If you’re currently working as an LPN, you can advance in your career by getting a higher degree. While there are multiple options to do this, one of the easiest and least time-consuming is to join an LPN to BSN program, which typically means that you’ll only have to spend two to three extra years to get your bachelor’s degree, rather than the four or five years it would typically take to get a BSN. With this kind of degree, you can go on to get a master’s or even doctorate in nursing, which qualifies you for even better jobs in the nursing field.

One of the main reasons why more nurses opt to remain as LPNs rather than join LPB to BSN programs is that these educational tracks take a lot of time. Most nurses continue to work while going to school, and it can be difficult to balance a career, education, and, for some, a family. Going to school online is a great option, since these programs are typically more flexible, but not all LPN to BSN programs are created equally. Here are some of the things you should look for when it comes to finding the best online LPN to BSN program:

Accreditation

Accreditation is a very important factor when it comes to going to school online. With accreditation, a school validates its program, proving to you and your employer that your degree will prepare you for a real-world job. National accreditation is done by third parties that aren’t related to the government, but to work as a nurse with a license from your state, you need to have a degree from this kind of school. Without accreditation, you open the door not just for so-called “diploma mills” (programs that essentially give a degree to anyone who can pay without an emphasis on education), but also scams.

Top Professors

Who will be teaching your classes? Just because you don’t have in-person classes doesn’t mean that your program should be entirely self-directed. If that is the case, why are you paying the school? You could just order the books and do the work on your own! Professors should be there to guide you, even if the program you join is very based in being independent as a student. Look for schools that offer top professors in the field of nursing—those who have decades of experience in the field.

Flexibility

You want your LPN to BSN program to be extremely flexible if you intend to continue working as a nurse while you pursue the degree. That doesn’t mean that there should be no structure at all, but if the classes are inflexible, it might be hard to maintain your work schedule, which many employers won’t understand.

Review a number of programs if you decide to go back to school to get your BSN. Just because a school is online doesn’t mean that you can’t have any sort of tour. The best programs will have staff members available to talk to you about the LPN to BSN program and answer all of your questions.

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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