Online LPN to RN Programs: Finding the Right School
If you want to prepare for higher-level positions, an online LPN to RN program can help you take the next step and reach your goals. These programs allow you to build on your education and work experience to earn your degree and take on additional responsibilities more quickly. Use EduMed’s guide to learn how these programs work, the types of programs available, and what the LPN to RN transition means for your career and your salary.
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Before You Begin…
Before you begin your transition from LPN to RN, you should understand why you want to become an RN. It’s also important to assess whether online learning is right for you. To ensure you’re prepared to take the next steps, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do I need to take additional courses or exams to meet the admission requirements?
- Do I have the discipline to complete online coursework, or would I be better suited to a traditional classroom setting?
- Am I prepared for the demands of school on top of work, family, friends, and personal obligations?
- What area of nursing would you want to specialize in? Pediatrics? Oncology? Emergency Nursing?
- What are the financial aid options for the program I selected?
How They Work: Online LPN to RN 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.
LVN to Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Bridge Program – Panola College
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Panola College offers a 12-month LVN-to-RN transition track with online didactic coursework and in-person clinical experiences. Students must complete the clinicals with in a 70-mile radius of Carthage, Texas, but the rest of the courseload can be completed remotely. In order to be eligible for the program you must complete the seven general course requirements (composition, introductory psychology, biology, etc.) with and minimum of a “C” in each course. After graduation, this ACEN accredited program qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN. Applications are accepted in February and September for the respective semesters.
Duration: 60 credits (1 year)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $9,000
Admissions Requirements:
- Have a current LVN license
- Proof of immunization
- Clear criminal background check and drug screen
- Pass non-nursing and prerequisite courses with a minimum of “C”
- Pass HESI A2 with at least an 80 in the Reading Comprehension and Math sections
- Send transcripts from each college or university attended to the admissions office
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 24 credits in anatomy, microbiology, psychology, and writing
Major Requirements: 25 credits
- Transition to Professional Nursing Competencies
- Introduction to Health Care Concepts
- Clinical – Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Concept-Based Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
- Health Care Concepts
- Professional Nursing Concepts
- Professional Nursing: Review and Licensure Preparation
Elective Courses: 11 credits
Best For: Current licensed vocational nurses who are looking to earn an ADN for career advancement and salary promotion
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LPN to RN Bridge Program – Northwest Technical College
The LPN Step-In program at Northwest Technical College is a 64-credit, three-semester Associate of Science (AS) degree designed for current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to become Registered Nurses (RNs). The program includes courses in microbiology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and specialized nursing subjects. Graduates typically pursue RN careers in acute-care hospitals, state hospitals, physician’s offices, child care centers, and public health agencies. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, the program aims to provide the most flexible quality education to LPNs who want to advance their careers.
Duration: 64 credits (3 semesters)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $13,376
Admissions Requirements:
- Have a current LPN license
- Proof of immunization
- Clear criminal background check and drug screen
- Must have a certified Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR Certification
- Pass prerequisite courses with a minimum of “C”
- Prerequisite GPA must be a 2.76 or higher
- Send transcripts from each college or university attended to the admissions office
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 27 credits in anatomy, chemistry, psychology, ethics, and writing
Major Requirements: 34 credits
- Nursing Foundations
- Clinical Practicum
- Transition to Professional Nursing
- Leadership
- Maternal-Newborn Nursing
- Psychosocial Nursing
Elective Courses: 3 credits
Best For: Current licensed practical nurses (LPN) who want to build on their existing skills and broaden their career opportunities
LPN to BSN Bridge Program – Clarkson College
The LPN-to-BSN program at Clarkson College is designed for LPNs aiming to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program is available on a full or part time basis to ensure the maximum flexibility for all students. At minimum, the program can be completed in six semesters, combining online theory classes and in person clinicals. Students receive 15 credit hours for their LPN licensure and participate in small class sizes and clinical groups. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Clarkson College ensures that their program will prepare you to pass the NCLEX-RN.
Duration: 121 credits (6 semesters)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $49,212
Admissions Requirements:
- Have a current LPN license
- Proof of immunization
- Clear criminal background check and drug screen
- Proof of high school diploma or GED
- Prerequisite GPA must be a 2.76 or higher
- Send transcripts from high school and postsecondary institutions to the admissions office
- Complete a 2-3 page program-specific application essay
Curriculum:
General Education Courses: 42 credits
Core Courses: 9 credits of communication, humanities, ethics, and advocacy
Major Requirements: 70 credits
- Concepts of Professional Practice for the LPN to BSN
- Population Health Nursing: Foundations
- Pharmacology
- Managing the Nursing Care of the Adult
- Behavioral Health Continuum of Care
- Nursing Care of Women and Childbearing
- Family-Centered Nursing Care of Children
- Evidence-Based Inquiry in Healthcare
- Population Health Nursing-Global Health and Health Policy
- Concepts of Complex Multisystem Clients
- Transition to Practice
- Principles of Leadership and Management
Best For: Current licensed practical nurses (LPN) who want to move into a leadership role and potentially obtain a graduate degree later on
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.
LPN to RN Bridge Program FAQs
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.
How Much Does an Online LPN to RN Cost?
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.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University – West Plains | LPN to RN | $26,650 |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | LPN to RN | $33,000 |
| Allegany College of Maryland | LPN to RN | $25,620 |
| Eastern Floride State College | LPN to RN | $19,477 |
| Indiana State University | LPN/LVN to BSN | $32,832 |
| California State University – San Marcos | LVN to BSN | $48,492 |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | LPN to BSN | $11,212 |
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: LPN vs. RN
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | U.S. | $45,670 | $59,730 | $77,870 |
| Registered Nurses | U.S. | $63,720 | $86,070 | $132,680 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
EduMed’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.
Clarkson College
Omaha, Nebraska
Why We Selected Clarkson College:
- The program offers a partnership with Nebraska Medicine, providing eligible employees with tuition discounts and deferral options.
- The Student to Nurse (S2RN) Sponsorship Program provides $15,000 in education sponsorship and a $5,000 residency bonus.
- The program includes employer partnerships, offering career readiness training and preference for senior preceptorship placements.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$14,880
- Average Institutional Aid$6,229
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course94%
- % of Students Receiving an Award35%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Eastern Florida State College
Cocoa, Florida
Why We Selected Eastern Florida State College:
- The Transition to RN program offers advanced standing to qualified healthcare professionals, accelerating their career advancement.
- The program provides diverse clinical experiences across Brevard County, enhancing practical skills and exposure.
- Students benefit from a hybrid learning environment, combining on-campus and online components for flexibility.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$2,048
- Average Institutional Aid$2,560
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course65%
- % of Students Receiving an Award49%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Why We Selected University of Louisville:
- The program offers flexible eight-week courses, allowing students to manage their pace effectively.
- The RN-BSN program allows students to complete the Community Health Leadership Practicum in their local community.
- The program provides a Concurrent Enrollment option, enabling students to earn their BSN while completing their ADN.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,174
- Average Institutional Aid$9,083
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course60%
- % of Students Receiving an Award58%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, Florida
Why We Selected St Petersburg College:
- The program offers a flexible LPN-RN Bridge Track with day and evening class options.
- The Nursing A.S. degree is fully transferable to a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at SPC or any Florida state university.
- The program utilizes a state-of-the-art simulation lab, SCENE, for realistic clinical training experiences.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$1,943
- Average Institutional Aid$2,330
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
- % of Students Receiving an Award44%
- Student/Faculty Ratio22/1
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Why We Selected Indiana State University:
- The program allows LPN/LVNs to transfer applicable credits and complete a BSN via online learning.
- Clinical placements are arranged in the student's community, enhancing local job opportunities.
- Faculty expertise includes medical-surgical nursing, infection control, and patient outcomes, providing specialized guidance.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$9,318
- Average Institutional Aid$3,735
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course59%
- % of Students Receiving an Award41%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, California
Why We Selected California State University-San Marcos:
- The program offers a unique self-care model focusing on health promotion and restoration.
- It provides clinical experiences in diverse acute care and community settings.
- Students gain proficiency in a language-other-than-English, enhancing cultural sensitivity in care delivery.
Program Details
- AccreditationWASC
- Average In-State Tuition$5,742
- Average Institutional Aid$5,466
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course89%
- % of Students Receiving an Award54%
- Student/Faculty Ratio25/1
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, Florida
Why We Selected Santa Fe College:
- Hands-on learning through apprenticeships combines classroom instruction with on-the-job experience.
- Employer partnerships facilitate job placement assistance for graduates in the construction industry.
- No high school diploma is required for admission into career certificate programs.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$1,872
- Average Institutional Aid$2,157
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course55%
- % of Students Receiving an Award60%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, Oklahoma
Why We Selected Southwestern Oklahoma State University:
- The program offers flexible payment arrangements and employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement.
- The MSN practicum can be completed in the student's own workplace or community for added convenience.
- SWOSU provides Oklahoma Physician’s Manpower Nursing Student Assistance awards to support students financially.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,368
- Average Institutional Aid$5,544
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course71%
- % of Students Receiving an Award36%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Riverside College of Health Careers
Newport News, Virginia
Why We Selected Riverside College of Health Careers:
- The program offers financial aid to qualifying students, enhancing accessibility and affordability.
- Hands-on clinical experience is provided in a modern medical center and affiliated clinical sites.
- Employment as an LPN for at least one year is required, ensuring practical experience before entry.
Program Details
- AccreditationACCSC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,820
- Average Institutional Aid$2,000
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course41%
- % of Students Receiving an Award75%
- Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
Bluefield State College
Bluefield, West Virginia
Why We Selected Bluefield State College:
- The program offers an accelerated LPN-RN track for faster completion.
- The curriculum integrates NLN core values and competencies for holistic care.
- The program provides flexible learning options with online and on-campus classes.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,084
- Average Institutional Aid$2,284
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- % of Students Receiving an Award35%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
