Inside Today’s Online
LPN to RN Programs

LPN to RN online programs appeal to individuals who have worked as licensed practical nurses for a time before realizing they want to continue moving up the career ladder by progressing their educations. When deciding whether this is the best next step for you, consider your motivations. Do you want to take on more professional responsibilities? Does a higher salary interest you? If you answer yes to both, a bridge program may serve your needs well. Other questions to consider include whether you have the time and money to undertake such a program.

LPN to RN programs vary in length based on a couple factors. First, it depends whether a student can afford to enroll on a full- or part-time basis based on responsibilities outside academics. Second, it depends on how many applicable credits earned from an LPN program transfer to the bridge program. Given that associate degrees typically take two years of full-time study, those with LPNs can generally shorten this time by half. With this in mind, full-time learners can usually complete the program in one year, while those enrolled on a part-time basis may need 18-24 months.

The cost of online LPN to RN bridge programs can vary significantly, making it important for prospective learners to fully vet their options before accepting any letter of admittance. Private schools tend to mandate the highest rates of tuition. Public schools tend to offer more reasonable rates. Some of these schools charge different rates based on residency, allowing in-state learners to pay far less than non-residents. Other programs allow online students to pay the same rate, regardless of where they live, and others charge higher rates that mimic non-resident fees for LPN to RN programs. Carefully review all fees and charges to ensure you avoid programs outside your financial means.

When looking at prospective LPN to RN programs, students should remember that not all are created equal. When considering whether the program adequately prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam, one of the best ways to ascertain preparedness is to ask the program administrator for the exam pass rates over the last several years. Also check to see whether the program offers a class or extracurricular option that helps students review the exam and prepare for it.

Admission procedures for LPN to RN programs differ according to individual school policies, but tend to be somewhat similar. Students can expect to complete an admissions application, submit transcripts from previous schools attended, provide standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), and demonstrate that they meet minimum GPA mandates. Some schools may also require a TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score. If the school does not build prerequisites into the curriculum, learners must also show that they’ve completed these classes already. Last, applicants must provide evidence of an active, unencumbered LPN license and documentation of clinical experience.

Before committing to any LPN to RN online program, prospective students should complete due diligence to better understand the institution’s accreditation status. Accreditation falls into two categories: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation divides into two further subcategories: regional and national. The latter may sound more authoritative, but in fact regionally accredited schools typically go through more rigorous evaluations and are required to maintain higher standards.

Programmatic accreditation, meanwhile, refers to discipline-specific agencies that review degree paths to ensure they adequately prepare graduates for careers. At the associate degree level, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing serves as the name to know.

Attending a properly accredited institution is an important step in the process, as those who do not may struggle to transfer credits, gain licensure, or compete against other applicants who attended accredited schools for jobs.