Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs

What Is an LPN to RN Bridge Program?

LPN to RN bridge programs are educational pathways for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to become registered nurses (RNs).

LPN to RN programs make it easier and faster for LPNs to complete RN education without retaking coursework from previous studies. Bridge programs are often quicker and less expensive than starting nursing school from scratch.

Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs 

Picking the right LPN to RN bridge program can be extremely challenging, so we did some of the work for you. The following list compiles some of the best LPN bridge programs nationwide. We curated hybrid online LPN to RN programs alongside fast courses you can complete in a year or less. 

Remember, the best program for you will depend on many factors, including your availability, budget, and career goals.

Program Ranking Methodology

We ranked the best RN bridge programs in the United States. Our methodology considers various factors, which include the following:

• U.S. government data
• Graduation rates
• NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Program details
• Student-faculty ratio

Learn more about our ranking methodology here. 

1.  University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas’s LPN to BSN bridge program is an online program designed for working students. This program affords students a healthy work-life balance so they can easily manage family, work, and studies.

This program accepts students from Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Missouri. Students can complete clinical practicums in their local communities.

• Tuition: $329.22 per unit credit
• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: July 15th
  • Spring: November 15th
  • Summer: April 1st
• Admission Requirements:
  • Program application & fee
  • Current LPN licensure
  • 2,000 hours of LPN work experience in the last 12-24 months
  • Reside in a program authorized state
  • 65 or higher TEAS exam scores within the previous two years
  • High school/GED and college transcripts
  • Prerequisite courses
• Contact Info:
  • Email: online@uark.edu
  • Phone number: (800) 952-1165
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Types of RN Bridge Programs 
  • 100% online coursework with in-person clinicals in your area

2. Indiana State University 

Indiana State's RN bridge program allows students to go from LPN to RN online. Graduates from this program earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

This program allows students to transfer all applicable credits to Indiana State University and apply them toward their BSN. Students arrange clinical rotations in their communities and do not have any required in-person classwork. 

In-state and many out-of-state applicants are eligible to attend this LPN to RN bridge.

• Tuition (In-state):
  • Up to 11.99 credits: $351 (per credit hour)
  • 12 to 18 credits:  $4,856 (per semester)
  • Above 18 credits: $5,646 (per semester)
  • Costs vary for out-of-state and international students
• Program Length: Three years full-time
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Application Deadline: 
  • Spring: September 1st
  • Fall: February 1st
• Admission Requirements:
  • Indiana or program-approved state residence
  • Completed application 
  • Collegiate transcripts
  • High school/GED transcripts
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA from previous studies
  • All examination scores
  • Good standing with the last accredited university attended
  • C grade or better in prerequisite support courses
• Contact Info:
  • Email: ISU-DistanceNursing@indstate.edu
  • Phone number: (800) 468-6478
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Types of RN Bridge Programs: 
  • 100% online coursework with in-person clinicals in your area

3.  Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University's LPN to BSN program began in 1991. It is the first Illinois college to offer a BSN to LPNs in a reduced time frame. Saint Xavier integrates this LPN to BSN option with its undergraduate nursing curriculum.

• Tuition:
  • $750 per credit hour
  • Approximate total cost: $27,000
• Program Length: 1-2 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Summer and Fall: April 1st 
  • Spring: October 1st 
• Admission Requirements:
  • Complete online application
  • In-depth essay about why you want to be an RN
  • Current unencumbered LPN license
  • Official transcripts w/minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
  • ATI TEAS scores of proficient or higher
• Contact Info:
  • Email: admission@sxu.edu
  • Phone number: (844) 468-6798844-468-6798 
• Online Options Available? No
• Types of RN Bridge Programs: 
  • On-campus program

4.  Herzing University

Herzing University allows LPNs to apply their patient care training and experience to a BSN. The university reports its tailored program can help LPN students start RN careers faster. 

Herzing offers this option at six campuses, making finding LPN to RN programs near you easier. There are three in Wisconsin: Brookfield, Kenosha, and Madison. The other campuses are in Tampa, Orlando, Florida, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

• Tuition: 
  • Varies by campus location
  • Herzing’s website offers a tuition wizard to calculate tuition
• Program Length: 20-28 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Admission Requirements:
  • Complete application
  • ATI TEAS exam (minimum score varies by location)
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Submit all transcripts
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Herzing uses college GPA for students with 18 or more transferable college credits & high school GPA for all others
• Contact Info:
  • Email: Contact form on the website
  • Phone number: (800) 596-0724
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Types of RN Bridge Programs: 
  • On-campus program
  • Hybrid - online gen ed courses and on-campus nursing courses
  • 100% online BSN bridge option 

5. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma offers a hybrid LPN to BSN degree program for students working as licensed practical nurses. The 9-month LPN to RN program offers evening classes and clinical rotations for students in Oklahoma. In addition, the university provides some online coursework to accommodate working students.

The nursing program requires 60 credit hours, 30 of which students earn through examination. They gain the other 30 credit hours through courses in the BSN program. Graduates are eligible to sit for Oklahoma state licensure as an RN.

• Tuition:
  • In-state: $5,965 per semester
  • Out-of-state: $14,347 per semester
• Program Length: 9 months if full-time
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Admission Requirements:
  • Complete application
  • Valid OK or compact LPN license
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Submit all transcripts
  • 2.5 GPA or higher
  • Required prerequisites with a C grade or higher
• Contact Info:
  • Email: nursing@ouhsc.edu
  • Phone number: (405) 271-2428
• Online Options Available? No
• Types of RN Bridge Programs 
  • Hybrid program with in-person and online coursework

6.  North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University’s nursing program allows LPNs to earn their bachelor's degree primarily online. The program is for six consecutive semesters, including summers.

This program starts each spring and requires a combination of in-person and online coursework. Students complete clinical rotations in Fargo and Moorhead, North Dakota, during summer semesters.

• Tuition:
  • In-state: $5,545 per semester full-time | $456.37 part-time
  • Out-of-state: Varies
• Program Length: Six semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: August 15
  • Spring: December 15
• Admission Requirements:
  • Advanced placement validation exam
  • Complete application
  • 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA; 3.0 or higher nursing GPA
  • Required prerequisites with a C grade or higher
  • Current unencumbered LPN license
  • CPR for the Healthcare Provider
  • Immunization documentation and health information 
  • FBI background check with fingerprints
• Contact Info:
  • Email: ndsu.bisnursing@ndsu.edu
  • Phone number: (701) 231-7395
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Types of RN Bridge Programs: 
  • Online coursework with in-person clinicals

7.  Saint Martin’s University

Located in Washington's South Puget Sound region, Saint Martin’s LPN to BSN program offers a pathway for practical nurses to start their RN careers.

The program takes two years and offers a hybrid coursework model with traditional in-person and online learning. The university website reports that there are scholarships available for all students.

• Tuition: $43,600 per year
• Program Length: 2 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: February 1
• Admission Requirements:
  • Official collegiate transcripts
  • Official high school transcript or equivalent
  • 3.0 cumulative transfer GPA
  • 3.0 GPA in all required science prerequisites
  • Students who receive less than a B may retake one science prerequisite one time
  • Unrestricted Washington State LPN license
  • Background clearance
  • Drug screen
  • Vaccinations
• Contact Info:
  • Email: cas@stmartin.edu
  • Phone number: (360) 438-4564
• Online Options Available? No 
• Types of RN Bridge Programs: 
  • In-person and online coursework with in-person clinical

8. Chamberlain College of Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing offers LPN to RN bridge programs at 23 US campus locations. Students can apply directly, and programs offer no waitlist at most campuses.

LPNs can earn a BSN faster at Chamberlain by transferring qualifying credits from their college experience. However, credit acceptance may depend on whether students pass skills validation and proficiency exams.

There are over 94,000 Chamberlain students and alums nationwide, and the university has a 130-year history of educating nurses. The program also boasted a higher national first-time NCLEX pass rate than the national average in 2020.

• Tuition: $675-$725 per credit hour
• Program Length: As little as three years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Admission Requirements:
  • Application & admissions interview
  • High school diploma or GED equivalency
  • Cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or above
  • 73 or higher on the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam
  • Drug screen
  • Background check
  • Fingerprinting within 120 days of the start date for clinical clearance
• Contact Info:
  • Email: Contact form on the website
  • Phone number: (877) 751-5783
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Types of RN Bridge Programs: 
  • On-Campus
  • Hybrid - Online coursework and labs with in-person clinicals

9.  California State University East Bay

The CSU East Bay LVN to RN bridge program helps students become RNs faster. The school assesses applicants' work experience and education to design their optimal learning program. 

Students can contact their advisors to ensure they are in the best courses for their educational path. Depending on a portfolio and transcript review, students may even be able to earn credit by examination at CSU East Bay.

• Tuition:
• Full-Time Resident: $7,105 per academic year
• Non-resident: $396 per unit in addition to CA resident fees
• Program Length: About three years, but it depends on the credits transferred
• Accreditation: CCNE
• University & Nursing Supplemental Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: November 30
  • Spring: August 31st
• Admission Requirements:
  • Completed application 
  • Collegiate transcripts
  • Personal statement essay
  • High school/GED transcripts
  • TEAS scores
  • All examination scores
  • Complete all required prerequisite courses with a “C” or better
  • Health and community-related experience preferred
• Contact Info:
  • Email: nursing@csueastbay.edu
  • Phone number: (510) 885-3500
• Online Options Available? No 
• Types of RN Bridge Programs: 
  • Hybrid - In-person and online coursework with in-person clinicals

10.  Azusa Pacific University

Located in southern California, Azusa Pacific University offers LVN to BSN bridge programs at three locations:  Victorville, San Bernardino, and Monrovia. Students can gain hands-on clinical opportunities and learn with state-of-the-art technology, including simulators and virtual patients. A new program begins each fall, spring, and summer.

• Tuition: $825 per unit
• Program Length: As few as two years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Spring: October 1
  • Summer: February 1
  • Fall: June 1
• Admission Requirements:
  • 48 units or more of transferable credits
  • Official transcripts for all college, certification, AP scores, or other credentials
  • 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA (Those with lower GPAs may gain provisional admission)
  • Current LVN license 
  • Two professional recommendations
  • Professional nursing goals statement
  • Resume
  • Completion of all required prerequisites
  • Physical examination clearance
  • Immunizations
  • A current background check
  • Current CPR with AED certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support for Health Care Providers for adults and children
• Contact Info:
  • Email: admissions@apu.edu
  • Phone number: (626) 815-5386
• Online Options Available? No
• Types of RN Bridge Programs: 
  • Hybrid - In-person and online coursework with in-person clinicals

FAQs About LPN to RN Bridge Programs

• What does bridge mean in nursing?

  • Nursing bridge programs are educational pathways that “bridge” the gap between RN education for aspiring nurses. These programs help nursing professionals or non-nursing degree holders become RNs without starting their education over from scratch.

• How long is the LPN to RN bridge program?

  • LPN to RN bridge programs vary depending on the school, full or part-time student status, and educational background. Some faster programs take a year or less, but you can expect them to last between 2 and 4 years on average.

• How are clinicals arranged if I go to an online school?

  • Often, the school will take care of finding and arranging clinical rotations for students who do not already have an RN license. If your school does not automatically set that up, they usually have resources to help you find available clinical sites in your area.

• What is the quickest RN program?

  • The quickest RN program is an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) from a community or junior college. This program takes about two years for students to complete if attending school full-time.

• Do I need a bachelor's degree in nursing to get into an MSN bridge program?

  • You may not need a BSN to enter an RN to MSN program. Some programs are for ADN RNs, and others are for students with non-nursing degrees. Thorough research on programs of interest will help you find one that suits your educational background.