The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs

Keep reading to learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program or go straight to our ranking of the best online LPN-to-RN Programs.

Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an LPN-to-RN Program

When comparing the best online LPN-to-RN programs, always look at the key indications of academic quality such as accreditation status, NCLEX pass rates, and graduation rates. Pay attention to features like admission criteria, coursework and clinical requirements, program length, and distance learning formats to make sure that the program meets your needs.

1. Admission Requirements

Admission criteria vary but most schools require a high school degree or equivalent, a minimum GPA, and a valid practical nursing license. Admission requirements ensure that you have the necessary academic background to succeed in a fast-paced and rigorous program.

2. Program Curriculum

An LPN-to-ADN and LPN-to-BSN offer similar core courses and preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam. However, a BSN provides more focused training in leadership, public health, and research which may increase job opportunities and serve as a foundation for graduate work. Before choosing a program, consider how well it fits with your career goals and interests.

3. Clinical Experience

Online LPN-to-RN programs may require anywhere from 200-500 clinical hours. You should contact program administrators to find out if they allow distance learners to arrange their own clinicals at their workplace or near their homes or if they must travel to placements at approved sites.

4. Accreditation

Accreditation ensures that the LPN-to-RN program you choose meets current, evidence-based professional standards. Accreditation serves as a major requirement for NCLEX-RN licensure. Your school's accreditation status determines your eligibility for government financial aid and ability to transfer credits.

5. Program Length

The length of an LPN-to-RN program depends on whether you want an ADN or a BSN degree. An LPN-to-ADN may take as little as 12 to 18 months, while an RN-to-BSN requires around two years.

6. School NCLEX Pass Rate

The NCLEX-RN pass rate tells you how well the program prepares students for the licensure exam. Pass rates that match or exceed the national average indicate higher program quality and teaching effectiveness.

7. School Graduation Rate

Graduation rates measure the percentage of students who complete the program within the expected time frame. A higher graduation rate provides a good indicator of a supportive learning environment and a commitment to prepare students for RN practice.

8. Online Learning Format and Requirements

Online programs feature synchronous classes that meet at specific times, asynchronous classes that let you work at your own pace, or hybrid formats that combine remote and in-person learning. Some programs may require a few on-campus visits. Make sure to select a program that fits your schedule and learning style.

Why Is Online LPN-to-RN Program Accreditation Important?

Prospective RNs need to understand the importance of enrolling in an accredited nursing school. All the online LPN-RN programs listed in our rankings have received accreditation by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation by one of these bodies means that the program you choose has undergone regular evaluations to ensure that it meets rigorous academic and professional standards and prepares graduates for licensure and practice.

• Accreditation ensures that your program’s curriculum offers a quality academic experience that meets national standards.
• Accredited programs can lead to more career advancement and employment prospects.
• Some employers prefer or require new nursing hires who have graduated from accredited programs.
• Federal financial aid programs restrict eligibility to students who attend accredited schools.
• Graduate nursing programs only admit students who have earned undergraduate degrees from accredited programs.
• Accredited nursing programs do not accept transfer credits from unaccredited schools.

Learn More About the Best ONline LPN-to-RN Programs & Schools

See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.

How Online LPN-to-RN Programs Work

Online LPN-to-RN programs offer a flexible, convenient, and, in some cases, less expensive alternative to an in-person degree. Nurses may choose between two pathways to RN licensure: the LPN-to-ADN and the LPN-to-BSN. The ADN degree takes less time and costs less to complete than the BSN. However, bachelor degree holders have more options to advance into leadership roles and pursue specialties. The BSN also provides the required entrance credential for graduate school.

Some online LPN-to-RN programs let you complete all degree requirements remotely while others may require you to attend a few on-campus sessions. Depending on the program, you may be able to arrange your own clinical placements, or you may have to travel to approved sites. Some online programs offer virtual clinical experiences.

Applying to an Online LPN-to-RN Program

The admission requirements for online LPN-to-RN programs depend on whether you are applying for an associate or bachelor’s degree but all programs require an LPN or LVN degree from an accredited nursing program. Other common elements include a minimum GPA, placement exams, completion of specific nursing prerequisites, clinical hours, and an unrestricted and valid practical nursing license.

1. Admission Requirements

The most common admission criteria include a high school diploma or GED, completion of an accredited LPN/LVN nursing program, and an unrestricted and current practical nursing license. Programs typically admit applicants with 6-12 months of work experience. Some schools may require the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or other entrance exams.

2. Admission Materials

Make sure to submit all required documentation with your completed applications, including official transcripts, a record of prerequisite coursework, and proof of completion of a minimum number of clinical hours as determined by the state nursing board that issued your LPN/LVN license. You may also have to supply proof of LPN licensure and BLS/CPR certification, letters of recommendation, and employer verification letters.

3. GPA Requirement

This requirement varies by program and can range from 2.0 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You may have to demonstrate a GPA of 2.75 or higher in nursing prerequisite courses.

Paying for Online LPN-to-RN Programs

Paying for a nursing degree is one of the biggest challenges to becoming an RN. Several factors affect the cost of an online LPN-to-RN degree, including program length and the number of transfer credits accepted toward completion of your degree. Be sure to consider whether you can work while taking courses and whether you must pay out-of-state tuition rates as a distance learner, which are generally much higher than in-state rates.

The good news is that online learners may qualify for several types of financial assistance. You should begin your search for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Financial Student Assistance (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for government-funded grants or loans. You may also apply for school-sponsored or privately fundedscholarships and grants, some of which provide assistance for specific populations, such as first-generation students, adult learners, or members of underrepresented cultural or racial groups. Federal and state governments sponsor loan forgiveness or repayment programs for nurses interested in working in high need areas. Find out if your employer offers tuition reimbursement programs.

What Can You Do With an ADN or BSN?

ADN and BSN degrees prepare graduates to perform similar routine clinical tasks such as monitoring patients, administering medication, and updating medical charts. While an ADN is the fastest route to RN licensure and entry-level nursing positions, a BSN offers more opportunities for career advancement. BSN-holders perform a more complex variety of roles. They are more likely to move into leadership positions and pursue graduate studies and nursing specialties.

When choosing your educational pathway to become an RN, consider your short and long-term goals. While you may continue to find employment as an RN with an ADN degree, you may be able to earn more and move ahead in your career with a BSN. TheAmerican Association of Colleges of Nursing advocates for the BSN degree as the minimal education requirement for nursing practice. Hospitals, as the top employer of RNs, and other major healthcare providers increasingly hire only BSN graduates.

Earning a BSN can also broaden your career and salary options by preparing you for graduate training and advanced practice registered nursing roles in specialized patient care and patient population areas.

• Critical Care Nurse: Critical care nurses work in intensive care units and emergency departments, monitoring critically ill or injured patients and working with physicians and other healthcare professionals. Many critical care nurses pursue critical care registered nurse certification which requires at least five years of RN or APRN experience providing direct care in a critical care setting. According to Payscale, critical care nurses earn an average annual base salary of $75,370 as of August, 2022.
• Surgical Nurse: These specialized RNs work in hospital surgical units and outpatient clinics or physician offices that offer surgical procedures. They provide patient care before, during, and after surgical and diagnostic procedures, working with surgeons, technicians, and other nurses. Based on October 2022 Payscale data, RNs can expect to make an average base salary of $60,330 a year.
• Geriatric Nurse: This in-demand RN specialty that focuses on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of elderly patients offers an annual base salary of $70,630, based on Payscale income reports from October 2022. Geriatric nurses provide treatment for conditions that typically affect the aging population (e.g., arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease) and assist patients with daily living challenges to help them maintain their quality of life and independence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online LPN-to-RN

Are entrance exams required for admission to LPN-to-RN programs?

Depending on the nursing program, you may have to take an entrance exam for admission. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission (PAX) exam, and the Nursing Entrance Test (NET) are the most commonly used admission assessments for LPNs and RNs.

What is the fastest LPN to RN program?

LPN-to-RN bridge programs leading to an ADN degree can take as little as one year. Earning a BSN may entail 1-2 years depending on the RN-to-BSN program requirements and the number of transfer credits accepted from previous coursework.

Is completing an LPN-to-RN program worth it?

You can expect to earn significantly more as an RN than an LPN. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data issued in September, 2022, RNs make an average annual salary of $77,600, which is almost $30,000 more than an LPN earns. Employers give RNs wider responsibilities, with more autonomy than LPNs. They also can advance into leadership and specialty nursing roles not available to LPNs.

Can you go from LPN-to-RN online?

The popularity of online LPN-to-RN programs continues to grow. If you would like to earn an ADN or BSN degree but are hampered by personal or work obligations, these programs offer convenient and cost-effective options.

Page Last Reviewed: Oct. 24, 2022

Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.