Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs

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, Missouri, and Texas. Students can complete clinical practicums in their local communities.

Indiana State's RN bridge program allows students to go from LVN/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. Check ISU's state eligibility guide to see if you can apply to this program.

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. The program recognizes previous education and experience and awards credits appropriately. 

Herzing University allows LPNs to apply their patient care training and experience to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or BSN, with an online option for BSN students. Didactic coursework is available online with in-person clinicals arranged locally, and cohorts start throughout the year.

Campus availability varies by pathway; current LPN-to-RN locations include Akron (OH), Birmingham (AL), Clarksville and Nashville (TN), Orlando and Tampa (FL). Prospective students can confirm their campus and view current costs using Herzing’s Tuition Wizard.

The University of Oklahoma offers an LPN to BSN degree program for students working as licensed practical nurses. The 2-year 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, including 22 credits of advanced standing awarded for the LPN license. They gain the rest through courses in the BSN program. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Oklahoma state licensure as an RN.

 North Dakota State University’s nursing program allows LPNs to earn their bachelor's degree primarily online. The program runs 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. The length of the clinical experience is about 5-6 weeks.

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. Students must attend class one day a week and one day of clinicals per week. The university website reports that there are scholarships available for all students.

Chamberlain College of Nursing offers LPN to RN bridge programs at several 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 177,000 Chamberlain students and alumni nationwide, and the university has a 130-year history of educating nurses.

CSU East Bay doesn't have a separate program specifically for LVNs. However, LVNs can apply and transfer applicable credits into the traditional pre-licensure BSN program. The school assesses applicants' work experience and education to design their optimal learning program. The program at CSU East Bay is highly competitive, and priority goes to current students, local area transfer students, and military students. 

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.

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.