With all of the BSN programs available for licensed practical nurses, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which one if best for you. Sure, there are publications that rank BSN programs, but the factors they consider when they rate schools won’t always coincide with your personal wants and needs in a college program. By answering the following questions, you can narrow down the list of LPN to BSN programs from dozens to a top two or three.

Do I want to go to school online?

Online college is a great way to get your BSN degree, since you’ll be able to easily continue working while going to school during flexible hours. Another advance to online LPN to BSN programs is the cost, which is traditionally significantly lower than the cost of similar programs taught at campus colleges. There are disadvantages to online school as well, though. With online programs, you don’t get as much interaction with professors and other students. Some scholarships and grants may also be closed to you if you go to school online, though this is becoming less and less of a problem, as long as the school you attend is accredited.

How long do I want to be in school?

Most LPN to BSN programs last about 2 years, if you go to school full-time. However, some programs give you the option of working through the summer or otherwise filling your schedule to complete a degree in a shorter time period. Others allow you to attend as a part-time student, which could mean that it takes up to four years to get your BSN degree through an LPN to BSN program. For every college, the exact number of months you’ll be in school varies, so check out this characteristic of the program.

Where will I be able to do clinical work?

In order to get your BSN, you need both classroom education as well as hands-on training in the field. Colleges have partnerships with teaching hospitals that allow you to train, but some programs are only open to students from certain schools. Find out about the partnerships potential colleges have with hospitals in your area.

What can I expect from professors?

The professors who will teach your program should be a huge factor in your college decision. Do some research and find out what degrees they’ve earn, where they went to school, where they’ve worked in the past and what kind of professional publications or research they’ve completed.

What do I want in terms of student life?

Both campus colleges and online programs offer student life for those going through their courses. At a campus college, you’ll typically have more options, but online school also often offer members to professional organizations, student forums, and more. You should also ask about the alumni networking programs.

What else is important to me?

For every student, there will be different characteristics important. You might want small classes sizes. Another student might want the most financial aid possible, while yet a third student might be looking for a school that offers master’s degree programs as well. Whatever matters to you, look for it in an LPN to BSN program to find the best option.

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.
See more nursing degrees...