The top LPN/LVN to RN degree programs are for Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses to earn an RN with advanced standing. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are also called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in some states. These nurses typically have one year of Practical Nursing education. The LPN curriculum is roughly equivalent to the first year of an associate degree in nursing. Bridge programs offer additional education for these nurses to earn an associate degree and become registered nurses (RNs).
These LPN to RN programs and LPN to RN programs are an efficient and also affordable path for licensed practical nurses to advance their careers with education. Additionally, many online and in-person nursing bridge programs provide an opportunity for licensed practical nurses to transition into registered nursing and prepare them for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. For example, LVN to RN bridge programs and LPN to RN bridge programs allow licensed practical nurses to utilize their previous coursework, licensures, and wealth of experience to test out of certain classes so that they can fast track their way to registered nursing.
How We Ranked The Top 10 LPN/LVN To RN Degree Programs
Featured Programs
The Nursing School Hub editors first find accredited programs that fit our ranking. Then we use academic quality, tuition cost, and reputation to rank the list. We use data from IPEDS and Niche.
1. North Dakota State College of Science
The North Dakota State College of Science offers the Associate in Science in Nursing (ADN) degree, one of the best LPN to RN programs. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) can advance in their careers by earning an ADN and becoming a registered nurse(RN). With one year of training, students get the clinical experiences for hands-on training. Each graduate takes on a registered nurse’s added responsibilities to properly care for their patients in a medical facility or another career opportunity. This program is one of the best LPN to RN programs available.
This one-year program at the North Dakota State College of Science began in 2017. The NDSC degree program has accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approval from the North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON). In addition, graduates can take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam to begin moving up their careers after only one year.
Degree: North Dakota State College of Science LPN to RN program
2. Fox Valley Technical College
The Fox Valley Technical College is in Appleton, Wisconsin. The school offers the Nursing Pathway, LPN to RN program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) looking to transition to registered nursing. Practicing LPNs can use 19 credits from their licensed practical nursing program, allowing them to jump on their registered nursing degree. Students in the program receive continued training with the latest procedures and technology available in the field of nursing. In addition, students receive hands-on experience in a variety of clinical skills. They also learn health assessments and the administration of medications. A state-of-the-art health simulation area at the college provides students with realistic training situations. The lab helps students increase critical thinking, leadership, communication, and team-building skills needed as they transition to registered nursing.
For over one hundred years, the Fox Valley Technical College has been offering students the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skillsets. FVTC prepares students with career-ready programs or assists them in advancing their current careers. The Nursing Pathway LPN to RN Program is fully accredited and approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing.
Degree: Nursing Pathway LPN to RN Program
3. Mitchell Technical College
Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell, South Dakota, offers the LPN to RN program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The program is for practical nurses to build upon the skills and knowledge to grow into their new role as registered nurses in only one year. In the RN program at Mitchell Technical College, students develop critical thinking skills and clinical reasoning skills needed to be registered nurses. Students receive classroom and laboratory instruction at the college. Clinicals within the local community also increase the students’ nursing skills and knowledge. Many MTC nursing theory and general education classes are also online courses. The delivery format decreases the number of trips the student needs to make to the actual Mitchell Technical College campus. They can also attend some labs using virtual technology.
The Mitchell Technical College program allows students to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing and sit for the state registered nursing licensure test. In addition, graduates of the RN program secure jobs in various settings, including long-term care facilities, ambulatory care, home health nursing, acute care, outpatient facilities, physicians’ offices, correctional facilities, and many other settings. Mitchell Technical College opened in 1968. The community school offers thirty-five on-campus academic programs four online programs for students.
Degree: LPN to RN program
4. Wharton County Junior College
The twelve-month Licensed Vocational Nursing to Registered Nursing Program at Wharton County Junior College is one of the best available. It was created specifically for applicants who are already licensed vocational nurses (LVN), this program who wish to make the transition to the Advanced Nursing program. Graduates of this program meet the differentiated essential competencies (DECs) required by the Texas Board of Nursing. In addition, there are general education courses and nursing courses integrated into the curriculum for this program. These transferable credits make it easy for students to transfer to various four-year colleges that offer bachelor’s degree programs in nursing. Upon completing this program, graduates will then take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
The LVN-ADN transition program has approval from the Texas Board of Nursing. Still, it has a limited enrollment with admission to the program decided through a competitive ranking process. Wharton County Junior College opened in the 1940s. Additionally, the school offers a top-notch learning environment for all students who desire to pursue a career as registered nurses.
Degree: Licensed Vocational Nursing to Registered Nursing Program
5. Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson Community College offers the LPN to RN Online Bridge AAS nursing program. This associate degree prepares Licensed Practical Nurses to become RNs and sit for the NCLEX-RN license test. By combining science with the art of the nursing practice, students can make critical assessments of patients and decisions on patient care. Additionally, the Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nursing Online Bridge Program includes online courses and in-class nursing theory lectures and clinicals for hands-on experience.
Hutchinson Community College is in Hutchinson, Kansas, and opened in 1928. The college offers a total of seventy-five areas of study and is well-known for its excellent nursing programs. Furthermore, the LPN-RN program has accreditation from the Kansas Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Degree: LPN to RN Online Bridge AAS program
6. North Iowa Area Community College
The North Iowa Area Community College offers the ADN Option for Licensed Practical Nurses to become RNs. The school also offers an AAS degree for Licensed Practical Nurses who can meet the required criteria. Furthermore, this program admits students on a space-available basis. Applicants must pass the ACT with a score of at least 20 or above and have a 2.0 GPA in their practical nursing program. Also, students must have online access to courses on the web. Students must attend nursing labs on campus and travel to clinicals within the community during the program that will prepare them for a career in registered nursing.
North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is a nationally ranked, two-year institution. The school opened in 1918 and is in North Central Iowa. The college provides education for more than 3,700 students every year and thousands more through non-credit programs.
Degree: ADN or AAS for Licensed Practical Nurses
7. Ohio University
The LPN to RN Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) at Ohio University’s Chillicothe Campus offers an excellent opportunity for licensed practical nurses. Students advance their careers with an Associate Degree and become Registered Nurses. LPNs who attended an approved program can receive credit for the first two semesters of this program. Additionally, licensed practical nurses must also complete a five-credit-hour transition course and a three-credit-hour bridge course created to prepare nurses to enter directly into the second year of the ADN program at Ohio University.
Ohio University is the oldest university in Ohio. The main campus of OU is in Athens, but the school has five additional campus locations, including the Chillicothe Campus. In addition, the nursing program offers some online classes and clinicals in the community and on-site lab classes. The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Ohio University has accreditation from the Ohio State Board of Nursing and prepares students to take their registered nursing licensure exam.
Degree: LPN to RN Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN)
8. Mission College
Mission College offers the LVN-RN Program specifically for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to transition into registered nursing. The program consists of classroom instruction in combination with clinical experience. Furthermore, this curriculum meets the standards of the State of California Board of Registered Nursing and requires the successful completion of 72 units of general education. In addition, the program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination.
Mission College is a two-year Community College nestled in the city of Santa Clara in the heart of Silicon Valley. The California college opened more than 40 years ago and offers a variety of degree programs that include online and in-person courses.
Degree: LVN to RN Program
9. Monroe College
The Monroe College School of Nursing LPN to RN option offers an excellent opportunity for licensed practical nurses to advance in their careers. Students can study full-time in the program and graduate within one year or attend classes part-time for two years. Flexible scheduling allows licensed practical nurses to continue working while completing their registered nursing degrees. The program focuses on hands-on experience and also prepares nurses to work in various clinical settings. Different settings include hospitals, doctors’ offices, long-term care facilities, outpatient facilities, and also home health.
Monroe College is located in New York City and offers a wide range of courses and degree programs. In addition, the college offers several courses online. This format accommodates the students who work full-time while attending college to advance in their careers.
Degree: LPN to RN program
10. Troy University
The Troy University Associate of Science in Nursing program offers licensed practical nurses and opportunity to advance their careers as registered nurses. By advancing their degrees, graduates can work in various fields, including addiction, long-term care, outpatient care, and also emergency services. Additionally, the two-year nursing program includes some online classes and clinical experience within the local community.
Troy University has several campuses throughout the heart of Alabama. Additionally, it ranks on The Princeton Review’s “Best in the Southeast” list for 16 consecutive years.
Degree: Associate of Science in Nursing Program
How Long Is An LPN to RN Program?
Suppose a licensed practical nurse is interested in transitioning to a registered nurse with an associate degree. In that case, they can typically earn the nursing degree in one year if they pass all necessary testing and previous course requirements.
However, licensed practical nurses who wish to advance their careers by obtaining a bachelor’s of science degree can expect the program to take two to four years to complete. In addition, some programs go from LPN to RN with a master’s degree in nursing. These programs typically take four or five years to complete.
What Is The Fastest LPN to RN Program?
The first degree that qualifies a nurse to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam is a two-year associate degree in nursing. Whether you have an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, the exam to become a registered nurse is the same.
Therefore the fastest LVN to RN or LPN to RN path is a two-year associate degree. Practical nurses enrolled in an associate degree program typically only need one additional year of education to meet the graduation requirements.
What Is The LVN or LPN Bridge Program?
LVN to RN bridge programs and LPN to RN bridge programs are for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) transitioning to registered nursing. These nurses have a wealth of experience in the nursing field since most have worked for several years with their licensed practical nursing degrees. Many times, LPNs work side-by-side with registered nurses and have many of the same knowledge and skillsets.
LPN-to-RN programs offer an efficient path to an associate degree in nursing and an RN license. However, choosing the best nursing program can be difficult because of different factors. While no one aspect makes a nursing program superior to another, potential nurses should choose appropriate programs for their needs. In addition, accreditation, program reputation, and program requirements should all be considered.
Can I Bridge From LVN-RN or LPN-RN Online?
Many colleges, universities, and schools of nursing offer fast-track programs for licensed practical nurses to transition to registered nursing through online degrees. These institutions allow several classes to be taken online but require students to attend lab classes and clinicals in person. However, many institutions realize that licensed practical nurses may be planning to continue to work throughout the time it takes them to complete their registered nursing degree. Therefore, online classes can provide the flexibility students need to finish school and continue to work.
Your LVN-RN or LPN-RN Degree in Nursing
Nursing is one of the most popular and also in-demand careers. Nursing jobs allow professionals to help others while achieving satisfaction and accomplishment at providing a needed service. Furthermore, the potential for promotion and growth in nursing attracts many different candidates. So, nurses can start with a one-year degree and build a career to earn more education.
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