Getting a more advanced nursing degree is an option for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) wanting to make more money and have great job responsibilities. However, some nurses shy away from going back to school because they’re worried that it will take a long time to get a degree. While being an RN does take dedication, through bridge programs, you can get a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or other nursing degree in a fraction of the time.

An LPN to BSN bridge program allows you to become a registered nurse with an advanced degree in the field. To become a registered nurse, you only need an associate’s degree, which takes two years, or a diploma, which takes two to three years. By getting a bachelor’s degree, you can start to specialize in one area of medicine, improving your skills enough to allow you to work in better jobs than RNs with just associate’s degree or diplomas. Traditionally a BSN program takes about four years to complete, during which time you’ll participate in both classroom learning and hands-on clinical training.

The advantage of the LPN to BSN bridge program is that the course is built with an understanding that you already grasp the fundamentals of nurse. You already have a year of education under your belt, as well as experience in the field, so a traditional BSN program would end up being a lot of repeat work.

Therefore, LPN to BSN programs are shorter. How much shorter? That depends on your previous education and the school you’re attending. If you attend school full-time, you can have your BSN in just four academic semesters, which means you’re cutting your education time in half.

Why does this matter? Well, along with saving time, this also means you’ll save money. You’ll get the degree done in fewer semesters, so you’ll skip paying for classes that you already took as an LPN student. You’ll also spend less time away from work, and you can be earning a higher salary much sooner than if you attend a typical BSN program.

The exact length of time you spend on your BSN program could vary depending on a number of factors. First, if you haven’t received education in a certain area, you could have to take an intro class before you qualify for the BSN program. You’ll also spend more time in school if you go part-time instead of full-time. On the other hand, you can shorten the time you spend in school by working through the summer months.

Don’t forget that after you complete an LPN to BSN program, your work isn’t quite done yet. You’ll need to study for and take the NCLEX-RN test to become a registered nurse and practice medicine at the RN level in your state. You can spend as much time as you want studying, and the test itself will take up to five hours. You’ll need to contract you state’s nursing board to schedule the test.

Once you have your BSN degree, you can go back to school once again for a master’s degree or even doctorate degree in your field. Education might take a lot of hard work, but through bridge programs, you can get on the path to a better career in less time than you think.

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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