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Licensed practical nurses (LPN) know the value of nursing in the healthcare system. Nurses put patient care first and improve health outcomes, and LPNs, who can hold an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), can expand their scope of practice while boosting their earning potential by becoming a registered nurse (RN).
In an LPN-to-RN program, sometimes known as a bridge program, you can meet RN licensure requirements in as little as one year and advance your nursing career through flexible, affordable online programs. Our ranking of the best LPN-to-RN programs can help you find an option that fits your schedule and budget.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 LPN-to-RN Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-to-Registered Nurse (RN) Programs of 2024
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $329
Out-of-State | $329
Credits to Graduate: 120
Working nurses can complete practicums in their local area while enrolled in the University of Arkansas' LPN-to-BSN program. This LPN-to-BSN program uses a flexible online format. The program encourages students to enroll part-time to balance school with work.
Seven courses integrate clinical components, and you’ll complete around 500 clinical hours by graduation day. You’ll also benefit from student services and advising throughout the program. Applicants must have at least 2,000 hours of LPN experience in the past 2 years to enroll in the program.
#2 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-to-Registered Nurse (RN) Programs of 2024
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Year:
In-State | $12,674
Out-of-State | $22,144
Credits to Graduate: 120-122
Allied health professionals can speed up their RN training by completing a BSN bridge program at Kent State. Designed for both LPNs and allied health professionals, the BSN bridge program prepares graduates for a role as an RN.
Nursing students benefit from individualized advising and hands-on learning opportunities. You’ll complete clinical requirements at facilities across northeast Ohio. Kent State reports a 95% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam, above the national average. According to the school, nearly 100% of BSN graduates found jobs within six months of graduation.
#3 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-to-Registered Nurse (RN) Programs of 2024
Excelsior College
Albany, NY - 2 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $550
Out-of-State | $550
Credits to Graduate: 121
At Excelsior, LPNs can earn their associate and bachelor’s degree in nursing. The dual degree LPN-to-BSN program uses online courses so you can learn at your own pace.
During the AAS portion of the program, you’ll explore nursing theory and gain clinical experience. The BSN coursework focuses on population-based health, care delivery, and collaborative practice, with a capstone course with practice experiences. You’ll learn from experienced instructors who bring decades of real-world nursing experience to the classroom.
#4 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-to-Registered Nurse (RN) Programs of 2024
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
Omaha, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $320
Out-of-State | $320
Credits to Graduate: 127
Nebraska Methodist College's LPN-to-BSN program can help you transition into a career as a registered nurse. The bridge program combines advanced education with experience to help you earn a bachelor's in nursing. By building on your LPN skills and experience, the program prepares graduates for in-demand RN jobs. According to NMC, 95.27% of 2021 BSN graduates passed the NCLEX-RN exam on their first attempt.
The program takes 6-8 semesters, depending on transfer credits. You’ll complete coursework in a hybrid format. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA and a current LPN license.
#5 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-to-Registered Nurse (RN) Programs of 2024
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $375
Out-of-State | $375
Credits to Graduate: 121-123
You can choose between an online or on-campus format for your LPN-to-RN program at Missouri Valley College. The LPN-to-BSN program offers two tracks, both of which emphasize clinical experience. Learners strengthen their clinical skills in diverse settings, including hospitals, health centers, and health agencies.
Applicants need at least a 2.75 GPA and a 58.7% TEAS score. LPNs must also live in Missouri and hold an active license to enroll in the program.
#6 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-to-Registered Nurse (RN) Programs of 2024
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $340
Out-of-State | N/A
Credits to Graduate: 124
Southwestern Oklahoma State University's LPN-to-BSN program is offered online and open to LPNs in Oklahoma. LPNs receive up to 30 advanced standing credits based on their professional experience.
You can complete the nursing coursework in seven eight-week sessions or about 12 months. You’ll complete 116 hours of clinical practice during the program, with opportunities to meet requirements in your local area. Online learners can access university resources on campus, and the program requires occasional campus visits.
#7 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-to-Registered Nurse (RN) Programs of 2024
Wilson College
Chambersburg, PA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465
Credits to Graduate: 120
Designed for working LPNs, the LPN-to-BSN program at Wilson College incorporates online courses and clinical requirements. Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree.
During the program, you’ll take online courses with the option to complete clinical experiences in person or with 80 hours of hospital and simulation clinical experiences.
Prospective students submit a transcript from the school that granted their LPN license and any other college transcripts. You’ll also need an active LPN license and TEAS test results from within the past four years to apply.
#8 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-to-Registered Nurse (RN) Programs of 2024
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Belton, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $615
Out-of-State | $615
Credits to Graduate: 124
LPNs can earn their BSN in a hybrid format through the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's LPN-to-BSN program. The program at the private Christian university takes six semesters. You’ll complete on-campus requirements in up to 26 days while taking most of your classes online.
Nursing students work with clinical coordinators to meet clinical requirements in their local area. You’ll leave the program with the real-world skills and knowledge for a variety of nursing career paths.
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Did You Know...
RNs earn a median salary of 44% higher than LPNs, according to BLS data.
Reasons to Pursue Your LPN-to-RN
Becoming an RN can boost earning potential, job responsibilities, and advancement opportunities. Key reasons to pursue your LPN-to-RN degree include:
- Increased Earning Potential: LPNs earn a median pay of $59,730 per year, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In contrast, RNs earn $86,070
- Scope of Practice: RNs have greater autonomy than LPNs, who often work under the supervision of an RN. By becoming an RN, you can expand your scope of practice and nursing responsibilities.
- Specializations: RNs specialize in areas, such as critical care, pediatrics, and cardiology. Advancing your education gives you more opportunities to pursue nursing specializations.
- Advancement Opportunities: After earning a BSN, nurses can pursue graduate-level training as a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator. These roles offer a significant increase in earning potential, with nurse practitioners reporting a median salary of $126,260, reports the BLS.
How LPN-to-RN Programs Work
LPN-to-RN bridge programs help licensed practical nurses expand their nursing skills and qualify for a registered nursing license.
During an LPN-to-RN program, you take courses in health assessment, nursing practice, and evidence-based care. You also complete clinical requirements to expand your nursing skills.
Depending on the program, you typically graduate with an ADN or a BSN. You can complete an LPN-to-ADN program in as little as one year, while an LPN-to-BSN option typically takes around three years. Timeframes for completion vary based on a variety of factors, including the program itself and whether you are taking classes on a full- or part-time basis.
While the admission requirements vary by program, most include an active LPN license and prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology. You may also need to meet a minimum NCLEX-PN score or pass a nursing pre-admissions exam.
Why Accreditation Matters for LPN-to-RN Programs
Accreditation can impact your access to financial aid, transfer credits, licensure, and, ultimately, employment. At an accredited college, you know your professors meet high standards and that employers will value your degree.
Institutional accreditation should come from an agency approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.
Programmatic accreditation also matters. High-quality nursing schools demonstrate their ability to educate future RNs by maintaining accreditation. Plus, you must attend an accredited nursing school to receive your RN license.
Look for programs accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
How Much Do LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs Cost?
The cost of an LPN-to-RN program varies significantly. In general, in-state, public institutions charge the lowest tuition rates.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual undergraduate tuition ranged from $4,000 at two-year public schools to $38,800 at four-year private schools in 2021-2022.
An LPN-to-RN program's degree level and length play a big role in its cost. For example, Florida Gateway College offers a one-year LPN-to-RN associate degree program that costs $103 per credit for Florida residents. The program estimates a total cost, including fees and clinical expenses, of $10,600.
Programs that grant a BSN often cost more. The University of Arkansas LPN-to-BSN program costs $329 per credit, plus fees and expenses. While you receive transfer credit for your LPN courses, a BSN requires a minimum of 120 credits.
How Much Money Can You Make as an RN?
RNs report a strong earning potential. As of May 2023, RNs earned a median annual salary of $86,070, BLS data shows. That's significantly higher than the median LPN salary of $59,730 per year.
Earning potential varies depending on your degree, geographic location, and experience, among other factors. For example, RNs with a BSN typically earn more than those with an ADN. BSN nurses earn an average annual salary of $94,000, according to 2024 Payscale data, while ADN-trained nurses earn about $77,000 per year.
Location plays a large role in nursing salaries. For example, RNs in California earn an average salary of $137,690, according to BLS numbers, while RNs in Kentucky earn $81,770 per year on average.
How to Become an RN in 3 Simple Steps
At a minimum, RNs must complete an approved two-year nursing program to receive a state-issued license. As an LPN, you already have a head start on becoming an RN. Here are three steps to becoming an RN as an LPN.
-
1
Complete an LPN-to-RN Bridge Program
You can complete your RN coursework in as little as one year if you're an LPN. In an LPN-to-RN bridge program, you will meet the coursework and clinical requirements for a nursing degree and licensure.
These programs award an ADN or a BSN. While you can become an RN with an associate degree, employers may prefer candidates to have a bachelor's degree. ADN programs offer the fastest path to an RN career, typically requiring less than two years. BSN programs generally take 2-3 years, depending on your transfer credits and other potential factors.
You can complete an LPN-to-RN program online or on campus. In an online program, you'll meet clinical requirements in your local area.
-
2
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
You must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. Developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the NCLEX-RN tests your knowledge of nursing practices and procedures. You'll also demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making abilities on the exam.
LPN-to-RN programs do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to preparing you for the exam. If you need more prep, you can access study guides and practice tests online and in NCLEX-RN prep books.
-
3
Apply for Licensure
After you graduate with an ADN or a BSN degree and pass the NCLEX-RN, you will apply for licensure with your state's nursing board.
According to NCSBN, the licensing process typically requires you to:
- Complete an ADN or a BSN program
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Pass a criminal background check
Every state maintains its own education and clinical requirements for RNs, so be sure to check your state's nursing board requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN-to-RN Programs
Are LPNs real nurses?
Yes. LPNs provide basic nursing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare settings. They hold a degree and a state-issued license to practice.
What is the fastest LPN-to-RN program?
The fastest LPN-to-RN programs take as little as one year. You can earn an associate degree in nursing with a fast-track program for LPNs. If you are interested in an LPN-to-BSN program, you can expect to spend 2-3 years earning your bachelor's degree.
How long does it take to become an RN as an LPN?
It takes 1-3 years to become an RN as an LPN. Fortunately, LPNs have a head start on their nursing education. With an LPN-to-RN bridge program, you'll complete the coursework and clinical requirements for an RN license. The length of the program depends on the degree, your transfer credits, and the program timeline.
Is it better to be an LPN first and then an RN?
Becoming an LPN can give you valuable knowledge and experience to pursue a career as an RN. LPNs gain hands-on experience in patient care, and as an LPN, you can learn more about nursing before pursuing an RN license. LPNs can also enroll in bridge programs that speed up their RN education.
Can you become an RN without a bachelor's degree?
Yes, you can become an RN without a bachelor's degree. With a two-year associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma, you can take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for an RN license. However, hospital employers may prefer to hire nurses with a bachelor's degree.
What do RNs do that LPNs cannot?
RNs conduct patient assessments, administer medical treatments, and assist physicians during diagnostic tests or surgical procedures. They can also administer IV medications and oversee LPNs and certified nursing assistants. While LPNs provide basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or healthcare provider, RNs have a broader scope of practice and greater independence.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed April 21, 2024.