LPN to RN Online Programs in WA: Your Guide to Top Schools
LPN to RN programs offer a seamless path to RN licensure, expanded career options, and increased pay. This guide explores educational programs designed for working LPNs. Discover how they build on your foundational knowledge to give you the training and expertise you need to pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and jumpstart your career. Also learn what you can expect as an LPN to RN student and review important factors to consider when searching for an online LPN to RN program.
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Spotlighting Washington’s LPN to RN Programs Online
No two LPN-to-RN bridge programs in Washington state are identical, so taking the time to find the program that aligns with your personal goals and academic needs is essential. As you embark on your search, you will find that many of the state’s online programs have an array of attractive features.
What you won’t find, however, are “fully online” programs since they all require some form of in-person clinical training. LPN to RN programs are considered either on-campus (in-person) or hybrid (partially or mostly online).
Features of various LPN to RN bridge programs in Washington:
- Remote components: incorporate web-enhanced learning, but are still considered in-person programs
- Blended learning: include some online lectures paired with in-person classes and clinicals
- Mostly online: feature almost exclusive online learning with only in-person clinicals
- Continued education: offer some pathway for continuing your education, for example, helping you seamlessly transition into a BSN program
The LPN to RN bridge programs in Washington highlighted below reflect the diversity of programs offered. Use them to help understand the essential elements like schedule flexibility, virtual enhancements, cost, and more to help you identify the right program to fit your needs.
Pierce College
Pierce College’s LPN to RN Transition Program is open to students holding active and unencumbered LPN licenses. This ADN degree transfers directly to the University of Washington-Tacoma and the Saint Martin’s University BSN degree quickly and seamlessly.
Pierce College has both a full-time and part-time LPN to RN program to provide flexibility. The part-time program typically holds classes two evenings a week, all day Saturday, and some Sundays.
While still an in-person program for both classroom learning and clinicals, lectures are sometimes offered online. Both LPN to RN programs accept 32 students every year and prepare graduates to take the NLEX-RN.
Duration: Three to five terms
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $6,959 in-state, $7,149 out-of-state (not including prerequisites)
Admissions Requirements:
- College admission
- Nursing program admission
- Prerequisite courses
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Immunization
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider Training
- Unencumbered LPN license
Core Curriculum:
- Nursing Success Seminar
- Medical/Surgical Nursing – Acute Illnesses
- Nursing Skills in Acute Illnesses Lab
- Nursing Skills in Acute Clinical/Simulation
- Topics in Obstetrical Nursing Care
- Psychological Issues in Healthcare
- Transition to Nursing Practice
- Nursing Practicum
- Nursing Capstone Seminar
- Advanced Concepts of Ethics & Policy in Healthcare
Lower Columbia College
Lower Columbia College’s LPN2RN eLearning program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses. Not only do graduates earn an associate in nursing (ASN) degree, but this bridge program also sets them up for continuing education for a BSN where they can begin as seniors after obtaining their RN license.
Flexible online learning at Lower Columbia College means earning your ASN without a set classroom schedule, though as with all LPN programs, there are still in-person requirements for clinicals. This eLearning program also includes support, tutorials, and resources to help students be successful in online environments.
Duration: Four quarters (excluding prerequisites)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,184 WA resident (including books and supplies)
Admissions Requirements:
- LPN certification
- Admission to Lower Columbia College
- Admission to nursing program
- Grades of C or better in required courses
- CPR and current first aid cards
- Drug test
- Immunizations
- Background check
- TEAS exam
- Kaplan Fundamentals Exam
- Minimum 1,000 hours as LPN in last 3 years
- Prerequisites
Core Curriculum:
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Concepts in Health and Illness
- Skills in Nursing
- Nursing Practicums
- Nursing Throughout the Lifespan
- Comprehensive Medical Surgical Nursing
- Skills Lab
- Clinical Practicums
Tacoma Community College
Tacoma Community College offers an Associate of Nursing, LPN to RN Option that earns students an ASN degree and eligibility for the NCLEX-RN. It also prepares them for seamless transfer to a four-year institution to earn their BSNs.
Full-time LPN-to-RN students usually take up to three years to complete this bridge program, but previous credits may shorten this timeframe. This is considered an in-person program, but courses are web-enhanced.
Students use online learning software to connect with other students, complete reading, and more. Students may also be able to take some prerequisites online.
Duration: Three years
Mode: Web-enhanced in person
Cost: $5,272 WA resident (tuition only)
Admissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered LPN license
- Previous transcripts
- Prerequisites
- Minimum B grade in some prerequisites
- Minimum C grade in other prerequisites
- Immunizations
- Background check
- CPR card
- Health insurance
- Drug screening
Core Curriculum:
- Health and Illness
- Pharmacology
- Clinicals
- Clinical Simulations
- Ethics and Policy in Health Care
- Psychological Issues in Health Care
- Preparation for the Natl Council Licensing Exam
- Applied Nutrition for Nursing
Student Resources: Answers to Common LPN to RN Questions
Most students in your shoes wonder what to expect in an LPN to RN program. This FAQ section answers five key questions that cover different types of learning options, prerequisite and nursing course content, costs, and more.
What can I expect from an LPN to RN program in Washington?
Expect to acquire a comprehensive set of nursing skills and knowledge that will expand your earning potential and make you more competitive in the job market. An LPN to RN bridge program also gives the knowledge necessary to pass the NCLEX-RN.
These programs build upon the foundational knowledge gained during an LPN program and further develop your critical thinking, clinical, and management abilities. LPN to RN programs in Washington state typically include a combination of:
- General education courses
- Theoretical nursing classes
- Clinical training
What common courses are found in LPN to RN programs in Washington?
Common courses found in LPN to RN programs include those on acute health concepts, ethics and policy in healthcare, and transition strategies between LPN and RN roles. Since nursing practice often extends beyond clinical care, you’ll also study professional nursing concepts in a variety of focus areas along with psychosocial issues in healthcare.
What do I need to know about online vs. hybrid vs. in-person programs?
First, it’s important to clarify that LPN to RN programs touted as “online” are probably mostly online. That said, programs may be mostly online, partially online (hybrid), or in-person (on-campus):
- Mostly online programs: most classes are offered virtually, labs may be required in person, and clinical hours are in person at health facilities
- Hybrid programs: classes may be remote or on campus, labs are generally on campus, and clinicals are in person at healthcare sites
- In-person programs: courses, labs, and simulations all take place on campus, while clinical experiences occur off-campus at healthcare facilities
What prerequisites do I need to start an LPN to RN program in Washington?
While some programs don’t require prerequisites, most demand various prerequisites. They typically includes classes such as:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- English composition
- Lifespan psychology
- General microbiology
Additionally, it’s often not enough to have just passed a prerequisite course. Rather, schools often require that each prerequisite is completed with a grade of “B” or “C” or better.
What should I expect in terms of length for an LPN to RN program in Washington?
The time it takes for an LPN to become a registered nurse is determined by your status as a full-time or part-time student and by your previous coursework. Full-time students can graduate in less than a year, while part-time students can take a year or two.
However, you may be able to find schools that offer accelerated LPN to RN programs in your area. The number of prerequisites you have already completed also impacts program duration.
LVN vs. RN Careers: Washington Salary Insights
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | LPNs/LVNs | $64,230 | $83,150 | $100,950 |
| RNs | $89,630 | $124,200 | $161,910 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
| Area | Occupation | Curr.Jobs | Proj.Jobs | NewJobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann.Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RNs | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| LPNs/LVNs | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 | |
| Washington | RNs | 61,030 | 69,180 | 8,150 | 13.40% | 5,150 |
| LPNs/LVNs | 7,900 | 8,730 | 830 | 10.50% | 800 |
Source: Projections Central
Expert Insight
While salary is always a great motivator, also think about what type of role you want to take on as an RN. The education space is in dire need of nursing instructors….and you can fulfill this need as an RN with an associate or bachelor’s degree. You can teach LPN students! You’ll be in a great position to do this considering your prior LPN background.
