Are you a licensed practical nurse who wants to become a registered nurse? Earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and an RN license offers a great way to increase your job prospects and earning potential. An online LPN-to-RN degree provides a cost-effective and relatively quick pathway to either an ADN or BSN while preparing you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Explore our rankings of the best online LPN-to-RN degrees and learn more about what to expect in a program.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best ADN-to-MSN (RN to NP) bridge 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Online RN to BSN Programs
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.
#1 The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs of 2023
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Arkansas Fayetteville's online LPN-to-RN program leads to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and qualifies graduates to apply for their RN licenses. U of A's entirely online full- and part-time programs allow enrollees to complete their clinical hours in their home communities, enabling them to continue working while studying.
Prerequisite course credits in humanities, math, sciences and statistics may be transferred from a regionally accredited college or university. Online students pay in-state tuition regardless of residency.
- Program: LPN-to-BSN
- Campus: Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $302 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Current LPN license; 2,000 hours of LPN work experience; 48 hours of prerequisite coursework; 2.0 GPA; TEAS exam scores; residence in Arkansas nursing board-approved state
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24-36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 83% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,308 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs of 2023
Kent State University at Kent
- Kent, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Kent State University offers an LPN-to-bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program in two segments. The first segment comprises prerequisites and introductory nursing courses, which can be completed online.
The second segment focuses on BSN nursing sequence coursework and clinical experience. Students must attend this portion in person. Learners can choose between evening and weekend or daytime cohort-based sessions and study full- or part-time. Clinical rotations at Northeast Ohio healthcare facilities may take place on weekdays.
- Program: LPN-to-BSN
- Campus: Kent, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $472 per credit for Ohio residents; $852 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Minimum 3.0 high school GPA (or 2.7 with 22 ACT or 1100 SAT scores); current LPN license; minimum first-segment 2.75 GPA and "C" or higher in math and science prerequisites
- Minimum Time Commitment: 27 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 81% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,073 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs of 2023
Excelsior College
- Albany, NY
- 4 years
- Online
The self-paced online LPN-to-bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program at Excelsior University confers an associate in applied science (AAS) in nursing as part of the curriculum. Students demonstrate RN competency through online laboratory and clinical experiences at acute-care hospitals.
After earning an AAS, enrollees can take the NCLEX-RN for their RN licenses before moving on to the bachelor's-level portion of the program.
The BSN curriculum includes courses in collaborative and individual practice environments, population-based health, and the role of RNs in influencing healthcare delivery.
- Program: LPN-to-BSN
- Campus: Albany, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $550 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Residency in qualifying state; current LPN license; 200 or more hours of supervised direct patient care in clinical practice; TEAS exam scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: Self-paced
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 74% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $74,747 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs of 2023
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Weatherford, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers an LPN-to-bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) bachelor's completion program featuring online coursework and clinical experiences within 100 miles of students' homes.
SWOSU grants 30 advanced standing credits for applicants who score 70% or higher on the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exams (NACE) and complete prerequisite courses in foundational nursing.
BSN-level coursework includes acute and chronic care across the lifespan, community health promotion, and issues and concepts for professional practice.
- Program: LPN-to-BSN
- Campus: Weatherford, Oklahoma
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $226 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Oklahoma residency; current Oklahoma or multistate LPN license; minimum 2.5 GPA; NACE exam scores of 70%
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 83% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,479 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs of 2023
Missouri Valley College
- Marshall, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Presbyterian-based Missouri Valley College offers an LPN-to-bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) online track. Students spend the first two years completing prerequisites and core coursework. The second two years focus on nursing/professional courses and clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities.
The nursing curriculum includes coursework in transitioning from LPN to RN, adult health nursing, and community health nursing. Admission is competitive, with only 14 candidates selected each year for the online track.
- Program: LPN-to-BSN
- Campus: Marshall, Missouri
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $350 per credit; $9,500 per semester for nursing/professional portion
- Admission Requirements: Current Missouri LPN license; TEAS exam scores; minimum 2.75 GPA; "B" or higher in prerequisites
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 83% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
18%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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.
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Admission Materials
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.
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GPA Requirement
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.
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Other 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.
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