Frequently Asked Questions About LPN to BSN Programs

What exactly is an LPN to BSN?

An LPN to BSN is a degree program that helps students go from being Licensed Practical Nurses to obtaining their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Once this requirement is met, enrolling for an LPN to BSN will allow students to pursue their BSN in about 4 years, sometimes less. Getting a BSN will enable persons to become more than just a Registered Nurse (RN). Since having a bachelor's degree in nursing is not a specific requirement for being an RN, the advanced education will open up new career opportunities. Additionally, it could lead to significant salary increases.

What are the different types of degree programs in this field?

The first thing a prospective student should know about LPN to BSN degree program is that he or she must first be a licensed practical nurse in order to gain admission. The most common degree in this field is obviously a BSN degree. This is obtained usually via an LPN to BSN program. However, if a student is not an LPN, there are also other degree programs available, such as RN to BSN programs.

• LPN to BSN: For the licensed practical nurse (LPN) who strives to become a registered nurse (RN) with a bachelor's degree, the LPN to BSN is the degree of choice. Generally, this program takes four years to complete. However, depending on the institution and any previous credit, it can be completed in less time. Generally coursework will involve classes that focus on subjects such as advanced patient care, nursing ethics and standards, medical terminology, mental health nursing, and more. Click here to see all online LPN to BSN degree programs...
• RN to BSN: This is the most common type of degree program offered. For the registered nurse (RN) who has not yet obtained his/her bachelor's degree, the RN to BSN program is an excellent choice for furthering your education. No specific degrees are required in order to become an RN (although training is clearly needed). However, getting a BSN can increase both one's salary and career prospects. Click here to see all online RN to BSN degree programs...

What is the average salary for someone with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?

Health care is both a competitive and growing field. The demand for nurses with advanced degrees is constantly increasing. To this end, the salary for someone who has a BSN is highly competitive in terms of the healthcare field. Salaries can range from around $63,000 annually, to as much as $105,000. Salaries often vary depending on the specific area of nursing one is working in, as well as years of experience and the health care institution itself. For more information on the specific types of nursing professions and associated salaries, you can read about the average salary with a BSN.

What schools offer LPN to BSN degree programs?

There are a wide variety of excellent universities that currently offer LPN to BSN programs. Some of these institutions are brick and mortar, while others may offer online options:

• Indiana State University: Currently, Indiana State University offers the only online lpn to bsn degree program in existence today. Most of the coursework is completed online, while the only in-person requirements are for clinical hours.
• South University: This institution offers a variety of nursing degrees, including an LPN to BSN degree, as well as an RN to BSN degree. Programs are designed to be flexible and accelerated. This is so persons who may currently be working nurses can still have time to further their education.
• Grand Canyon University: Located in the sunny state of Arizona, this university offers a well-regarded RN to BSN degree program. Students can complete this degree in anywhere from two to four years. This program is geared towards students who are already licensed RNs.
• Liberty University: A Christian university founded in 1971, Liberty University offers another excellent RN to BSN degree program. Interested students can benefit from this program which focuses on giving students a solid foundation in nursing, while also covering various problem solving techniques that are quite useful in the profession.
• Shenandoah University: SU, located in Virginia, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN Track) degree program. Students can enroll full time or part time, and can complete their degree in anywhere from two to four years.
• The University of Oklahoma: Located in Norman, Oklahoma, the College of Nursing offers an undergraduate LPN to BSN degree program. This program takes 9 months of full-time study for completion, and covers a variety of essential nursing topics.
• Waynesburg University: While not as well known as some of the other schools, Waynesburg is a small, comprehensive Christian university offers an LPN to BSN degree program that will offer students a well-rounded education that is perfect for advancing a nursing career.
• La Salle University: Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is home to this excellent institution. Students can enroll in an LPN-BSN program that is geared towards the adult learner. If a student is currently employed, or has family obligations, then this flexible degree program can be very helpful.
• Washburn University: The School of Nursing at Washburn University offers an LPN to BSN Program that takes four years to complete. Qualified LPNs can receive up to 12 hours of college credit for required coursework. Graduates will have received general nursing training that will enable them to work in a wide variety of settings.
• Mountain State University: This school has an L.P.N. to B.S.N. Pathway program designed to help Licensed Practical Nurses further their career through education. Some of the courses students will have to take include Medical Terminology, Intro to Computers, Basic Concepts of Nursing, and more.

What kinds of financial aid are available for schools offering BSN degrees?

All students should at least fill out a FAFSA in order to see if they qualify for federal aid. However, those students who are able to demonstrate that they have a significant need for financial aid may be able to receive help from the universities themselves. There are also a wide variety of college grants and scholarships available for nursing students. There are a wide variety of scholarships available for minorities who are pursuing nursing degrees including, The Minority Nurse Magazine Scholarship Program, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Scholarship, The Kaiser Permanente College to Caring Program, and more. Other general scholarships available to interested students include, the AAOHN Foundation Academic Scholarship, the SGNA RN General Education Scholarship, the Scholarships of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and more. More info about LPN to BSN scholarships.

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