Online LPN to RN Degrees: Guide to Top Bridge Programs

How They Work: Online LVN/LPN to RN Degree Profiles

While there are a lot of options to choose from, not every LPN to RN program is going to fit every student. Most programs are hybrid with in-person labs and clinical hours, so although they are advertised as being online, hands-on training is required. However, you can leverage the experience you already have towards the clinical hours requirement, making the program mostly online. You will also be expected to pass certain transition courses that introduce you to concepts that registered nurses are required to know. These classes are labeled as either “Transition to Professional Nursing” or “Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice.”

Whether you’re looking for an online, accelerated, or prerequisite-free program, we’ve created pages designed to give detailed information about the wide variety of LPN to RN bridge programs out there. Below you’ll find a summary of these programs and links to more in-depth pages so you can gain more information and take your next step with confidence.

LPN/LVN to RN Programs Near Me: Online & Campus

Advancing your career by going back to school does not have to mean uprooting your life. While schools across the country offer countless online LPN to RN programs, staying close to home will likely be the most convenient option for you. It will also allow you to learn what you need to know to earn your state RN license and more easily participate in in-personal clinicals. To help you find a school close to you, we’ve created lists of LPN to RN programs in every state. Click on the interactive list below to explore schools in your area.

Answers to Common Questions about LPN/LVN to RN Bridge Programs

Although you’ve already received nursing education, you might have some questions about LPN to RN programs. Below we have provided answers to five of the most common questions prospective students have about these bridge programs.

What is the fastest LPN to RN program?

Some online programs allow you to complete an LPN to RN program in less than a year. For example, Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) offers an accredited LPN to RN bridge program that takes about 9 months to complete. This hybrid program combines online courses with in-person labs to ensure you are prepared for the NCLEX-RN. Another accelerated LPN to RN program is offered by Hutchinson Community College. This online program can be completed in three semesters (about a year and a half), and awards associate of applied science (AAS) degrees.

Can an LPN challenge the RN NCLEX?

Yes, but it depends on the state you are practicing in. Pennsylvania, Missouri, Hawaii, Georgia, and Florida are the only states that allow LPNs to challenge the NCLEX-RN. However, regardless of residency, you must complete at least an associate degree program in nursing. If you don’t live in a state where you can challenge the NCLEX-RN, the good news is that you can use your experience as an LPN to shorten your degree program. Your experience can replace the clinical/in-person training requirement for many RN programs so that you can accelerate the program by a couple of months.

Is bridging from LPN to RN hard?

Yes, but your prior experience will prepare you for the rigorous coursework. All RN programs come with challenges, but coming into the program as an LPN gives you a greater amount of experience so that you are already familiar with some of the concepts. The best part about bridge programs is that your previous LPN experience can count towards your degree so you can finish an RN degree in half the time it takes to finish a traditional RN program. Also, online LPN to RN programs make it easier to balance your personal and work obligations with school so that the courseload is more manageable.

Does Arizona have an LPN to RN program?

Yes. Arizona has multiple LPN to RN programs to choose from. For example, Central Arizona College (CAC) is a public community college located near Coolidge, Arizona, approximately halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. CAC offers an LPN to RN Bridge option as part of its AAS in Nursing program, with a 2½ semester course sequence leading to a nursing associate degree, eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and Arizona RN licensure. Admission is open to current licensed Arizona LPNs with one or more years of professional work experience. Additional eligibility requirements include completion of several prerequisite courses (in biology, English, math, and psychology) and completion of the NACE Foundations of Nursing Exam with a score of 67% or higher. Program starts are available each spring and fall term.

Is ADN the same as RN?

No. ADN is an Associate Degree in Nursing, a two-year academic program that prepares students to become RNs. Whereas an RN is a registered nurse who has earned the NCLEX-RN certification and has earned either an ADN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). In short, ADN is an educational path you can take to become an RN, but the degree alone will not ensure your RN status.

LVN/LPN to RN Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees

Whether you are going for an ADN or a BSN, the cost for an LVN/LPN to RN program will vary based on the program and the location. As with all educational programs you are responsible for paying for more than just the tuition. On top of the tuition, there are lab and equipment fees, books, housing, and parking to pay for. Before you choose a program, research the school’s financial aid opportunities to ensure you are getting the best education for the most reasonable price. To give you an idea of what you will be paying for we have created a table with the estimated costs of various programs. We have cut out the fees for room and board to give you the most direct comparison for the education alone.

Ranking Today’s Best Online LVN/LPN to RN Programs

At EduMed our data scientists use data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the universities themselves to compile the ranking below. We research and analyze the affordability, quality, and flexibility of these programs to give you the most accurate and unbiased evaluations of these programs. The goal of these rankings is to make the process of choosing your ideal program a little less overwhelming. Keep reading to review programs that truly stand out and feel free to use our metrics as jumping-off points for your own research.

RN Certification Requirements

As an LPN you have already taken the NCLEX-PN exam, however, to become an RN you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The certifications exam for RNs covers a broader range of information and focuses more on complex assessments and medical administration whereas the NCLEX-PN focuses on more basic nursing skills like providing comfort care.

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). It is a standardized exam that ensures that you are qualified to practice as a professional nurse. The only eligibility requirement is that you complete an accredited nursing program at either an associate or bachelor’s level. There is a $200 registration fee for the exam and if you fail the first time you have up to eight retakes per year. However, to ensure that you pass the first time, the NCSBN has created sample questions and exam prep guides to help you study.

Comparing Salaries for RNs and LPNs