LPN to RN Online Programs in NY: Your Guide to Top Degrees
Looking to take your nursing career to the next level in New York? An online LPN to RN bridge program could be just what’s needed! This guide has everything you’d want to know—from program options and tuition costs to licensing details and how online classes pair with hands-on clinical training. Wondering how these programs compare to traditional ones? Keep reading to find the online LPN to RN bridge program in New York that works best with your schedule and goals!
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Deep Dive into Online LPN to RN Degrees in New York
You love taking care of people—that’s why you became an LPN. But if you’re ready for more responsibility, better pay, and new career opportunities, moving from LPN to RN could be the next step. The big question: Can you do it online?
LPN to RN programs take about two years to complete and often blend online coursework with in-person training. You’ll complete theoretical studies, like pharmacology and advanced nursing concepts, online through lectures, assignments, and virtual discussions.
But since nursing is hands-on, clinical training must be done in person at an approved healthcare facility. Some programs also require occasional campus visits for skills labs or exams. Before enrolling, check your state’s requirements. Some states have strict rules about where you complete clinical hours or which programs they recognize for licensure. Accreditation is key, too—it ensures your degree is valid for RN licensure.
Curious about program options, costs, and admissions details? Keep reading—we’re breaking it all down for you!
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Achieve Test Prep
PROGRAM: LPN to RN/BSN
We help thousands of LPNs/LVNs work towards achieving their Associate Degree in Nursing or RN. The Test-Out Bridge Program makes achieving your RN faster and affordable, and previous college credits will count toward your advanced degree.
Utica University
Utica University’s LPN to RN program has a lot to offer. It’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which means you’re getting a high-quality education. The program takes your LPN knowledge and builds on it with more advanced clinical skills and nursing concepts, all aimed at getting you ready for the NCLEX-RN exam.
It’s a hybrid format, so you can do the coursework online, but you’ll still have to get hands-on with some in-person clinicals. What’s nice is that the smaller class sizes and personalized support help make the whole transition from LPN to RN feel a lot more manageable, especially when you’re juggling work and personal obligations.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $920 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Be a high school graduate or have a state-approved high school equivalency
- Have an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
- Submit a completed Enrollment Agreement
- Complete the Learner Assessment to evaluate readiness for success
- Ensure reliable internet and access to a device meeting system requirements
- Complete a nursing entrance exam with acceptable results
- Pass a criminal background check
- Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccinations
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Professional Nursing and Foundational Nursing Care
- Health Assessment and Pathophysiology
- Leadership and Informatics in Nursing
- Medical/Surgical Nursing Care
- Psychiatric Nursing Care
- Care for the Aging Population
- Nursing Management
- Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric and Obstetric Nursing Care
- Trends in Professional Nursing
- End-of-Life Care
- Community Nursing Care
Medgar Evers College
Medgar Evers College offers an LPN to RN program accredited by the ACEN. It’s designed to help you prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam with a solid mix of in-class learning and hands-on clinical experience.
What’s nice about this program is that it offers hybrid courses, so you can do some of your coursework online. They also get that people are busy, so evening and weekend classes are available. What makes Medgar Evers unique? Their strong community ties and focus on diverse student experiences. They recognize that the healthcare landscape is continually changing so they want to prepare students for both traditional and non-traditional healthcare environments.
Duration: Four semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost:
- In-State Students:$3,465 per semester for full-time enrollment (12 to 18 credits)
- Out-of-State Students: $620 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Hold a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- Maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7
- Achieve a grade of “B-” or higher in all science courses
- Complete college core requirements
- Ensure that science courses are current (within 5 years) upon application to the clinical phase
- Undergo a criminal background check, if required
- Complete the application process for acceptance into the Clinical Nursing Phase
- Attend a required orientation prior to admission to the Nursing Clinical Phase
Curriculum:
- English Composition
- Introduction to Algebra and Trigonometry
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Pathogenic Microbiology & Immunology for Health Professions
- Chemistry for Health Professions
- Computer Fundamentals
- Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Clients with Altered Psychosocial Functioning
- Childbearing/Childrearing
- Commonly Occurring Health Problems
- Transition to Nursing Practice
- Introduction to Psychology
The State University of New York (SUNY) Suffolk
The State University of New York (SUNY) offers an accredited LPN to RN program through Suffolk County Community College, with accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
This program is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam by combining classroom instruction with clinical practice. The curriculum begins with two condensed, six-week summer courses that require in-person attendance. While it doesn’t offer a fully online option, this intensive program can be completed in 12 months, making it ideal for students who can attend school full-time and want a quick route to becoming an RN. What makes SUNY stand out is the flexibility it offers, with evening and weekend clinical options.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost:
- In-State: Around $5,400 – $7,070 per year, depending on the campus
- Out-of-State: Typically between $9,480 and $17,610 per year
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)
- Completion of prerequisite courses, such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and mathematics
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
- Grades of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses
- Some campuses require the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with minimum scores in reading, math, science, and English
- Current certification in CPR for healthcare providers
- Completion of a nursing entrance assessment exam with acceptable results
- Criminal history background check with acceptable results
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.
Curriculum:
- Introduction to professional nursing
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing fundamentals
- Nutrition
- Health assessment
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Psychiatric nursing
- Maternal-child nursing
- Pathophysiology
- Leadership and management in nursing
- Community health nursing
- Nursing capstone or preceptorship
Common Questions About LPN to RN Online Programs
Starting your journey to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New York is an exciting step, but we get it—it can also feel a bit overwhelming. If you’re wondering how to navigate the process, you’re not alone.
Many students before you have had the same questions. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most common (and often overlooked) questions to help make your path a little clearer. Let’s jump right in!
How do clinical hours work in online LPN to RN programs?
In New York, online LPN to RN programs still require clinical hours, even though most of the coursework is completed online. You’ll need to complete hands-on clinical training in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics.
The required number of hours can vary depending on the program, and while some schools help set up clinical placements, others may expect you to find your own. It’s important to plan ahead for these clinicals since they give you real-world experience and are a key part of meeting licensing requirements before you can take the NCLEX-RN exam.
What are the typical duties and responsibilities of an RN in New York?
The main difference between the medical careers of LPNs and RNs in New York is the chain of command. RNs oversee LPNs, so as an RN you will be able to manage a team of LPNs and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to care for patients. As an RN you will also be able to create patient care plans and perform examinations of patients whereas as an LPN your main duty is to provide basic comfort to patients by changing bandages and monitoring vital signs.
As an RN you will have more skills and training to help a wider set of patients. Whether you’re in a hospital, nursing home, or clinic, no two days are alike. And if you’re ready to take the next step, LPN to RN programs with no prerequisites can help you advance your career with ease.
Are there financial aid options available for LPN to RN students in New York?
There are plenty of financial aid options for LPN to RN students in New York. Start with FAFSA to see what federal aid you qualify for, then check out state programs like the Nurses For Our Future Scholarship or the Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship Fund.
Many schools also offer financial aid for RN programs, so be sure to ask about that too. Taking the time to explore your options can help make tuition a lot more manageable—and it’s worth every bit of effort to ease the financial burden.
What is the NCLEX-RN, and how do I prepare for it?
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the exam you need to take to officially become a registered nurse. It’s all about testing how well you can apply your nursing knowledge to real-world situations, focusing on critical thinking and decision-making.
Beginners guides to the NCLEX, test prep books, or prep courses may be helpful, but it’s really about finding what works best for you. Don’t stress too much about it— manage your time, get some rest before test day, and approach each question calmly.
Are there accelerated LPN to RN programs in New York?
Yes, there are accelerated LPN to RN programs in New York that let you become an RN in a much shorter time—sometimes as quickly as a year! These programs pack in a lot of coursework and clinical experience to help you make the transition fast. As mentioned above SUNY Suffolk offers a 12 month accelerated LPN to RN program, that although isn’t fully online, does allow students to complete clinicals on weeknights or weekends.
If you’re eager to move even faster, 6-month accelerated LPN to RN programs might be just what you’re looking for to get your RN license in record time. Keep in mind that you might have to go outside of the state of New York to complete a program like this.
Student Resource: New York LPN vs. RN Salary & Career Comparison
Now that you've learned how to transition from LPN to RN in New York, let’s take a look at some of the advantages. The median RN salary in New York is $104,570, which is a notable 68% increase over the $62,360 median salary for LPNs. Entry-level RNs in the 10th percentile of pay earn $69,450, which is above and beyond the median pay for LPNs. Meanwhile, the 90th percentile RN salary is $136,780, nearly $60,000 higher than top-earning LPNs.
The demand for RNs in New York is exceptional, with a 25.5% growth rate. This far outpaces the national average of 5.6% and is anticipated to create 52,040 new jobs. While the growth rate for LPNs is similarly strong at 24.1%, RNs benefit from more job openings; there are 5,200 each year compared to 1,110 for LPNs. Learn more about your opportunity in the table below.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | New York | $49,250 | $62,360 | $76,890 |
| Registered Nurses | New York | $69,450 | $104,570 | $136,780 |
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 | New York | 204,040 | 256,080 | 52,040 | 25.50% | 5,200 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | New York | 45,960 | 57,020 | 11,060 | 24.10% | 1,110 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
