LPN-to-BSN Degree Programs
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are professionals who have completed some practical nurse training to provide patients with basic nursing care, such as monitoring health indicators, changing bandages, bathing or dressing patients, and maintaining health records. Usually, these professionals work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) and may even have special certifications for specific duties, such as an IV therapy certification for LPNs. LPNs wishing to advance their career may decide to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program.
There are many different LPN-to-BSN degree programs available that are designed specifically for LPNs to earn their BSN faster than completing a BSN degree on its own. These programs are available in online and on-campus formats and generally allow students to continue working as LPNs while pursuing their degrees. Students in these programs may complete clinical trainings at the institution or in their local area. The curriculum of LPN-to-BSN programs aim to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN) that is needed for licensure in the field. Some programs may even allow students to earn dual credit toward their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Types of LPN-to-BSN Degree Programs
LPN-to-BSN degree programs vary primarily by format. The primary types of these degrees are online LPN-to-BSN programs and on-campus LPN-to-BSN programs. Online programs allow students to study from anywhere and complete clinicals in their local area. These programs may be more suited for students who do not live in close proximity to a school that offers an LPN-to-BSN program. On-campus programs may provide evening courses to help accommodate students' work schedules and provide hands-on learning in the classroom. Other variations for LPN-to-BSN programs come in the time to degree completion and how programs set up their prerequisite requirements.
Curriculum for an LPN-to-BSN Degree
BSN degree programs usually require around 120 credits of coursework, but those with an LPN typically transfer in credit or receive credit for their experience and may be able to cut this number by as much as half for 60 credits of required work. Students in LPN-to-BSN programs are usually required to complete some general education courses, along with the BSN's core nursing courses. Clinical intensives and/or practicum experiences are also an important part of these degree programs, and students may complete the program with as many as 500 hours of clinical work. Nursing coursework also usually exposes students to various areas of specialty within nursing, such as psychiatric-mental health nursing, adult nursing, or nursing for childbearing families. Although course titles vary, some common nursing course topics may include:
- Health assessment
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Evidence-based nursing practice
- Leadership
- Community and public health
How Long Does it Take to Finish an LPN-to-BSN?
The length of an LPN-to-BSN program varies by school and a student's educational background. In general, the BSN coursework can be completed at an accelerated format for those with an LPN and may be completed in as little as 4 semesters, or about 20 to 24 months. However, much of the time frame depends on a student's transfer credits and/or how many college courses they have already taken. Some LPN-to-BSN programs may take anywhere from 28 to 39 months to complete. Despite the variation, these programs are still usually faster than completing a BSN on its own that usually takes 4 years to complete.
Admission Requirements for an LPN-to-BSN Program
Admission requirements for LPN-to-BSN programs do vary slightly from traditional nursing school requirements. Applicants to these programs must hold a valid LPN license and a high school diploma. These programs typically require students to meet a minimum GPA, which may range between a 2.5 and a 3.0 GPA. Some students with a lower GPA, such as a 2.5, may also be required to take additional entrance exams, like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or ACT, and meet a minimum score. Applicants are also usually required to have completed or be in the process of completing prerequisite coursework. Some programs may require students to receive at least a 'C' in these courses. Depending on the school, prerequisite courses may include topics in:
- Psychology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Statistics
- Microbiology
How to Choose an LPN-to-BSN Degree Program
Choosing an LPN-to-BSN program may feel overwhelming, but there are several factors students can consider to help them narrow their choices. The first item to consider may be the format of the program. Students need to decide if they want to pursue their BSN in-person or online. They may need to investigate possible locations to complete their clinicals to help determine what format may be best. Students should also look for an accredited LPN-to-BSN program to stand out to employers and ensure they are receiving a quality nursing education. Another factor to consider may be a student's desired time to degree completion. Some programs allow students to finish faster than others, but students need to be sure they meet the admissions requirements for their program of choice. Finally, students may need to consider the cost of a program and any available financial aid that a school may offer.
The Best LPN to BSN Degree Programs
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health | $15757 | 97% | 69% | 100% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | Clarkson College | $13968 | 46% | 38% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Dakota Wesleyan University | $28750 | 67% | 54% | 100% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 4 | Winston-Salem State University | $5941 | 68% | 51% | 97% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 5 | Lewis-Clark State College | $6982 | 100% | 38% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 6 | Oklahoma Wesleyan University | $27996 | 58% | 39% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 7 | Oklahoma City University | $32594 | 75% | 64% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University | $7695 | 91% | 35% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 9 | Mount Aloysius College | $23680 | 95% | 48% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 10 | Waynesburg University | $25570 | 93% | 66% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 11 | Cumberland University | $24000 | 61% | 43% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | Hawaii Pacific University | $27500 | 75% | 45% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | Wilson College | $25300 | 93% | 64% | 100% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | Madonna University | $23100 | 75% | 60% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Scholarships & Financial Aid for LPN-to-BSN Programs
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should always be a student's first step in pursuing financial assistance to pay for school. This form notifies students of any federal grants and/or loans they may qualify for, and then students can budget for and/or pursue scholarships to help cover the remaining balance. Scholarships are available from a wide range of schools and organizations for a variety of reasons, including need, merit, talent, interest, and more.
For nursing students, there are diverse scholarships available from nursing schools and nursing organizations. Some of these awards may be geared toward a specific population and typically vary in the amount and qualifications. A couple of examples of scholarships that LPN-to-BSN students may qualify for include:
- Academic Excellence Scholarships- These scholarships are available to students in the College of Nursing at the University of Kentucky, which offers an online and in-person LPN-to-BSN program. Students are automatically considered for these awards when they fill out the undergraduate scholarship application for multiple scholarships within the college.
- The American Association for Men in Nursing Scholarships- The AAMN provides multiple scholarships each year for male students in nursing. Based on the donations given by donors and AAMN members, these awards vary in amount and typically have different eligibility requirements.
Accreditation for LPN-to-BSN Programs
LPN-to-BSN programs may hold accreditation at two different levels. Many schools that offer various nursing programs hold regional accreditation from groups like the Higher Learning Commission that demonstrate compliance with academic standards set for all degree programs at the different degree levels. Regional accreditation enables students from the school to utilize financial aid and transfer credits between schools.
The next level of accreditation is program-specific, and in the case of nursing, helps ensure that students are meeting nursing-specific standards for their knowledge and clinical skills. While some nursing programs may have approval by state nursing organizations, like the Tennessee Board of Nursing or Georgia Board of Nursing, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is the leading accrediting body for nursing programs. Employers may prefer graduates with a degree from a CCNE-accredited program, as these programs have met nursing standards put in place to best prepare students for real-world work as a nurse.
What Can I Do with a BSN?
Many graduates with their BSN go on to take the NCLEX-RN exam, fulfill their state's nursing requirements for licensure, and work as an RN. RNs may work in an array of settings, including schools, hospitals, physicians' offices, clinics, and more. Many RNs may also pursue certification in a specific specialty area, such as pediatrics, ambulatory care, or gerontology, and nursing duties vary based on these specialty areas and positions. In general, RNs work to provide patient care by evaluating patients, recording health information, giving medication and treatment, and educating patients and their families on their condition and/or treatments. Different types of RNs and nursing titles for BSN graduates include:
- Telehealth nurse
- Emergency department RN
- School nurse
- Oncology RN
- Pediatric nurse
- Home health nurse
How Much Can You Earn with a BSN?
According to PayScale.com, graduates with a BSN degree made a median annual salary of $85,539, as of 2020, compared to a median annual salary of $45,217 for an LPN. PayScale.com also reported that RNs made a median annual salary of $65,343, so in general, earning a BSN can help increase a student's potential earnings. However, these salaries can all vary based on any number of factors, such as position, location, organization, and experience. Compare the salaries of a few other job titles available to BSN graduates.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (2020)* |
|---|---|
| RN Emergency Room | $68,407 |
| RN Operating Room | $72,415 |
| School Nurse | $48,509 |
| Pediatric Nurse | $61,816 |
| Telehealth Nurse | $64,224 |
*PayScale.com
Career Advancement in Nursing
Graduates with their BSN who work as an RN can generally advance their careers with experience over time. They may take on more responsibilities, move into other settings, and/or advanced positions. Some of these professionals may go on to pursue management- and leadership-based positions within their organization, such as a head nurse or a clinical nurse manager. Some of these positions may require that students go on to earn their MSN or another master's degree, but some administrative positions may not. Earning an MSN in a particular field, such as nurse practitioner, may also enable students to pursue more advanced clinical positions and work as a nurse practitioner or other advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in a specialty area. Still, other RNs may pursue careers on the business side of nursing or go on to teach the next generation of nurses at the postsecondary level (usually after earning a doctoral degree in the field).
Professional Organizations in Nursing
There is no shortage of professional organizations available in the field of nursing that strive to provide nurses with valuable resources and support. Many of these organizations offer membership and some organizations may be intended for a specific population in nursing and/or nurses in a specific specialty area. Professional organizations provide a unique opportunity for nurses all around the country and/or world to connect and further advance their careers through education and professional development. A few available nursing organizations include:
- The American Association for Men in Nursing- The AAMN offers both individual and corporate membership, as well as local chapters. In addition to scholarships, the group provides webinars, conferences, teaching materials, and career resources for men in nursing.
- American Nurses Association- The ANA offers various certifications for different levels of nursing in various specialty areas. The organization is also involved in advocacy, professional development, and continuing education opportunities for nurses. The group hosts several annual conferences.
- Emergency Nurses Association- The ENA is designed for nurses working in emergency medicine and provides educational and practice resources. The group is also involved in governmental relations to promote the field and keeps members updated through its podcast.
