What’s the Best LPN to RN Program Online?

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There are a number of online colleges with LPN to RN programs available. While it might not be a difficult decision to go back to school to become an RN, choosing which program is best for you takes careful deliberation. There are pros and cons to each program available, so let’s talk about some of the major factors to consider.

Accreditation

By far, one of the most important characteristics for an online nursing program to have is accreditation. Schools that aren’t accredited often don’t require much of their students. Essentially, they are diploma mills, handing out certifications in exchange for “tuition” money. This isn’t true of every non-accredited program, of course, but if you work in the field of medicine, you need to have an education from an accredited school or you may not qualify for licensing. If your school isn’t accredited, you also may not qualify for scholarships and grants.

Hands-On Learning

Medical work is very hands-on, so training has to be as well. Find out what kind of hands-on learning is available with every LPN to RN program you consider. Does the school have partnerships with local hospitals? Are there simulators available online through the program? If your education boils down to lectures and reading, it is probably not the top LPN to RN program online.

Experienced Nurses as Professors

Just because you don’t go to college on a campus doesn’t mean that your professors don’t need to be authorities on the subjects that they teach. Most of your professors should be experienced nurses or other types of health care professionals. Ask for credentials to ensure that those teaching you about nursing are qualified to do so.

NCLEX-RN Preparation

To become an RN in your state, you must graduate with at least a 2.5 GPA and you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Does your online program help you prepare for this test? A quality education doesn’t necessary teach for the test, but at the same time, your final weeks in the LPN to RN program should focus on what to expect for the exam. They should also help you fulfill other requirements to become an RN, such as filling out the Nursing and Allied Health application if you haven’t done so already. In other words, your online program should have a support system to help you go from student to nurse.

Modern Material

As an LPN, you likely already know the ropes when it comes to nursing. However, as the world changes, hospitals get new equipment and doctors learn new techniques every single day. The best LPN to RN programs available online don’t shy away from this new technology. If you graduate from the program and everything you’ve learned is 10 years out of date, you might as well have just continued to be an LPN.

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.