accelerated BSN program that takes approximately 16 months to complete as a full-time student. This school offers three start dates per year and gives credit for previous nursing coursework. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the nursing program.
10. University of Arkansas - LPN to BSN
Accredited by CCNE, this bridge program requires a four-step application process. Prospective students must be admitted to the University, meet with an academic advisor, complete all prerequisites, and then apply to the nursing program. Admission requirements include proof of 2,000 hours of LPN work experience in the last 12 to 24 months and a TEAS score of 65% or higher. Accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has been granted to this nursing program.
RN Salary Expectations in 2024
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs make an average salary of $89,010 per year or just over $42 per hour. BLS doesn't differentiate between RNs with an ADN or BSN, so there will be some variance in yearly pay depending on the degree completed.
The top paying RN states are:
- California: $133,340
- Hawaii: $113,220
- Oregon: $106,610
- Massachusetts: $104,150
- Alaska: $103,310
Salaries also vary based on years of experience, specialty, and geographic location.
California, San Francisco, Oakland, and Hayward are the top-paying metropolitan areas, with an hourly mean wage of $79.21.
The top three metropolitan areas with the highest employment levels for nurses include New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with the top spot at 182,710 jobs and an hourly mean wage of $50.41.
Compare RN Salary by State
Compare several specializations with our comprehensive nursing salary guide
| State | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 49,370 | $32.17 | $66,910 |
| Alaska | 6,730 | $49.67 | $103,310 |
| Arizona | 56,040 | $41.70 | $86,740 |
| Arkansas | 28,490 | $31.98 | $66,530 |
| California | 325,620 | $64.10 | $133,340 |
| Colorado | 52,390 | $41.63 | $86,590 |
| Connecticut | 34,290 | $45.32 | $94,260 |
| Delaware | 11,490 | $40.88 | $85,020 |
| District of Columbia | 11,820 | $47.23 | $98,230 |
| Florida | 197,630 | $38.42 | $79,910 |
| Georgia | 82,970 | $40.95 | $85,180 |
| Hawaii | 11,800 | $54.43 | $113,220 |
| Idaho | 13,680 | $37.79 | $78,610 |
| Illinois | 129,390 | $39.53 | $82,220 |
| Indiana | 67,350 | $36.34 | $75,580 |
| Iowa | 34,050 | $33.35 | $69,370 |
| Kansas | 30,520 | $34.61 | $71,990 |
| Kentucky | 44,970 | $37.32 | $77,620 |
| Louisiana | 43,790 | $36.50 | $75,920 |
| Maine | 14,610 | $37.22 | $77,410 |
| Maryland | 49,790 | $42.30 | $87,990 |
| Massachusetts | 94,100 | $50.07 | $104,150 |
| Michigan | 101,470 | $38.78 | $80,660 |
| Minnesota | 63,800 | $42.72 | $88,860 |
| Mississippi | 29,370 | $32.66 | $67,930 |
| Missouri | 70,440 | $34.55 | $71,860 |
| Montana | 10,020 | $37.67 | $78,350 |
| Nebraska | 19,870 | $35.34 | $73,510 |
| Nevada | 23,970 | $46.30 | $96,310 |
| New Hampshire | 13,510 | $40.11 | $83,420 |
| New Jersey | 78,340 | $46.48 | $96,670 |
| New Mexico | 15,910 | $41.15 | $85,580 |
| New York | 190,470 | $48.14 | $100,130 |
| North Carolina | 104,300 | $37.22 | $77,420 |
| North Dakota | 11,300 | $36.06 | $75,000 |
| Ohio | 130,370 | $37.72 | $78,450 |
| Oklahoma | 30,320 | $36.98 | $76,920 |
| Oregon | 37,400 | $51.26 | $106,610 |
| Pennsylvania | 137,970 | $38.76 | $80,630 |
| Rhode Island | 11,190 | $42.43 | $88,250 |
| South Carolina | 44,030 | $35.74 | $74,330 |
| South Dakota | 14,360 | $31.01 | $64,500 |
| Tennessee | 60,840 | $34.85 | $72,480 |
| Texas | 231,060 | $40.54 | $84,320 |
| Utah | 22,830 | $36.73 | $76,400 |
| Vermont | 6,930 | $38.46 | $79,990 |
| Virginia | 69,510 | $39.36 | $81,860 |
| Washington | 64,920 | $48.88 | $101,670 |
| West Virginia | 21,110 | $34.73 | $72,230 |
| Wisconsin | 61,100 | $38.94 | $81,000 |
| Wyoming | 5,070 | $38.95 | $81,010 |
| Virgin Islands | 340 | $33.27 | $69,200 |
Is an LPN to RN Online Bridge Program Worth It?
Deciding whether an LPN to RN online bridge program is worth it depends on several factors related to your personal and professional goals, current situation, and the specifics of the program you're considering.
Advantages of LPN to RN Online Bridge Programs
- Career Advancement: Transitioning from LPN to RN can open up more career opportunities, higher positions, and potentially higher pay.
- Flexibility: Online programs often offer more flexibility than traditional programs, which is beneficial if you are working or have other commitments.
- Expanding Knowledge and Skills: RN programs typically offer a more in-depth curriculum, enhancing your nursing skills and knowledge.
- Increased Responsibility: RNs often have greater responsibilities and a broader scope of practice compared to LPNs.
- Preparation for Specialization: As an RN, you may have the opportunity to specialize in areas like pediatrics, oncology, or critical care.
While picking a nursing school to take an online LPN to RN bridge program from, it's important to consider accreditation, state requirements, costs vs benefits, time commitment, clinical requirements, success rates, support services, technology requirements, and more.
These programs can be a valuable step in your nursing career if it aligns with your career goals, learning style, and life situations, however, it's important to carefully consider and research your program of interest to determine if it's the best fit for you.
RN Program Accreditation
Accredited RN programs are crucial for various reasons:
- National Nursing Education Standards: Accreditation ensures consistent quality in curriculum, faculty qualifications, resources, and clinical training through regular assessments.
- NCLEX Preparation: Accredited programs enhance NCLEX-RN exam readiness.
- Licensing Requirement: Many states mandate graduation from accredited programs for RN licensure.
- Career Advantages: Employers prefer ADN RN and BSN RN graduates from accredited programs, offering more job options and mobility.
- Credit Transfer: Accredited ADN RN and BSN RN credits are widely accepted, aiding transfer students and those pursuing advanced degrees.
- Professional Credibility: Accredited programs boost professional credibility, aligning with national standards and advancing nursing practice.
- Financial Aid Access: Accreditation is essential for federal financial aid eligibility.
Make certain that the program you select is accredited by reputable bodies such as the Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing (ACEN) for ADN and BSN programs or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN programs.
FAQ and Additional Readings
Continuing your education is a big decision, and it's normal to have lots of questions. We've rounded up a few of the most common questions to help you decide about your next nursing career move.
Q: Is getting an RN degree worth it?
A: Many LPNs wonder if advancing their education is worth it. Mainly because you're already working in the nursing profession. However, returning to school to obtain a baccalaureate degree will pay off in a few ways.
First, you'll have a larger scope of practice and more extensive nursing knowledge rooted in nursing theory. Second, your earning potential will increase throughout your nursing career. Finally, RNs with either an ADN or BSN nursing degree can specialize in areas such as public health nursing, pediatrics, leadership, or research, to name a few.
Q: Is a BSN better than an ADN?
A: It's important to point out that one nursing degree isn't inherently better than another. Each nursing professional is valuable to the healthcare team and overall patient care experience. However, a bachelor's degree might serve you better in the long run if you want to hold leadership positions or have a more comprehensive range of nursing career options.
Q: Can you take an online LPN to RN or BSN Bridge program to RN or BSN Bridge program online?
A: Most bridge programs offer courses online, so you don't have to be on campus every day. However, because nursing is a hands-on profession, you'll likely need to attend in-person lab and practicum experiences at the nursing school or a local healthcare facility.
