LPN to RN Online Programs in TN: Reviewing Top Degrees

Inside Different Types of LPN to RN Degrees in Tennessee

As there are dozens of LPN to RN bridge programs in TN, it can be tough to sort through the specifics of each option and find the best fit for your needs. We’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you, reviewing LPN to RN bridge programs in Tennessee to identify the cream of the crop.

First, it is important to note that fully online LPN to RN programs don’t exist in Tennessee. Alternatively, the state offers:

• On-campus programs, comprising of face-to-face classes and labs on campus, and clinical training off-campus at healthcare sites
• Hybrid programs—a mix of online and in-person learning activities

Features of hybrid LPN to RN programs in Tennessee:

• Flexibility of online classes while ensuring you receive the real-world experience needed for the field
• Hands-on labs and simulations that students must complete in-person on college campuses
• In-person clinical hours (required due to the state’s registered nurse requirements for licensure)

Here, we’ve spotlighted schools that are approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. We’ve also prioritized programs that are flexible, making them easier to balance with your LPN job.

To get an idea of popular school options for students like you, learn about the three reputable schools below.

FAQs for LPN to RN Programs in Tennessee

The three programs above provide a birds-eye view of what a LPN to RN program looks like, but they don’t get into the nitty gritty details such as the costs of a bridge program or the career opportunities available as an RN versus an LPN. Continue reading for important information about these programs and what to expect after graduating.

What can I expect to learn in an LPN to RN program in Tennessee?

Bridge programs build upon your existing experience and credentials to offer the practical and technical knowledge necessary to earn higher-level credentials.

Since you’ll be studying alongside other LPNs, you won’t spend valuable class time reviewing concepts you already have dialed. Instead, your coursework will broaden your horizons and offer deeper insights into essential topics in nursing.

You’ll flesh out your knowledge of essential subjects like nursing theory, anatomy, and pharmacology. Other popular curriculum classes include:

• Adult health nursing
• Pharmacology in nursing
• Ethics
• Life span psychology
• Childbearing family nursing

Although you likely already have experience working with patients, clinical experiences give you the opportunity to try on new responsibilities and practices to prepare for the next stage of your career. Many schools, like Southwest Tennessee Community College, have a clinical rotation specifically focused on the transition between LPN and RN to highlight the differences between the two roles.

Expert Insight

A lot of what you’ll learn in an LPN to RN program will be familiar to you. Nursing is nursing no matter the license level. But as an RN student, you’ll learn everything from the perspective of a ‘head nurse’. You’ll learn how to effectively delegate to LPNs and nursing assistants as well as how to devise, modify, and evaluate a care plan for your patient.

Charmaine Robinson, RN, MSN

How long does it take to finish an LPN to RN bridge program in TN?

LPN to RN programs in Tennessee vary in length; although they can typically be completed in 12-24 months, your timeline will vary based on several factors. A major variable in your timeline is the order of required courses and how much time you can devote to your degree.

The number of courses you take each semester will dramatically impact how long it takes to finish your program. Some students opt to pursue a degree part time, which may not be as fast as some accelerated LPN to RN programs that are available as full-time options.

What are the requirements to get into a Tennessee LPN to RN bridge program?

The hallmark of LPN to RN programs is that they cater specifically to LPNs, so across the board, most programs will require you to demonstrate that you have an active, unencumbered LPN license in Tennessee.

Some schools, like Chattanooga State Community College, also require applicants to have already completed specific prerequisite courses, while other LPN to RN schools have no set prerequisites. Other common requirements for LPN to RN bridge applicants include a minimum GPA, standardized test scores, and an entrance exam.

How much do LPN to RN bridge programs in Tennessee cost?

Tuition in LPN to RN programs in Tennessee can range from as low as $6,000 to upwards of $30,000, but your total cost will depend largely on which school you attend. Be sure to look into which options offer in-state tuition or financial aid packages to save money where you can.

There are also additional financial aid opportunities, such as nursing scholarships and employer tuition reimbursement programs. Individual programs also offer grants and discounted rates, so ask an admissions counselor about their financial aid options before applying.

What qualities should I look for in an LPN to RN program in Tennessee?

An expensive price tag doesn’t necessarily equal a high-quality education. Fortunately, there are ways to assess a school’s quality with only a few minutes of research. These include checking for:

• Board-approval: Make sure your potential program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, or the nursing board of the state where you intend to pursue your license. Any school that doesn’t meet this criterion should be crossed off your list immediately.
• NCLEX pass rates: Finally, you can look up the school’s NCLEX-RN pass rates. High pass rates on this exam demonstrate that graduates were well prepared to apply for licensure.

Tennessee LPN vs. RN Salary & Career Comparison

Top Online LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Tennessee