Top LVN to RN Bridge Programs in California: Online and Campus
Explore convenient online LVN to RN bridge programs that can help you take the next step in your nursing career in California.
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Are you currently an LVN in California with work experience in hospitals, clinics, or physician’s offices? Maybe you’ve spent some time working in nursing homes or home care services. Wherever your experience has taken you as an LVN, you’re ready to take your nursing skills and career to the next level with additional training and licensure as an RN. Not only does the RN credential open the doors to more rewarding healthcare responsibilities, you’ll also be entering a profession that’s continuously in demand and where you can make a great living.
One of the most efficient and affordable ways to get there is by enrolling in an online LVN to RN program in California. These fast, flexible bridge programs offer a portion of their classwork online, letting you keep working as an LVN while you earn your associate degree in nursing and work your way to becoming an RN.
Keep reading to find top-ranked programs, get answers to the most common questions about online LVN to RN programs in California, and learn more about job demand and salaries for RNs compared to LVNs in the state.
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California’s Best LVN to RN Online Programs
In these spotlights, we offer a more detailed look at some of the top LVN to RN programs in California. We’ve included only accredited schools here that offer both affordable and flexible RN programs with excellent student support. Each school has particular strengths, so keep an eye out for those that will best serve your academic interests. The right school for you will help you take your nursing career to the next level. Have a look at these three LVN to RN programs that really shine.
FAQs About LVN to RN Online California Programs
What’s it like to be in an LVN to RN online program in California?
There are fewer online and hybrid LVN-to-RN programs in California than many other states at the moment. The good news is that these convenient programs are continuing to grow in number in the state and across the U.S. You’ll find many programs today that offer on-campus learning opportunities coupled with some online components, including both nursing and general education classes. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many colleges and universities vastly expanded their fully online and hybrid options, which have continued to the present and been made a permanent part of their course offerings.
For online nursing students looking to earn RN licensure, there’s plenty of training and coursework that lends itself to the flexibility of online learning. The curricula of RN programs are designed to prepare you to sit for the RN licensing exam through training in the necessary nursing practices and policies. Some programs even let you select concentration areas like pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology. In-person visits to campus or local healthcare facilities for hands-on training and clinicals are additionally required. Check out EduMed’s main online LVN & LPN to RN program page for more information on how online and hybrid LVN to RN programs work and what students can expect to learn in the valuable programs.
How much time do LVN to RN online programs in California take to complete?
The duration of your online LVN-to-RN program depends on your level of education, how many prerequisites you’ve completed, and training before you enter the program. Your school’s requirements for graduation also affect your trajectory through the program, especially when it comes to prerequisite classes and in-person requirements.
With that in mind, most LVN-to-RN programs require about one year for full-time students to complete. Part-time students, especially those who are working outside of school, can expect to spend up to two years in their LVN-to-RN programs, depending on their availability and the school’s requirements.
Can I get into an LVN to RN bridge program in California?
Application requirements vary among LVN-to-RN bridge programs in California, but there are a few standards you’ll likely have to meet. Some programs have pre-nursing prerequisite classes built into the program while others expect you to have prerequisite requirements completed before you apply.
Colleges and universities that offer this program often expect applicants to:
- Possess a competitive high school GPA, usually a 2.5 or higher
- Submit documentation of completing an accredited LVN program and California LVN license
- Take an assessment of academic aptitude
- Possess a successful history of coursework in the required prerequisites
- Complete required health, immunization, and laboratory tests
- Pass a criminal background check
- Possess CPR certification, including adult, child, and infant airway management information
California LVN vs. RN: Salary and Job Outlook Comparison
Now that you have a clear path from LPN to RN, it’s time to consider what you can expect in your career. Across the board, California RNs enjoy higher compensation and more opportunities for growth than LPNs. While the 17.8% growth rate for LPNs is higher than the 12.9% rate for RNs, there’s considerably more demand for RNs both now and in the future. RN jobs are expected to increase by 43,200, while LPNs will only add 13,900.
RNs also get paid more. The median salary for RNs is $133,990, which is about 77% more than the LPN median salary of $75,610. In the 90th percentile, RNs earn $194,240, which is a nearly six-figure increase over the $96,790 that 90th percentile LPNs are paid. Check out the data below to get a clearer picture of what your future as an RN could look like.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | California | $83,510 | $133,990 | $194,240 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | California | $61,500 | $75,610 | $96,790 |
Source: 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | California | 333,700 | 376,900 | 43,200 | 12.90% | 23,420 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | California | 78,100 | 92,000 | 13,900 | 17.80% | 7,830 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
