Written By
Kenya McCullum
- Bio
last updated
Effective patient care simply could not happen without LPN/LVNs. As part of a workforce over five million-strong, you’re undoubtedly among the professionals who make the patient care world go round. But that doesn’t mean you don’t want more.
If you want to prepare yourself for higher-level positions and a higher earning potential, LPN to RN programs can help you take the next step and reach your goals. These programs allow you to build on your education and work experience to earn your degree and take on additional responsibilities more quickly.
Continue reading to find out more about LPN to RN bridge programs, what you can expect to learn, the different types of programs available—including online LPN to RN programs—and the types of jobs you can pursue after you’ve completed your degree. Get started by perusing our list of exceptional programs for the 2023-2024 school year.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Achieve Test Prep
PROGRAM: LPN to RN/BSN
We help thousands of LPNs/LVNs work towards achieving their Associate Degree in Nursing or RN. The Test-Out Bridge Program makes achieving your RN faster and affordable, and previous college credits will count toward your advanced degree.
Top Online LPN/LVN to RN Programs for 2024
As a busy professional, you don’t want to waste time looking at schools that aren’t going to give you what you want. That’s why we’re compiling a list of the top online LPN/LVN to RN programs so you can confidently apply to a school knowing that you’ll be able to reach your goals after graduation. We’ve chosen schools based on affordability, flexibility, and, accreditation. Our rankings of the best hybrid and online schools are featured below.
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baptist Health System School of Health ProfessionsSan Antonio, TX | Private for-profit | $$ | 2 | Licensed vocational nurses who would like to become a licensed RN should consider the LVN to RN program at the Baptist Health System School of Health Professions. The degre builds off knowledge from students' LVN courses and provides courses on specific nursing specialities, such as mental health and gerontology nursing. By the end of this associate degree, students are prepared to sit for the NCLEX exam and become licensed RNs. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, LVN to RN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio7/1 |
Online Student %100% |
|||
| 2 | St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg, FL | Public | $ | 2 | St. Petersburg College offers a transitional associate degree for LPNs looking to become registered nurses. This program offers flexibility with two tracks: a day track with courses on weekdays with admission in the fall semester, and an evening track with courses during the evenings and weekends with admission in the spring semester. This program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and will prepare students to sit for the national exam to become a registered nurse. Program Highlights: LPN to RN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1 |
Online Student %76% |
|||
| 3 | Eastern Florida State CollegeCocoa, FL | Public | $ | 2 | Eastern Florida State College offers an ADN program with a transition option for learners who already have their LVN degrees. The degree consists of a blend of general education courses, nursing courses, and support courses such as anatomy. There's also a special transition nursing clinical, which may enable students to complete clinical hours at their place of employment. The program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX exam and become RNs. Since the program is for working professionals, it's delivered in a flexible, hybrid format. Program Highlights: Associate Nursing Degree
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %65% |
|||
| 4 | Santa Fe CollegeGainesville, FL | Public | $ | 2 | Nurses with their LPN/LVN who are interested in becoming RNs should consider the associate's in nursing from Santa Fe College. Considered a bridge program, this degree consists of all the necessary coursework to become a licensed RN, including general nursing courses, a clinical component, and general education classes in subjects like anatomy. Because many classes have a lab requirement, most classes are offered in a blended learning format. Students come to campus for labs and attend lectures virtually. Program Highlights: Associate in Science in Nursing Bridge Program
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
Online Student %55% |
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community CollegePerkinston, MS | Public | $ | 1 | LPNs looking to become licensed RNs should consider the associate degree in nursing from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. This degree is offered in a hybrid format with blended learning courses. That means students complete their nursing lectures online and labs and clinicals in-person. The curriculum covers a variety of topics, ranging from anatomy to mental health nursing. Upon graduating, students are prepared for the NCLEX exam and to become licensed RNs in Mississippi. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, LPN to RN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
Online Student %59% |
|||
| 2 | Missouri State University-West PlainsWest Plains, MO | Public | $ | 1 | Current LPNs who want to progress their career with an associate degree should consider the program from Missouri State University-West Plains. The course consists of lectures, hands-on simulations, and clinical experience. All the lectures are delivered in a virtual format, though there are some in-person requirements. In-person components include on-campus simulation laboratory experiences and clinical practicums at local partnering healthcare facilities. By the end, students are prepared to sit for the NCLEX exam and become licensed RNs. Program Highlights: Associate of Science in Nursing, LPN to RN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %62% |
|||
| 3 | Northwest Technical CollegeBemidji, MN | Public | $ | 1 | Northwest Technical College offers a quality associate degree in nursing. Designed for current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), this program acts as a bridge to becoming a RN. Students take the necessary courses for RN licensure covering topics like anatomy, maternal-newborn nursing, and psychosocial nursing. While most lectures can be completed online, students may have to come to campus for some labs and will have to complete clinical experience hours in-person at an approved facility. Program Highlights: Associate of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %74% |
LPN/LVN to RN Programs Near Me: Online & Campus
Advancing your career by going back to school does not have to mean uprooting your life. While schools across the country offer countless online LPN to RN programs, staying close to home will likely be the most convenient option for you. It will also allow you to learn what you need to know to earn your state RN license and more easily participate in in-personal clinicals. To help you find a school close to you, we’ve created lists of LPN to RN programs in every state. Click on the interactive list below to explore schools in your area.
Most Popular LPN-RN Programs Online
While there are a lot of options to choose from, not every LPN to RN program is going to fit every student. Whether you’re looking for an online, accelerated, or prerequisite-free program, we’ve created pages designed to give detailed information about the wide variety of LPN to RN bridge programs out there. Below you’ll find a summary of these programs and links to our more in-depth pages so you can gain more information and take your next step with confidence.
Accredited Online LPN to RN Programs
Accredited online LPN to RN programs are a great choice for busy nurses who want to leverage the flexibility of distance learning. These programs are also a great way to cut down on costs since you won’t be required to attend classes on campus. Keep in mind, however, that some schools, like Missouri State West Plains, have in-person requirements, and all conduct in-person, hands-on training during your clinical courses.
6-Month Fast-Track Online LPN to RN
If you’re committed to finishing your degree quickly, then a 6-month fast-track online LPN to RN program may be the right one for you. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these programs are intensive. Ask yourself if you’ll be able to dedicate the required time and energy to complete an accelerated program like the one offered at Laboure College of Healthcare. If not, it may be better to enroll in a program that’s administered at a slower pace. For more information on what your schedule could look like and what it might take to balance your personal, professional, and academic responsibilities, we recommend contacting the schools you’re considering applying to.
LPN to RN with No Prerequisites
You have your LPN or LVN credentials and you’ve been working for a while. But you haven’t completed the prerequisites schools want. This shouldn’t deter you from pursuing your aspirations of becoming a registered nurse. Prerequisite-free LPN to RN programs are the answer. Instead of requiring prerequisites prior to acceptance, they are baked into the curriculum. The University of Arkansas allows students to complete prerequisites online as Pre-LPN to BSN students.
LPN to ADN Programs Online
LPN to RN bridge programs can lead to earning an associate or bachelor’s degree, so if you prefer to spend less time in your program, you may want to choose an online LPN to ADN program, like the one offered at Sampson Community College. Although you won’t earn a bachelor’s degree from enrolling in one of these programs, you will still be able to augment your skills, knowledge, and pay. If you decide later that you want to earn a bachelor’s degree, you will have already laid the groundwork.
LPN to BSN Programs Online
If you’re ready to jump into a bachelor’s degree in nursing, then an LPN to BSN program, like the one at Indiana State University, online may be right for you. This program provides the opportunity to build on your previous education, while getting higher-level coursework than in an associate degree program. These programs generally take two to three years to complete. If you don’t mind being in school a little longer, you should consider this degree.
Inside Online LPN to RN Programs: What to Expect
Although you’ve already received nursing education, it’s important to understand what to expect from an LPN to RN program. From admissions to clinicals, we give you an overview of what happens below.
Prerequisites
There are several prerequisite classes you may be required to take for admission into an LPN to RN bridge program. The following are some examples.
- Introduction to Psychology: The course, which Indiana State University requires, is a primer on psychology, where students learn basic concepts related to memory, intelligence, and development. This provides an understanding of human behavior that all healthcare professionals should have.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: You will build on your existing knowledge of anatomy and physiology in programs like the one offered at Western Kentucky University. Course topics include biochemistry, homeostasis, and the different systems of the body.
Introduction to Nursing Courses
Once admitted into an LPN to RN online program, you’ll take classes that introduce you to concepts that registered nurses are required to know, such as:
- LPN to RN Transition: This course, sometimes called Transition to Professional Nursing (like at Herzing University), is designed to set students up for success. To do this, the curriculum covers how nurses work with patients on a daily basis. It includes topics such as nutrition, mobility, oxygenation, and metabolism.
- Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice: Although you’re already familiar with nursing, this course will help you gain a deeper understanding of what the registered nursing role entails. Specific topics include how RNs collaborate with other members of a healthcare team, the historical place of registered nurses, and trends in nursing practice.
Professional/Advanced Nursing Courses
As you progress in the LPN to RN program, you’ll begin to take more advanced classes to prepare for the rigors of registered nursing. These may include:
- Advanced Leadership and Management: Also referred to as Leadership and Nursing Management at schools like Galen College, this course is designed to familiarize you with the leadership skills registered nurses should have. This is especially helpful if you aspire to eventually land a managerial job at a healthcare facility.
- Nursing Informatics: Students learn how different technologies are used in a nursing context. You’ll learn techniques for effectively using communication devices, health information systems, and different computer applications.
Clinical Requirements
During the clinicals of your LPN to RN bridge program, you’ll continue to build on the experience you already have as a nurse, while incorporating the new concepts you learned in class. During this time, you may conduct assessments on patients, diagnose them, and create a healthcare plan to maximize treatment outcomes. Additionally, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking, clinical judgment, observation, and technical skills.
NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation
Another way schools prepare students for success as a registered nurse is to offer NCLEX-RN exam preparation. These courses, which you may be able to take online, provide a look at the topics covered in every section of the test. You’ll also take practice exams, so you get used to what the test is like.
What’s Next: A Look at Life After Graduation
You’re planning to enroll in an LPN to RN program to advance in your career, so naturally you want to know what jobs will be available to you once you graduate. The following is a look at some of these jobs, so you understand what they entail and how much they pay.
Charge Nurse
While charge nurses may be responsible for monitoring patients’ vital signs, just as LPNs and LVNs do, their duties are largely administrative to ensure nurses effectively provide the best patient care. To do this, they may be responsible for scheduling nursing staff and giving them assignments that best fit their skills.
Clinical Educator
LPNs and LVNs are responsible for talking to patients about their care, thus teaching them what they need to know. Clinical nurse educators do this on a larger scale for nurses, by teaching classes, supervising clinicals, with professionals in a healthcare facility. Clinical nurse educators may also conduct research to help professionals improve patient care.
Nurse Manager or Administrator
Nurse administrators or managers work at the highest level of the nursing team. They’re responsible for handling finances, recruiting employees, and ensuring the team is compliant with legal and ethical standards. Unlike LPNs and LVNs, nurse administrators are not responsible for direct patient care.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses are tasked with providing a higher level of care than LPNs and LVNs. As a result, they are responsible for duties such as administering medications, monitoring medical equipment, performing diagnostic tests, and reviewing results.
Research Nurse
Research nurses are responsible for supporting the work of doctors who conduct research studies and clinical trials. As a result, their work has an impact on how all nurses deliver care, including LVNs and LPNs. Their daily duties include recruiting participants for clinical research, helping members of the research team stick to protocols, administering medications, and stabilizing patients if an emergency occurs.
More Resources
James Mielke
Shannon Lee
Taylor Cromwell