LPN to RN Bridge: Your 8-Step Fast-Track Guide for 2025

You already know your way around bedside care, medication passes, and patient rapport—that's the superpower of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). But if you're eyeing the broader scope of practice, higher autonomy, and a salary bump that can top $30,000 more yearly, it may be time to turn that "L" into an "R." In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the 2024 median wage for Registered Nurses (RNs) at $93,600, compared with $62,340 for LPNs—proof that investing in an LPN to RN bridge can pay tangible dividends. bls.govbls.gov

And here's some better news: you don't have to start from scratch. Bridge programs let working LPNs parlay existing licensure and clinical experience into advanced standing, shaving months—and thousands of dollars—off the traditional RN pathway. The infographic below maps out an eight-step sprint from LPN to RN. Scroll through it first, then keep reading for a deep dive into each milestone, critical decision points, and pro tips on choosing the right program.

Why Upgrade From LPN to RN?

• Scope & Autonomy – RNs assess, plan, and coordinate patient care vs. the task-oriented role of LPNs.
  
• Earning Power – The median RN salary is roughly 50% higher than the LPN median.
  
• Career Mobility – Once you hold an RN license, advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Manager come into view.
  
• Job Stability – The BLS projects faster-than-average growth for RNs through 2034, fueled by an aging population and retirements.
  

For a closer look at program formats and admissions requirements, check out our Best LPN to RN Online Programs overview

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Hold an Active LPN License

A current, unencumbered practical nurse license is non-negotiable if your license has lapsed or holds disciplinary flags; address that first. Moving to a new state? Our RN License Transfer and NLC Guide explains multi-state compacts and endorsement steps.

2. Meet Work-Experience Prerequisites

Schools often require anywhere from 0 to 2,000 documented clinical hours. Keep pay stubs or employer-signed logs handy. These hours don't just look good—they can translate into course credit.

3. Complete General-Education Courses

Typical must-haves include Anatomy & Physiology I-II, Microbiology, English Composition, and Psychology. Many programs let you finish these online while you keep working. Use CLEP or portfolio credit to save time and tuition.

4. Choose Your Bridge Path

• ADN Bridge (Associate Degree): 12–18 months; quickest, cost-effective route to RN licensure.
  
• BSN Bridge (Bachelor's): 24–36 months; opens doors to leadership and graduate study.
  Our head-to-head explainer, ADN vs BSN Nursing Degrees, unpacks the pros and cons.
  

5. Submit Your Application

Admissions packets usually require transcripts, proof of work hours, and entrance exam scores—often the TEAS Test or NLN-PAX. Budget at least 3–4 weeks for reference letters.

6. Finish the Bridge Curriculum

Expect 63–72 total credits plus 400–600 supervised clinical hours. Online learners complete didactic work via a learning platform and arrange local clinical placements with faculty approval.

7. Graduate & Prep for NCLEX-RN

Wrap up final coursework, schedule an NCLEX-RN review, and create a Pearson VUE account. Our NCLEX-RN Exam hub offers free practice questions and study strategies.

8. Pass the NCLEX-RN → Obtain State RN License

After you ace the exam, submit your licensure application to the state board, pay fees, and complete background checks. Once your RN license posts, you can officially update your name badge.

Bridge Path Comparison

Before examining the numbers, remember that each program sets its curriculum. Use this snapshot as a starting point, then verify details with individual schools.

Preview paragraph ends—table begins.

Time & Cost Snapshot

• Tuition: ADN bridge programs average $12,000–$18,000, and BSN bridges range from $20,000–$40,000.
  
• Opportunity Cost: Online formats let you keep working full-time—key if you depend on current LPN wages.
  
• ROI: Based on BLS medians, ADN graduates may recoup tuition in as little as one year of RN pay.
  

How to Choose the Right LPN to RN Program

1. Accreditation – Look for ACEN or CCNE approval.
   
2. NCLEX Pass Rates – Aim for ≥90% first-time pass.
   
3. Clinical Placement Support – Especially critical for online programs.
   
4. Credit Transfer Policy – Credit for past gen-ed or work experience means a shorter timeline.
   
5. Scheduling Flexibility – Night classes or asynchronous modules help maintain work-life balance.
   Dive deeper into program reviews on our LPN to BSN Programs page for campus and online options nationwide.
   

Tips for Bridge-Program Success

• Keep a Study Routine: Treat online modules like work shifts—set start and stop times.
  
• Leverage Prior Knowledge: When lecturing covers wound care or med calculations, mentally match concepts to your daily practice.
  
• Join a Support Network: Many schools offer peer-mentorship groups or alumni forums.
  
• Start NCLEX Prep Early: Use free question banks six months before graduation.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I skip the TEAS if I already have college credits?
A: Some schools waive entrance exams for applicants with a prior GPA above a set threshold—always confirm with admissions.

Q: Will my LPN salary count toward clinical hour requirements?
A: Yes, but you'll need employer verification documents.

Q: Is the bridge harder than traditional RN school?
A: Content is comparable, but accelerated pacing means you'll tackle more material each term.

Q: What if I want to move states after graduating?
A: Apply for licensure in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state to practice in multiple jurisdictions—see the [RN License Transfer and NLC Guide] for details.

Ready to Level Up?

Bridge programs let you transform existing skills into a Registered Nurse title in record time. Compare admission requirements, tuition, and NCLEX pass rates on our Best LPN to RN Online Programs page, map your timeline, and start today’s application process. Your future patients—and your paycheck—will thank you.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Registered Nurses: Occupational Outlook Handbook." bls.gov
  
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses." bls.gov

(Additional school data and program details were retrieved directly from institutional websites during June 2025.)

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Amanda Bucceri Androus, RN, BSN

Amanda Bucceri Androus is a Registered Nurse from Sacramento, California. She graduated from California State University, Sacramento in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in nursing. She began her career working night shifts on a pediatric/ med-surg unit for six years, later transferring to a telemetry unit where she worked for four more years. She currently works as a charge nurse in a busy outpatient primary care department. In her spare time she likes to read, travel, write, and spend time with her husband and two children.