Don’t you want to attend an on-campus LPN to RN program? You have the option of an accelerated 6 month LPN to RN program online, which enhances the skills of LPNs and prepares them to perform the role of registered nurse in healthcare settings.
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For those Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who want to advance their careers by becoming a registered nurse (RN), the accelerated 6 month LPN to RN program online is a great option. The program allows you to complete coursework remotely.
Whether you want to improve your clinical skills, gain more employment prospects, or earn more money, an accelerated LPN-RN bridge program may be a good fit for you. With the help of these time-efficient LPN to RN programs, you can complete your coursework more quickly and effectively and become a licensed registered nurse.
Explore the best 6 month LPN to RN program online offered by various institutions!
Key Takeaways
- You can become a registered nurse (RN) if you are already a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and want to advance your career.
- This program is online so you can learn from home.
- You can finish the program in 6 months.
- As an RN, you can work in many places like hospitals and nursing homes and make more money than you do as an LPN.
- Some programs require attending in-person classes or labs.
- To be eligible for this program, you typically need to have a valid LPN license and some work experience.
Benefits of Online LPN to RN Program
The online LPN to RN program offers many benefits to LPNs who want to become RNs. Let’s check out the benefits:
- Online LPN to RN programs allow nurses to hold advanced positions in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, home health services, and physician offices.
- Nurses should expect large pay increases as a result of these programs. As of May 2022, the average annual salary for RNs was $81,220, a significant increase compared to LPNs.
- With the flexibility of online education provided by these programs, nurses can further their education and improve their job prospects while working.
- You can eliminate on-campus costs like housing and transportation by enrolling in online LPN to RN programs, which can also reduce the cost of the program.
- Advanced technologies are often used by online platforms, which enhance the educational process through interactive tools and simulations.
- Through these programs, you can access a wide range of online tools that enhance the learning process, such as discussion boards, multimedia materials, and virtual labs.
List of Best 6 Month LPN to RN Program Online
| College | Location | Type | Acceptance Rate | Program |
| Catawba Valley Community College | Hickory, North Carolina | Public | 100% | Early afternoon and evening classes |
| Highland Community College | Highland, Kansas | Public | 100% | 6 to 9-month program |
| Hutchinson Community College | Hutchinson, Kansas | Public | 100% | Online bridge course |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | Perkinston, Mississippi | Public | 100% | State-of-the-art hybrid program |
| Sampson Community College | Clinton, North Carolina | Public | 100% | Online program with minimal on-campus requirements |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | 75% | Accelerated LPN to RN program (hybrid) |
| ATA College | El Cajon, California | Private | 100% | Accelerated LPN to RN program (hybrid) |
1. Catawba Valley Community College
- Established: 1958
- Institution Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Location: Hickory, North Carolina, US
The LPN to RN program at Catawba Valley Community College is designed for LPNs who want to advance their nursing careers. Early afternoon and evening classes are available for this 6 month LPN to RN program online. Students are required to attend laboratory and clinical sessions in person, even though didactic courses are delivered entirely online.
Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. Before beginning the program, all general education requirements must be met. Students completing the course will be equipped with critical thinking and evidence-based practice skills. The primary requirement for program enrollment is that you must have a valid LPN license in North Carolina. You must also earn at least a C in the required courses.
2. Highland Community College
- Established: 1858
- Institution Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Location: Highland, Kansas, US
If you want to take your nursing career to the next level, one of the best 6 to 9-month LPN to RN programs is available at Highland Community College. The curriculum, which is for LPNs, includes laboratory and clinical instruction in addition to online didactic courses. This 6 month LPN to RN program online provides comprehensive instruction in basic nursing topics, including advanced mental health nursing, advanced med-surg nursing, high-risk maternal-infant care, and nurse leadership.
Completion of a minimum of 22 credits of nursing coursework is required to graduate. Once the coursework is complete, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.
3. Hutchinson Community College
- Established: 1928
- Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Location: Hutchinson, Kansas, US
Hutchinson Community College offers an online bridging course from LPN to RN. This accelerated course not only prepares students to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain their RN license, but it also prepares them to transfer to a four-year university. This 69-credit online bridge program, accredited by ACEN, provides practical nurses the flexibility needed to complete their education while meeting their professional commitments.
The 6 month LPN to RN program online covers the core topics, including complex adult care, pathophysiology, and family care. Students complete their academic courses online, but they also participate in various clinical programs to gain practical experience. To be eligible for this program, you must have an active LPN license with a minimum 2.0 GPA and proof of 1,000 work hours in your previous college coursework.
4. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Established: 1912
- Institution Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Location: Perkinston, Mississippi, US
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s state-of-the-art hybrid program delivers a unique learning experience by seamlessly combining in-person and online training. Students benefit from direct engagement and support when classes require a minimum of 25% in-person attendance. Designed with prospective registered nurses in mind, the program offers flexibility in the form of hybrid weekday and evening/weekend programs to suit a variety of schedules.
Accredited by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, this 6 month LPN to RN program online requires 66 credits for graduation, ensuring a comprehensive educational journey for LPNs to transition to the next level in their careers.
5. Sampson Community College
- Established: 1967
- Institution Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Location: Clinton, North Carolina, US
For those looking for a better online 6 to 9 month LPN to RN program, this online program is a great option. The course offers an accelerated route to becoming a registered nurse. Students are required to come to school only for orientation and examinations. Most of the program is accessible through online delivery.
The LPN to RN program includes both clinical and online didactic training components. Students who successfully complete the program are equipped to take the NCLEX-RN examination.
Based on your LPN education and experience, Sampson Business College’s LPN to RN program consists of 69 credits of instruction. However since you already have an LPN license, you may be eligible to transfer credits, reducing the total amount of credits required.
To be eligible for this 6 month LPN to RN program online, you must currently hold a valid LPN license in North Carolina. Additionally, within the last two years, you must have completed at least 2000 hours of LPN experience in a skilled nursing facility or med-surg unit.
6. Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Established: 1914
- Institution Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Location: Williamsport, Pennsylvania, US
An Associate of Applied Science Nursing degree is offered by the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s accelerated LPN to RN program. Under the hybrid system, students come to campus once a week and complete most of their nursing classes online. LPN to RN job transition, medical surgical nursing, psychosocial nursing, and pediatric nursing are among the courses offered. This 6 month LPN to RN program online, which is accredited by the ACEN, requires a 2.5 GPA and Pennsylvania LPN licensure for admission.
7. ATA College
- Established: 1996
- Institution Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Location: El Cajon, California, US
To prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), ATA Colleges offers a hybrid accelerated LPN to RN program. You’ll benefit from the flexibility of online learning in this 90-credit hybrid program, but you’ll also receive comprehensive practical instruction through in-person laboratories and clinical experiences.
Medical-surgical nursing, advanced pharmacology, maternal health, and mental health nursing are some of the subjects included in the core nursing curriculum. Before completing this 6 month online LPN to RN program, nursing students must complete an integrated practicum of 4 credits.
How Online LPN to RN Programs Work?
Through virtual learning platforms, online LPN to RN programs help licensed practical nurses (LPNs) become registered nurses (RNs). The flexible schedules that these programs typically provide enable working LPNs to juggle their work and school obligations. Advanced nursing concepts, health care leadership, and the critical thinking abilities required for RN responsibilities are incorporated into the curriculum in which students participate.
To ensure practical learning, the program often combines theoretical elements, interactive simulations, and locally organized clinical experiences. Email, video conferences, and discussion boards are used for communication with peers and teachers.
Clinical requirements, which include supervised practice in health care settings to apply theoretical knowledge, are an essential component of this online LPN to RN program. These clinical experiences are arranged by students in their local communities, which facilitates distance learning. Examinations, assignments, and clinical competency assessments are examples of evaluation methods.
Requirements for Accelerated LPN to RN Bridge Programs
- Active LPN License: To be eligible for accelerated LPN to RN bridge programs, candidates are often required to hold a current, valid Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.
- Work Experience: To ensure that applicants have real-world experience in healthcare settings, many schools may mandate a minimum level of clinical experience as an LPN.
- Educational Requirements: Often required to complete specific required courses or have a practical nursing diploma. This may include subjects, including microbiology, anatomy, and physiology.
- GPA Requirements: To enroll in introductory courses or demonstrate prior academic success, many programs have minimum GPA requirements. This ensures that applicants have a strong background in relevant fields.
- Transcript Submission: Official transcripts from the LPN program and any additional courses that are relevant must be submitted by the applicant in most cases.
- Letters of Recommendation: To verify a candidate’s skills and work ethic, some programs may ask for letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or professional colleagues.
- Tests for Admission: To determine a candidate’s intellectual preparation for the RN program, they may be required to pass a standardized nursing entrance exam, such as the TEAS.
- Interview Process: As part of the admissions process, some schools may require an interview to assess the candidate’s communication abilities and motivation to become a registered nurse.
- Background Checks and Drug Screening: To guarantee adherence to ethical and legal guidelines in the healthcare industry, many institutions require that applicants submit to a background check and drug testing.
Where can I work with an online LPN-to-RN program?
There are many job options after you finish your online LPN-to-RN program. Hospitals are the biggest employers of RNs. In 2022, the BLS said 59% of RNs worked in state, local, and private hospitals.
But there are other places to work. About 18% of RNs had jobs in ambulatory healthcare services. 6% worked in nursing and residential care facilities. 5% had government roles, and 3% worked in educational services.
It’s important to look at the need for nurses in different areas when deciding where to work. By 2030, Nurse.org expects a shortage of RNs in 42 out of 50 states. North Dakota, Colorado, Texas, Florida, and Nevada may face the biggest shortages.
North Dakota may only meet 84% of its nursing demand. Interestingly, states with the most nurses like California (325,620) and Texas (231,060) also face shortages, especially Texas. There are clearly many job opportunities available once you complete an online LPN-to-RN program.
How much can I make with an online LPN-to-RN program?
In the year 2022, nurses were paid quite well for their work. The normal amount they earned each year was $81,220. However, some nurses earned less than $61,250. Other nurses made more than $129,400 each year. It is a good job that pays well.
After finishing a nursing program online, nurses can get very different pay. It depends on where they work and what type of place it is. For example, in California, nurses earn about $133,340 per year on average.
This is the highest pay in the United States. After California, the states with the highest pay for nurses are Hawaii ($113,220), Oregon ($106,610), Massachusetts ($104,150), and Alaska ($103,310).
The type of workplace also affects how much nurses get paid. Nurses working for the government earn the most, with a normal amount of $92,310 per year. Nurses at hospitals run by states, local areas, or private groups earn around $82,250.
Those at ambulatory healthcare places earn $78,670. At nursing homes, nurses earn $75,410 on average. Nurses working at schools earn about $65,450 per year.
How long does it take to complete an online LPN-to-RN program?
It can take a different amount of time to finish an online program that allows licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to become registered nurses (RNs). The time it takes depends on the school and how the program is set up.
For example, the program at Allegany College of Maryland is pretty fast. It only takes 15 weeks. But the program at the University of Arkansas takes much longer, from 2 to 3 years, and leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. A common length for an LPN to RN online program is around 6 months.
Some programs, like the ones at Missouri State University-West Plains and West Kentucky Community and Technical College, are designed to be practical and manageable for working nurses.
These take about a year to complete. On the other hand, Kent State University has a hybrid LPN-to-BSN program that combines online and in-person classes. This program takes around 27 months.
Similarly, the program at Indiana State University spans over 9 semesters or around 2-3 years. The different lengths show how flexible online LPN-to-RN programs can be. Students can choose a program that fits their career goals and personal situation.
How does an online LPN-to-RN program compare to an on-campus program?
Online learning is now on the same level as in-person classes, mainly when the programs check certain boxes. According to Drexel University, employers view online degrees from colleges with physical campuses, regional accreditation, and a well-known brand as equal to on-campus programs.
For example, 76% of academic leaders believe that online and on-campus degrees are similar. This view increases to 89% if the online program is linked to a college with a physical location.
When looking at programs like the top pharmacy technician schools or getting a BSN degree, the college’s reputation and recognition are crucial. Human resources directors and CEOs usually value degrees like BSN from well-known colleges.
In fact, 92% of brick-and-mortar universities do not differentiate between the type of degree awarded. Whether you choose an online or on-campus path, the most important factor is not how you earn your degree, but where you earn it.
What is the average cost of online LPN-to-RN programs?
Many people see online LPN-to-RN programs as equal to on-campus ones, especially if they meet certain rules. Drexel University says employers view online degrees from schools with physical campuses, regional approvals, and well-known names as on par with on-campus degrees.
For example, 76% of academic leaders believe online degrees are as good as on-campus ones, and this view increases to 89% if the online program is linked to a school with a physical campus.
The cost of a 6-month LPN to RN program can vary a lot based on things like if the school is public or private, if the program is for an associate or bachelor’s degree, and how the program charges fees.
For example, Allegany College of Maryland offers one of the most affordable online LPN-to-RN programs, with an estimated yearly cost of $4,920 for in-state students. However, a program like Missouri State University-West Plains costs $8,965 for tuition and fees for the one-year program.
FAQs
1. Are entrance exams required for admission to the LPN to RN program?
Depending on the nursing program, you may be required to take an entrance exam for admission. The most widely used entrance exams for RNs and LPNs are the Nursing Entrance Exam (NET), the TEAS, and the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission (PAX).
2. What is the fastest LPN to RN program?
ADN-granting LPN-to-RN bridge programs can be completed in as little as 1 year. Depending on RN-to-BSN course prerequisites and the amount of transfer credits accepted from prior coursework, the program may take 1 to 2 years to earn a BSN.
3. What is the fastest you can become an RN?
The fastest path to becoming an RN is to complete a 2-year ADN degree. The quickest path to developing into an RN was previously through RN nursing diploma programs, but most hospitals that offer these have now partnered with community schools to offer ADN programs.
4. What is the fastest track to LPN?
By enrolling in a vocational school diploma program, you can become an LPN in the fastest way possible. In months rather than years, full-time students are prepared for the workforce and are eligible for the same professional certifications as those completing their undergraduate degree programs.
5. How long does it take to complete an online LPN to RN program?
An online LPN to RN program can last anywhere between 1 to 2 years, depending on the specific needs, student pace, and curriculum structure. It’s important to take these factors into account and choose a program that fits your schedule and goals.
Conclusion
The 6 month LPN to RN program online emphasizes the theoretical knowledge, clinical abilities, and fundamental nursing competencies required for RN employment. Because of the flexibility of the format, working LPNs can combine their studies with their job. The effectiveness of the program accelerates RNs’ entry into the workforce, helping to meet the need for healthcare staff.
Furthermore, the program guarantees a smooth transition for LPNs, maximizes their professional development, and raises the general standard of patient care through a comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of modern nursing practice.
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