Many nurses enter the industry as an LPN, but you don’t have to remain in this career. Advancing your education means that you’ll be able to get better jobs that have higher pay rates and more responsibilities. Getting an advanced degree also means that from there you can go on to get your master’s or even a doctorate degree in nursing. Many nurses, however, choose not to join LPN to BSN programs because of the high cost of education. While it is true that these programs can be expensive, even if you go to school online, financial aid can help cover the costs so that you can get your degree.

Scholarships are like grants in that you don’t have to repay them when you graduation, like you do with student loans. Unlike grants, though, scholarships aren’t based on financial need. Instead, they’re given to students based on merit. That’s good news for many LPNs. Chances are that you’re already working as an LPN, and your paycheck may disqualify you for some grants, even though you don’t have a lot of extra spending money to put toward college. With LPN to BSN scholarships, you’ll have the chance to receive some money for college.

One of the best sources for scholarship is your nursing school itself. Many nursing programs, both at traditional campus colleges and online, have scholarships set up specifically for there students. Colleges also often offer general scholarships, available to all students, not just nursing students. One of your first steps when you enter an LPN to BSN program is to talk to the financial aid office to learn about the scholarship options available.

You can also find many nursing scholarships from government and private organizations. These scholarships are often for lower amounts of between $100 and $5000, but they start to add up. Apply to as many as possible and you’ll find that lumped together, you can receive a significant amount of money from school. Some of the organizations that offer scholarships for nurses include the following:

• Alpha Tau Delta
• CrossLites
• Daughters of the American Revolution
• Global Scholarship Alliance
• Health Careers Foundation
• Health Occupations Students of America
• International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons
• National Student Nurses’ Association

Remember, you should also look for general scholarships, which are available to all students regardless of field of study. Combined, general scholarships, nurse-specific scholarships, and grants can help you pay for much of your education.

Don’t forget to also look for “scholarships” in the form of tuition reimbursement programs. As an LPN, if you’ve worked with the same employer for a relatively long amount of time (typically six months to one year), you may be eligible to receive money toward an advanced degree through a tuition reimbursement program. This type of money can help to round out your funds for college so that you can get your BSN and move on to better-paying jobs.

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	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.
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.
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