The top LPN to RN programs with a BSN are also called bridge programs because they use prior education and experience to create a shorter path to becoming an RN with a BSN. In today’s world, healthcare is a major concern for a diversity of populations, and nurses are commonly regarded as the frontrunners in the U.S. medical field. In nearly all areas of the country, the demand for nurses is high to provide care for an array of patients in many different environments.
Many nurses begin their careers as licensed practical nurses, commonly referred to as LPNs or LVNs, to gain a feel of the field and acquire experience. Listed below are examples of top LPN to RN programs throughout the country. The programs were chosen based on acknowledgment from the U.S. News and World Report.
1. Indiana State University
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Indiana State University is a public institution based out of Terre Haute, Indiana. It was founded in 1865. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the university. The school offers an LPN to Bachelor of Science in nursing program to individuals who are currently licensed, practical nurses. The program includes theory and clinical nursing courses, support courses, foundational studies classes, and also elective courses. Additionally, students complete the program through distance learning.
The program requires a total of 102 credits including prerequisite nursing courses, prerequisite support courses, and also science courses. Required nursing courses include the transition from LPN to BSN, nursing care of adults, mental health nursing, comprehensive health assessment in nursing, nursing leadership, and also professional nursing synthesis. Students must also take courses in pathophysiology, sociology, developmental psychology, health biostatistics, and fitness for life. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. accredits the LPN to the BSN program. Additionally, the Indiana State Board of Nursing approves the program.
2. Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University is a Christian institution residing in Azusa, California. It was established in 1889, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits it. It is dedicated to providing excellent post-secondary education. Azusa Pacific University offers two programs for LPNs: the LVN to BSN and the LVN to RN. The school grants credit for general education courses and the first-year nursing course is waived for currently licensed LPNs.
Both programs include classroom and clinical instruction. The LVN to RN is a 30-unit option, and students are admitted as terminal non-degree individuals. Additionally, this program results in a certificate of completion, and students are eligible to take the California Board of Registered Nursing exam for RN licensure for students who do not have a degree. Core nursing coursework includes pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing research, nursing care of children and young adults, and also nursing management.
3. St. Catherine University
St. Catherine University is a private university located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This Catholic institution for women opened in 1905. The school’s mission is to provide all students with a quality academic environment that supports the goals of women and their attitudes toward learning and teaching. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the university. St. Catherine University offers an LPN-to-RN mobility program for licensed LPNs wanting to complete an associate degree in nursing. It offers classes during the evening and on weekends to enable students to continue employment in their current positions.
The program provides advanced placement credit to enable students to complete the program in one year. The program is constructed on the abilities obtained through LPN training. The curriculum incorporates the liberal arts background of students and humanistic values for professional nursing practice. Clinical experiences take place in healthcare centers, long-term care facilities, and related options. Coursework includes health nursing assessment, care of personnel with mental health issues, transitioning to professional nursing, variations in health, management of complex and multiple clients, and the nursing role for transition students. The Accreditation Commission for Education in nursing fully accredits the nursing mobility program at St. Catherine University. The Minnesota Board of Nursing also approves the program.
4. Wayland Baptist University
Wayland Baptist University is a private Baptist institution residing in Plainview, Texas. It opened in 1908 and is the oldest institution on the High Plains of Texas. It strives to provide students with an academic atmosphere that is challenging, focused on learning, and displays Christian values. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Wayland Baptist University. Wayland Baptist University offers an LVN to BSN program for students who are already licensed LPNs.
Those who have an active license receive 22 credit hours for the program. The program takes about 18 months to complete. Students participate in campus-based instruction and clinicals in the San Antonio area. The nursing course requirements include the professional nursing role, pharmacology, leadership and management, mental health nursing, ethical and legal issues in nursing, and community and public health nursing. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the LVN to BSN program at Wayland Baptist University. The Texas Board of Nursing also approves the programs.
5. Ohio University
Ohio University is a public institution of higher learning located in Athens, Ohio. This school started in 1808. Moreover, it provides top-notch learning centered on students. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Ohio University. Furthermore, Ohio offers an LPN to RN transitional program through its School of Nursing. So, LPN students may receive credit for the first two semesters of the nursing program by meeting licensure requirements.
Students must also satisfactorily complete a transition course and bridge course to prepare them for the second year of the nursing program. The nursing coursework includes adult health, maternal-newborn, child and adolescent, child psychology, microbiology, and pharmacology. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the nursing programs at Ohio University. The Ohio Board of Nursing also approves the programs.
6. St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg College is a public state college located in St. Petersburg, Florida. It opened in 1927 as the first two-year college in Florida. The school promotes the success of students and also improves the local communities through academic excellence and self-discovery. Additionally, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits St. Petersburg College. Furthermore, SPC offers an LPN to RN transitional associate degree in nursing. So, students who are licensed LPNs receive degree credit for education and experience.
This program takes two years to complete. Core coursework includes applications of pharmacology concepts, psychosocial nursing, nursing care management practicum, and also role transition in nursing. Additionally, students must complete support courses in elementary statistics, microbiology, and applied ethics. Also, students must receive a grade of a C or better in all of the required coursework. Furthermore, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the LPN to RN program at St. Petersburg College. The Florida Board of Nursing also approves the program.
7. California State University
California State University is a public institution based out of Long Beach, California. It strives to provide higher education that is high quality, accessible, and focused on students. It opened in 1857 and has accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. And, California State University offers an LVN to RN program for students with a valid LVN license.
The program is full-time and does not result in a degree. It requires 30 units to complete and the coursework includes nursing families in complex illness, mental health nursing, nursing the childbearing family, and also leadership and management for LVN to RN. Most of the courses include lecture hours as well as clinical hours at local health facilities. Additionally, the leadership and management course involves mostly online lecture hours. Also, LVNs who are currently working in acute care pediatric nursing settings may be able to test out of the pediatric nursing course.
How Long Does it Take to Complete an LPN to RN/BSN Bridge Program?
After a few years in the field, a lot of LPNs seek to advance their nursing education to become registered nurses (RNs). Therefore, there is a wide array of LPN to RN programs that provide students with credits for their current credentials as an LPN. Additionally, these programs typically take one to two years to complete. When choosing an LPN to RN program, students should only consider schools that have accreditation. Therefore, this will ensure the institution meets specific standards for high-quality education.
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