One of the fastest ways to start working in the nursing field is to become a licensed practical nurse, or LPN. The education required for licensing as an LPN only takes about a year, but your job options and salary are limited if you remain working at this nursing level. Becoming a registered nurse, or RN, typically takes two to four years, but if you’re already an LPN, you can join an LPN to RN bridge program to save time and money.

LPN to RN bridge programs build upon the skills you already have as a nurse, which is why they don’t take as long as typical RN programs, which teach students who have no experience with nursing. The exact length of the LPN to RN bridge program depends on the end degree you hope to achieve. As an RN, you can get an associate’s degree, which takes about a year with an LPN to RN bridge program, or you can get a bachelor’s degree, which takes two and a half to three years with an LPN to RN bridge program.

In order to apply to an LPN to RN bridge program, you have to show that you have your LPN license, which requires you to graduate from an accredited LPN program. Some programs also require that you have a certain number of months experience in the work force.

LPN to RN bridge programs save you both time and money. Since you already have a base of knowledge, you don’t have to start from the beginning with your education. The best part of saving time is being able to also save money. You’ll pay tuition and other fees every month you’re in school, so by cutting a year or more from you education, you can save a significant amount of money. Since you’re already working as an LPN, you may also qualify for money for your education from your employer. Many hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities pay for their nurses to go back to school.

Don’t forget that an LPN to RN bridge program’s time-saving characteristic will also allow you to get your RN license more quickly. As soon as you’re officially an RN, you’ll start making more money. This is especially important if you continue to work as an LPN while you go to school Usually, being a part-time student means that it takes a long time to reach your educational goals, so bridge programs put you on the fast track to becoming an RN.

Upon graduation from an LPN to RN bridge program, you’ll have to take the national licensing exam and meet your state’s requirements to begin working as an RN. Most programs fully prepare you to the exam, and some even provide students with additional study help through career services, student groups, alumni associations, and more.

Don’t forget – if you go through an LPN to RN course, you can then consider taking the next step to get your master’s degree, which allows you to work as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife. You can even get a doctorate in nursing to work in the most advanced nursing positions – but it all starts with becoming an RN.

LPN to RN College Programs

Being a licensed practical nurse (LPN) has its limitations. With some additional schooling, an LPN can become a registered nurse (RN), opening doors to more job opportunities and higher salaries. What follows below is a list of schools with the best online LPN to RN degree programs.

LPN to RN (BSN) RN to BSN

Indiana State University — ISU's LPN to BSN degree program is the only online LPN to RN training program in the United States. LPNs and LVNs who complete this program can earn their NLNAC-approved Bachelor of Science degree in nursing entirely online. Upon completion, graduates should meet all of the prerequisites for becoming an RN. For those who are already RNs, ISU also offers an RN to BSN program. Read in-depth review of Indiana State University.

LPN to RN LPN to ADN LPN to BSN

The College Network — Earn your LPN to RN (ADN) degree completely online with no campus attendance and no wait list. Learn from the convenience of home at your own pace, and earn an NLNAC-accredited associate's degree in less time and for less money than traditional campus programs.

Other Nursing Colleges Not Offering LPN to RN Programs

BS in Nursing RN to MSN MSN - Nurse Education MSN - Nurse Informatics MSN - Nurse Management	Walden University — Founded in 1970, Walden University is dedicated to providing education for a higher purpose. The Nursing School confers degrees at the bachelor's and master's level, which provides further study in health informatics, nursing education, and nursing leadership/management.
RN to BSN MSN - Nurse Education MSN - Nurse Management	Herzing University — Founded in 1965, Herzing University is dedicated to the enrichment of the next generation. The university's School of Nursing confers online nursing degrees at the bachelor's and master's (nursing management or nursing education) degree levels. The curriculum is designed to represent a wide variety of the nursing spectrum, including surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health.
RN to BSN MSN - Acute Care	Liberty University — Liberty University, one of the top-rated online evangelical Christian schools in the nation, integrates the Christian faith and mission into all of its teachings. The Nursing School at Liberty offers an RN to BSN program as well as a master's degree-level nursing program in actute care.
RN to BSN MS in Nursing (MSN) MSN - Adult Health MSN - Nurse Educator Accelerated RN to MSN	South University — South University's College of Nursing offers numerous degree programs for aspiring nurses. Those looking for a BSN degree can enter into the RN to BSN and complete it within 18 months. South also offers the following master's degree-level programs: MS in Nursing (MSN), MSN in adult health nurse practitioning, MSN in nurse education, and an accelerated RN to MSN.
RN to BSN Dual Degree: MBA & MSN MSN - Nursing Education MSN - Nursing Leadership	Grand Canyon University — GCU, often rated the #1 online college in the US, has numerous master's degree programs in nursing that are geared specifically toward current healthcare professionals looking to advance their careers within the industry. They offer a standard RN to BSN degree as well as a dual MSN/MBA degree for business-minded individuals. Additionally, they offer specialty master's degrees in nursing education and nursing leadership.
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