The Best Online LPN-to-BSN Programs
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- Best LPN-to-BSN Programs and Schools
- What To Look For in LPN-to-BSN Programs
- LPN-to-BSN Program Accreditation
- Applying to LPN-to-BSN Programs
- Paying for LPN-to-BSN Programs
- BSN Career Opportunities
- LPN-to-BSN FAQs
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Pixel-Shot / African / ShutterstockIf you are a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who wants to advance in your career, earning your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree online might be your strongest option.
There are lots of LPN-to-BSN bridge programs out there — so many that it can be tough to find the right one. What should you look for? How do you know if the school is credible?
In this guide, we’ve provided a ranking of the nation’s top LPN-to-BSN programs, as well as helpful tips for selecting the right school for you, optimizing your application, and preparing for the professional landscape that awaits after graduation.
Learn More About the Best LPN-to-BSN Programs & Schools
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,568
- Out-of-state$24,056
- In-State$7,752
- Out-of-state$21,032
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled27,562
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Excelsior College
- Albany, NY
- 4 year
- Online
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled21,974
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Kent State University at Kent
- Kent, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,810
- Out-of-state$19,686
- In-State$11,766
- Out-of-state$21,952
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled26,822
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Michigan University
- Marquette, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,882
- Out-of-state$17,504
- In-State$9,408
- Out-of-state$12,864
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled7,368
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,089
- Out-of-state$15,089
- In-State$12,038
- Out-of-state$12,038
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled1,212
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Weatherford, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$13,478
- In-State$6,294
- Out-of-state$12,966
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled4,898
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
Cedar Crest College
- Allentown, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$40,967
- Out-of-state$40,967
- In-State$14,852
- Out-of-state$14,852
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate52%
- Students Enrolled1,433
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Midland University
- Fremont, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,778
- Out-of-state$34,778
- In-State$14,796
- Out-of-state$14,796
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled1,765
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Kettering College
- Kettering, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,824
- Out-of-state$13,824
- In-State$39,761
- Out-of-state$39,761
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate21%
- Students Enrolled763
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
St. John's College-Department of Nursing
- Springfield, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$23,850
- Out-of-state$23,850
- In-State$16,488
- Out-of-state$16,488
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled118
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment3%
- AccreditationYes
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an LPN-to-BSN Program
Before choosing an online LPN-to-BSN, pay attention to important program features such as program length, clinical requirements, and proper accreditation. The key metrics described below, which form the basis for our rankings, can help you find the program that works best for you.
Admission Requirements
Schools establish admission criteria to help them select candidates with the qualifications needed to succeed in the program. Before you apply to an online LPN-to-BSN, make sure you can fulfill the admission requirements.
Program Curriculum
Before enrolling in an online LPN-to-BSN program, determine how many credits you can transfer from your previous nursing training and how many general education requirements you must fulfill. Does the program offer concentrations and specializations that interest you?
Clinical Experience
The number of required clinical hours depends on the school and the state nursing board. Find out if your intended online LPN-to-BSN program helps you find clinical placements close to home. If not, will your schedule allow you to travel to placement sites?
Accreditation
Accredited online LPN-to-BSN programs have met rigorous professional and academic standards. Attending a nonaccredited program hinders your opportunities for employment, licensure, and graduate studies.
You can check the accreditation status of your intended program in databases maintained by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Program Length
Earning an LPN-to-BSN online often takes 2-3 years of full-time study to complete, depending on the program and the number of credits you transfer from your LPN program.
School Graduation Rate
A school’s graduation rate shows you what percentage of students graduate in the expected time frame. A high graduation rate offers a good indicator of the program’s quality and commitment to student success. Additionally, a school’s NCLEX exam pass rate can help indicate how well a program prepares graduates for success.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Not all BSN programs use the same learning platforms. Choose a program that fits your learning style and personal needs.
Asynchronous programs offer self-paced courses, while synchronous and hybrid formats contain more structure, such as fixed login times or in-person attendance.
Specializations
A BSN can prepare you for specialized nursing roles in pediatrics, emergency care, oncology, and lots more. Specialization can leads to greater job and salary prospects. When comparing schools, find out if they offer specialty courses or clinical experience in fields that interest you.
Why Is LPN-to-BSN Program Accreditation Important?
All online LPN-to-BSN programs selected for these rankings are accredited by either the CCNE or the ACEN. A program’s accreditation status determines financial aid and licensure eligibility, graduate school options, and future employment opportunities:
- Federal government financial aid may be awarded only to students who attend accredited schools and programs.
- Credits you earn at nonaccredited schools may not transfer to accredited programs.
- The NCLEX-RN exam and advanced practice certification exams require applicants to hold degrees from accredited nursing schools.
- State nursing boards grant licenses only to graduates of accredited programs.
- Employers and graduate nursing programs may not consider candidates with degrees from nonaccredited schools.
- Graduating from an accredited program indicates quality education and indicates job market competitiveness.
How Online LPN-to-BSN Programs Work
When pursuing a BSN, whether traditional or online, you will typically need to complete about 120 credits over four years. The BSN curriculum usually includes general education requirements, nursing coursework, and clinical experiences.
For those enrolled in LPN-to-BSN, online programs often allow you to complete your degree in less than four years. This will, however, be heavily influenced by the number of credits you transferred over from your LPN program.
Distance learners must fulfill clinical hours in person across a variety of practice settings. While some online programs help you find local placements or offer virtual clinical experiences, you should be prepared to travel to sites approved by your program.
Some programs may require you to complete more than the state-mandated number of clinical hours.
Applying to an LPN-to-BSN Program
Admission criteria vary by school. Applicants often need a high school diploma or GED certificate, a minimum GPA, and specific prerequisites. All online LPN-to-BSN programs require a valid LPN license and work experience.
Some schools may ask you to take the National League for Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam to demonstrate the extent of your nursing knowledge.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Valid LPN license and one year of work experience
- Official transcripts
- Prerequisites in science courses
- Online application and submission of application fee(s)
Admission Materials
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Essay or personal statement
- Criminal background check and fingerprinting
- Physical exam and drug screening
- Immunization verification
- Resume or CV
GPA Requirement
- 2.0-3.0 minimum GPA
Paying for LPN-to-BSN Programs
Earning an LPN-to-BSN online takes less time and costs less than a traditional BSN. As you compare programs, keep in mind that your ability to pay for your nursing degree depends on program length, credits transferred, and whether you qualify for less-expensive in-state tuition, among other factors.
Many prospective nursing students overlook available financial aid opportunities. Try beginning your search for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for government-funded grants or loans.
A number of schools and private organizations offer need- or merit-based scholarships. Nursing students who agree to work in high-need areas when they graduate may qualify for federal or state loan forgiveness programs.
What Can You Do After an LPN-to-BSN?
Registered nurses (RN) with a BSN degree can find careers in patient care across several high-demand specialties, including public health, geriatrics, and neonatology.
Hospitals and physicians’ offices are major employers, but many RNs find work in long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, outpatient clinics, and as home healthcare providers.
Registered Nurse
An RN provides patient care by performing assessments and diagnostic tests, administering treatments and medications, and providing support to patients and their families. RNs find employment in every type of healthcare setting, from hospitals to home care.
Median Salary: $86,070
Job Outlook (2022-2032): 6%
Public Health Nurse
A public health nurse promotes and protects the health and safety of targeted communities. They reduce health risks and prevent disease through education, advocacy, and the direct delivery of care. These nurses often find employment in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, community clinics, and school systems.
Average Salary: $78,437
Neonatal Nurse
Neonatal nurses specialize in the care of infants up to the age of two. They provide care to newborns and treat premature infants facing specific challenges or chronic conditions.
Average Salary: $127,391
Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric nurses care for patients with mental health and behavioral health conditions. They typically work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric clinics, and correctional facilities.
Average Salary: $111,406
Critical Care Nurse
Critical care nurses specialize in the acute care of patients who have life-threatening conditions or injuries. These nurses work in hospital units such as the surgical intensive care unit (ICU), trauma ICU, medical ICU, cardiac ICU, and pediatric ICU.
Average Salary: $118,725
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN-to-BSN Bridge Programs
A growing number of schools offer online BSN and LPN-to-BSN programs. Depending on the program, students can complete most coursework through distance learning platforms but often must fulfill clinical requirements in person.
Related LPN-to-BSN Resources
Page last reviewed on November 14, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.