A 2017 National Council of State Boards of Nursing study found that 83% of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) — known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in some states — earned an LPN certificate to obtain their first nursing license. LPN training programs can be completed in 1-2 years, offering a relatively quick path to a nursing career. Many LPNs go on to become registered nurses (RNs) through LPN-to-RN online bridge programs.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online LPN-to-RN programs, making it easy to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Keep reading to learn more about online LPN-to-RN programs, or go straight to our list of the best online LPN-to-RN programs.
What Can You Do With a BSN Degree?
While some LPN-to-RN programs lead to an associate degree in nursing (ADN), others award a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). A BSN offers multiple advantages over an ADN and may be worth the extra year or two of training. Although both degrees qualify graduates to apply for RN licensure, the benefits of a BSN include higher earning potential, increased professional autonomy, and the ability to focus on a specialization.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual pay for LPNs as $48,820 and $75,330 for RNs.
Popular and lucrative specialization areas for BSN-holders include:
adn or bsn Required
Certified Dialysis Nurse
These RNs specialize in dialysis, a procedure used to clean the blood of patients with kidney disease. Dialysis nurses take patients' vital statistics and perform assessments, administer treatment and medications, and answer patients' questions. According to PayScale data from October 2021, dialysis nurses earn an average annual salary of $74,805. Workplaces include clinics, hospitals, and home health services. According to the BLS, the projected job growth for RNs is 9% from 2020-2030.
Salary $74,805*
Job Outlook 9% growth from 2020-30
Learn More About Certified Dialysis Nurses
adn or bsn Required
Critical Care Nurse
Working in hospital intensive care units, critical care nurses collaborate with teams of healthcare professionals to help critically ill and seriously injured patients. Critical care nurses work in fast-paced environments and must be quick and alert. PayScale lists their average pay at $70,417 a year, as of October 2021.
Salary $70,417*
Job Outlook 9% growth from 2020-30
Learn More About Critical Care Nurses
adn or bsn Required
Oncology Nurse
Oncology specialists care for cancer patients, administering treatments like chemotherapy and formulating outpatient care plans. October 2021 PayScale data reports an average yearly salary of $75,609. Oncology nurses see patients in clinical care centers, hospitals, and home health services.
Salary $75,609*
Job Outlook 9% growth from 2020-30
Learn More About Oncology Nurses
*SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale
Featured Online ADN Programs
What to Look for in an Online LPN-to-RN Program
As you research online LPN-to-RN programs, pay close attention to factors like admission criteria to assure your eligibility, and focus on coursework and clinicals to confirm that the program meets your goals. Ensure that a prospective program's learning format will work for you, and consider the following points before you apply.
Admission Requirements
Application criteria may specify a GPA, test score, coursework completion, or work experience. You don't want to waste time applying to programs that are unlikely to admit you.
Program Curriculum
Make sure you have clear goals in mind, such as specializing in a certain nursing area or pursuing a graduate degree, when researching programs. Nursing school websites often post their curricula online, so you can ensure that they offer the classes you need.
Clinical Experience
Factors to consider include the format of the clinical rotations, the location of the healthcare facilities offering clinicals, and whether the program helps you find opportunities or whether you must arrange them yourself.
Accreditation
Make sure you apply to accredited LPN-to-RN online programs. Unaccredited programs can negatively impact your financial aid eligibility, employment prospects, graduate school admission, and transfer credits.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
You must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to earn an RN license. Check program pass rates on their websites or in this publication to ensure that a curriculum sets you up for success.
School Graduation Rate
Graduation rates inform you about a program's success in retaining students and preparing graduates for their RN careers. Most schools list graduation rates on their websites. If rates are not posted, it may be a red flag.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online programs feature asynchronous class recordings accessible anytime, synchronous virtual classes at set times, or both. Programs may require on-campus attendance, or offer hybrid courses that combine online and in-person learning. Be sure that any program you're interested in fits your schedule.
Applying to an Online LPN-to-RN Program
While LPN-to-RN program entrance criteria vary, the list below covers some common admission requirements. After confirming that you are qualified to apply, you should order transcripts, check prerequisite coursework and complete any necessary classes, and register for any required tests. If you have questions, admission staff are generally happy to schedule a call or videoconference.
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Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; official transcripts; LPN/LVN license; admission test scores; CPR certification; 6-12 months of work experience; prerequisite coursework in anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, pathophysiology, physiology, and sociology. -
Program Length: 2-4 years -
Clinical Requirements: 200-500 hours -
NCLEX Pass Rate: 84-90% -
GPA Requirement: 2.0-2.75
Why is Online LPN-to-RN Program Accreditation Important?
- Accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education indicates that programs receive regular reviews and meet academic standards that prepare graduates to become RNs.
- Transfer credits from non-accredited nursing programs may not be accepted by accredited programs.
- Graduate nursing programs may not admit graduates of unaccredited BSN programs.
- Some employers may prefer or even require candidates to hold degrees from accredited nursing programs.
- You may not be eligible for federal financial aid if you attend an unaccredited institution.
- Accredited degrees can lead to better job prospects and more career advancement opportunities.
To learn more about nursing school and program accreditation, visit our accreditation page.
Paying for Online LPN-to-RN Programs
Out-of-pocket costs associated with earning an LPN-to-RN online vary by program and depend on a variety of factors, including whether distance learners pay in-state or out-of-state tuition, program length, technology fees and other costs, and whether students work while attending school. The number of available transferable credits can also affect cost and the amount of time spent earning a BSN.
Financial resources are available for candidates pursuing an LPN-to-RN online, including federal and privately funded loans, scholarships and grants, and work-study positions. Opportunities abound for specific student populations, such as adult learners, first generation college students, online candidates, and students with disabilities. Other ways to trim costs include employer tuition programs and loan forgiveness or repayment programs.
Learn More About the Top Online LPN-to-RN Program & Schools
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Allegany College of Maryland
Location
Cumberland, MD
Tuition
$9155
Graduation Rate
25%
(Video) The BEST Online BSN Program In 2022: 5 Top Ranked Online BSN ProgramsAllegany College of Maryland offers an online LPN-to-RN program in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Texas. The nursing program incorporates online coursework and clinical hours in the learner's local area. The program awards an associate degree and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Program: LPN to RN Online
- Campus: Cumberland, Maryland
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $129 per credit in-county; $247 per credit out-of-county; $314 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: LPN transcript and license; Minimum 2.0 GPA; Clinical experience reference; Entrance exams
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,253 for associate degree graduates
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Hutchinson Community College
Graduation Rate
42%
Hutchinson Community College offers a bridge program for licensed professional nurses and licensed vocational nurses. The program includes coursework on complex nursing care, nursing leadership, and health promotion. Learners also complete practicum requirements in their local area. The program awards an associate degree and prepares nurses for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Program: LPN to RN Online Bridge
- Campus: Hutchinson, Kansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $118 per credit in-state; $149 per credit out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: LPN/LVN license; Minimum 2.75 GPA in prerequisite courses; Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $47,260 for associate degree graduates
(Video) Best Online Nursing School? | My Experience at Excelsior College -
Indiana State University
Location
Terre Haute, IN
Tuition
$12996
Graduation Rate
41%
Indiana State University offers an online program for currently practicing LPNs who want to earn their BSN degrees. The online bachelor's program meets the requirements for an RN license. Distance learners complete clinical requirements in their community with no on-campus visits. Although the program requires more credits than an ADN program, graduates receive their BSNs.
- Program: LPN/LVN to BSN
- Campus: Terre Haute, Indiana
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $337 per credit for Indiana residents; $727 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Completion of an LPN program or an LPN/LVN license; Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,807 for bachelor's degree graduates
Online LPN-to-RN Program FAQs
Can you go from LPN to RN online?
LPN-to-RN online programs have become increasingly available and offer the same quality education as traditional BSN programs. Be sure to check a program's accreditation status to ensure that it meets the standards for RN classroom and clinical preparation.
What is the fastest LPN to RN program?
LPN-RN bridge programs that lead to an ADN let LPNs become RNs in as little as one year. ADN-holders qualify to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for state RN licensure. Graduates who decide to pursue a BSN later can complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program.
What is the cheapest LPN to RN program?
LPN-to-RN online programs at community colleges likely rank as the most affordable option. Online learning saves commuting costs and provides working students with flexibility. Many community colleges offer one- to two-year ADN programs, including LPN-to-RN bridge programs that fast-track the process to becoming an RN.
Can you bridge from LPN to RN?
LPN-to-RN programs bridge the gap between the two nursing professions. LPNs can usually transfer credits toward ADNs or BSNs and hold the nursing experience that many programs require. LPN work offers the chance to see if nursing is the right profession for you before investing in the RN educational and licensure processes.
FAQs
What is the easiest LPN program to get into? ›
With an acceptance rate of 95%, Arkansas Tech University offers one of the easiest ADN programs to get into. The program is open to Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses who wish to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing (AAS-RN).
What is the easiest nursing school to pass? ›School | # of Nursing Students | BSN NCLEX 1st Time Pass Rate |
---|---|---|
Cox College | 236 | 90% |
D'Youville College | 259 | 85% |
Herzing University – Madison | 248 | 53% |
The University of Texas at El Paso | 445 | 98% |
Delta's Practical Nurse Advanced Certificate program features a fast-track program that is typically completed in one year not counting prerequisite coursework.
What is the quickest RN program? ›An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) are the two most common fast track options. With each of these ways to receive nursing instruction, they require passing the NCLEX licensure examination.
What are the hardest classes for LPN? ›- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
...
Highest and Lowest Paying States for Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses.
State | Alaska |
---|---|
Employment | 330 |
Hourly mean wage | $32.51 |
Annual mean wage | $67,620 |
"According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing is the toughest degree to receive, and with good reason. The program is full of impossibly hard exams, countless clinical hours, and being covered in things that must not be named.
What state is the easiest to become an RN? ›- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school
Health assessment will likely be one of the initial courses you'll take in nursing school, and it involves delving into the various body systems and learning how to assess patients from head to toe.
If you are aiming towards becoming a registered nurse, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) is one of the fastest paths to get there. This undergraduate degree is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a registered nurse and usually takes two to three years depending on the credits.
Is becoming an RN difficult? ›
You're headed for a great career, one that's rewarding, challenging, and always exciting. But nursing school is notoriously difficult. Most nursing programs require high GPAs and impressive scores in math, chemistry, biology, psychology, and other demanding subjects.
Can I study nursing for 6 months? ›SHORT COURSES (6 MONTH IN-SERVICE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES)
As an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse, you can develop your career by specialising in one or more post-basic fields of healthcare.
What is the fastest LPN to RN program? LPN-RN bridge programs that lead to an ADN let LPNs become RNs in as little as one year. ADN-holders qualify to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for state RN licensure. Graduates who decide to pursue a BSN later can complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program.
What is the highest paid LPN specialty? ›- Occupational Health - $50,000.
- Rehabilitation - $50,000.
- Palliative care / Hospice - $47,500.
- Geriatric/Gerontology - $47,000.
- Nephrology - $46,600.
As a Licensed Practical Nurse, you would earn the highest wages an LPN in the US can earn in Alaska, where LPNs take home around $67,620 yearly. California is second, with an annual salary of $64,090, and Massachusetts is a close third, with a yearly wage of $60,400.
How many times can you fail LPN exam? ›If they fail, they'll need to wait 45 days before retesting. After failing three times, though, they'll need to complete a board-approved remediation program before the next retake. Candidates have six attempts to pass in total.
Is there a lot of math in LPN? ›All nursing revolves around a few basic math skills – adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing decimals, fractions and whole numbers, and converting numbers from the English system to a metric one, among them. As Americans, we think in terms of pounds, ounces and inches.
Is LPN to RN easier? ›The coursework to earn an RN degree is going to be more academically challenging than those in the LPN program experience, but with the right mindset it is manageable.
Why are LPN being phased out? ›LPNs have been phased out of hospitals because of research that shows a BSN-prepared nurse results in better outcomes.
Where are LPNs needed the most? ›Residential Facilities
Nursing and residential care facilities, such as nursing homes, are the largest employers for LPNs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (1).
Is studying for LPN hard? ›
LPN schooling can be very challenging at times; however, you can get the hang of it with dedication and good study habits! Furthermore, nursing is a gratifying job, motivating you to work towards it persistently.
Is LPN NCLEX easy? ›Is it hard to pass the NCLEX-PN? Let's start with the very good news: The 2020 first-time pass rate for LPN/LVN candidates who are educated in the United States is 85.32%. In 2019, it was 85.63% That means that that of the 48,234 candidates who sat for NCLEX-PN, 41,303 passed.
Why is LPN school so hard? ›The main reason why nursing school is challenging is because it involves learning about complicated nursing concepts and practical skills, then applying that information into diverse patient care scenarios — going well beyond memorizing facts.
Is learning to be LPN hard? ›LPN school is a challenging undertaking for aspiring nurses, but completing your program can be much easier with good study habits and a healthy work ethic. Keep reading for a few tips that can help you finish your program successfully.
Is there a lot of math in LPN? ›All nursing revolves around a few basic math skills – adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing decimals, fractions and whole numbers, and converting numbers from the English system to a metric one, among them. As Americans, we think in terms of pounds, ounces and inches.
Is RN school harder than LPN? ›To be honest I don't see RN school any harder than LPN school. RN school does go more in depth about certain concepts and medications. I actually went more in depth about some things in LPN school than RN school, for example the heart. Being a LPN has made RN school a little easier.
Is LPN to RN easier? ›The coursework to earn an RN degree is going to be more academically challenging than those in the LPN program experience, but with the right mindset it is manageable.
What score do you need to pass LPN NCLEX? ›Because the NCLEX-PN exam is computer-adaptive, NCSBN uses a logit. scoring system to determine whether a test-taker passes or fails. In essence, if you receive a logit score of -0.18 or higher, you have answered enough questions correctly and have passed the exam.
How many people fail the LPN NCLEX? ›The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) reports 13.43% of NCLEX-RN candidates fail the exam on their first attempt. The number of unsuccessful test-takers is low compared to the more than 86% who pass the exam on their first try.
What if I never pass the NCLEX? ›If you didn't pass the exam, you'll receive a NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR). The CPR is an individualized document that shows how a candidate performed in each of the test plan content areas. Candidates who fail the exam can use the CPR as a guide to prepare them to retake the exam.
What setting do LPNs make the most money? ›
- Occupational Health - $50,000.
- Rehabilitation - $50,000.
- Palliative care / Hospice - $47,500.
- Geriatric/Gerontology - $47,000.
- Nephrology - $46,600.
- Get to know your professors early in the semester. ...
- Review every single test you get back. ...
- READ YOUR BOOKS! ...
- Get your assignments done early. ...
- Get organized!!!! ...
- Find good study habits. ...
- Study during your breaks. ...
- Self-care is so important for nursing students.
There are benefits to receiving your LPN credentials before moving forward including: Quick entrance into the workforce: A practical nursing program takes approximately half the time that a complete RN program does. This means you can enter the workforce quickly, building experience in the field early in your career.
Can LPNs call themselves nurses? ›First, LPNs must pass a national licensure exam prior to assuming nursing responsibilities. In my opinion, if an individual passed the NCLEX-PN, they have earned the title nurse.
Are LPNs being phased out? ›LPNs—alternately referred to as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs)—have been phased out over the last decade by health systems seeking higher-educated nurses who can provide a wider scope of duties.