Top LPN to BSN Online Degree Programs
Online LPN to BSN bridge programs are for licensed practical nurses are meant to prepare students to work as registered nurses on an entry-level. This bridge program gives LPNs a chance to increase their skills by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This will also allow them to continue on to graduate programs. This will open students up to more advanced positions and higher pay rates as well. With most bridge programs students can earn their BSN in as little as two years. Since LPNs have a hectic work schedule, like most healthcare professionals online courses or hybrid online courses (partly done online partly done on campus), they give students the flexibility to create their own class schedule and finish their studies at their own pace.
Ranked: Leading LPN to BSN Online Degree Programs
This is a ranking of the top LPN to BSN degree programs at online schools. Some schools require time in labs or in local clinics. A graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing typically has more promising career opportunities.
Indiana State University
Indiana State University has one of the most renowned LPN to BSN program in the US. LPN license holders can earn their BSN degree completely over the internet. Even upper-level nursing courses can be completed online through ISU. Any necessary clinical hours can be done locally as well. If students need to pass college equivalency exams (DSST, CLEP, and Excelsior College Exams) they can use The College Network’s learning materials. Students can also use the program to earn general education and elective credits.
Presentation College
Currently licensed LPNs are able to earn their BSN through Presentation College’s bridge program. Unlike other programs this bridge program is only open to LPNs who graduated from a state-approved LPN nursing program. Only 32 students are accepted each term and it only takes students four to six semesters to complete the degree program. It is ideal for those students who are currently working as an LPN since courses are delivered online. There are also clinicals done at virtual sites on pre-assigned weekends. Virtual clinic sites can be found in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Fairmont, Minnesota, and Fargo, North Dakota. Since such a small number of students are accepted it is crucial that applications are sent in by the deadlines set by the school’s website.
North Dakota State University
Students who hold an associate’s degree in nursing along with the LPN license can choose to complete their BSN and be able to earn their RN license through NDSU’s online LPN to BSN degree program. This program is designed specifically with the working LPN in mind. The degree program looks to prepare students for careers in hospitals, schools, community agencies, nursing homes, clinics, the military, and any other relevant healthcare position. Students will be required to take classes on topics like integrated family nursing, psychosocial nursing, and nursing management while also taking a practicum of 120 hours in the Fargo/Moorhead area. Students will also be required to travel to the University’s campus for validation exams, clinicals, and an orientation. For those reasons students enrolled in the online program should be located in the Fargo, North Dakota area. They do not, however, need to hold a North Dakota LPN license; an LPN license from any state will do. The program will also accept students on a probationary period pending the completion and passing of their NCLEX-PN.
Middle Tennessee State University
The LPN to BSN program at Middle Tennessee State University isn’t fully online but it does offer a few online classes for LPN students. This is an accelerated program for students with a valid and current LPN license. Students can take the Professionalism course, the Pathophysiology course, the Research course, and the Health and Gerontology course online or through a hybrid online program if it is offered in that given semester.
West Coast University
As most know, an LPN is also called an LVN in certain states. In this fashion West Coast University offers an LVN to BSN program. It is made in a way that students can complete their BSN in about three years. The degree program focuses on the skills that LPNs already bring to the table. The curriculum includes general education courses alongside nursing courses that are made to develop a student’s leadership and management skills in the field of nursing. Students will be prepared for careers in paediatrics, gerontology, community health, surgical nursing, psychiatric nursing, home care nursing, and other healthcare positions. West Coast University offers a combination of in-class instruction and online instruction allowing students to complete their degree in 34 months in some cases.
University of Mary
The Nursing Degree Completion Program at the University of Mary has been in existence for over 30 years. It is made in a way where LPNs with proper certification can begin and complete their BSN. Understanding the hectic work life LPNs have the university created an online platform to accommodate their students’ possible scheduling conflicts. There are times, however, when students will need to be on campus including for orientation, certain presentations, oral and written examinations, and some clinical experiences. Certain theory and clinical sessions may be fulfilled within the students’ home community. It should be noted that nursing practice hours is dependent upon securing an Articulation Agreement with an approved institution as well as approval from the state’s individual board of nursing.
Students should apply with the Division of Nursing and once accepted must complete an application to the University itself. The degree program begins each fall (application packets are usually available in September). To be admitted students have to have a current LPN license, a GPA of 2.75 or higher, a passing grade on their LPN Comprehensive Predictor Exam, a “C” or higher in required courses, a clean background check, a complete pre-admission essay, and two letters of recommendation. They must also pass a drug screen after admission. Prospective students should note that all transcripts will be reviewed for free and a transcript evaluation will be provided to the student afterwards. It should also be noted that only applications that make it in by the school’s designated deadline will be accepted. Once a student has been accepted to the Division of nursing and the University of Mary they can apply for financial assistance and register for their classes.
To earn their BSN students have to reach the University’s requirements. This includes a minimum of 128 semester hours of course credit including 32 from the University of Mary itself, 56 in the liberal arts (humanities, math and science, philosophy and theology, and social sciences). The Division of Nursing requires students to complete courses in microbiology, anatomy and physiology, general sociology, general psychology, lifespan psychology, introduction to organic/biochemistry, ethics, and elementary statistics (some of these required nursing courses will also fulfil some of the required liberal arts credits).
The LPN to BSN degree program is accredited with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and also approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
