How to Become an RN if You're an LPN

Working as an LPN is a great way to begin your nursing career in a hands-on role that is directly responsible for patient care. Nursing, in general, is a great career choice within a growing field. However, if you’re like many LPNs, your long-term goal is probably to become a Registered Nurse (RN). 

The outlook for an RN career is extremely bright. Employment growth for registered nurses is expected to rise by 6% through 2032. It is estimated that an additional 177,400 jobs for RNs will be available nationwide during this time! 

In addition, LPNs who make the move to RN can expect a big salary increase. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of RNs is $86,070 per year, while LPNs typically earn an average of $59,730 each year. That’s over $26,000 more per year for RNs! 

Despite the positive career outlook, the path from LPN to RN can feel overwhelming. Understanding the steps and what lies ahead will help you reach your goal to become an RN. Keep reading to discover what it takes to move from an LPN to RN, including the options available to earn college credit in less time and in a way that fits your busy LPN work schedule. 

How do LPN to RN bridge programs work?

There are multiple reasons you might want to advance your career as an RN from an LPN. As a Registered Nurse, you'll get to provide more advanced care, you’ll have more career and specialty opportunities, you’ll be able to choose from a larger variety of work environments, and you'll also enjoy a higher salary.

Fortunately, there are options for advancing your career from an LPN to RN. One of the most common ways to become an RN as an LPN is through an LPN to RN bridge program. These programs are available at the associate degree (ADN) and bachelor degree (BSN) level. Some LPN to RN bridge programs offer you the ability to complete prerequisite courses online, but core nursing courses will require on-campus attendance.

The goal of LPN to RN bridge programs is to provide you with more advanced education and prepare you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which you must take to become a registered nurse.

As a part of your program, you'll review subjects such as:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Nursing leadership
• Mental health
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Health and Illness

You may also want to consider whether you want to go to school full-time or part-time. Those who want to earn a degree quickly may prefer pursuing their degree full-time. However, if you want to work as an LPN while in nursing school, you may want to consider a program that allows you to study part-time.

What are the requirements of LPN to RN bridge programs?

The requirements of LPN to RN bridge programs vary based on the type of degree you choose to pursue. ADN programs focus mainly on nursing-related subjects, while BSN programs also have general education requirements and higher level leadership courses.

No matter if you choose an ADN or BSN program, entry into most programs is competitive. Many programs require a minimum GPA, a high school diploma, a passing score on the TEAS test, and some nursing prerequisites.

You may be able to accelerate the path to your degree by transferring the courses taken in an LPN program towards your RN program. In order to do this, you may be required to demonstrate practical skills to bypass those courses. Generally, you can expect to shorten the time frame only if you’ve successfully completed prerequisites. Most LPN to RN bridge programs require attendance at a local college for at least some of your courses. 

How long do LPN to RN bridge programs take?

Getting your ADN can take two years of full-time study, while a BSN usually requires four years of school. If you work while you are earning your nursing degree, you can expect it to take twice that amount of time or more. Luckily, you can accelerate your education by testing out of prerequisites through credit by exam. Credit by exam allows you to earn credits for college courses by taking one standardized exam. Rather than attending classes for an entire semester, you prove mastery of the subject matter by successfully passing the equivalent of an end-of-course exam to earn the same college credits. 

How much do LPN to RN bridge programs cost?

The amount you spend on LPN to RN bridge programs will differ depending on what school you choose to attend and the program's length. You'll generally spend around $40,000 on an associate's degree and $80,000 on a bachelor's degree, but financing options are likely available. 

Achieve Test Prep offers supportive college prep services

If you're looking to move from an LPN to RN, Achieve Test Prep can help. We help busy nurses test out of college courses to save time, money, and stress. No matter where you are in your education journey, our college prep services can support your goals without sacrificing work/life balance. Connect with our Education Advisors to build a personalized College Plan just for you, mapping out which college courses you can test out of and how to make progress toward your RN career.  

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