One of the best ways to advance in you career as a nurse is to go back to school to get an advanced degree. You can get started in nursing as an LPN (licensed practical nurse), and to be this type of nurse, you need to get your license, which requires an education that lasts about a year. To become a nurse at the next level, an RN or registered nurse, you need at least an associate’s degree, but you’ll be paid more and qualify for better jobs if you get your Bachelor of Science in nursing, or BSN.

As an LPN, you don’t have to go through a nursing program from the start, like you would have to do if you didn’t have experience or prior nursing education. If you’re interested in getting a BSN, you can join an LPN to BSN program instead.

With an LPN to BSN program, you’ll go through a slightly shorter program, since you won’t have to retake classes that you took as an LPN. It typically takes about three years to complete an LPN to BSN program, though it depends on your specific program you choose and whether you go to school full time or part time. LPN to BSN programs include both classroom learning and clinical training. Along the way, you be eligible for your RN license, as you’ll complete the associate’s degree education you need to earn this certification from the state.

Once you have you’re BSN, you’ll be eligible for top-level RN jobs. Many RNs who have their bachelor’s degrees become head nurses or hold other management positions. You can also go on to get your master’s degree in nursing to become an advanced practice nurse, a special kind of RN that concentrates in a specific type of nursing, like mental health or prenatal care.

LPN to BSN Online Degree Programs

• Indiana State University — LPN to BSN

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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