LPN-to-RN Degree

LPN-to-RN Degrees give Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) the means to quickly become Registered Nurses (RNs). They culminate in either an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and allow LPNs to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and become licensed as RNs. LPN-to-RN Degrees are also acceptable prerequisites for RN-to-BSN programs, which culminate in a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) and open the way toward a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

Earning an LPN-to-RN degree can increase your annual earning potential by $15,000. It can eventually yield even higher salaries because it equips students with relevant patient care and nursing science skills, which can in turn lead to promotions and advancement opportunities.

LPN-to-RN degrees can be earned at community colleges, nursing schools, vocational and technical schools, and online. With so many options, working nurses can advance their education and career while fulfilling their current work and family responsibilities. Programs typically take between 2 and 3 years to complete. Some programs offer credit for applicable work experience, allowing students to test out of subjects they've already mastered.

The majority of LPNs earn an ADN to pursue their RN licensure. However, it's also possible to earn this licensure via a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. These programs take longer than ADN degrees (4 years, typically) and include courses in nursing science, leadership, management, and community health. Individuals who hold a BSN have greater career options and higher earning potential, and are more sought after by employers. BSNs are also prerequisite degrees for graduate nursing degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). It usually takes less time to earn a BSN through an LPN-to-RN bridge program.