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Fastest Registered Nurse (RN) Programs in 2026
Looking for the quickest way to become a registered nurse? You are not alone. In the current healthcare landscape, time is literally money. Every semester spent in a classroom is a semester of lost wages and delayed seniority. This guide compares RN programs with aggressive timelines, focusing on Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) options. We have filtered these programs based on speed, accreditation integrity, and ROI. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for RNs is projected to grow faster than average, making speed-to-market a valuable strategy for new students. Quick Glance: The "Fastest" Pathways ExplainedBefore diving into the school list, it is vital to understand how these programs are faster. They generally fall into two categories: Accelerated ADN (12-18 Months): Focuses strictly on clinical skills and NCLEX prep. Best for students wanting the lowest cost and fastest entry. Accelerated BSN (12-18 Months): Designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. This "Second Degree" option skips general ED and goes straight to nursing core.
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Graduate Debt-Free: 10 Affordable LPN Programs Our Nursing Community Recommends for 2026
We've analyzed hundreds of programs to find the 10 most affordable LPN programs in the nation for 2026. We go beyond simple per-credit costs to give you the estimated total tuition, program length, and other key details you need to make the right choice. Quick Glance: Most Affordable LPN ProgramsFor those in a hurry, here are our top picks for overall cost and value. Lowest Overall Tuition: Palm Beach State College - Est. Total Tuition: ~$3,753 Best Value in Florida: Florida Gateway College - Est. Total Tuition: ~$3,820 Top Value in Georgia: Coastal Pines Technical College - Est. Total Tuition: ~$5,671 Most Program Flexibility: Holmes Community College - (Offers hybrid, day, and evening tracks) Best for Rural Healthcare: East Arkansas Community College - Known for high academic standards and community focus.
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Differences Between LPN, ADN, and BSN Programs Explained
Deciding to become a nurse is exciting, but it comes with many decisions about school and your overall professional goals that can be confusing. Unfortunately, general searches online about nursing careers might not give you the clarity you need because the term nurse is often used to lump several nursing professionals together, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs) with Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN), and those with a Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (BSN). To clarify which nursing program is best for you, you'll need to understand the differences between LPN, ADN-RNs, and BSN-RNs. Each of these professional nursing programs teaches you how to deliver nursing care. However, the way each nursing professional approaches care, the skills they perform, and their overall career pathways can look quite different. Each nursing role has a different scope of practice, and state licensure differs for LPNs compared to RNs. What Is an LPN? It's essential to note that Texas and California call LPNs licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) instead, but these two types of nurses are the same. We use LPN throughout this article, but all of the information is all-encompassing for nursing professionals with practical nursing licenses. LPNs provide primary patient care to people in both in-patient and out-patient care environments. They always work under the direction of an RN or physician and follow care plans created by these healthcare professionals.
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Top BSN to MSN Online & On-Campus Programs in 2025
BSN to MSN programs offer more than just another credential. They reflect a nurse's choice to grow, refine their expertise, and take on roles that influence how care is delivered. If you're a BSN-prepared RN, you've already managed complex situations, earned patient trust, and shown deep commitment to your profession. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) builds on that experience and opens opportunities in advanced clinical roles, education, and leadership. With so many formats and specializations available across the country, choosing the right MSN program can feel overwhelming. That's why we've gathered the top 10 BSN to MSN programs for 2025, along with essential information about admissions, curriculum, salary expectations, and potential career directions.
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Best Medical Assistant Programs in Ohio | 2026
Ohio's healthcare system relies heavily on skilled medical assistants to keep patient care moving in busy clinics, primary care offices, and outpatient centers. From large hospital networks like Cleveland Clinic to local community practices, these professionals handle everything from rooming patients to updating electronic health records. Medical assistant programs in Ohio focus on practical, job-ready training. Many offer direct connections to employers across the state, along with clinical experience that reflects real workplace demands. For those looking to join the workforce quickly and make an impact, these programs offer a strong starting point.
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NC nursing programs without TEAS test, TEAS prep help, etc
Hello allnurses, I have a 20-year-old daughter who wants to be a nurse. We live in Charlotte, NC and I'm trying to find a college close by that she can attend that doesn't require a TEAS TEST V passing score. She's getting ready to graduate next month with a General Studies Degree and has all of her prerequisite classes for the nursing program but can not seem to pass TEAS TEST. She took it once but scored low, and now she's discouraged because she wants to become a nurse but can't seem to pass TEAS TEST with a high enough score. She has a 3.5 GPA and I'm looking into TEAS TEST V PREP EXAM Course at CPCC I thought that might help her do well next time she takes TEAS TEST EXAM. If anyone knows of any Colleges in the North Carolina area that don't require TEAS TEST to get into the LPN or RN program please let me know.
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Methodology: Ranking Programs & Schools
Nursing school offers many benefits, making it an excellent choice for those interested in a rewarding and fulfilling career practiced by millions of Americans today. Whether it be diverse career opportunities, job security, impactful and rewarding work, competitive salaries and benefits, or lifelong learning and professional growth, a career in nursing has something to offer everyone. To help prospective students select the best school and career path, allnurses' has compiled many articles about the best, fastest, and most affordable programs available. Methodology Overview Schools and programs are picked and ranked in accordance with our methodology of surveying readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools, including NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, admission rates, and more for hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States. Survey: What's Most Valuable to Students? We asked students and former students, "What are the five most important factors to you when choosing (or when you chose) your program?" We compiled all of the responses. Based on the number of responses and options for each specific survey, we calculated the average number of responses across all factors. Each factor response total was taken from the survey and divided by the average calculated in step 3. This gets us the initial "weight" or importance of a factor. The weight in step 4 was normalized to get a maximum score of 100. Methodology Example This example is to further elaborate on our methodology and is not representative of exact survey responses. If 50 survey respondents each choose their top 5 factors across 10 different selections, they will provide 250 responses in total. The average response for each top 5 factor would be 25 (250/10). If "cost" was a top 5 decision-making factor for 50 respondents, or double the average, that would give it a weight of 2x an average factor. If each school was given a 1-5 score on each importance factor, there would be a maximum score of 125 (25x5). To convert to the maximum possible score of 100, we divide each school's score by 125. ADN Methodology The following are the weighted results from allnurses' survey on ADN programs. Factor Weight % Cost 21% Location 15% High pass rates for NCLEX 15% Nursing clinicals placement 13% Length of time to obtain degree 9% Flexibility of schedule 7% Academic Reputation 7% Specific nursing school accreditation - ACEN, CCNE 5% Grads get good jobs 5% Graduation rate 4% Total 100% BSN Methodology The following are the weighted results from allnurses' survey on BSN programs. Factor Weight % Cost (tuition, housing) 21% NCLEX Pass Rates 20% Academic reputation 17% Length of time to obtain degree 14% Nursing clinicals placement 8% Availability of online courses 8% Graduation rate 7% Specific nursing school accreditation - ACEN, CCNE 5% Total 100% RN to BSN Methodology The following are the weighted results from allnurses' survey on RN to BSN programs. Factor Weight % Length of program 24% Curriculum 16% Cost 16% Availability of online courses 12% Academic reputation 12% Flexibility of schedule 10% Specific nursing school accreditation - ACEN, CCNE 4% Graduation rate 4% Grads get good jobs 4% Total 100% General Application of Methodology Our survey included three different programs in total (ADN, BSN, RN to BSN), so for other rankings of programs like MSN, DNP, and all else excluding the aforementioned, we conglomerated all survey data into consideration. Factor Weight % Cost 19% Length of time to obtain degree 16% Academic reputation 12% High pass rates for licensing exams 11% Nursing clinicals placement 7% Availability of online courses 7% Flexibility of schedule 5% Curriculum 5% Location 5% Graduation rate 5% Specific nursing school accreditation - ACEN, CCNE 5% Grads get good jobs 3% Total 100% How to Pick a Nursing School & Program Choosing the right nursing school and program requires careful consideration and research to ensure it aligns with your goals, interests, and personal circumstances. Although it will be different for everyone, some key considerations are: Accreditation: Ensure the nursing school you are considering is accredited by the appropriate bodies. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits programs from the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) levels up to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits programs at the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) level and above. While there are other accrediting bodies like the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), ACEN and CCNE are the primary ones. Program Options: Determine whether you prefer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or diploma program. Research the curriculum, clinical experience opportunities, and any specialized tracks or concentrations offered. Location: Consider the location of your desired nursing school and its impact on you. Factors such as proximity to home, support, cost of living, and more should be considered. Faculty and Resources: Research the qualifications and experience of the nursing faculty, and evaluate the resources and support services available to students, such as tutoring and career counseling. Cost and Financial Aid: Consider the tuition and additional fees and whether they align with your financial situation in order to determine if the program is within your budget. Reputation and Success Rate: Research the reputation of the nursing school and their NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, and post-graduation employment rates to understand their success rate. Continued Education Opportunities: Look into which schools offer continued education, bridge programs, or transfer credits that align with your interests or needs. Ultimately, finding the right nursing school and program involves conducting thorough research, visiting campuses if possible, talking to current students and alumni, and carefully considering your personal preferences and goals. Consider your options and choose the one that fits you best. Hopefully, allnurses has been able to benefit you in your research.
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Drexel University RN to BSN Review
Table of Contents Why Drexel University's RN to BSN Program? RN to BSN Prerequisites and Requirements Drexel University RN to BSN Price Drexel University RN to BSN Outcomes RN to BSN Salary Is the RN to BSN Program at Drexel Worth It? FAQ and Additional Readings Are you an ADN seeking to expand your nursing knowledge and take your career to the next level? Drexel University's RN to BSN program offers an exceptional educational experience that is comprehensive and flexible, with a curriculum that aims to equip students with the necessary tools and resources required to thrive in the constantly evolving healthcare sector. Why Drexel University's RN to BSN Program? Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Drexel University's RN to BSN program offers a flexible and convenient online format that allows students to continue working while obtaining their BSN. When choosing Drexel, you can complete the program in as little as 12 months with their accelerated RN to BSN program or set your own pace for up to three years. The Drexel online RN to BSN program offers easy-to-use, technology-enhanced coursework designed to move beyond lectures and note-taking, focusing on practical, in-depth clinical skills that improve patient outcomes. The curriculum is grounded in problem-based learning, engaging students in real-life pragmatic learning. By providing virtual simulated patient experiences, students at Drexel interact and assess digital standardized patients and live volunteers. The program even offers a 10-day study abroad option that can be incorporated into a clinical course, allowing you to enhance your global healthcare delivery perspective. Although the RN to BSN program is online, Drexel offers outstanding support services to all its students, including round-the-clock tech support, access to the University's Library and Writing Center, and access to their state-of-the-art Health Science e-library. Optimal learning is further ensured by maintaining a maximum of 1:25 faculty-to-student online class ratio, with courses utilizing diverse teaching and learning approaches suited to individual needs. Drexel also teaches their future bachelor-prepared nurses to practice culturally congruent care, apply age-specific knowledge, and even to examine healthcare policy and financial regulatory environments, making many Drexel University graduate RNs leaders in the nursing industry. At the end of an RN to BSN, Drexel students can take their nursing expertise and leadership even further with their route to its MSN program from RN to BSN. RN to BSN Prerequisites and Requirements Drexel's Prerequisites and requirements include: Highschool degree or equivalent RN licensure Provisional acceptance is granted, subject to successful completion of the NCLEX-RN Official college transcripts with a GPA of 2.0 or better 60 hours of college prerequisites: English (includes one semester of composition) 6.0 Humanities (studio courses not acceptable) 3.0 Anatomy and Physiology 8.0 Microbiology 4.0 Sociology 3.0 Growth and Development 3.0 Psychology 3.0 Nursing 30.0 RN to BSN Coursework Students must take or transfer 84 credits of tier 1 courses; these courses include the 60 credit prerequisites transferred upon entering the program. Tier 2 courses in the RN to BSN program at Drexel include 51 credits accumulated from: Computer Science Statistics of Health Science Healthcare Economics Healthcare Ethics Social Science Science electives Pharmacology Open electives Drexel RN to BSN students' primary focus will be on the tier 3 courses, including 45 credits of Nursing Courses, three of which are writing intensive. It is recommended that students evenly distribute the three writing-intensive courses over the academic program. Related: 10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023 It's important to note that Drexel University operates on quarters, meaning the program is broken into four 10-week quarters per year rather than the traditional 15-week semesters. This allows Drexel students to move through coursework at an accelerated rate. Prospective RN to BSN students can transfer all 135 credits from tier 1 and tier 2 courses if previous coursework is approved for this program. Coursework credit specifics can be viewed directly on Dexel's website. Drexel University RN to BSN Price Drexel University is offering its RN to BSN program at a reduced tuition rate of $604.00 per credit for the 2022-2023 academic year. This represents a savings of 30% off Drexel's standard tuition rate of $862.00 per credit. To graduate from Drexel University's RN to BSN completion program, students must obtain 180 (quarter) credits. Prospective students must have 60 credits to enter the program and can transfer up to 135 quarter (90 semester) credits when starting. If you start the RN to BSN program with all 135 quarter credits, you must fulfill 45 credits and pay $27,180.00 for the program. If you start the RN to BSN program with 90 quarter (60 semester) credits, you must fulfill 90 credits and pay $54,360.00. You will also need to pay a one-time $150.00 equipment and lab fee in addition to any books required for the course. Thus, remember that these estimates do not include books when evaluating the price. Financial aid is available for eligible students, including: Employer reimbursement tuition deferment plans Payment plans Grants and scholarships Federal work-study Federal and private loans Prospective students planning to apply to financial aid resources should submit their applications early to be eligible for assistance. Drexel also offers special tuition rates for: Alumni Alumni's immediate family Military members Members of partner organizations To take advantage of the special rates, students must contact [email protected] within the first two weeks of the term. These rates cannot be combined, and students who qualify for more than one will receive the rate with the most significant savings. Drexel University RN to BSN Outcomes The RN to BSN program at Drexel equips students with valuable knowledge and skills to advance their nursing careers. The program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills, in addition to the ability to apply researched-based evidence and integrate technology. By advancing your nursing education and knowledge to obtain your BSN, you are more likely to get the nursing job you desire, as well as make improvements in patient outcomes. In the words of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, "BSN nurses are prized for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion, and for their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings.” RN to BSN Salary According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses can expect to earn a median annual wage of $77,6600 as of May 2021, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $59,450 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $120,250. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not differentiate ADN from BSN, PayScale reports that ADN RNs make an average of $31.44 an hour, whereas BSN RNs make an average of $34.80 an hour. Nursing is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, which equates to approximately 203,200 openings for registered nurses each year for the remainder of the decade. Due to a growing and aging population, the nursing force is predicted to have 195,400 new RN jobs by 2031. Overall, nursing offers competitive wages and stable job prospects for those with a bachelor's degree and a passion for healthcare. Is the RN to BSN Program at Drexel Worth It? Deciding whether to pursue a BSN degree is a personal decision that should be based on various factors, including career goals, financial situation, and personal preferences. For RNs seeking to further their education and expand their career opportunities, Drexel University's RN to BSN program offers a flexible, affordable, and high-quality option. The program's online format allows students to balance education with work and personal responsibilities while the rigorous coursework prepares them for leadership roles in nursing. FAQ and Additional Readings Q: What are the benefits of earning a BSN degree as an RN? A: Earning a BSN degree can lead to increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and more advanced roles in nursing, such as a nurse manager. Or you can obtain a higher degree in the nursing field, such as a DNP, CRNA, or MSN. Q: How long does completing Drexel's RN to BSN program take? A: The program can be completed in 12-36 months, depending on your preference and availability. Q: What is the format of the RN to BSN program at Drexel University? A: The RN to BSN program at Drexel is designed to be flexible and convenient for working RNs. The program can be completed full-time or part-time, and coursework is online. Q: What are quarters? A: Drexel's academic year is divided into four 10-week quarters instead of the traditional 15-week semesters. The Drexel academic year includes all 12 months of the calendar year -- Fall quarter (starts in September), Winter quarter (starts in January), Spring quarter (starts in April), and Summer quarter (starts in June). Q: How will my semester credits transfer if Drexel operates in quarters? A: Each semester credit accounts for 1.5 quarter credit.
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Texas Tech University - MSN Fall 2024
Looking into Texas Tech's MSN programs. They offer a variety of specializations—Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and more. Curious if anyone here has applied to, is currently enrolled in, or has graduated from these programs. What was your experience? Any standout aspects or recommendations? I'm interested in hearing about fellow prospective applicants to share insights and tips. Find more about the programs here: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/nursing/programs.aspx. Let's share our journeys and questions about advancing our nursing careers!
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Differences Between LPN, ADN, and BSN Programs Explained
Deciding to become a nurse is exciting, but it comes with many decisions about school and your overall professional goals that can be confusing. Unfortunately, general searches online about nursing careers might not give you the clarity you need because the term nurse is often used to lump several nursing professionals together, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs) with Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN), and those with a Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (BSN). To clarify which nursing program is best for you, you'll need to understand the differences between LPN, ADN-RNs, and BSN-RNs. Each of these professional nursing programs teaches you how to deliver nursing care. However, the way each nursing professional approaches care, the skills they perform, and their overall career pathways can look quite different. Each nursing role has a different scope of practice, and state licensure differs for LPNs compared to RNs. Table of Contents What Is an LPN? What Is an ADN? What Is a BSN? FAQ What Is an LPN? It's essential to note that Texas and California call LPNs licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) instead, but these two types of nurses are the same. We use LPN throughout this article, but all of the information is all-encompassing for nursing professionals with practical nursing licenses. LPNs provide primary patient care to people in both in-patient and out-patient care environments. They always work under the direction of an RN or physician and follow care plans created by these healthcare professionals. A few common tasks performed by LPNs include: Checking vital signs Performing head-to-toe assessments Administering medications Providing wound care Assisting with patient care tasks like bathing, dressing, and feeding Reporting any changes in a patient's condition to the registered nurse or physician To become an LPN, you must attend an LPN program and take and pass the NCLEX-PN to obtain a license from your state's board of nursing. Traditional LPN programs last between one and two years and provide you with a certificate in the nursing profession. Many nursing schools offer accelerated LPN programs that can be completed in less than one year. These programs must be done full-time, so you'll need to dedicate lots of time to studying and preparing for classes, labs, and clinical practicum rotations. Some programs offer part-time options, but they can be challenging to find. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the career outlook for LPNs is average, with a 6% growth rate expected through 2031. However, they are being used in more clinical settings today than a few years ago due to the overall shortage of nurses. LPNs make an average annual salary of $48,070 or just over $23 per hour. Salaries vary based on location, nursing specialty, and tenure. Related: 10 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs in 2023 LPN Prerequisites and Requirements Each state and nursing school will have different educational requirements you must meet before applying to become a nursing student. However, there are some standard requirements you'll likely need to meet to be eligible for nursing school and your LPN license. The most common prerequisites include the following: Proof of a high school diploma or GED Minimum high school or previous college GPA requirements, which can vary by school Proof of passing a CPR for the healthcare professional course Proficient score on the nursing school admissions exam, such as the TEAS or HESI Clear background check, including fingerprints and a drug screen Completion of general education requirements, such as math, English, or reading What Is an ADN? ADN-prepared RNs attend nursing programs at community colleges or vocational schools lasting 18 months to two years. They earn an associate's degree in nursing after completing coursework that includes didactic, lab, and clinical experiences. ADN programs provide the education you need to sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtain an entry-level nursing job and solid income. ADN-prepared nurses are in demand and can expect to make an average annual salary of just over $77,00, according to BLS. While this degree program doesn't provide coursework in leadership, critical thinking, or research like BSN programs, it prepares you to be a competent hands-on practitioner in various healthcare settings. Everyday ADN nursing practice care tasks include: Performing vital signs and head-to-toe nursing assessments Obtaining thorough health histories by speaking with patients and their caregivers Administering medications and performing treatments and basic diagnostic testing, and analyzing results Operating medical equipment Educating patients on acute and chronic self-care and healthy lifestyle choices Collaborating with healthcare providers and others on the multi-disciplinary team Creating and implementing holistic nursing care plans Leading a team of RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and other support staff Related: 10 Best Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs in 2023 ADN Prerequisites and Requirements ADN programs can be in-person or hybrid. Programs with a hybrid format allow you to complete part of the course online and then attend lab and clinical experiences in person. In contrast, entirely in-person programs require you to attend all lectures, labs, and clinicals at the college or healthcare facility. Standard admission requirements for ADN programs include the following: Proof of a high school diploma or GED Minimum GPA requirements, which vary by school Proof of passing a CPR for the healthcare professional course Proficient score on the nursing school admissions exam, such as the TEAS or HESI Minimum ACT score, as determined by the College of Nursing Proof of completion of general education requirements, such as math, English, or reading, chemistry, humanities, world languages Proof of a clear background check, including fingerprints and a drug screen School application with all supplemental information that might include: Resume Personal essay describing why you want to obtain your ADN Recommendation letters from colleagues or managers What Is a BSN? BSN programs usually take about four years to complete. However, some nursing schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in less time. You might also be able to find online BSN programs that allow you to complete didactic courses online and then attend lab and clinical experiences in person. BSN-RNs are often preferred by some healthcare facilities because the nursing courses in these programs are robust with leadership, theory, critical thinking skills, and other skills linked to better patient outcomes in studies. BSN-RNs often make more compared to ADN-RNs. However, BLS doesn't separate the two types of nurses, so the average annual salary provided is the same. RNs with BSNs have many professional opportunities and good career mobility. Most leadership and administrative nursing roles require a BSN. After completing a BSN program, these nurses can quickly upskill to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) by taking a BSN-to-MSN bridge program or other advanced nursing programs. BSN students complete didactic coursework, on-campus lab experiences, and in-facility clinical practicum hours. BSN coursework includes the following: Anatomy and physiology Pharmacology Leadership courses Nursing informatics Public health nursing Psychology nursing Research and statistics Lab experiences to practice skills and build confidence in a safe environment Clinical experiences shadowing working RNs and practicing classroom skills on patients Related: 10 Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs in 2023 BSN Prerequisites and Requirements Eligibility requirements for BSN programs are similar to that of ADN programs. Each nursing school will have different admission criteria and requirements, especially for specific circumstances, such as transfer students. Common BSN prerequisites include: Proof of a high school diploma or GED Minimum ACT or SAT scores as set by the college Passing score on a nursing school admission exam, such as the HESI or TEAS GPA minimum requirements as set by the school Application including a resume, recommendation letters, and a personal statement about why you want to become a BSN-RN Prerequisite courses in chemistry, Microbiology, physiology, anatomy, or other courses FAQ Q: How many credit hours is each type of nursing program? A: Credit hours can vary from one nursing school to another. Some schools of nursing will require far more than the minimum number of credit hours. However, the below numbers are the minimum number of credit hours required for each program type that you can use as a general guideline: LPN programs - 40 credit hours ADN programs - 60 credit hours BSN programs - 120 credit hours Q: Should I look for a college of nursing that is accredited? A: It's best to find an accredited college because this means the program and school meet specific standards monitored by an accrediting body. Common accrediting bodies include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accredited colleges and universities can also accept financial aid monies from the government, making it easier for you to pay for your education. Q: How hard is it to continue your education if you begin with an LPN program and then want to return to get your RN? A: The great thing about nursing programs is that they are stackable, which makes continuing your education easy. You can look for LPN-to-RN or LPN-BSN bridge programs to seamlessly uplevel from an LPN to RN. If you start with an ADN, you can look for RN-to-BSN bridge programs to advance your education and career. Q: How do I know if my previous college courses will transfer to a nursing program? A: It's common for colleges to offer transfer credits to students who have completed previous college-level classes. Check with the admissions office at the nursing school during the enrollment process to find out how many transfer credits they'll award for past courses.