LPN to RN Fast Track Programs: What You Need to Know

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LPN to RN programs allow you earn an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing as quickly as possible. Before you apply to an LPN to RN fast track program, make sure you understand the following:

Qualifying

In order to qualify for an LPN to RN program, you must first go through an LPN (licensed practical nurse) program. In order to become an LPN, you need education from an accredited course, which takes about a year. You also need to your LPN license, which you can obtain through taking a national test and meeting your state’s specific LPN standards. Some LPN to RN bridge programs also require you to have experience in the field, working as an LPN, so it is important to check these standards before you apply to a program.

Program Benefits

LPN to RN fast track programs help you save time because you won’t have to re-take classes covering topics you’ve already learned as part of your LPN convention. This not only means that you’ll spend money on your education, but it also means you’ll become an RN sooner, making you eligible for high pay rates and better benefits sooner.

If you aren’t currently a nurse at all, there are benefits to becoming an LPN first and then joining an LPN to RN program. It takes a very short amount of time to become an LPN, so you can start your nursing career quickly and then become an RN at your own pace. In addition, some employers will pay for you to go back to school to get an advanced degree, and because of the national nursing shortage, there are many financial aid and scholarship programs for nurses who want to go back to school.

Program Challenges

LPN to RN fast track programs aren’t for everyone. As an LPN you probably already work at a hospital or other health care facility, and for some, it can be a challenge to go to school while also working. Keep in mind that in order to become an RN, you’ll need to pass a licensing exam, so you may also want to consider a full RN program to get a refresher course in basic nursing skills.

Choosing the Right LPN to RN Program

If an LPN to RN program is right for you, there are a number of choices available for nurses, both online and off. Make sure you ask questions, finding out if the program offers student services, financial aid, and alumni networking. If the program you’re consider has campus classes, visit the location to get a feel for the atmosphere. This is also important if you go to school online; take a virtual tour of the program, participating in an online lecture if possible. Talk to professors and current students if you can to learn as much as you can about the programs you’re considering. Researching school rankings is also a smart decision when evaluating a program.

After You Graduate

After you graduate from an LPN to RN fast track program, you need to to take the national licensing examination before you can begin working as an RN. After passing the exam, you must also submit your degree information and other documents to your state’s nursing board to confirm that you’ve met clinical hour and licensing requirements.

LPN to RN College Programs

With some additional schooling, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can become a registered nurse (RN), opening doors to more job opportunities and higher salaries. The following is a list of schools with the best online LPN to RN degree programs offered by accredited colleges. You can request information by clicking the college's logo.

LPN to RN (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. Read an 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. Read an in-depth review of The College Network.
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RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Administration MSN in Nurse Education	Kaplan University—Kaplan University’s RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs feature curriculums that provide registered nurses with the tools to graduate with BSN and MSN degrees. The MSNs in Nurse Administration or Nurse Education feature curriculums that teach methods in management and education in order to prepare students for leadership and educator positions with in the nursing field.
BS in Nursing RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Education MSN in Nurse Informatics MSN in 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. Walden is one of the biggest providers of online master and doctorate programs with over a hundred degrees offered at each level.
MSN in Nurse Education MSN in 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 master’s (nursing management or nursing education) degree level. The curriculum is designed to represent a wide variety of the nursing spectrum, including surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health.