LPN-to-RN Degree

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Posted Jun 24th, 2014 , Updated Jun 13th, 2017 by College Atlas

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) or LPN-to-RN nursing programs offer LPNs the ability to quickly complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) in order to sit for the NCLEX-RN examine and qualify for licensure as a registered nurse. The LPN-to-RN program also prepares students to enroll in the RN to BSN program and earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN), and then a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

LPN-to-RN program, via an ADN/ASN Degree:

  • LPN to RN programs typically give you the credits needed to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN or ASN).
  • It typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete an LPN to RN program.
  • LPN to RN programs are offered at nursing schools, community colleges, vocational and technical schools.
  • Earning an LPN to RN degree may increase earning potential by $15,000 a year.
  • The LPN to RN program equips students with advanced nursing science and direct patient care skills and knowledge that will improve career advancement opportunities.
  • The LPN to RN program qualifies students to take the National Council Licensure Examination NCLEX-RN which is required for licensure as a registered nurse.
  • LPN to RN programs are offered via distance education and online learning, making it easy and affordable for working nurses to achieve RN status while maintain their current career.
  • Some programs allows students to apply credit toward their ADN based on previous work experience. In such cases, students typically are allowed to text out of familiar coursework.

The LPN-to-RN, via a BSN Degree

While most LPNs pursue licensure as a registered nurse by earning an ADN, they can also pursue an RN by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Like the ADN option, the BSN provides nurses the basic level of education required to practice as a professional Registered Nurse. Most conventional campus based BSN programs take 4 years to complete. Earning a BSN via an LPN to RN bridge program will often shorten the amount of time it takes to earn your BSN degree. BSN programs include courses in management, leadership, liberal arts, nursing science and community health not offered in most ADN programs. LPNs who pursue a BSN, instead of an ADN, have greater career options, are in higher demand, and are that much closer to earning an Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or other graduate degree in nursing.

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