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Top 20 LPN to BSN Programs
If you're a licensed practical nurse (LPN or LVN), you're probably already working in the field, and that puts you in a unique situation when it comes to continuing your education and advancing your career. One route is to become a registered nurse (RN) by completing an Associate Degree program in Nursing (ASN) and then passing the NCLEX-RN examination. However, more and more nurses are seeing the benefits of earning a four-year nursing degree, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Why Apply for an LPN to BSN Program?
Both the time commitment and cost of earning your BSN are higher than with an ASN, but the benefits make up for it. Nurses with BSN degrees have more options in their careers, with the ability to become a specialist, a public health nurse, or even a nurse educator. Also, the salary for nurses with a BSN is significantly higher than compared to nurses who are only RNs. According to Nursing Journal, "an RN earns a median of $39,100 while a BSN holder earns $69,000." Most importantly, the education you receive with a BSN trains you to better treat patients.
New Options
The traditional route for LPNs seeking their BSN is to first become an RN and then transfer into a four-year college. This piecemeal approach can be time-consuming, complicated, and highly-frustrating. That's why more and more nursing schools are offering LPN to BSN programs. Some of the schools offer LPN to BSN bridge programs, others offer direct LPN to BSN programs, and some even allow you to go from an LPN to BSN online. Almost all of these programs offer more flexibility and are streamlined, so as to minimize the number of years you need to be in school before earning your BSN.
Finding the Right LPN to BSN School for You
LPN to BSN programs can be more difficult to find than standard BSN programs, and that's why we've done the ground work for you. Here are the Top 20 LPN to BSN programs. All you need to do now is pick the one that's best for you and apply!
1. Waynesburg University
Waynesburg University is a private Christian college in Pennsylvania with a student to faculty ratio of 13:1. Amazingly, graduates from Waynesburg University's nursing program achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX examination for five years straight, from the years 2008-2012, and graduates continue to score at near perfect passing rate.
State of the Art Learning Opportunities
Waynesburg University nursing classes are taught by experienced nursing faculty, not teaching assistants, and the program has a new advanced simulation lab, as well as opportunities for clinical practice early on in the program. LPNs can enter the BSN program as first-year students on a full-time or part-time basis, adding work flexibility. Applicants to the program must first apply for admission to the university and fulfill the prerequisite courses before entering the nursing program. Because Waynesburg University is a private institution, tuition is costly, but the university offers a wide range of scholarships that can help cut costs.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 99.3%
Program Length/Credit Hours: 124
Admission Requirements: LPN license, admission to university, prerequisites with 3.3 GPA
In-state Tuition: $20,540/year
Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
2. California State University San Marcos
The California State University system has a handful of schools that offer outstanding LPN to BSN programs—including CSU Chico, CSU Fullerton, CSU San Bernardino, CSU Stanislaus, and CSU Hayward—but CSU San Marcos consistently prepares students to pass the NCLEX-RN examination at a higher rate. And because it is a state college, tuition is much lower than compared to private colleges.
Enter the Program with a Leg Up
Located in sunny San Diego County, CSU San Marcos' nursing program offers an LVN to BSN program that integrates LVN students into a cohort of traditional BSN students, with a 33-month track for earning your BSN. If you pass the LVN Skills assessment test, you can be awarded up to 17 nursing credits coming into the program, which gives you a great head start, and means you only have to attend part-time during your first year.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 77-92
Admission Requirements: California LVN license, assessment test, prerequisites with 2.75 GPA
In-state Tuition: $7,059/year
3. Bradley University
Located in Peoria, Illinois, Bradley University is a private university that is ranked the #4 university in the Midwest by US News & World Report. The nursing program was established in 1956 and offers numerous tracks, including an LPN to BSN track where you can earn 11 credit hours for the experience you already have.
Combine Education with Clinical Experience
Bradley's nursing program integrates a liberal arts education with practical and theoretical nursing courses and clinical experience, which you can begin as early as your sophomore year. As the university describes, if you're accepted into the nursing program and maintain your GPA during your first two years, you're guaranteed a "seamless progression into the clinical nursing phases of your education."
Admission Requirements: LPN license
Tuition: $31,110/year
Accreditation: Yes (ACEN)
4. Worcester State College
Worcester State College is a liberal arts and sciences college in Worcester, Massachusetts. The nursing program, the Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Nursing Department, has been educating nurses for over 38 years, and takes an evidence-based and multidisciplinary approach to training nurses.
A Program with Flexibility
The LPN-to-BS track offers a flexible schedule and the ability to attend classes part-time. Like the standard track, the LPN-to-BS track focuses on combining coursework with hands-on experience, both in a modern nursing simulation lab and at local healthcare organizations. Similar to other LPN to BSN programs, you can also earn credits for your experience as an LPN, up to 18 if you pass the entrance exam. Unlike some of the other programs, however, you enter the nursing program at Worcester State as a freshman rather than having to apply after earning your prerequisites.
Admission Requirements: LPN license, entrance exams
In-state Tuition: $8,857.00
5. Newman University
Located in Wichita, Kansas, Newman University is a Catholic liberal arts university. The nursing program features small class sizes and personalized instruction both in the classroom and at the major teaching hospitals in the area.
Easy Transition to a BSN
Newman University's LPN to BSN program gives you credit for three nursing courses coming in as an LPN, and all you have to do to transition into the program once accepted is take a 2-credit hour bridge course. From that point on, you're basically on the same track as someone taking the traditional route to their BSN, except you've already completed three courses. You can enter the nursing program after completion of pre-requisite courses, and you must have your LPN license from the state of Kansas to be eligible for the LPN to BSN program.
Admission Requirements: Kansas LPN license, pre-requisites (57 credit hours)
6. North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University, located in Fargo, North Dakota, is "a student-focused, land-grant, research university with more than 14,000 students from 47 states and 79 countries." The nursing program has student to faculty ration of 8:1, and prides itself on the strength of its faculty, who are active members of the nursing profession.
Earn Your BSN Online
What makes North Dakota State University's LPN to BSN track unique, is that it is completed primarily online. This is particularly advantageous for working LPNs. The track is a six-semester program that includes summers, and requires occasional time on campus. In order to be admitted to the LPN to BSN track, you must have both an LPN license and an Associate degree in nursing prior to applying.
Program Length/Credit Hours: six semesters (34 credit hours)
Admission Requirements: LPN license, Associate degree in nursing
In-state Tuition: $362/semester
Out-of-state Tuition: $968/semester
7. University of Louisiana Monroe
The Kitty DeGree School of Nursing was established at the University of Louisiana Monroe in 1960 and has a long history of excellence. The school provides a broad based education to prepare you for work in a wide variety of nursing environments.
A Three-Part Program
The LPN to BSN track breaks your education down into three phases: three semesters of pre-nursing, a bridge semester, and then four semesters of professional nursing courses. If you're accepted into the LPN to BSN track, you can attend full-time or part-time, giving you the flexibility to work and attend school.
Admission Requirements: Louisiana LPN license
In-state Tuition: $3,829/semester
8. Pacific Lutheran University
Located in Tacoma, Washington, Pacific Lutheran University's school of nursing offers a liberal arts education that combines nursing science with a foundation in the arts and the natural sciences.
Preparation for the Complexities of the Healthcare System
The LPN to BSN track at Pacific Lutheran University requires allows you to apply to the university first to earn your prerequisites, or you can apply to both the university and nursing school at the same time if you've already met the prerequisites at a community college. Whichever rout you might choose, your education at Pacific Lutheran University will include not only the technical skills and knowledge you need to be a nurse, but also an understanding of modern information systems and how to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 5 semesters
Admission Requirements: LPN license, prerequisites with 3.0 GPA
9. Piedmont College
Piedmont College, located in Demorest, Georgia, boasts an impressive student to faculty ration of 14:1, and although it is a private college, over 96% of students receive need-based financial aid or scholarships, averaging $12,208.
The LPN to BSN program is designed to provide career mobility for you. In addition to gaining a liberal arts education you will get real world experience with clinical practice in healthcare settings, including the opportunity to work with under-served populations.
Admission Requirements: Georgia LPN license, prerequisites with minimum 2.5 GPA
10. Daytona State College
Daytona State College's school of nursing is specifically designed to offer a variety of education programs to create a career ladder for nurses. As such, the LPN to BSN track is a bridge program: you first earn your ADN degree and then enroll in the ADN to BSN program.
Stepping up the Ladder
The benefit of this bridge program is that you can take the NCLEX-RN test after your first two years, and then work as an RN while you complete the second phase of your education. Both parts of the bridge program can be completed at Daytona State College, or you can transfer into the program after earning your AND.
Admission Requirements: Florida LPN license, 2.5 GPA
Accreditation: Yes (ACEN for ADN, SACCOC for BSN)
11. Carson Newman College
Carson Newman College is a Baptist liberal arts college in Jefferson City, Tennessee, just 30 minutes from Knoxville. It is ranked as the #1 college in the nation for community service, and as the #7 baccalaureate college in the nation.
Traditional or Accelerated Programs
The nursing program at Carson Newman College has two tracks for earning your BSN, a traditional, 4-year track, and an accelerated track, which can be completed in 8 consecutive semesters. With your LPN you can take either track, and then "challenge" your upper division courses and get credit for your previous education and experience by passing the challenge exam.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 68 + prerequisites
Admission Requirements: prerequisites of 2.75 GPA or higher, LPN and challenge exams
Tuition: $12,100/semester
12. Ball State University
Located in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State University is committed to entrepreneurial learning, meaning an education there is an immersive experience, with a combination of classroom studies, research, and involvement with community partners.
Individualized Attention
The school of nursing at Ball State University is focused on providing individual attention and one-on-one instruction. The LPN Transition Track allows you to apply your prior coursework to you BSN degree, to help give you a head start. The program begins with a summer transition semester, and you will get individual help from the Associate Director of the program to help individualize your plan of study.
Admission Requirements: Indiana LPN license, prerequisites with minimum 3.0 GPA
13. Harding University
Harding University is a private Christian college located in Searcy, Arkansas, approximately 50 miles north-east of Little Rock. The university's Carr College of Nursing was founded in 1975, and offers close teacher-student relationships and mentoring with a focus on practice-oriented critical thinking. In line with their Christian affiliation, Harding University also offers mission opportunities where you can volunteer your nursing skills to help those in need both in the United States and abroad.
Start on an Advanced Placement Track
The BSN program at Harding University is broken into two parts. Applicants must first complete the pre-nursing curriculum and then they can apply to the Carr College of Nursing. LPNs with work experience can start the BSN program on an advanced placement track, meaning that based upon on your prior education and work experience, you can receive credit for some of the required courses.
Admission Requirements: Arkansas LPN license, prerequisites.
Accreditation: Yes (ACEN and ASBN)
14. Allen College
Located in Waterloo, Iowa, Allen College is a healthcare educational institution that has been preparing nurses for over 90 years, with a focus on clinical preparation. As such, you must first complete your prerequisite courses at another academic institution. Allen College has partnered with several other local universities to this end, or if you've earned your Associate degree at a two-year college, you can contact Allen College to see if your degree meets the requirements for transferring.
Traditional or Fast Track
Allen College offers several tracks to earn a BSN, including an LPN to BSN track with two options: an Accelerated Option and a Five Semester Traditional Option. Both tracks allow for you to transfer in 7 credit hours for your previous education as an LPN. The Accelerated Option can be completed in 4 consecutive semesters, including the summer term, which is ideal for those looking to earning their BSN quickly.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 58
Admission Requirements: Iowa LPN license, prerequisites from another institution with minimum 3.0 GPA
In-state Tuition: $33,292 total
Accreditation: Yes (CCNE and HLC)
15. Idaho State University
Idaho State University is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institute. It was founded in 1901 and is located in Pocatello, Idaho. The university's nursing school has a state-of-the-art human simulation lab and a track record of preparing students for passing the NCLEX-RN examination.
A Traditional but Modern BSN
With your LPN, you can enter the Traditional BSN track at Idaho State University. As with many other BSN programs, you must first complete prerequisite courses prior to applying to the nursing program, and you can earn credit toward those courses with you LPN education. The BSN program includes traditional on-site classes, online classes, interactive telecommunication, and clinical experience in both the human simulation lab and at local community hospitals.
Admission Requirements: Prerequisites with minimum 3.0 GPA
Out-of-state tuition: $10,981
16. Nebraska Methodist College
Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Nebraska Methodist College is a dedicated nursing and healthcare college affiliated with the Methodist Health System. The college was established in 1891 and provides a holistic and nurturing program.
Leveraging Your LPN
Nebraska Methodist College's LPN to BSN program is designed to help you leverage the education and experience you already have as an LPN. The program is a 2-phase program. The first phase includes your general education courses and an LPN Bridge course to allow you to get credit for your previous education. The second phase is six semesters long and immerses you in a comprehensive nursing curriculum.
Admission Requirements: LPN license, minimum 2.5 GPA
Tuition: $552/credit hour
17. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Nursing
Founded in 1911, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Nursing is a nationally recognized college dedicated to training students for professions in healthcare. Like many other dedicated nursing schools, you must first complete your prerequisite general education courses, either at The University of Oklahoma or another academic institution.
Transform Work Experience into Credits
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Nursing has two tracks for earning your BSN in the LPN to BSN program, a full-time 9-month track, and a part-time 2-year track. Both tracks are 60 credit hour programs. The unique aspect of this program is that 30 of those credit hours can be earned through advanced standing examination based upon your past education as an LPN. You do, however, need to have at least 1 year of experience working as an LPN.
Admission Requirements: Oklahoma LPN license, 1 year of employment as LPN, prerequisites with minimum 2.5 GPA
In-State Tuition: $9,729 total
18. Sentara College of Health Sciences
Sentara College of Health Sciences, located in Chesapeake, Virginia, is a non-profit, clinical healthcare institution, affiliated with Sentara Healthcare. Founded in 1892, Sentara College of Health Sciences has a long history of educating nurses. In order to apply to the program, you must first complete your prerequisite general education courses at a separate institution.
Hands-on and Close-Knit
In the BSN program at Sentara College, you'll earn your degree as part of a small clinical group and gain 990 hours of hands-on clinical time. This approach has led to a 96% retention rate among students in the program. As an LPN, you can earn advanced placement, meaning a reduction in the nursing courses you are required to take.
Admission Requirements: Virginia LPN license, prerequisites at another institution
Tuition: $27,728 total
19. Georgia Southern University
Located in Statesboro, Georgia, Georgia Southern University is the largest and most comprehensive higher education institution south of Atlanta. It is a Carnegie Doctoral-Research university that has a "large-scale, small-feel."
Accelerated Track
With your LPN license you can earn your BSN on an accelerated track at Georgia Southern University. If you pass the individual exams, you will be given credit for 4 of the required nursing classes in the program. Prior to being admitted to the program, you do need to complete 45 credit hours of prerequisite courses at the university.
Credit hours: 126
Admission Requirements: Georgia LPN license, prerequisite courses
Tuition: $3,659/term
20. Colorado State University Pueblo
Colorado State University Pueblo is located in Pueblo, Colorado, a region renowned for its sunny weather and outdoor atmosphere. The nursing department provides a supportive and caring learning environment and provides opportunities for collaboration with regional healthcare agencies.
7-Credit Head Start
Like most other nursing programs, you must first complete your prerequisite general education courses before applying to the nursing program, either at Colorado State University Pueblo or as a transfer student from another college. Once in the program, you can earn credit for up to 7 nursing credit hours in the LPN to BSN track. The program is a traditional 120 credit-hour degree program
Admission Requirements: LPN license, prerequisite courses.
In-State Tuition: $3,591/term
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,095/term
Because you already have a head start on your education and career as an LPN, you should contact the nursing departments you're interested in before applying. Some of the schools might have special application processes for LPN to BSN students.
In addition, keep in mind that a BNS degree is a four-year degree, meaning you must take general education courses in addition to nursing courses. Many of the nursing programs offering BSNs require that you to complete the general educational courses as prerequisites prior to being admitted into their BSN program. Also, take care to note that some of programs require you to hold an LPN/LVN license in the same state as the college.
It can seem like a lot of information, but don't worry. You're ahead of the game compared to most nursing students. You've already begun your education, you have experience in the field, and you know what you want. Get in contact with your schools of choice and take the first step toward earning your BSN.
How The Schools Were Ranked
In order to be eligible, the schools on this list needed to offer an accredited BSN degree with a track for LPNs/LVNs. The schools were ranked based upon their student passing rates on for the NCLEX test for Registered Nurses. NCLEX-RN scores were obtained from public records from each individual state.
A weighted score was given to each school, based on their last four to five years of student scores, from 2010 to 2014, with the most recent years weighted more heavily. In cases where NCLEX-RN scores were equal, rankings were based upon tuition rates for the nursing programs, with lower tuition rates warranting a higher ranking.
Information on median salary rates was cited from Nursing Journal.
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