LPN to ADN Bridge Programs Online: Top Schools & Degree Info
Take your first step toward becoming a registered nurse with an online LPN to ADN bridge program. These accelerated bridge options give you a flexible and affordable path to realizing your RN goals. Learn how these programs work and get key information on accreditation, program format, clinical placement locations, and financial aid.
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Comparing Online LPN to ADN Programs
Ready to level up your nursing career? Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs offer a bridge to becoming a registered nurse (RN), which in turn can lead to higher pay, expanded roles, and greater autonomy. But how do these programs work, and what does an online program entail? Let’s review the basics.
- LPN to ADN programs are designed for licensed practical nurses who are ready to advance. They provide a seamless bridge from practical nursing to registered nursing.
- Most programs are partially online. Typically, coursework and lectures are online, while labs, some exams, and clinical rotations are in-person.
Before diving into actual programs, keep the following things in mind. They’re critical to selecting the right program for you.
- Accreditation: All schools you consider should have regional accreditation, and potentially programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Online format: Before applying, make sure you understand how the program handles its online learning component. Is it synchronous (real-time), asynchronous (self-paced), or a combination of both?
- Total cost: Is tuition in-state, out-of-state, flat-rate, or other? What about fees and other potential expenses?
- Financial aid: Do you qualify for financial aid? Have you applied for scholarships? Does your employer offer assistance?
With these questions in mind, let’s examine actual online LPN to ADN programs to see how the work.
Valencia College
The Accelerated Track in Nursing program at Valencia College is suitable for LPNs, paramedics, Registered Cardiovascular Specialists (CVTs), and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs).
This program combines online theory coursework with on-campus testing and clinical rotations at Central Florida healthcare facilities.
Admission to Valencia College doesn’t guarantee acceptance into the nursing program, as qualified candidates must apply separately and meet specific requirements.
The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and coordinated with local healthcare agencies, the State Department of Education, and State Board of Nursing.
Duration: Three semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,420 in-state, $28,149 out-of-state (including prerequisites)
Admissions Requirements:
- Satisfactory college entry testing scores
- Minimum C grade in prerequisite courses
- Minimum college GPA of 2.5
- LPN, paramedic, CVT, or RRT program completion and current certifications
Core Curriculum:
- Health and illness assessments concepts
- Transition into professional nursing
- Maternal-child health
- Adult health
- Mental health
- Experiential learning
- Patient care management and leadership practicum
Northwest Technical College
The LPN Step-In program at Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, MN, lets you earn your Associate of Science (AS) degree in just three semesters. You learn important nursing subjects such as microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and specialized nursing practices.
The program starts spring term and follows a hybrid model. Once you complete the program, you’ll be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for the Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) licensure, and once you pass, you can apply for licensure.
Duration: Three semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $13,373
Admissions Requirements:
- NTX and LPN Step-In program applications
- Transcripts
- Unencumbered LPN license
- Prerequisite courses with minimum 2.76 GPA
- Vaccinations, TB screening
- BLS Provider / Healthcare Provider certification
- National and MN background check
Core Curriculum:
- Microbiology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Ethics
- Nursing
- Clinicals
- Maternal-newborn nursing
- Transition to professional nursing
Davidson-Davie Community College
The Davidson-Davie Community College in North Carolina offers a 66-credit LPN to ADN program that empowers students to become skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals ready for today’s dynamic medical environment.
Through a comprehensive curriculum that blends healthcare fundamentals with hands-on practice, students learn to deliver safe, evidence-based care while considering each patient’s unique needs.
The program emphasizes team collaboration, quality improvement, and modern healthcare technology.
With three flexible pathways — Traditional ADN, Hybrid LPN to ADN, and RIBN — graduates emerge prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and diverse career opportunities across the global healthcare landscape, from acute care to community health settings.
Duration: One year
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $5,016 in-state, $17,688 out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma
- College readiness levels in English and math
- Minimum score 62 on ATI TEAS test
- Active LPN license from North Carolina
- Prerequisite courses
Core Curriculum:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Writing and inquiry
- Writing and research in the disciplines
- Critical thinking
- Psychology
- LPN to ADN concepts
- Health concepts
- Health and illness
- Family health
- Holistic health
LPN to ADN Student FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Want to learn more about LPN to ADN online programs? Here are answers to five of the most common questions asked by practical nurses interested in pursuing their ADNs online.
Are all LPN-ADN programs accredited?
No. Not all programs are accredited. But accreditation is key when choosing an LPN to ADN online program, as it ensures academic quality, which is critical when applying to take the NCLEX-RN and when seeking employment. The leading accreditor for associate degree programs in the United States is the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Expert Insight
Always verify a program’s accreditation and confirm approval from its state’s board of nursing before enrollment. Additionally, ensure the program qualifies you for the NCLEX-RN exam and state registered nurse licensure. This also helps ensure your credits will transfer if you pursue a BSN later.
Are LPN-ADN programs available entirely online?
Due to the inherent hands-on nature of nursing, almost all “online” programs require at least some in-person labs, clinicals, and/or simulations. That said, much of the coursework or lectures are often offered online. Thus, most online programs are actually hybrid models.
Can I transfer credits from my previous LPN program?
Credit transfer policies vary by institution, but many programs allow you to transfer some credits from your previous LPN program. Programs typically evaluate transfer credits on a case-by-case basis, focusing particularly on general education courses.
The process requires sending official transcripts directly from your previous institution for evaluation. Most schools have specific grade requirements for transferable courses, such as requiring a minimum grade of “C” for general education courses and often a “B” or better for science courses like anatomy and physiology.
It’s essential to contact your intended program early in the application process to understand their specific transfer credit policies and have your credits evaluated before starting the program. This helps ensure you know exactly which courses you’ll need to complete and can plan accordingly.
How long are LPN-ADN programs?
Program lengths vary from program to program, but most students will complete their program requirements in under two years.
Some LPN to ADN programs with fast-paced schedules can be finished in as little as one year for full-time students.
You’ll also find a few programs with two-year lengths to accommodate especially busy students. Factors that influence completion times include study pace (full-time or part-time) and the number of previously earned credits that can be transferred into the program.
How much do LPN-ADN programs cost?
Costs for LPN to ADN programs can vary significantly from one program to another. Several key factors influence these costs, including the program’s length and total credit requirements, whether the program is offered by a public or private institution (as private school tuition tends to be higher than that of public schools), and whether it is provided by a community college or a four-year university.
Community colleges typically have much lower tuition rates compared to four-year colleges. Students attending public schools outside their home state also may face higher tuition rates than in-state residents.
LPN to ADN program costs generally range from $5,000 to $15,000.
LPN vs. ADN Salary & Career Comparison
The transition from being an LPN to an ADN-educated RN represents a significant career advancement with financial and professional benefits.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for LPNs was $62,340 in 2024, while RNs earned $93,600. All salaries depend on location and experience.
Beyond the salary advantage, ADN-educated RNs enjoy broader career opportunities and greater autonomy. While LPNs typically work under RN supervision with limited responsibilities, RNs can work in diverse settings from hospitals to private practices and specialize in areas like critical care or pediatrics. They have the authority to make independent patient care decisions and pursue leadership roles, with opportunities to advance their education through BSN programs.
The career outlook also favors RNs, with the BLS projecting 5% job growth from 2024 to 2034, outpacing LPN growth rates of 3%.
This faster growth translates to more job opportunities and greater job security for ADN-educated nurses. For LPNs considering advancement, the transition to ADN represents not just a significant salary increase but also expanded professional opportunities, greater autonomy, and stronger long-term career prospects in the growing healthcare field.
Top Picks: Online LPN to ADN Bridge Programs
EduMed rankings help nursing students identify top LPN to ADN bridge programs using comprehensive evaluation criteria. Programs are assessed based on key factors including accreditation, online learning options, financial aid availability, and student success metrics. The methodology prioritizes institutional accreditation and online program availability, while also considering factors like student-to-faculty ratios and graduation rates. For detailed information about the ranking process, refer to the “About the Rankings” section.
