If you're an LPN or LVN looking to improve your job prospects, or just earn more, your best way forward is with a nursing bridge program. Here’s how to go from LPN to RN or LVN to RN, and some reasons why you should.
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How to Go from LPN/LVN to RN & Why You Should
What’s the difference between an LPN, LVN & RN?
First, the stuff you probably already know: An LPN is a licensed practical nurse (also called a licensed vocational nurse, or LVN, in California and Texas), while an RN is a registered nurse.
All nurses provide frontline care, taking care of basic patient needs like monitoring vitals, assisting with hygiene, and supporting recovery. But LPNs and LVNs are more limited in what they're allowed to do, and are usually supervised by an RN, doctor, or other practitioner, while RNs can work independently, or as leaders of care teams. They can also work in more settings and as travel nurses.
And, while all nurses require an education, LPNs usually practice with a certificate, while RNs need a college degree — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Why transition from LPN to RN?
Registered nurses earn more than LPNs and LVNs — as much as $30,000 to $40,000 more per year, according to official estimates, although that will depend on where you live, your specialty, the facility you work in, and other factors.
In addition, RNs have other career advantages, including:
- More job opportunities, including the option to work as a travel nurse
- The ability to be a leader and/or work more independently
- The ability to work in more settings like ER, OR, ICU, L&D, and dialysis care
- Qualifying for graduate school for NP, CRNA, or nursing doctorate
Intro to LPN-to-RN & LVN-to-RN bridge programs
The good news is that there's an established pathway that makes it faster and easier to go from LPN to RN (or LVN to RN).
Instead of starting from scratch at a new nursing school, a bridge program gives you a streamlined path to becoming an RN, giving you credit for your work experience and courses you've recently taken. And that means less time spent in school, and fewer classes you'll have to take.
And you can take bridge programs while continuing in your current role, if that's what you prefer — although you can also tackle it full-time for faster results.
LPN-to-ADN or BSN? Types of nursing bridge programs
There are types of bridge programs: LPN-to-ADN and LPN-to-BSN. (Of course, both are also available for LVNs.)
When you finish either, you'll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to become an RN. The difference is the type of degree you'll have.
- ADN, or associate's, is faster and costs less, but you'll also have less earning power and a more limited choice of jobs.
- BSN, or bachelor's, takes a big longer and may cost more, but you'll end up with a degree that's more in demand, and you'll usually earn more, too.
How long will it take? That depends on how many credits you have beforehand, and whether you go full-time or part-time. In general, an ADN may take one to three years, while a BSN will probably be closer to two to four years.
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Pro tip: Especially if you plan on working during the program, an ADN bridge program is a good way to hit the RN pay scale faster. Then, after you get your associate's, you can take an online RN-to-BSN course to get your bachelor's.
Admission requirements for LPN-to-RN bridge programs
What do you need to apply? Specifics can vary for each program, and in each state, so double-check with your specific school of choice before getting started. In general, though, here's what you'll usually need to apply for a bridge program:
- Current license in good standing (no outstanding disciplinary action)
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA (usually between 2.5 and 3.5)
- Passing score on the TEAS or NLN-PAX entrance exam
- Passing grades in prerequisite college courses (usually English, psychology, and sociology in general ed, and anatomy, physiology, and microbiology in science)
- As many as 2,000 hours of documented clinical experience and/or proof of active employment as an LPN or LVN
Getting into an RN bridge program: 6 tips for success
Now that you know what type of nursing bridge program you want to take, and what you'll need to get in, here are a few final tips for success.
1. Double-check your license. Make sure you don't have any disciplinary flags!
2. Complete prerequisite courses before you apply. This will help you get accepted and complete the course faster, too.
3. Do your research! Different programs give you different credits based on past education and experience, so explore your options before applying. Here's a helpful list of choices across the U.S.A.
4. Check your test bypass eligibility. Some schools let you skip the entrance exam if you have a high GPA.
5. Check your tuition assistance eligibility. Some employers provide tuition support or reimbursement.
6. Prepare your admission packet asap. Start gathering your transcripts, proof of work hours, and reference letters so they're ready when you need them.
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