LPN to RN Programs: All You Need to Know
A nurse's humane role in the healthcare chain is vital as they contribute in different medical areas. When it comes to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs), they both play essential roles in the medical system; however, if you are an LPN, obtaining an RN degree can provide you with several benefits. RNs have higher income potential, more options for specializations to choose from, higher prospects for professional growth, and more job security in the long run.
So, if you want to learn more about LPN to RN programs, admission requirements, and how long it takes to go from LPN to RN, then stay with us!
What Are LPN-to-RN Programs?
An LPN-to-RN program is a specialized educational path for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to advance their education and career. The program makes use of your LPN education and experience and progresses quickly through an in-depth curriculum.
A licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse (in Texas and California) is in charge of completing different tasks in the healthcare field; however, compared to registered nurses, LPNs have less job opportunities, earn lower salaries, take on less responsibilities, and are limited on the decisions they can take. To gain such benefits and more, LPNs must become RNs first. To achieve the title "registered nurse", licensed practical nurses must obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Types of LPN-to-RN Programs
Generally, there are three types of LPN-to-RN programs: LPN-to-ADN, LPN-to-BSN, and lately, a widespread option, online LPN-to-RN programs.
While all programs prepare LPNs to become practicing RNs, the BSN programs provide more in-depth knowledge on nursing theory and leadership and management skills.
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LPN-to-ADN
LPN to ADN is a pathway for LPNs who want to pursue a nursing degree. Registered nurses with an associate's degree are considered entry-level professionals. While associate degree programs are less comprehensive and time-consuming than bachelor's degree programs, they train registered nurses for entry-level RN careers.
Many community schools, as well as universities across the country, offer ADN programs. The amount of credit hours necessary varies by location and educational institution, and on average, many institutions require 60 to 72 credit hours. Moreover, it takes one to two years to finish an LPN to ADN program.
An associate's degree will prepare you for a career transition or a promotion with a higher salary. The ADN degree entitles RNs to supervise LPNs.
LPN-to-BSN
An LPN-to-BSN program is a bachelor's level degree program. After finishing such a program, you will be eligible for RN licensure, and you will have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
The LPN-to-BSN takes longer to earn and is more expensive compared to the LPN-to-ADN program. LPN-to-BSN programs contain 120 credit hours and take two to four years to complete.
Registered nurses with bachelor's degrees are more likely to receive promotions and autonomy, manage other nurses, and receive higher pay. Nursing students in BSN programs can also choose different fields of specialization, such as pediatrics or public health.
RNs with BSN degrees have the opportunity later to pursue a master of science in nursing degree.
Online LPN-to-RN programs
LPN-to-RN online programs are available, just like many other nursing degree programs. An online program is especially valuable if you have other obligations that make it difficult to attend classes. Another benefit is that some online institutions charge less than their face-to-face equivalents in terms of tuition.
Although you will take most of your courses online, most LPN-to-RN bridge programs use a hybrid style. The combination comes as students cannot graduate as RNs without any hands-on experience. After students finish their classes online, they need to complete their practical hours in person at a clinic, hospital, or other physical location.
LPN-to-RN Education
To make the jump from LPN to RN, you first need to fulfill specific admission criteria. Once you are accepted, you will go through 3 phases of the bridge program curriculum. After graduation, you need licensing, which will allow you to take RN roles. Let's dive in and explain each of them in detail.
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for transitioning from LPN to RN vary based on the program a student is applying to. Generally, applicants must have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development Test (GED) and meet the institution's minimal GPA standards.
To be accepted for admission, certain institutions may require applicants to have completed a certain number of clinical hours. The student's state licensing board determines the clinical hour requirement.
You'll also need a current LPN license and a passing score on the entrance exam.
Bridge program curriculum
The LPN to RN Bridge Program curriculum is made out of a total of 113 quarter credits. In the day program, credits are obtained over around 15 months. Beyond the curriculum requirements, completion of all necessary elements can take up to three months.
Before a student can progress to the next level in this program, they must pass all courses within that current level. Below we have shown the levels and the sequence in which they must be completed:
1st level
In level 1, students learn the knowledge, skills, and experiences associated with general education and nursing support of the LPN to RN Bridge course.
2nd level
Level 2 then advances to expand the knowledge and skills of students by including coursework in fundamental nursing disciplines such as medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, and psychiatric nursing.
3rd level
In Level 3, the LPN to RN Bridge track ends in a final course that prepares students for their first year as a new RN and the NCLEX-RN exam.
License
To get your RN license, you must sit for and pass the NCLEX once you have been considered eligible by the state board of nursing in which you are pursuing a license. You will be licensed in your state once you pass the NCLEX and complete all other prerequisites. Before taking the test, some nursing students take an NCLEX review course or use alternative study methods.
Why Choose An Lpn-To-Rn Program?
There are numerous advantages to finishing an LPN to RN program. The list of benefits includes the opportunity to develop your nursing abilities further, have more job opportunities, earn higher salaries, have more responsibilities, gain more autonomy, and achieve your career goals.
LPN-to-RN Career Outlook
Once you've earned your RN certification, you'll be able to work in various settings. Registered nurses operate in various locations, including doctor's offices, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, small private clinics, major research hospitals, and ambulatory settings. They can also work at military installations, nursing homes, and schools. An RN in such settings can perform the following professions and more:
School Nurse
Patient Educator
Neonatal Nurse
Nurse Manager
Health Educator
Pediatric Nurse
Public Health Nurse
Critical Care Nurse
Medical and Health Services Manager
Responsibility changes from an LPN and RN
The list of responsibilities will change once you've finished an LPN to RN program. Registered nurses gain more autonomy and have much more obligations compared to LPNs.
A licensed practical nurse's duties include:
Assembling oxygen supplies
Observing patients for specific reactions to treatment
Preparing food trays to fit the patients' diet
Cleaning beds and rooms
Helping patients with basic activities such as bathing, dressing, and walking.
As mentioned above, responsibilities change once you become a registered nurse. RN duties include:
Educating patients and their families on illness prevention and similar topics
Supervising other nurses, including LPNs
Modifying and managing treatment plans based on patient needs
Monitoring patient care
Preparing rooms with the required equipment
Providing first aid to various populations.
Salary changes from an LPN and RN
The pay scales for both LPNs and RNs are pretty different. The amount of money a medical professional makes per year is influenced by their location, practice setting, and employers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) claimed that the median annual wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses was $48,820 in May 2020. On the other hand, RNs make considerably more. As of May 2020, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $75,330.
Besides, BLS reports that the employment rate of registered nurses is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, with about 194,500 RN openings projected each year.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, every healthcare professional has its importance in the medical chain. However, if you are an LPN nurse looking to advance your career, an LPN-to-RN program is what you have been looking for!