College grants are a free source of money, so they can help make your educational dreams a reality. Some people don’t realize just how many nursing grants are available. Because of the shortage in nurses that’s plaguing the country, there are hundreds of opportunities for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to go back to school to become registered nurses (RNs). As an RN, you can earn a higher salary, qualify for better jobs, and learn more about the specialties in the medical world that interest you most. Online LPN to RN college grants are available from a number of sources; you just have to know where to look.

Many government organizations provide grants to LPNs interested in going back to school. The Federal Pell Grant is available to all undergrad students, regardless of major, as long as you’re financially eligible. In 2009, students could qualify for nearly $5000 per year in some cases, making this a major helping hand for many students. There are also government grants specially for nurses, especially since nurses are in such high demand across the United States. The United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resource and Services Administration has a number of grants available for students who are interested in nursing or want farther training in their field. Almost every state has grant programs as well, though these may require you to work in that state for a certain time period after you graduate. Make sure you understand the grant requirements before you apply.

Private organizations also offer nursing grants in some cases. Some of these organization include the following:

• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
• Gerontological Society of America
• Emergency Nurses Foundation Association
• American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

As their name implies, some of these organizations support nurses in certain specialties. There are also private organizations that have scholarships available to all kinds of nurses or anyone pursing a degree in a health-related field, and there are even grants that are available specifically for distance learning students.

As an online student, will it be more difficult to find grants? Maybe. If you attend an accredited college, whether it is online or on a traditional college campus, you should qualify for most grants. When in doubt, call the committee making decisions about the grants and they can let you know if you qualify.

Nurses actually have grant opportunities unique to most other career fields. After you become and RN, you can apply to one of the federal loan repayment or forgiveness programs. These work like grants after college is over. If you agree to work in a high-need facility for a certain number of years, up to 85% of your student loans will be repaid. Of course, don’t forget to check out the LPN to RN programs sponsored by your employer. Many hospitals, doctor’s offices, health organizations, and other LPN employers will pay for their employees to become RNs in exchange for the student agreeing to work for the employer for a certain number of years. This is a great way to participate in an online LPN to RN program for free!

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.

The Only Online LPN to RN College Program

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.

Other Nursing Colleges Not Offering LPN to RN Programs

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.
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.