Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-to-Registered Nurse (RN) Programs of 2024

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.

Becoming an RN can boost earning potential, job responsibilities, and advancement opportunities. Key reasons to pursue your LPN-to-RN degree include:

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.