LPN to RN Online Programs in PA: Finding Top Schools
Moving from LPN to RN is a transformative step that opens doors to advanced nursing skills, greater career opportunities, and higher earning potential. In this guide, we highlight Pennsylvania’s leading online LPN to RN programs, outline key admission requirements, and offer valuable resources to help you achieve your educational and professional aspirations. Read on to discover how to take the next step in your nursing career.
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Uncovering Pennsylvania’s Online LPN to RN Programs
Online LPN to RN programs in Pennsylvania are designed to help licensed practical nurses advance their careers and step into registered nursing roles. While these programs often include online learning components, they are not fully online.
Core courses like pharmacology, anatomy, and leadership are typically delivered through flexible virtual formats, allowing you to study on your own schedule.
Additional features of online LPN to RN programs:
- Designed for working professionals seeking flexibility
- Build on your existing skills and experience
- Offer a blend of online coursework and hands-on clinical training
- Prepare you for the increased responsibilities of an RN
Regardless of a program’s format, clinical rotations must be completed in person at nearby healthcare facilities. These hands-on experiences are essential for applying your knowledge in real-world settings and gaining confidence as an RN.
When selecting a program, it’s important to consider the following:
- Accreditation
- Approval by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
- Clinical site availability
- Scheduling options
Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and board approval ensures that the program meets rigorous standards and qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the top LPN to RN programs in Pennsylvania—read on to explore their unique features and find the one that fits your goals.
HACC – Central Pennsylvania’s Community College
HACC – Central Pennsylvania’s Community College offers a well-structured LPN Transitional Track (LPN to RN) Program that enables licensed practical nurses to advance their careers by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
Graduates are prepared for roles in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, surgical centers, schools, and long-term care facilities. Many also continue their education by pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) at schools like Harrisburg University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Equipping students with the tools needed to take on advanced responsibilities as registered nurses, the curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive nursing education, covering topics including:
- Family health
- Adult care
- Holistic nursing
- Behavioral health care
- Leadership and management
This program offers advanced standing in HACC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, meaning licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can skip introductory courses and directly enter higher-level nursing classes. This allows LPNs to build on their existing knowledge and skills, saving time while pursuing their RN credentials.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Estimated Cost:
- $25,657 (Sponsoring)
- $31,369 (In-State Non-sponsoring)
Admissions Requirements
- Completion of a mandatory information session
- TEAS exam
- A minimum GPA of 2.5
- Completion of Anatomy and Physiology I, and one additional science course with a grade of “C” or better
- Eligibility for ENGL 101 and MATH 103 or MATH 202
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education
- Current and unencumbered LPN license
- Criminal Background Check
- Drug and Alcohol Screening
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Family Health Nursing
- Behavioral Health Nursing
- Adult Health Nursing I & II
- Holistic Health Nursing
- Leadership and Management in Nursing
Pennsylvania College of Technology
The LPN to RN program at Pennsylvania College of Technology offers a supportive and hands-on learning environment to help you take the next step in your nursing career. With small class sizes and experiential learning opportunities, this program ensures that you gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed.
Accredited by the ACEN and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, the program takes approximately two years to complete and includes coursework in:
- Pharmacology
- Psychosocial nursing
- Adult medical-surgical nursing
Pennsylvania College of Technology is dedicated to student success and provides tailored resources to ensure a seamless transition from LPN to RN. As part of the program, students take a specialized course exploring registered nurses’ roles and responsibilities.
Additionally, a “First Year Experience” course is available that introduces students to Penn College’s policies and student support services, setting the foundation for academic and professional achievement.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Estimated Cost: $33,772
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete placement requirements—determined through placement testing, transfer courses, and/or SAT/ACT scores
- Pennsylvania Practical Nursing License
- Completion of required Biology, English, and Math courses with a grade of “C” or higher
- A cumulative enrollment GPA of 2.5 or higher
Curriculum:
- LPN-RN Role Transition & Medical- Surgical Nursing I
- Essentials of Pharmacology
- Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing II
- Psychosocial Nursing
- Topics in Nursing
- LPN-RN Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing III
- Childbearing Nursing
- Nursing Care of Children
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- General Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Microbiology
Wilson College
Wilson College’s LPN to BSN program offers a flexible and efficient path for licensed practical nurses to advance their careers and become registered nurses. Designed specifically for working professionals, this program allows you to continue your job while earning your degree through online coursework and hands-on clinical training.
The program can be completed in as little as two years and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
The curriculum aligns with national nursing standards, including:
- Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice
- Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies
Clinical experience includes 240 hours across three semesters, with a low-residency option for those living more than two hours from campus, allowing you to complete clinicals in 7–10 days per semester for each of the final three terms.
With a 90% NCLEX pass rate for graduates, the program prepares you to meet all the requirements to sit for the NCLEX exam and achieve RN licensure.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Estimated Cost: $55,800
Admissions Requirements:
- Active LPN nursing license
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended, both during and after high school
- TEAS test taken within the last four years
Curriculum:
- Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
- Nursing Care – Chronically Ill
- Healthcare Informatics
- Childbearing/Child Rearing Families
- Nursing Care – Medical-Surgical Patients
- Research in Healthcare
- Complex Care Across the Life Span
- Nursing Leadership
- Med/Scientific Terminology-Greek/Latin
- Microbiology for Nurses
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Genetics for Health Sciences
- Statistics
- Healthcare Ethics
- Introduction to Psychology
- Life-Span Development
Quick Guide: FAQs for LPN to RN Students
Pursuing an online LPN to RN program in Pennsylvania can be exciting and overwhelming. Many prospective students share the same concerns: program prerequisites, clinical requirements, and financial aid. Below, you’ll find clear answers to the most commonly asked questions, helping you progress confidently toward your RN goals.
How long do LPN to RN programs in Pennsylvania typically take to complete?
LPN to RN programs in Pennsylvania generally take one to two years to complete. Some institutions offer 6-month accelerated LPN to RN programs designed for students who have already completed prerequisites or have extensive nursing experience.
Accelerated programs are intensive, requiring strong time management and full commitment, but are ideal for quickly transitioning into an RN role. Choosing the right program means considering factors like speed, cost, and your ability to balance coursework with clinical and personal responsibilities.
How do I meet clinical requirements if the program is online?
Although coursework is delivered online, clinical rotations must be completed in person at approved healthcare facilities in Pennsylvania. These hands-on experiences are critical for developing skills in nursing procedures, patient communication, and clinical judgment.
Many schools assist with placement to ensure you meet state requirements and gain meaningful clinical exposure. If you need additional guidance, there are various guides to clinicals for online students, which cover scheduling, preceptor arrangements, and site selection.
How can I pay for my LPN to RN program in Pennsylvania?
Funding options for LPN to RN programs include federal grants, loans, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs offered by many schools. Start by completing the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal aid.
Other options for financial assistance for RN programs include private scholarships, state grants, and employer tuition reimbursement. Combining multiple funding sources, such as scholarships and payment plans, can significantly reduce the financial burden and allow you to focus on your education and clinical training.
Are there LPN to RN programs with no prerequisites in Pennsylvania?
Yes. While most programs require prerequisites like anatomy, physiology, and math, some schools offer LPN to RN programs with no prerequisites. These programs allow licensed LPNs to begin immediately, integrating introductory coursework into the program.
However, completing prerequisites beforehand can lighten your course load, allowing you to focus on advanced nursing topics and potentially shorten your time to completion. Be sure to check the specific requirements of each program.
Expert Insight
Finishing your non-nursing coursework (prerequisites, general education, electives, etc.) before applying to your program or during the first year has its advantages. While in nursing school, I finished all non-nursing classes early on and as a result, my last year of nursing school was dedicated entirely to my nursing studies. Needless to say, it was a much easier school year!
What’s the difference between LPN and RN careers?
Although they both play essential roles in healthcare, LPN and RN responsibilities and opportunities differ significantly. First, advancing to an RN opens doors to higher salaries, more specialized career options, and eligibility for advanced degrees.
While LPNs focus on basic patient care tasks, RNs take on expanded roles, including:
- Creating care plans
- Conducting detailed assessments
- Supervising other healthcare staff
Pennsylvania LPN vs. RN Salary & Career Comparison
For those considering an LPN-to-RN transition in Pennsylvania, the career and salary differences between these roles are striking. Pennsylvania RNs earn over $20,000 more than the state's LPNs. Check out these salary comparisons:
- Registered nurses earn a median salary of $82,780 statewide, compared to $59,650 for LPNs.
- At the top of the pay scale, RNs can make up to $109,740 annually, while licensed practical nurses top out at $72,270.
The additional earning potential reflects the increased responsibilities and education required for registered nurse roles, making the leap from LPN to RN a valuable investment.
The job outlook in Pennsylvania underscores the demand for both professions:
- Registered nurses hold 148,790 positions statewide, with 7,020 new RN jobs expected by 2030—a growth rate of 4.7%.
- LPNs, though fewer in number, have a slightly higher growth rate of 6.2%, with 2,150 new roles projected.
- Each year, registered nurses and LPNs see approximately 8,890 and 2,900 annual openings, respectively, ensuring opportunities for those advancing their careers.
Explore the tables below to dive deeper into the benefits of making the transition.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Pennsylvania | $47,020 | $59,650 | $72,270 |
| Registered Nurses | Pennsylvania | $64,820 | $82,780 | $109,740 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Pennsylvania | 148,790 | 155,810 | 7,020 | 4.70% | 8,890 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Pennsylvania | 34,410 | 36,560 | 2,150 | 6.20% | 2,900 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
