Online LPN to BSN Programs: Choosing the Best School
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HealthcareNursingHealthcare Admin EditorialSenior CareDementia CareLPN to BSN bridge programs give working practical nurses a solid pathway to a bachelor’s degree. An online program makes the journey more flexible, with didactic coursework offered via online lectures and other web-based programs. But which schools offer the best LPN to BSN programs online? How do they work and how much do they cost? Get the inside scoop on these growing opportunities in nurse education.
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Best Online LPN to BSN Programs
Choosing an LPN-to-BSN Bridge Program: Real Advice from Healthcare Professionals
The programs listed in this guide represent strong LPN-to-BSN pathways for nurses ready to advance their education. Making the right choice means thinking carefully about how the program fits your work schedule, whether your employer offers tuition support, and how quickly you need to complete the degree. Our nursing experts share what they’d factor into this decision.
Look for Transition Support Programs
The LPN-to-BSN path sounds appealing on paper, but a lot of nurses I’ve talked to underestimated how big of a shift it is to go from task-focused to systems thinking. Bridging to an BSN means adopting a much different approach to patient care, and if you’ve been an LPN for several years, this can be a big adjustment. Programs that build in transition support tend to produce better outcomes than those who just add more coursework, so I’d recommend looking for this when comparing.
Confirm Clinical Placement Support
Even when an LPN-to-BSN program is advertised as online, you’ll still need to complete clinical practicums, so one of the first questions to ask is whether the school arranges those placements or expects you to help secure them in your area. That said, I strongly encourage this pathway for working LPNs because many employers prefer or require a BSN for certain nursing roles, and the degree can give you more options as your career evolves.
Understanding the Basics
When considering an online LPN-to-BSN program, it’s important to understand the basics first. This includes how long the programs are, how much they cost, and whether they will prepare you for the NCLEX-RN. Get the answers you need here before taking your next steps.
How Long Are LPN to BSN Online Programs?
Most full-time LPN to BSN programs take approximately 18 months to earn a bachelor’s degree. However, the length of the program depends on two major factors: the type of program a student chooses – whether full-time or part-time – and the number of credits a student has when they come into the program.
Assuming they have completed all general education and prerequisite courses, the timeline will be closer to 18 months. However, this timeframe will extend to two or more years if the student is taking courses part-time.
In some cases, students may be able to earn their BSN in less than a year, depending on the semester they begin, if they pass the program’s nursing entrance exams (which allow them to skip certain nursing courses) and have previously completed the prerequisite and general education courses.
How Much Do These Programs Cost?
There is no general rule when it comes to calculating how much it will cost to complete an LPN to BSN program. Each school has its own tuition policy for online nursing students.
Some schools charge a special online rate, while others may charge a rate based on state of residence, such as a lower in-state rate or a higher out-of-state rate. Other schools may also offer financial aid more robust than what students can find elsewhere, which can significantly affect the bottom line.
Students interested in a particular school’s program should be extra careful when calculating the cost of attendance and never assume a certain tuition rate applies to them; they should also never discount the opportunities for financial aid. The best approach is to speak with a financial aid advisor before enrollment.
Does the LPN to BSN Online Bridge Prepare You for the NCLEX-RN?
Yes, any quality LPN-to-BSN online bridge program will fully prepare graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN, which is required to practice as a Registered Nurse.
However, this may not be important for those who want a BSN but don’t wish to become registered nurses. Regardless of their future career path, it’s important that these students seek an LPN-to-BSN program that provides adequate training and instruction to pass the NCLEX-RN.
That’s because preparing students for this essential exam is a mark of a high-quality program, and any job that requires a BSN will probably expect the BSN holder to have received a level of instruction that is adequate enough to pass the NCLEX-RN.
Are Online LPN to BSN Programs Accredited?
Yes, many online LPN-to-BSN programs are accredited. Accreditation refers to the independent review of a school’s curriculum to determine if it meets the standards of a solid, high-quality education. In other words, it confirms a degree is more than a piece of paper. It helps ensure a graduate’s hard work doesn’t go to waste.
When it comes to accreditation, there are two primary types:
- Regional: This refers to the school’s accreditation.
- Programmatic: This involves accrediting a specific program. When it comes to LPN-to-BSN bridge programs, there are two accrediting bodies, either of which will ensure graduates are prepared to pass the NCLEX-RN and practice as registered nurses after graduation. The first is the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or CCNE. The second is the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or ACEN.
To become a licensed registered nurse, applicants must graduate from a nursing program approved by their state nursing board. In many instances, accreditation will ensure the program meets this requirement.
Additionally, accreditation helps students obtain financial aid. Most private scholarships and government-based aid require attendance at an accredited post-secondary institution.
How Online LPN to BSN Programs Work
Online LPN-to-BSN programs allow practical nurses to leverage their existing training and experience. This helps them earn a bachelor’s degree and become registered nurses more quickly than students without a nursing background.
Since many LPNs continue working while in school, while honoring family obligations, or both, online programs offer the flexibility busy students need. Even if some hands-on work is required, the bulk of the courses can be completed online. Many schools go a step further and make their programs either full-time or part-time.
Here’s a look at a full program, from prerequisites to graduation:
All LPN-to-BSN programs will require students to complete certain prerequisites by the time they enroll or, at the very least, before they take their first major course.
Despite being mostly similar to courses that any other college students may take, they are nonetheless important because they teach principles that later nursing courses will rely on.
- Class #1: College Writing
- Class #2: Introduction to Psychology
- Class #3: General Chemistry
- Class #4: Introduction to Microbiology
Entry-level nursing classes begin immediately after completion of prerequisites. At this level, the courses mostly focus on general health and medical concepts that many students in the healthcare field will likely take.
In fact, some of these courses might be quite easy for LPNs who already have a solid amount of work experience. Many of these courses will be available fully online.
- Class #1: Human Anatomy
- Class #2: Human Physiology
- Class #3: LPN to BSN Transition
- Class #4: Mental Health Nursing
Late in the LPN-to-BSN program, students will take a deep dive into advanced nursing coursework. Many of these classes discuss types of care for serious or unique patients, judgment-based decision making, and theory-based nursing care. There will also be a greater emphasis on completing clinical work during this phase of study.
- Class #1: Parent & Infant Nursing
- Class #2: Leadership & Management in Nursing
- Class #3: Critical Care Nursing
- Class #4: NCLEX-RN Prep
These crucial hands-on requirements can be completed at healthcare providers approved by the nursing program. In many programs, these include hospitals and clinics near the campus.
However, fully online programs often allow distance-learning students to find healthcare providers in their own communities, reducing the need for long commutes. As an added bonus, some students may currently work in an approved facility, meaning their everyday work can count toward the clinical work requirement.
Explore Online LPN to BSN Programs in Popular States
- LVN to BSN Programs in California (Online & On-Campus)
- LVN to BSN Programs in Texas (Online & On-Campus)
- LPN to BSN Programs in Florida (Online & On-Campus)
What Are the LPN to BSN Admission Requirements?
The specific admissions requirements will vary by LPN-to-BSN program. But for most prospective nursing students, they should expect to comply with the following admission requirements:
- Completion of an admission application.
- Up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae.
- Copy of the applicant’s LPN or LVN license.
- Graduation from an accredited or approved practical nursing program.
- A short list of professional references.
- Completion of certain nursing-based prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA.
- Pass one or more school specific nursing entrance exams, such as the National League for Nursing (NLN) Acceleration Challenge Examinations.
- A minimum amount of practical nursing experience.
What Can You Do After an LPN to BSN?
While it’s true that many BSN graduates will start their career as a registered nurse, there are a number of different careers available that can be just as challenging and fulfilling. Here are a few of the options:
Nurse case manager – After a few years of experience as a registered nurse, a nurse can work directly with patients to coordinate the entirety of their medical care.
Legal consultant – Legal consultants give advice to attorneys (and can testify in court as expert witnesses) as to how a given healthcare process should work.
Insurance claims consultant – They can help insurance companies make healthcare-related decisions, such as medical malpractice liability and workers’ compensation claims.
Pharmaceutical representative – Prior experience as an LPN will provide an edge when selling drugs for pharmaceutical companies.
Nurse educator – Nurse educators can teach the general public about staying healthy and help individuals understand the healthcare system.
Health coach – Someone who has worked in the healthcare field can provide a unique perspective when giving health-related advice to clients.
Lobbyist – Healthcare lobbyists with nursing experience can be very persuasive when lobbying government officials on behalf of clients.
Medical journalist – An LPN’s professional background in healthcare allows them to analyze newsworthy events effectively.
Life care planner – Life care planners coordinate with medical providers and insurance companies to get necessary medical services for their clients.
Nurse navigator – An LPN’s prior experience will come in handy when helping clients navigate the healthcare system.
Salary Comparison: Practical/Vocational Nurses vs. Registered Nurses
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | LPNs/LVNs | $49,740 | $64,400 | $83,440 |
| RNs | $68,940 | $97,550 | $137,470 | |
| Alabama | LPNs/LVNs | $39,880 | $57,030 | $69,120 |
| RNs | $58,150 | $77,080 | $98,910 | |
| Alaska | LPNs/LVNs | $62,400 | $80,800 | $96,700 |
| RNs | $85,030 | $109,480 | $149,070 | |
| Arizona | LPNs/LVNs | $61,050 | $77,070 | $89,850 |
| RNs | $70,540 | $99,500 | $130,930 | |
| Arkansas | LPNs/LVNs | $44,670 | $56,620 | $65,020 |
| RNs | $60,780 | $78,940 | $103,660 | |
| California | LPNs/LVNs | $64,390 | $79,750 | $100,450 |
| RNs | $101,260 | $140,270 | $213,320 | |
| Colorado | LPNs/LVNs | $50,820 | $73,880 | $84,440 |
| RNs | $79,500 | $100,260 | $124,940 | |
| Connecticut | LPNs/LVNs | $62,610 | $73,690 | $81,060 |
| RNs | $80,350 | $102,740 | $134,870 | |
| Delaware | LPNs/LVNs | $59,210 | $68,710 | $77,580 |
| RNs | $78,340 | $99,520 | $123,860 | |
| District of Columbia | LPNs/LVNs | $62,880 | $75,740 | $87,470 |
| RNs | $79,390 | $102,540 | $151,170 | |
| Florida | LPNs/LVNs | $50,450 | $61,770 | $74,320 |
| RNs | $67,970 | $84,190 | $120,330 | |
| Georgia | LPNs/LVNs | $46,010 | $62,030 | $76,690 |
| RNs | $68,920 | $93,550 | $128,640 | |
| Hawaii | LPNs/LVNs | $59,620 | $71,140 | $88,340 |
| RNs | $82,500 | $136,320 | $147,830 | |
| Idaho | LPNs/LVNs | $47,890 | $63,800 | $77,850 |
| RNs | $71,210 | $92,460 | $121,230 | |
| Illinois | LPNs/LVNs | $58,880 | $75,000 | $89,810 |
| RNs | $69,170 | $95,990 | $118,190 | |
| Indiana | LPNs/LVNs | $50,550 | $65,720 | $77,220 |
| RNs | $66,750 | $83,500 | $105,750 | |
| Iowa | LPNs/LVNs | $50,550 | $62,630 | $77,710 |
| RNs | $63,840 | $78,630 | $100,500 | |
| Kansas | LPNs/LVNs | $49,780 | $61,760 | $77,290 |
| RNs | $63,180 | $79,320 | $100,840 | |
| Kentucky | LPNs/LVNs | $48,420 | $60,460 | $73,220 |
| RNs | $64,170 | $81,040 | $111,750 | |
| Louisiana | LPNs/LVNs | $45,810 | $57,470 | $66,150 |
| RNs | $63,800 | $80,230 | $104,740 | |
| Maine | LPNs/LVNs | $56,160 | $73,200 | $82,600 |
| RNs | $74,160 | $86,990 | $106,950 | |
| Maryland | LPNs/LVNs | $60,720 | $74,660 | $90,010 |
| RNs | $76,780 | $99,790 | $124,790 | |
| Massachusetts | LPNs/LVNs | $61,690 | $80,220 | $93,980 |
| RNs | $80,310 | $104,550 | $174,510 | |
| Michigan | LPNs/LVNs | $56,160 | $65,460 | $77,780 |
| RNs | $77,260 | $94,300 | $116,710 | |
| Minnesota | LPNs/LVNs | $51,700 | $63,750 | $77,380 |
| RNs | $79,960 | $101,510 | $132,430 | |
| Mississippi | LPNs/LVNs | $39,320 | $50,220 | $60,910 |
| RNs | $60,610 | $77,090 | $100,350 | |
| Missouri | LPNs/LVNs | $48,580 | $61,530 | $77,120 |
| RNs | $63,230 | $81,780 | $104,390 | |
| Montana | LPNs/LVNs | $49,230 | $62,210 | $74,330 |
| RNs | $70,120 | $85,280 | $113,920 | |
| Nebraska | LPNs/LVNs | $50,890 | $62,660 | $77,940 |
| RNs | $66,020 | $84,730 | $106,190 | |
| Nevada | LPNs/LVNs | $61,750 | $76,160 | $89,420 |
| RNs | $79,500 | $103,670 | $133,270 | |
| New Hampshire | LPNs/LVNs | $59,860 | $77,110 | $93,660 |
| RNs | $75,610 | $99,700 | $123,190 | |
| New Jersey | LPNs/LVNs | $63,210 | $75,160 | $85,400 |
| RNs | $83,060 | $106,500 | $135,170 | |
| New Mexico | LPNs/LVNs | $38,090 | $59,330 | $78,110 |
| RNs | $74,300 | $94,340 | $123,540 | |
| New York | LPNs/LVNs | $54,480 | $67,180 | $81,530 |
| RNs | $79,760 | $109,440 | $157,090 | |
| North Carolina | LPNs/LVNs | $50,480 | $63,270 | $74,730 |
| RNs | $67,660 | $84,350 | $110,220 | |
| North Dakota | LPNs/LVNs | $50,950 | $62,300 | $74,130 |
| RNs | $65,520 | $80,730 | $103,480 | |
| Ohio | LPNs/LVNs | $50,030 | $61,950 | $74,120 |
| RNs | $66,980 | $82,510 | $105,290 | |
| Oklahoma | LPNs/LVNs | $45,440 | $58,320 | $66,410 |
| RNs | $60,530 | $82,920 | $106,390 | |
| Oregon | LPNs/LVNs | $64,000 | $80,470 | $98,990 |
| RNs | $95,280 | $129,010 | $155,010 | |
| Pennsylvania | LPNs/LVNs | $51,500 | $63,940 | $77,750 |
| RNs | $70,800 | $96,430 | $117,900 | |
| Rhode Island | LPNs/LVNs | $65,650 | $80,090 | $94,540 |
| RNs | $77,410 | $100,640 | $129,840 | |
| South Carolina | LPNs/LVNs | $50,370 | $61,820 | $76,420 |
| RNs | $66,860 | $82,360 | $106,520 | |
| South Dakota | LPNs/LVNs | $40,770 | $52,750 | $67,700 |
| RNs | $54,040 | $78,060 | $98,220 | |
| Tennessee | LPNs/LVNs | $41,110 | $58,870 | $67,540 |
| RNs | $63,970 | $81,500 | $104,920 | |
| Texas | LPNs/LVNs | $48,910 | $62,240 | $76,140 |
| RNs | $67,120 | $95,970 | $127,950 | |
| Utah | LPNs/LVNs | $37,480 | $63,230 | $77,540 |
| RNs | $68,920 | $84,600 | $109,050 | |
| Vermont | LPNs/LVNs | $50,230 | $69,930 | $84,710 |
| RNs | $77,670 | $97,460 | $126,100 | |
| Virginia | LPNs/LVNs | $50,580 | $64,920 | $79,170 |
| RNs | $67,830 | $93,600 | $125,580 | |
| Washington | LPNs/LVNs | $64,230 | $83,150 | $100,950 |
| RNs | $89,630 | $124,200 | $161,910 | |
| West Virginia | LPNs/LVNs | $45,690 | $55,360 | $70,960 |
| RNs | $57,210 | $80,130 | $131,760 | |
| Wisconsin | LPNs/LVNs | $51,820 | $63,760 | $78,490 |
| RNs | $77,470 | $95,530 | $119,860 | |
| Wyoming | LPNs/LVNs | $46,700 | $63,460 | $77,000 |
| RNs | $65,770 | $83,760 | $107,350 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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