The Best Online LPN-to-BSN Programs

If you are a licensed practical nurse who wants to advance in your nursing career, earning a licensed practical nursing to bachelor of science in nursing (LPN-to-BSN) online might be a good option.

These flexible online bachelor programs award credit for your previous training. BSN graduates qualify for the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN), leading to greater employment opportunities.

While an associate degree in nursing also prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN exam, top-rated online LPN-to-BSN programs train you for positions in high-paying specialties and supervisory roles.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best LPN-to-BSN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Before choosing an online LPN-to-BSN, pay attention to important program features such as program length, clinical requirements, and accreditation. The key metrics described below, which form the basis for our rankings, can help you find the program that works best for you.

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:

Both traditional and online bachelor’s degrees in nursing require approximately 120 credits and take around four years to complete. BSN curriculum components include general education requirements, nursing coursework, and clinical experiences.

Depending on the number of credits awarded for previous LPN training, you should be able to complete an online LPN-to-BSN degree in less than four years.

Distance learners should expect to fulfill clinical hours in-person across a variety of practice settings. While some online programs help you find placements close to home 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.

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.

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 degree depends on several factors: program length, number of transfer credits awarded, and whether you qualify for less expensive in-state tuition versus out-of-state rates.

The workload and pace of learning some online programs require may not permit you to work while enrolled.

Prospective nursing students are often unaware of financial aid opportunities available to them. You should always begin your search for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for government-funded grants or loans.

Many schools and private organizations offer need-based or merit-based scholarships. Nursing students who agree to work in high-need areas when they graduate may qualify for federal and state government sponsored student loan forgiveness programs.

RNs with a BSN degree find careers in generalist patient care and in several high-demand specialties, including public health, geriatrics, and neonatology.

Hospitals and physicians’ offices rank among the major employers, but RNs can also find work in long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, outpatient clinics, and home healthcare.

Employers have a strong preference for BSN degree-holders, especially in supervisory and administrative roles. Graduate programs that prepare you for advanced practice registered nursing certification require a BSN for admission.

RN generalists provide 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: $77,600
Job Outlook (2021-2031): +6%

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: $64,910 (Oct. 2022)

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: $71,390 (Oct. 2022)

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.

RNs have a more expanded scope of practice than LPNs. They administer medications and treatments, perform diagnostic tests, start IV drips and blood transfusions, and help patients to manage their conditions. RNs also supervise LPNs, CNAs, and home health aides.

LPN-to-BSN online programs take 2-3 years to finish, depending on specific program and clinical requirements, the number of transfer credits accepted, and whether you attend full- or part-time.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the addition of over 203,000 RN positions each year between 2021 and 2031. Expected nurse turnover and retirements, the growing healthcare needs of the aging population, and the expansion of insurance access since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 have all contributed to the demand for RNs.

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.