LPN to ADN/LPN to RN Programs

The LPN to ADN program which also goes by the terms LPN to RN, LPN mobility, LPN transition and LPN Advanced Placement/Advanced Standing; is a program that is typically accomplished in 1-2 years. This enables students who are already licensed as an LVN or LPN to obtain their ADN or Associate Degree in Nursing. The reason for taking the ADN program is mainly for a significant increase in job options and salary. 

The one-year program requires a certain amount of training and experience before you are allowed to bridge the LPN to the ADN degree. When accomplished, a graduate of the LPN to ADN bridge program can finally sit through the NCLEX-RN or the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses.

General Admission Requirements

One of the basic admission requirements of this program is a valid LPN license. Most of the time, students are required to keep their license active throughout the duration of the program.  Some colleges also require applicants to have at least six months of clinical experience and get a letter of recommendation from their employers.

In addition to the above, the following education requirements are also common among different colleges:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • A minimum college or high school cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above
  • Complete some of these pre-requisites with a C or above: Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Algebra, English
  • Pass nursing entrance exam or college’s basic academic knowledge assessment test
  • Some colleges and universities require a background check prior to the start of the program 

The LPN to ADN Curriculum

This nursing program curriculum best prepares graduates to become competent nurses that are caring and sensitive to the needs of their clients. Throughout their study, the students have planned clinical experiences which complement their classroom learning. The courses often combine general education in the biological, social and behavioral sciences as well as a study of the humanities. 

Online LPN to RN Programs

All course works and exams can be completed online; however, you have to travel to clinical sites for practical instructions. These clinical sites are usually located near the college but some colleges provide the option of completing your clinical rotation where you live. State wide online programs usually arrange clinical sites and instructors in each city or nearby where they accept students. Online LPN to RN programs are mostly limited to state residents.

Program Length and Cost

The traditional LPN to RN program takes about one academic year to complete if taken fulltime. Online programs can be completed in as few as 18 months.

Since this program is a career ladder for working LPNs, part-time, evening and weekend class are widely available in many colleges.

A typical LPN to RN program requires 72 credit hours for graduation. Depending on your previous education and college’s policy, you may get some credits transferred towards the ADN program and ultimately lower the time it will take you to complete the program. Credit transfers usually work on individual by individual basis. You need to submit you transcript to college’s admission office for evaluation and see how much credit you can get transferred.

The number of credit hours you have to complete to graduate from the program determines how much you need to pay for your education. That is in addition to the common college fees and expenses, such as books, supplies, uniforms, lab fees, liability insurance, etc.

If you go for the online program, the tuition you have to pay per credit will be higher than the traditional program but you will save on transportation since you don’t have to travel to the campus to attend classes.