Question about LVN-RN bridge?

AZ Nurse · Oct 3, 2008

I know that this is done at Gateway. Sometimes they take a larger group into block 3 in order to bring in LPN students. Sometimes some block 2 students have failed leaving openings. To get into block 3 you have to meet the requirements (NET test, HESI score etc). Don't know all the particulars but you might call them to find out.

samsam22, CNA · Oct 3, 2008

thank you that was pretty much what i was wondering

kcochrane · Oct 5, 2008

At our school, we find out a few weeks after the semester is over if we get into the LPN bridge program. That is so they know who has passed/failed and how many seats they have for LPNs. I think every school is probably different. Ours only takes as many as there are openings. But in most cases, if you have all your prereqs done and you have a pretty good grade point average, you will probably have a spot. We join in the 2nd semester.

picurn10 · Oct 5, 2008

at the programs in my area they hav a set number of spots for bridging students. If you go the LPN to RN route you are basically assured a spot in the RN class, so many of the advisors around here suggest this route because many times it can be quicker. It's actually shaving a semester off of the time it would take me to complete a traditional ADN because I was able to start NS a semester sooner (you don't have to have pre req completed to start LPN school). According to my instructors, they've never had an LPN with their pre-req complete who didn't get into a bridge immediately following LPN school! In my class of 20 LPN students we probably have less than 10 who have their pre-req's done and plan to bridge straight away. There are about 5 LPN programs in town, and 4 different bridge programs, so in reality there aren't too many spots to come up with.

For me this was a wonderful choice because I'm a single mom and as of June, I'll be able to start working as a nurse at a local hospital, which will pay for my tuition, while I'm getting my RN. I figured this way, if anything were to happen and I had to put off my second year for any reason, at least I'd be able to still work as a nurse in the mean time, kwim? I'm lucky because all but two hospitals in my city hire LPN's so I'll have a lot of different options no matter what happens.

AZ Nurse · Oct 5, 2008

Just wanted to point out that each of the programs accepting LPNs may have different requirements to enter. The one I am familiar with (Phoenix metropolitan area) the LPNs have to have taken the NET test (which tests math & reading abilities) and scored at the level of all admitted to the RN program and they also have to take the HESI exam at the end of the last LPN semester and scored high enough to enter the RN program. Best advice I can give is to inquire about the transition from LPN to RN at the school you are interested in so you have a CLEAR understanding of all that would be required of you if you want to bridge from LPN to RN. You'd hate to run into surprises after putting in all the time and effort in a LPN program.Good luck!

kcochrane · Oct 10, 2008

Just wanted to point out that each of the programs accepting LPNs may have different requirements to enter. The one I am familiar with (Phoenix metropolitan area) the LPNs have to have taken the NET test (which tests math & reading abilities) and scored at the level of all admitted to the RN program and they also have to take the HESI exam at the end of the last LPN semester and scored high enough to enter the RN program. Best advice I can give is to inquire about the transition from LPN to RN at the school you are interested in so you have a CLEAR understanding of all that would be required of you if you want to bridge from LPN to RN. You'd hate to run into surprises after putting in all the time and effort in a LPN program.Good luck!

Good point! We have several different LPN programs here and they all have different entrance requirements. One program requires college level English and Psych., the others only need a GED and for you to pass the entrance exam. I was able to get that information online or they sent info in the mail. All the colleges also have different requirements for LPN to RN programs - some require so much time as an practicing LPN. None of the colleges here have the HESI exam. But that too is all online.