LPN to RN Online Degree Programs (250+)

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The aim of an LPN to RN program is for a Licensed Practical Nurse to get ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination / test to become qualified with a RN license.

LPN to RN programs come in different shapes and forms. Junior or community colleges and test preparation courses are the most widely taken courses for LPN to RN. These programs typically prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. LPN to RN programs are sometimes referred to as "bridge" programs, and it tends to take roughly 18 months to 2 years to complete the preparation to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Because many LPNs are already working, some programs offer evening or weekend schedules and Online LPN to RN or hybrid LPN to RN classes.

Admission criteria varies from program to program, but most require at least six months experience as an LPN, current LPN licensure, and recommendation forms. Many also require completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), which measures basic grammar and math abilities. Be sure to check with the admissions department of any LPN to RN program you are looking at to make sure you meet the qualifications for their program.

LPN to RN online programs are common among those that are looking to bridge their LPN education to an RN program that goes into a more detailed curriculum. You can utilize our directory of programs to find the right one for you and we also dive into the details around degree itself so you are fully aware of what the program entails.

You may consider a featured Online LPN to RN preparation exam organization that is currently accepting LPNs into their preparation course.

View more online featured programs:

• Bachelor's Programs
• Master's Programs
• Doctorate Programs

How do I go from an LPN to an RN?

Bridging the gap between LPN status and RN status can be completed using available online LPN to RN degree advancement programs.

Since the transition from associate to bachelor level nurses has become so prominent over the last decade, more bridge programs are opening up to ease the transition for LPNs that are searching for higher education. We will provide you with more details on the LPN to RN online degree program below.

Licensed practical nurses provide first-hand support to patients in a clinical setting. If you are interested in learning about the steps it takes to become an LPN, then we have exactly what you need. Continue reading below for more details.

LPN to RN Online Degree Details

Most LPN to RN online degree programs take 68-72 credit hours to complete. Some universities offer very structured formats with specific time frames of completion, but others are more relaxed in scheduling flexibility – allowing students to take a comfortable amount of classes at their own pace.

If you take classes at a standard, full-time rate, you could potentially complete the program in 1 to 1 ½ years. Tuition varies depending on the university, but typical online LPN to RN bridge programs charge a rate of $242 per credit hour for general education requirements and $262 per credit hour for core nursing courses. Fees may also be applicable depending on the school.

Online learning surpasses traditional platforms in more than one way. Since you are likely already established as a licensed LPN, you probably have a full-time job. Online degree programs complement busy work schedules, allowing you to continue working while managing school work in your down time. Also, online course formats provide for convenient communication methods with instructors and other students, making them an ideal candidate for higher degree programs.

Sample Courses

LPN to RN Programs – State Information

Below you can see a quick summary of the state of LPN to RN programs in each state, including the total number of LPN to RN programs and the breakdown of campus-based vs. online programs. Jump to the school list of LPN to RN programs to see all programs.

Job Outlook for RN’s

Registered Nurse Careers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, becoming a registered nurse (RN) is the most common choice for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to advance their careers, work in a greater variety of professional roles, and to potentially make more money.

Our society has placed a growing strain on the healthcare industry to expand with the population. The job growth detailed above should give you a good idea of how this specialty can possibly expand in the coming years, marking the need for more nursing professionals.

In addition to the growth, take a look at the annual salary differences between the two professions. You can potentially increase your yearly earnings by over 55% in 1-2 years by successfully completing a LPN to RN online program. Having licensure at the LPN level can set the stage for what could potentially be the best decision you make for a better future.

Job Duty Comparisons of LPN vs. RN

The practical standards of the LPN restrict some of the job responsibilities that are expected to be completed on a daily basis. Take a look below at a breakdown of daily duties and work environments of both LPNs and RNs to get a better understanding of the differences between each license.

LPN Work Environment

Licensed practical nurses are found in nursing and rehabilitation centers most frequently. These centers provide care and assistance to patients of old age or patients that are suffering from debilitating illnesses or injury. Although these professionals can also be found in other healthcare settings, such as home health, clinics, and hospitals, nursing homes and residential care centers are the most popular setting for LPNs.

What they do

• Helps patients bathe and dress in residential facilities
• Help maintain comfort for patients and receive feedback on care
• Takes blood pressure and other vitals
• Reports patient status to registered nurses or physicians

RN Work Environment

Registered nurses are found in numerous settings in the healthcare field. Hospitals, clinics, private offices, and even specialty care centers employ nurses to help manage the high number of patients that visit each day. Nurses also have the opportunity to be employed by schools and universities to assist with student illness and injury. Some of the less common fields for nurses are government agencies, sports and fitness, airlines, and private homes.

Often, an RN will work in a hospital or a doctor’s office and can potentially see a lot of travel or very little depending on the type of care you get involved with and the demand for registered nurses in a given geographical area. You’ll likely be in close contact with patients that might be suffering from a variety of different kinds of illnesses and injuries.

What they do

• Performs diagnostic tests and procedures
• Provide medication and minor treatments to patients
• Assess and possibly diagnosis certain conditions
• Supervises other RNs or LPNs under their direction

Why is it important to become an RN if I’m already an LPN?

Working as a licensed LPN can be a great achievement. You owe it to yourself to take pride in what you have accomplished and look for even more opportunity for growth in your future. The trend towards more responsibility for RNs is a great reason to choose to pursue the online LPN to RN program.

As an LPN, it is likely that you are restricted to the settings in which you can work and the responsibilities that you are given on a daily basis. Obtaining your RN license can give you more freedom to choose your work environment, while potentially earning a lot more per year in the process.

Statistics show that growth in the nursing field is at a high rate, making this a great time to enroll in online LPN to RN programs.

List of Programs