LPN to BSN Program Overview

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A licensed practical nursing degree is a solid first step towards a rewarding and challenging career in the field. But for nurses interested in advancing their careers, additional education is often required. With a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), LPNs can transition to a Registered Nurse (RN) designation which will mean higher wages and more diverse job opportunities.

Enrolling in an LPN to BSN program is a convenient and practical way to achieve a significant professional boost. Read on to learn more about what a BSN can do for you.

Program Basics

LPN to BSN programs, such as those offered by Indiana State University and The College Network, are designed to give LPNs the additional skills and training required to move ahead in their field. With a BSN degree, nurses may perform more advanced tasks and have the opportunity to specialize in one area of medicine such as pediatrics or mental health. While you may become an RN with just an associate’s degree, a BSN is a prerequisite for many entry-level positions that offer respectable salaries. Notice in the chart below the mean annual wage for registered nurses in the private sector. With a BSN, nurses can expect above-average salaries:

Program Length

An LPN to BSN program follows an accelerated path, shortening the time it takes to earn the degree. Traditional BSN programs take about four years to complete but students entering this program already have their LPNs. Students are therefore allowed to both test out of several courses and also transfer their previously earned credits.

Remember that an LPN to BSN program requires students to take general education courses such as English, history, and mathematics in addition to nursing classes and clinicals. Some general education courses might transfer if you completed college-level work at another institution. Contact the school’s admissions department to find more information about transferable credits and equivalencies.

Online LPN to BSN Programs

Online LPN to BSN programs are specifically designed for working professionals. The flexible nature of online classes allow you to earn degrees while meeting your career responsibilites. Other benefits of online study include:

Cost: Online programs often cost significantly less than traditional schools. While tuition may be comparable, you save on room and board, additional student fees, and commuting costs.
Scheduling: Online programs offer both flexibility and customization. Students can schedule courses around work and other commitments. Many schools offer nursing degree programs that can be pursued entirely from home. Attending classes online also frees up a lot of time by eliminating the commute.
Quality: Online learning utilizes innovative technology and skilled support to create an educational and collaborative environment. Students receive a top-quality education from highly qualified professionals in the field.
Accessibility: Distance learning is at an all-time high with more programs being offered online. Students have their choice of online associate’s and doctorate nursing degrees, hybrid online programs, and accelerated baccalaureate degrees. The graph below illustrates just how popular distance learning programs are in today’s education system:

Obtaining Licensure

After graduation it’s time to study for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse and start practicing medicine at the RN level in your state. You may take as much time as you need preparing for the five-hour long test.

It’s important to note that each state has its own licensing and certification criteria. Contact you state’s nursing board to schedule the exam. For more information on how to prepare for the exam, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for a content overview.

Finding the Best LPN to BSN Program

Before your search for an LPN to BSN program becomes overwhelming, make a list of your personal criteria. There are many options to consider in both online and campus colleges so be sure to research the program resources, student feedback, and faculty experience. Also, be sure to verify the school’s accreditation so you may qualify for scholarships, grants, federal student loan forgiveness programs and other forms of financial aid.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Program

When you look for degree information online, look beyond each school’s website to find as much information as you can. Your future and your finances are at stake so it’s important to make an informed and educated decision.

Accreditation: It is important to choose a school that is accredited by one of two national accrediting agencies – The National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Examination Success: Make sure to ask all schools for their record of examination rates for the past few years. If students have a high pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), you know you’ll be well prepared for test day.
Hands-on Experience: Clinical rotations are a vital component of any nursing program. This is the time to observe doctors and nurses, care for patients, and collaborate with the healthcare team. Therefore, it’s important to know how much time you’ll spend in clinical rotation and what hospitals and clinics schools partner with.
Tuition: The cost of tuition and other related fees can be a serious hurdle. Tuition varies greatly and not all schools over financing options. When researching schools, contact a financial aid representative to learn more about scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and other aid resources.

As nursing programs continue to expand, both on-campus and online, students have more options than ever before. From accelerated programs to online degrees, you can begin your nursing career in just a few short years. is Our list of accredited schools will link you with the right program to help you get ahead.

LPN to BSN College Programs

Many nurses begin their careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) but to advance their careers they need more education. Below are the top fully accredited online colleges that offer LPN to BSN degree programs. You can request information by clicking the college's logo.

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. Read in-depth review of The College Network.
	Select a subject and degree level, then click "Find My Degree" to browse 100+ online nursing schools offering relevant accredited programs.
RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Administrator MSN in 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 in Nurse Education MSN in Nurse Informatics MSN in 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.