If you’re interested in a nursing career, you can get into the industry fairly quickly by going through a one-year licensed practical nurse (LPN) program. But what happens if you want to advance in your career? One of the education options open to you is the LPN to BSN program, and there are numerous schools offering this career option to nurses.

LPN to BSN Basics

BSN stands for bachelor of science in nursing. With this type of degree, you’ll be able to perform more advanced nursing tasks, and some BSN programs allow you to specialize in one area of medicine, such as mental health or pediatrics. While you can become a registered nurse with just an associate’s degree, getting your BSN right away means that you’ll qualify for the best RN jobs, and you’ll also be on the right track to get a master of science in nursing (MSN), leading to even more advanced nursing jobs.

LPN to BSN Salary

Because there is a national nursing shortage, starting salaries for every type of nurse are good as compared to other jobs requiring the same level of education. However, becoming a registered nurse gives you the chance to earn a lot more money than you would earn if you were just an LPN. In many states, registered nurses make more than $70,000 per year, on average, and with a bachelor’s degree, you’ll make ever more money than you would as an RN with an associate’s degree, according to reports.

LPN to BSN Programs

So what can you expect from an LPN to BSN program? Every program is different, but all include both classroom and clinical hours. Classroom hours will teach you a bit about nursing theory, while clinical hours allow you to get hands-on experience at a hospital, nursing home, or other type of medical facility.

Program Length

Getting a BSN typically takes four years, but since you already have your LPN, an LPN to BSN program takes significantly less time. Most last two to three years, but could be completely even more quickly if you take a high number of classes at once and work through the summer. You can also spread your classes out over a longer time, completing your LPN to BSN program in four or five years while you work part-time or even full-time.

Getting your License

After you complete an LPN to BSN program, you’ll need to apply for your nursing license. You’ll already have your LPN license, but you still need to take the NCLEX test for RNs in order to work in this job.

Finding the Best LPN to BSN Program

What characteristics are most important to you as a student? When looking at LPN to BSN programs, make a list of personal criteria before you’re overwhelmed with choices. There are both online and offline campus colleges to consider, and you should check out program resources, student opinion, professor experience, and more. Remember, make sure the school is accredited, and you’ll qualify for scholarships, grants, federal student loan forgiveness programs, and other forms of financial aid, so with the right program, you could go to school for free.

Top LPN to BSN Programs Online

Many nurses begin their careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) but soon yearn for a higher education to advance their careers. Fortunately, this is where online LPN to BSN degree programs come in handy. Below are the top fully accredited online colleges that offer such programs.

LPN to BSN Programs

LPN to BSN

Indiana State University — Indiana State offers the only online LPN to BSN degree program whose curriculum is designed specifically for LPNs looking for RN training. The coursework is completed mostly online, with only the required clinical hours needing completion at a local facility. This program is highly rated because of its affordability and flexibility. Read in-depth review of Indiana State University.

LPN to BSN

The College Network — Start working toward your LPN to BSN degree from one of the various universities that form the College Network. You can earn an NLNAC-accredited degree completely online with no campus attendance required. And best of all, you should be able to earn your degree at a more convenient pace and cheaper price.

Other Online Nursing Degree Programs

RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN - Nurse Administrator MSN - Nurse Educator	Kaplan University — Kaplan University's College of Nursing is designed to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals via an advanced online environment. The university features a bachelor's degree and master's degree, which includes the specializations of nurse administrator and nurse educator. Courses are taught by experienced professionals that bring their real-world skills into the classroom.
RN to BSN MS in Nursing PhD in Nursing More Nursing Degrees	University of Phoenix — The University of Phoenix College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and offers students a wide variety of bachelors, masters, and doctorate nursing programs. These degree programs both enhance the knowledge of registered nurses and provide advanced training opportunities.
BS in Nursing RN to MSN MSN - Nurse Education MSN - Nurse Informatics MSN - Nurse Management	Walden University — Walden's University online nursing programs offers degrees at the bachelor's and master's degree levels. Students are able to obtain their bachelors in as little as 18 months. A certificate in Education, Informatics, or Leadership & Management is also available. Programs are dedicated to empowering students to become agents of change in the healthcare field.
RN to BSN MSN - Nurse Education MSN - Nurse Management	Herzing University — At the Herzing University School of Nursing, students receive an education focused on clinical experience at the bachelor's and master's level. The curriculum across these programs focus on academic, theoretical and clinical instruction in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric and mental health nursing.
RN to BSN	Liberty University — Liberty's general online BSN program teaches students to utilize problem-solving skills to determine proper nursing techniques in the real world. Students are fostered to develop strong leadership skills for the purpose of promoting health within the workplace.
RN to BSN	South University — RNs seeking more job opportunities and professional responsibilities need look no further than South University's potentially career-changing RN to BSN program of study. Those who complete this program will be well prepared to serve in management and supervisory positions within the field of nursing.
RN to BSN	Grand Canyon University — At Grand Canyon University, an online BSN degree program is offered to individuals who are already licensed as RNs. Courses are taught by nursing education experts, and graduates of this program typically go on to become leaders in the nursing industry.
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