LPN to BSN Programs – Accredited

Earning a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) opens the door to higher salaries and a wide range of career possibilities. Across the country, there is a demand for skilled registered nurses (RNs) with bachelor's degrees or higher levels of education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 12 percent in the next 10 years, which is much higher than the expected growth for all occupations in the country. Additionally, many hospitals and healthcare employers are changing the minimum education requirements for RN positions from associate's degree to the BSN.
If you are a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) who is serious about pursuing a career as an RN, specially designed LPN to BSN programs can help you realize those goals.
PLEASE NOTE: All California and Texas programs are titled LVN to BSN programs.
Why Pursue a BSN Degree?
As an LPN or LVN, you may be wondering, why should I get a bachelor's degree in nursing when I can become an RN by completing an associate's degree program that would save me time and money? While you can begin working as an RN with only an associate's degree (ADN), there are a few important reasons to consider earning your bachelor's degree instead:
- More Job Opportunities: Many of the nation's top hospitals and healthcare facilities have increased the minimum education requirements for career advancement to the BSN degree level, including the nation's Magnet hospitals and the U.S. Veteran's Administration. In many cases, you'll find that in order to advance to a nurse manager, educator, or administrator position, nurses are required to hold a bachelor's degree.
- Higher Pay: BSN-educated nurses earn higher salaries than nurses with an associate's degree. In addition to being qualified for higher-paying management positions, BSN-educated nurses can expect to earn an average of $14,000 per year more than their ADN-educated counterparts, according to PayScale.
- Industry Support: Overwhelmingly, professional nursing and healthcare associations are pushing for an increase in BSN-educated nurses. The Institute of Medicine's Committee on the Future of Nursing released a recommendation calling for an increase in BSN-educated nurses, a sentiment shared by the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice and others. This demand for BSN nurses is being driven at least partly by research that shows improved patient outcomes when nursing staff holds a bachelor's degree or higher.
RELATED: RN's Working with LPN's
Choosing an LPN to BSN Program
When researching LPN to BSN program options, there a few key factors to keep in mind, including:
Accreditation
The best way to ensure the quality of an LPN to BSN program is accreditation by a reputable industry group. Third-party accrediting organizations, like the Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), fully vet a nursing program and make sure the school is meeting or exceeding quality standards and delivering valuable education to its students.
Program Cost
The cost for an LPN to BSN program varies from school to school depending on geographic location, school reputation, a student's residency status and whether a program is delivered online or in person. As one example of program costs, the online LPN to BSN program at Indiana State University costs $11,656. When researching schools make sure to include supplies, lab fees, RN exam fees and the cost of housing and/or commuting in the total cost. Also, make sure to contact a school's office of financial aid for information about cost-saving options including scholarships and grants for which you may be eligible.
Completion Time
Most LPN to BSN programs take around 2 years of full-time study to complete. For programs that are offered on a part-time basis, the amount of time it takes to complete increases to 3 or 4 years. In some cases, particularly self-paced online formats, students may choose an intensive program option that allows them to earn their degree in less than 2 years. Be sure to ask your top school(s) what the options are for completion time.
Online vs. On-Campus Options
A growing number of schools are now offering LPN to BSN programs in an online or combination of online and on-campus "hybrid" format, making it more convenient for working LPNs to complete their coursework around their busy work schedules. In these online or hybrid programs, students complete most or all of their instruction online and then perform their clinical practice hours in a healthcare facility near their homes. If you plan to continue working while you study or if you have family obligations that limit your availability for college classes, an online or hybrid program may be a good fit for you.
LPN to BSN Curriculum & Classes
LPN to BSN "bridge" programs begin with foundational nursing practice courses followed by baccalaureate-level coursework in nursing practice, leadership, and theory. Programs also include clinical practice hours in which student nurses can put their learning into practice. Following are a list of classes typically offered as part of an LPN to BSN program:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Research Skills
- Comprehensive Health Assessment
- Nursing Leadership
- Public Health Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Fundamentals of Nursing Care for Geriatrics
- Adult Health Nursing
- Pediatric / Maternal Nursing
Internships & Clinical Practicum
An important part of the LPN to BSN curriculum is the required clinical practice hours. These hours take the form of hands-on labs (including lab simulations) as well as internships and clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities. Most schools have partnerships with area hospitals and medical centers for students to complete these clinical requirements; occasionally, finding an internship or practicum will be the responsibility of the student. In this case, the school's career center, job boards, or alumni network may be of assistance. Often, students employed as LPN/LVNs are able to complete their clinical experiences in their workplace. For those enrolled in an online LPN to BSN program, clinical practicums can typically be arranged in the student's hometown or the local area, pending the school's approval.
The purpose of the clinical portion of the LPN to BSN curriculum is to give students a chance to practice what they've learned in a supervised, hands-on, real-world setting. The exact nature of clinical experiences will vary based on the school, state, and program specifics. Prospective students are advised to inquire with their school of choice regarding clinical practicum requirements.
NCLEX-RN Examination
At the successful completion of the LPN to BSN program, students must take and pass the NCLEX-RN examination in order to become fully licensed as registered nurses (something LVN/LPNs will be familiar with, as they would have taken the NCLEX-PN previously). The NCLEX-RN is a comprehensive, computerized exam consisting of anywhere from 75 to 265 questions covering a variety of nursing topics. Test categories include:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
Students must register for and pay the examination fee in advance. On the day of the exam, they will have a maximum of 6 hours to complete the questions (with a few optional break periods). Students receive the results of the exam within 2-6 weeks. In the event that a student fails the NCLEX-RN, they are typically permitted to re-test; the total number of times a student may re-test differs by state, but the exam generally must be passed within 3 years of graduation from a nursing program.
Students are encouraged to check out the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates of their school's nursing programs; many schools will list these stats on their websites. In addition, many NCLEX-RN practice tests are available to help students study for this important examination.
LPN to BSN Admissions Requirements
Once you have decided to pursue an LPN to BSN program you'll need to make sure you meet the admissions requirements for the school of your choice. Specific requirements vary from school to school, so make sure to check with your top schools well in advance of the application deadline to ensure you have met all requirements. In general, LPN to BSN programs have the following admissions requirements:
- Valid, unencumbered LPN license
- High school diploma or GED
- Transcripts of high school and undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Some schools require a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Completion of required pre-requisite courses, which vary from school to school
- Resume showing the professional nursing experience of at least one year
- Submission of required test scores e.g. SAT or ACT
- Completed application including professional recommendations and personal statement
RELATED: LPN to RN Programs
Online LPN to BSN Programs
As more students try to balance work and life with their academic goals, many nursing schools have increased the number of online program offerings to meet the growing demand. Today, students can find online LPN to BSN programs across the country, many of them with minimal or even no on-campus requirements. Keep in mind that if you choose an online LPN to BSN program that's based in a different state than where you live, you must ensure that you are eligible for the program, as some states have rules regarding program and licensure eligibility. For example, Indiana State University's online LPN/LVN to BSN program website maintains a list of states that are approved for enrollment.
Advantages of an Online LPN to BSN Program
Some LPNs/LVNs are under the assumption that enrolling in a BSN bridge program is just not feasible for them; employment, family commitments, and the busy pace of everyday life may make an LPN to BSN program feel like a pipe dream. Enter the online LPN to BSN bridge program. These programs allow students to take courses online, from the comfort of home or wherever they choose, and usually whenever they wish. This makes fitting coursework in much easier.
In addition to the convenience, online LPN to BSN bridge programs are often less expensive, especially since students don't have to worry about "indirect" costs such as transportation/commuting expenses and parking fees. The University of Arkansas' online LPN to BSN program's tuition runs approximately $298.22 per credit hour (not including fees). Students enrolled in this program are able to arrange clinical hours in their own geographic area.
List of Campus and Online LPN to BSN Programs & LVN to BSN Programs
Select State from the Menu:
Arizona
Program | Website |
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Chamberlain University - Phoenix Campus2149 West Dunlap Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021 (602) 331-2720 | chamberlain.edu |
Arkansas
Program | Website |
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Arkansas State University CampusSchool of Nursing 104 North Caraway Road Jonesboro, AR 72401 (870) 972-3074 | astate.edu |
Arkansas Tech University CampusDepartment of Nursing 215 West O Street Russellville, AR 72801 (844) 804-2628 | atu.edu |
University of Arkansas OnlineEleanor Mann School of Nursing 2 East Center Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-6640 | online.uark.edu |
University of Arkansas at Monticello CampusSchool of Nursing 124 University Place Monticello, AR 71656 (870) 460-1069 | uamont.edu |
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff CampusDepartment of Nursing 1200 N. University Drive Pine Bluff, AR 71601 (870) 575-8000 | uapb.edu |
University of Central Arkansas CampusSchool of Nursing 201 Donaghey Ave. Conway, AR 72035 (501) 450-3119 | uca.edu |
California
Program | Website |
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Azusa Pacific University - Inland Empire CampusSchool of Nursing 375 W. Hospitality Lane San Bernardino, CA 92408 (626) 815-6000 x5386 | apu.edu |
Azusa Pacific University - Monrovia CampusSchool of Nursing 606 E. Huntington Dr. Monrovia, CA 91016 (626) 815-6000 x5386 | apu.edu |
California State University - Fullerton CampusSchool of Nursing 800 N. State College Blvd. Fullerton, CA 92831 (657) 278-3336 | nursing.fullerton.edu |
California State University - San Marcos CampusSchool of Nursing 333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road San Marcos, CA 92096 (760) 750-7553 | csusm.edu |
California State University, East Bay Campus25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard Hayward, CA 94542 (510) 885-3000 | csueastbay.edu |
California State University, Stanislaus CampusSchool of Nursing One University Circle Turlock, CA 95382 (209) 667-3141 | csustan.edu |
Chamberlain University - Sacramento Campus10971 Sun Center Drive Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (916) 330-3410 | chamberlain.edu |
National University CampusCollege of Professional Studies 11255 N Torrey Pines Rd San Diego, CA 92037 (800) 628-8648 | nu.edu |
West Coast University - Los Angeles Campus12215 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606 (818) 299-5500 | westcoastuniversity.edu |
West Coast University - Ontario Campus2855 E. Guasti Rd. Ontario, CA 91761 (909) 467-6100 | westcoastuniversity.edu |
West Coast University - Orange County Campus1477 S. Manchester Ave. Anaheim, CA 92802 (714) 782-1700 | westcoastuniversity.edu |
Colorado
Program | Website |
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Colorado Mesa University CampusDepartment of Health Sciences 1100 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 248-1020 | coloradomesa.edu |
Florida
Program | Website |
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Chamberlain University - Jacksonville Campus5200 Belfort Road Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 251-8100 | chamberlain.edu |
Chamberlain University - Miramar Campus2300 SW 145th Avenue Miramar, FL 33027 (954) 885-3510 | chamberlain.edu |
West Coast University - Miami Campus9250 NW 36th Street Doral, FL 33178 (786) 501-7070 | westcoastuniversity.edu |
Georgia
Program | Website |
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Chamberlain University - Atlanta Campus5775 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE Suite A-100 Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 250-8500 | chamberlain.edu |
Georgia Southern University - Armstrong CampusSchool of Nursing 11935 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA 31419 (912) 344-2576 | chp.georgiasouthern.edu |
Georgia Southern University - Statesboro CampusSchool of Nursing 1332 Southern Drive Statesboro, GA 30458 (912) 478-4636 | chp.georgiasouthern.edu |
Piedmont College CampusR.H. Daniel School of Nursing and Health Sciences 595 Prince Avenue Athens, GA 30601 (800) 277-7020 | piedmont.edu |
Hawaii
Program | Website |
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Hawaii Pacific University CampusCollege of Health and Society 1 Aloha Tower Drive Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 544-0200 | hpu.edu |
Idaho
Program | Website |
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Lewis-Clark State College CampusNursing and Health Sciences Division 500 8th Avenue Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 792-5272 | catalog.lcsc.edu |
Illinois
Program | Website |
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Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences Campus3609 N. Marx Drive Quincy, IL 62305 (217) 228-5520 | brcn.edu |
Bradley University Campus1501 W Bradley Ave Leoria, IL 61625 (309) 676-7611 | bradley.edu |
Chamberlain University - Addison Campus1221 North Swift Road Addison, IL 60101 (630) 953-3660 | chamberlain.edu |
Chamberlain University - Chicago Campus3300 North Campbell Ave Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 961-3000 | chamberlain.edu |
Chamberlain University - Tinley Park Campus18624 West Creek Drive Tinley Park, IL 60477 (708) 560-2000 | chamberlain.edu |
Lakeview College of Nursing - Charleston Campus580 W. Lincoln Avenue Charleston, IL 61920 (217) 345-1575 | lakeviewcol.edu |
Lakeview College of Nursing - Danville Campus903 N. Logan Avenue Danville, IL 61832 (217) 709-0920 | lakeviewcol.edu |
Saint Xavier University CampusSchool of Nursing and Health Sciences 3700 W. 103rd Street Chicago, IL 60655 (844) 468-6798 | sxu.edu |
Indiana
Program | Website |
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Ball State University CampusSchool of Nursing 2000 W. University Ave. Muncie, IN 47306 (765) 285-5571 | bsu.edu |
Chamberlain University - Indianapolis Campus9100 Keystone Crossing Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317) 816-7335 | chamberlain.edu |
Indiana State University Online200 North Seventh Street Terre Haute, IN 47809 (800) 468-6478 | indstate.edu |
Iowa
Program | Website |
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Iowa Wesleyan University Campus601 North Main Mount Pleasant, IA 52641 (319) 385-8021 | iw.edu |
Kansas
Program | Website |
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Fort Hays Sate University CampusDepartment of Nursing 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601 (785) 628-3478 | fhsu.edu |
Hesston College Campus301 S. Main St. Hesston, KS 67062 (620) 327-4221 | hesston.edu |
Washburn University CampusSchool of Nursing 1700 SW College Ave. Topeka, KS 66621 (785) 670-1525 | washburn.edu |
Wichita State University CampusSchool of Nursing 1845 Fairmout Street Wichitia, KS 67260 (316) 978-5801 | wichita.edu |
Louisiana
Program | Website |
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Chamberlain University - New Orleans Campus400 Labarre Road Jefferson, LA 70121 (504) 565-7995 | chamberlain.edu |
Dillard University CampusCollege of Nursing 2601 Gentilly Boulevard New Orleans, LA 70122 (504) 283-8822 | dillard.edu |
McNeese State University CampusCollege of Nursing and Health Professions 4205 Ryan Street Lake Charles, LA 70605 (800) 622-3352 | mcneese.edu |
Nicholls State University CampusCollege of Nursing 906 East 1st Street Thibodaux, LA 70301 (877) 642-4655 | nicholls.edu |
Northwestern State University CampusCollege of Nursing & School of Allied Health 175 Sam Sibley Dr Natchitoches, LA 71497 (318) 357-6011 | nsula.edu |
Southeastern Louisiana University CampusSchool of Nursing 500 W University Ave Hammond, LA 70402 (800) 222-7358 | southeastern.edu |
University of Louisiana Monroe CampusKitty DeGree School of Nursing 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209 (318) 342-1640 | ulm.edu |
Massachusetts
Program | Website |
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Fitchburg State University Campus160 Pearl Street Fitchburg, MA 01420 (978) 665-3000 | fitchburgstate.edu |
Salem State University CampusSchool of Nursing 352 Lafayette Street Salem, MA 01970 (978) 542-6200 | catalog.salemstate.edu |
Worcester State University CampusDr. Lillian R. Goodman Nursing Department 486 Chandler Street Worcester, MA 01602 (508) 929-8000 | catalog.worcester.edu |
Michigan
Program | Website |
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Chamberlain University - Troy Campus200 Kirts Blvd., Suite C Troy, MI 48084 (248) 817-4140 | chamberlain.edu |
Davenport University CampusCollege of Health Professions 6191 Kraft Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 (800) 686-1600 | davenport.edu |
Madonna University Campus36600 Schoolcraft Road Livonia, MI 48150 (734) 432-5300 | madonna.edu |
Northern Michigan University CampusSchool of Nursing 1401 Presque Isle Ave. Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 227-1000 | nmu.edu |
Minnesota
Program | Website |
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Herzing University - Minneapolis Campus435 Ford Road St. Louis Park, MN 55426 (612) 360-2484 | herzing.edu |
Mississippi
Program | Website |
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William Carey University - Hattiesburg CampusSchool of Nursing 710 William Carey Parkway Hattiesburg, MS 39401 (601) 318-6051 | wmcarey.edu |
William Carey University - Tradition CampusSchool of Nursing 19640 Highway 67 Biloxi, MS 39532 (601) 318-6051 | wmcarey.edu |
Missouri
Program | Website |
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Chamberlain University - St. Louis Campus11830 Westline Industrial Drive, Suite 106 St. Louis, MO 63139 (314) 991-6200 | chamberlain.edu |
Cox College Campus1423 N. Jefferson Avenue Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 269-3401 | coxcollege.edu |
Montana
Program | Website |
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Helena College University of Montana - Donaldson Campus1115 N. Roberts Street Donaldson, MT 59601 (406) 447-6900 | helenacollege.edu |
Helena College University of Montana - Helena Campus2300 Airport Road Helena, MT 59601 (406) 447-6350 | helenacollege.edu |
Montana State University CampusCollege of Nursing 900 W Grant Street Bozeman, MT 59717 (406) 994-3783 | montana.edu |
Nebraska
Program | Website |
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Clarkson College Campus101 S. 42 Street Omaha, NE 68131 (402) 552-3100 | clarksoncollege.edu |
Midland University Campus900 North Clarkson Fremont, NE 68025 (800) 642-8382 | midlandu.edu |
Nebraska Methodist College Campus720 N. 87th Street Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 354-7000 | methodistcollege.edu |
Union College CampusDivision of Nursing 3800 South 48th Street Lincoln, NE 68506 (402) 486-2600 | ucollege.edu |
Nevada
Program | Website |
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Chamberlain University - Las Vegas Campus9901 Covington Cross Drive Las Vegas, NV 89144 (702) 786-1660 | chamberlain.edu |
New Jersey
Program | Website |
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Chamberlain University - North Brunswick Campus630 U.S. Highway 1 North Brunswick, NJ 08902 (732) 875-1300 | chamberlain.edu |
North Carolina
Program | Website |
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Chamberlain University - Charlotte Campus2015 Ayrsley Town Blvd., Suite 204 Charlotte, NC 28273 (980) 939-6241 | chamberlain.edu |
Ohio
Program | Website |
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Chamberlain University - Cleveland Campus6700 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44103 (216) 361-6005 | chamberlain.edu |
Chamberlain University - Columbus Campus1350 Alum Creek Drive Columbus, OH 43209 (614) 252-8890 | chamberlain.edu |
South Dakota
Program | Website |
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Presentation College Online1500 North Main Street Aberdeen, SD 57401 (800) 437-6060 | presentation.edu |
Texas
Program | Website |
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Chamberlain University - Houston Campus11025 Equity Drive Houston, TX 77041 (713) 277-9800 | chamberlain.edu |
Chamberlain University - Irving Campus4800 Regent Blvd Irving, TX 75063 (469) 706-6705 | chamberlain.edu |
Chamberlain University - Pearland Campus12000 Shadow Creek Pearland, TX 77584 (832) 664-7000 | chamberlain.edu |
Chamberlain University - San Antonio Campus9810 Highway 151 San Antonio, TX 78251 (210) 750-8000 | chamberlain.edu |
West Coast University - Dallas Campus8435 N. Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75247 (214) 453-4533 | westcoastuniversity.edu |
West Virginia
Program | Website |
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Alderson Broaddus University CampusSchool of Nursing 101 College Hill Drive Philippi , WV 26416 (800) 263-1549 | ab.edu |
Wisconsin
Program | Website |
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Herzing University - Brookfield Campus15895 W. Bluemound Road Brookfield, WI 53005 (262) 457-7624 | herzing.edu |
Herzing University - Kenosha Campus4006 Washington Rd Kenosha, WI 53144 (262) 293-5475 | herzing.edu |
Herzing University - Madison Campus5218 East Terrace Drive Madison, WI 53718 (608) 807-1909 | herzing.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.