Online LPN to RN Bridge Programs

The LPN to RN Bridge program is made for practicing Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to become RNs (Registered Nurses).

The education and experience of the LPNs are very useful for the LPN-to-RN Bridge program.

This program covers in-depth coursework required to become an RN.

Upon completion of the program, LPNs can take the national RN licensing examination, the NCLEX-RN.

The program is available in two forms: LPN-to-BSN and LPN-to-ADN.

The program is based on the previous knowledge, education, and experience of LPNs.

The RN curriculum covers more theoretical knowledge to transition nurses from the LPN field.

RNs have countless career opportunities.

They work in a variety of settings and can obtain multiple specialized certifications.

If you are working as an LPN and wish to obtain more education to become an RN, you can enroll in the LPN to RN Bridge program.

By doing so, you can apply your educational and clinical background you’ve mastered while working as an LPN.

Some duties of the two positions are similar while others can be very different.

Before enrolling in the program, you need to become familiar with some aspects required to transition from the LPN to RN position.

In the article below, we will cover the essential elements of the bridge program and its importance.

Top Nursing Schools in the US Offering Online LPN to RN Programs

1. Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers most of its LPN/LVN programs online.

There is a learning library at the college called the College Network.

You need 76-77 lower-level credit hours and 51 upper-level credit hours for the program.

There are no wait times with this program, and only the US residents can benefit from the online LPN to RN program at Indiana State University.

Campus: Terre Haute, Indiana – Online.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, Indiana State Board of Nursing, and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Degree requirements: LPN/LVN.

Type: Public.

Programs: Nursing (LPN/LVN to BS).

2. Allegany College of Maryland

The online program of The Allegany College of Maryland offers a wide range of traditional courses with maximum flexibility.

The Maryland Board of Nursing, the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing approved the Associate Degree Nursing Program at ACM.

It is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The nursing program at ACM is also known as the Health Manpower Shortage Program.

Campus: Cumberland, Maryland; Everett and Somerset, Pennsylvania – Online.

Accreditation: ACEN.

Type: Private.

Degree requirements: Entrance exam, LPN/LVN license, English proficiency, Academic transcripts.

Minimum time commitment: 18 months.

Programs: LPN-RN Online Program.

3. Fairmont State University

Fairmont State University is located in West Virginia and offers the LPN/LVN-ASN program lasting for 3 semesters.

The program is designed for LPN/LVNs who have already taken and completed the required courses.

The online courses take place twice a week in real-time.

Additionally, twice a month, students attend clinical labs on campus.

The accreditation of the Associate Degree Nursing Program at FSU is provided by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN).

Accreditation: ACEN.

Type: Public.

Minimum time commitment: 3 semesters.

Degree requirements: Entrance exam, LPN/LVN license, English proficiency, Academic transcripts, Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Programs: LPN-RN Online Program.

4. College of Central Florida

At the College of Central Florida, you can enroll in a 3-semester, 1-year online-hybrid LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge program.

The program covers online courses as well as those delivered in-person together with on-campus labs and clinical experiences.

It is accredited by the Florida Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Upon the completion of the program, students become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Accreditation: ACEN.

Type: Public.

Degree requirements: Entrance exam, LPN/LVN license, English proficiency, Academic transcripts, Cumulative GPA of between 2.0 and 2.5 in nursing courses, BLS certification.

Minimum time commitment: 3 semesters (1 year).

Programs: LPN-RN Online Hybrid Program.

5. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

At the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, the Fran & Earl Ziegler College of Nursing offers an online hybrid LPN to BSN program with 60 credit hours.

The program comprises online lectures and in-person meetings with on-campus clinical and lab experiences.

The licensed LPN/LVNs can enroll in the program with advanced standing upon completion of the necessary courses and passing the exams in those disciplines.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Accreditation: ACEN.

Type: Public.

Minimum time commitment: 3 options.

1. • Nine-month two-semester full-time track.
   • Two-year four-semester part-time track.
   • Three-semester track with full and part-time terms.

Degree requirements: NLN Acceleration Challenge Entrance Exams, proof of at least one year of full-time employment as an LPN, current Oklahoma LPN license, cumulative GPA of 2.5 GPA or higher in the past 60 hours of coursework, completion of 30 credit hours of college courses, including several prerequisites, with a grade of C or higher.

Programs: LPN-RN Online Hybrid Program.

6. Palm Beach State College

At the Palm Beach State College, you can take a 72-credit hour online hybrid program aimed at helping LPNs/LVNs and paramedics to become registered nurses.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree and can take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination.

Courses are held online and in-person with nursing clinicals also taking place on site.

Students can be accepted to the program three times per year.

Campus: Lake Worth & Belle Glade campuses, and online.

Accreditation: Florida Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Type: Public.

Minimum time commitment: Will be determined by the student’s ACE exam results as well as the specific track they choose.

Degree requirements: Hold an LPN/LVN, have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 or higher in all prerequisite classes, complete the HESI A2 exam with a score of 80 or higher.

Programs: LPN-RN Online Hybrid Program.

Purpose of LPN to RN Bridge Programs

With the LPN to RN Bridge program, practical nurses can become registered nurses by taking courses that fill the gap between the LPN and RN professions.

The program covers higher-level nursing concepts and improves the critical thinking of candidates.

Registered nurses work closely with the interdisciplinary healthcare staff and assist in making critical decisions for patients.

LPN to RN Entrance Exams

Some nursing schools have limited openings for programs.

They usually oblige students to take entrance exams to select the best candidates.

The majority of nursing schools commonly holds the following examinations:

Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

This test determines the proficiency in Science, Math, English, grammar, life sciences, scientific reasoning, and algebraic formulas of candidates.

National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Examination

Though the multiple-choice format test, the candidates are evaluated on general biology, algebra, geometry, earth science, and health.

LPN to RN Education Options

For most LPN to RN programs, students need the following:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Graduate from an accredited graduate program.
• Have a current and unrestricted practical nursing license.
• Complete the minimal number of clinical hours and instructions (as required by the respective nursing board).

The comprehensive education the candidates will receive through the bridge program is one of the most essential things that make the LPN to RN transition a good choice.

While the curriculum can vary depending on the program, the most common concepts students will learn, include:

• Knowledge about the defense mechanisms of the body.
• To maintain strong relationship bonds with patients and their families.
• Understanding the basics of various systems of the body (reproductive, nervous, skeletal, muscular, integumentary, endocrine, digestive, lymphatic, urinary, cardiovascular, and respiratory).
• Importance of exercise.
• Evaluate that nursing has a crucial role to play in the quality feedback cycle as it is related to care.
• Advance the practices (evidence-based) related to patient and family-centered care.
• Examine the system, insurance, hospital and policy stakeholders.
• Knowledge of diversity, evolution, and ecology and their roles in human physiology.
• Evaluate top ethical and decision-making models to advance patient care.
• Analyze the workflow of nurses in different medical situations.
• To be a part of a variety of clinical settings with advisers and partners, initially as an observer, and finally with numerous opportunities for autonomy.
• Evaluate and examine various aspects of clinical settings.

Availability of LPN to RN Online Programs

Similar to other nursing programs, the LPN to RN Bridge program can be taken at various private nursing schools and community colleges.

The biggest advantage of these programs is the schedule flexibility among other benefits it has over the traditional programs.

Practicing LPNs choose online programs because they allow them to continue their education without taking a break from their jobs.

Since the RN programs cover mostly theoretical curriculum, LPNs enroll in the accredited distance-learning programs.

Online LPN to RN programs can also be hybrid, so the students can gain clinical experience as well.

While getting access to the clinical work materials online, the LPN to RN students can find their own sites to gain clinical experience.

When looking for such a program, you need to consider a few factors:

• If a school requires you to find your own clinical site, find several options and get them approved by the school.
• Check reliable websites offering the programs, which can include everything from hospitals to school systems.
• The course material and quizzes available online, including online videos and simulations.
• Availability of professors via email.

The following traits that a student needs determine if they are a good fit for the LPN to RN online bridge program:

• The ability to complete assignments according to deadlines and work independently.
• Ability to manage time for studies, work, and family.
• Ability to create a studying area at home.
• Ability to work without in-person interaction.

Upon completion of the online LPN to RN program, students can sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Timeline for Online LPN to RN Program

Typically, the LPN to RN program takes 70 credit hours to complete.

The program lasts for 1.5 to 2 years.

The duration can also depend on the educational background of a candidate as well as personal circumstances.

Application Process

Students should research websites and find online colleges that offer LPN to RN programs.

They need to consider and verify all the aspects of the program to make a decision.

The admissions process can be different from one school to another, but some things are common for all of them:

• Qualify for the entrance test.
• Official transcripts to be submitted to the college.
• Submission of the application attached with letters of recommendation, proof of LPN licensure, current CPR card, employer verification letter.
• Fulfill prerequisite coursework; 2.5 GPA or higher is preferred.

First Year

The first year of the program features foundation classes, which include psychology, human anatomy, chemistry, and microbiology.

Students start studying bridge classes that lead to the RN curriculum.

Second Year

The second year of the studies includes specialized topics such as adult health, pediatrics, and obstetrics.

Additionally, such advanced topics as crisis care and leadership in nursing are covered as well.

Nursing School Accreditation

Students should take the LPN to RN programs, either online or on-campus, which are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

With the accreditation, you can be sure that the school and the program meet the strict criteria for providing quality education.

Certificates in nursing, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree programs are accredited by the ACEN.

Students that need aid can also benefit from scholarships and grants offered by the agencies.

Schools without accreditation are not eligible for federal aid.

Nursing schools need to apply for the renewal of accreditation since it’s only valid for a certain time and is voluntary.

LPN to RN Classes & Courses

The most important factor that makes the LPN to RN bridge program an easy option to become an RN is the experience that speeds up the further education of the students.

The programs can vary depending on the school, college, or university.

However, most concepts faced by individuals are the same:

• Knowledge about the defense mechanisms of the body.
• Understanding the basics of various systems of the body (reproductive, nervous, skeletal, muscular, integumentary, endocrine, digestive, lymphatic, urinary, cardiovascular, and respiratory).
• To know why exercise is important.
• Knowledge of diversity, evolution, and ecology and their roles in human physiology.
• Evolve the general view of the molecular as well as molecular mechanisms of a cell.
• Converse about the diversity of living organisms and the way it is related to evolutionary processes.
• Knowledge of the patterns of evolutionary change that occurs in alleles.
• Go through the evolution completely comprising mechanisms of extinction, adaptive radiation, speciation, and phylogenetic.
• Knowledge of the structure, development, physiology, and classification of animals that start with protozoa and terminate with vertebrate mammals.
• To completely understand human traits, evaluate natural selection as applied to invertebrates, plants, and vertebrates.
  Advance the practices (evidence-based) related to person- and family-centered care.
• To maintain strong relationship bonds with patients and their families.
• Analyze relationships that organisms hold, specifically microorganisms, with each other and their environment not only on the micro but also on macro levels.
• Evaluate that nursing has a crucial role to play in the quality feedback cycle as it is related to care.
• Analyze the work-flow of nurses in different medical conditions.
• Examine the system, insurance, hospital and policy stakeholders.
• To be a part of a variety of clinical settings with advisers and partners, initially as an observer, and finally with numerous opportunities for autonomy.
• Evaluate top ethical and decision-making models who can guide the aspirants for patient care of high standards.
• Evaluate and examine various aspects of clinical settings.

Job Outlook for LPN’s Going to Become RN’s

The demand for nursing services in the US increases.

According to statistics, the employment rate for registered nurses is projected to grow by 19%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in May of 2015 there were 2,857,180 registered nurses employed.

The salaries are also quite attractive.

A career in the healthcare area is a beneficial path for those who enjoy helping people as well as seek a promising career.

LPN to RN Salary Comparison

According to the BLS, the median salary of the LPNs in 2016 was $44,090 while registered nurses made around $68,450 per year.

The employment rate of registered nurses is estimated to grow by 16% through 2024.

Those who have a bachelor’s degree have better job opportunities.

Also, employers seek nurses with extended clinical experience.

The annual mean salary comparison of LPNs and RNs per state is as follows:

• Alabama: LPN: $36,100; RN: 56,890.
• Alaska: LPN: $54,400; RN: $88,510.
• Arizona: LPN: $49,970;RN: $71,790.
• Arkansas: LPN: $36,370; RN: $56,870.
• California: LPN: $51,870; RN: $101,260.
• Colorado: LPN: $47,530; RN: $69,990.
• Connecticut: LPN: $55,630; RN: $55,630.
• Delaware: LPN: $49,410; RN: $71,410.
• District of Columbia: LPN: $53,100; RN: $79,560.
• Florida: LPN: $42,320; RN: $63,960.
• Georgia: LPN: $38,820; RN: $63,190.
• Hawaii: LPN: $46,820; RN: $90,130.
• Idaho: LPN: $39,870; RN: $61,280.
• Illinois: LPN: $47,190; RN: $69,760.
• Indiana: LPN: $40,730; RN: $58,910.
• Iowa: LPN: $39,730; RN: $55,040.
• Kansas: LPN: $40,040; RN: $57,410.
• Kentucky: LPN: $39,180; RN: $58,770.
• Louisiana: LPN: $37,960; RN: $62,450.
• Maine: LPN: $42,410; RN: $64,310.
• Maryland: LPN: $51,140; RN: $73,200.
• Massachusetts: LPN: $54,160; RN: $88,650.
• Michigan: LPN: $45,530; RN: $67,690.
• Minnesota: LPN: $42,440; RN: $72,310.
• Mississippi: LPN: $36,730; RN: $56,980.
• Missouri: LPN: $38,380; RN: $59,150.
• Montana: LPN: $39,490; RN: $62,650.
• Nebraska: LPN: $39,710; RN: $58,970.
• Nevada: LPN: $52,630; RN: $81,460.
• New Hampshire: LPN: $47,800; RN: $67,190.
• New Jersey: LPN: $53,300; RN: $79,840.
• New Mexico: LPN: $46,760; RN: $66,030.
• New York: LPN: $46,500; RN: $78,950.
• North Carolina: LPN: $41,940; RN: $60,460.
• North Dakota: LPN: $41,250; RN: $58,890.
• Ohio: LPN: $41,060; RN: $62,800.
• Oklahoma: LPN: $38,590; RN: $59,040.
• Oregon: LPN: $49,160; RN: $83,800.
• Pennsylvania: LPN: $44,570; RN: $67,550.
• Rhode Island: LPN: $55,230; RN: $76,410.
• South Carolina: LPN: $39,410; RN: $61,110.
• South Dakota: LPN: $36,270; RN: $55,100.
• Tennessee: LPN: $37,270; RN: $57,560.
• Texas: LPN: $45,130; RN: $69,890.
• Utah: LPN: $43,110; RN: $61,000.
• Vermont: LPN: $45,830; RN: $65,840.
• Virginia: LPN: $41,190; RN: $65,340.
• Washington: LPN: $49,980; RN: $78,130.
• West Virginia: LPN: $35,680; RN: $58,010.
• Wisconsin: LPN: $43,140; RN: $66,440.
• Wyoming: LPN: $44,080; RN: $62,080.

What To Expect From LPN to RN Online Program

If your schedule is tight, and you don’t have time to attend classroom lectures, you can enroll in an online LPN to RN program.

In the fast-paced world today, these programs are quite popular and are becoming more common.

They are a great option to substitute traditional educational methods.

Through the online LPN to RN program, you can get ready for the NCLEX-RN exam.

This program has its pros and cons, so for some nurses, it might be unsuitable.

The advantages and disadvantages of the program are listed below.

Pros of Online LPN to RN Programs

• Flexibility and convenience.
• A good substitute for the traditional classroom-based programs for those who have a busy schedule.
• More affordable than traditional courses without additional expenses for supplies, uniforms, etc.
• The applications are accepted all year round.
• Easy time management for students, as they can decide how much time to devote to the studies.

Cons of Online LPN to RN Programs

• Lack of interaction with other students.
• Long response time from professors via email.
• Difficult to find a quality accredited course online.
• Lack of the possibility to gain clinical experience through some programs.
• Requires a lot of self-motivation and focus on the studies.

All Nursing Bridge Programs

LPN to MSN LPN to ADN LPN to RN CNA to LPN LPN to BSN MA to RN RN to BSN CNA to RN Paramedic to RN RN to MSN RN to NP BSN to DNP MSN to DNP RN to MD ADN to MSN