If you’re currently an LPN, you may want to pursue higher education to become an RN, which means you’ll be qualified for better jobs with better benefits and better salaries. Online education, such as online LPN to RN programs make this possible without quitting your job, but they can still be expensive for those who don’t have a large amount of money in savings. One of the best ways to pay for your education is with online LPN to RN scholarships. Given based on merit, these funds never have to be repaid, so it’s a free source of money for school.

Because there is such a shortage of nurses in the United States, hundreds – maybe even thousands – of scholarships are available specifically for those pursuing an advanced degree in nursing. Some of the private organizations that fund scholarships including the following:

• United Daughters of the Confederacy
• Alpha Tau Delta
• Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society
• Health Occupations Students of America
• Harold B. & Dorothy A. Synder Scholarship Fund
• National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations
• American Quarter Horse Foundation Scholarships
• Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
• Infusion Nursing Society
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses
• National Society of the Colonial Dames of America

There are also organizations who support nurses in certain specialties. Some of those providing scholarships include the following:

• Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc.
• National Gerontological Nurses Association
• Scholarship Management Services, Scholarship America (hospice nurses)
• Neuroscience Nursing Foundation
• AAOHN Foundation
• WOCN Society
• Association of Rehabilitation Nurses
• Oncology Nursing Society

These lists are not by far exhaustive. Most nursing organizations offer scholarships to members, but that’s just the beginning of where you can find scholarships for online LPN to RN programs. In addition to private organizations like the ones listed above, you can also find many nursing scholarships through your school. When you enroll, talk to your college’s financial aid department. Most offer scholarships to the best and brightest students, and some also have department scholarships available based on your nursing specialty.

As an online student, keep in mind that you need to participate in an accredited program to qualify for most scholarships. While at one time distance learning students weren’t able to apply for most scholarships, today’s programs are more open-minded about non-traditional education. As long as the school you attend is accredited by a state or national nursing organization, you should qualify for any nursing scholarship available to offline students.

Many scholarships rely on your grades. Keep in mind that the money is renewable, which means that one a scholarship committee awards the amount to you, you can get it every year without competition simply by submitting some simple paperwork. That way, if you choose to not only go from LPN to RN, but to also pursue even higher degrees in nursing, you already have a head start with your renewable scholarships.

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.