What is an LPN to RN Bridge Program?
LPN to RN bridge programs allow Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) to become Registered Nurses (RNs) by building on their existing education and experience. These programs recognize your LPN training and fast-track you to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
💰 Average Salary Increase
LPN Median Salary: $59,730/year
RN Median Salary: $86,070/year
Difference: +$26,340/year (+44%)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
Two Main Pathways
LPN to ADN (Associate Degree)
- ✅ Duration: 12-18 months
- ✅ Cost: $8,000-$25,000
- ✅ Format: Online/hybrid or campus
- ✅ Outcome: ADN + RN license (NCLEX-RN)
- ✅ Best For: Fastest route to RN
LPN to BSN (Bachelor's Degree)
- ✅ Duration: 18-36 months
- ✅ Cost: $30,000-$60,000
- ✅ Format: Online/hybrid or campus
- ✅ Outcome: BSN + RN license (NCLEX-RN)
- ✅ Best For: Career advancement, management
🎓 Find Accredited LPN to RN Programs
Compare online and campus-based programs. Get matched with schools that accept your LPN credits.
Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs (2025)
These nationally accredited programs accept LPN credits and offer flexible scheduling for working nurses.
Excelsior University
ONLINE100% online ADN or BSN program designed for working LPNs
Western Governors University (WGU)
ONLINECompetency-based BSN program with flexible pacing
Capella University
ONLINEFlexPath BSN with personalized learning pace
Cost Breakdown & Return on Investment
Average Program Costs (2025)
| Program Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| LPN to ADN (Online) | $8,000 - $18,000 |
| LPN to ADN (Campus) | $12,000 - $25,000 |
| LPN to BSN (Online) | $30,000 - $45,000 |
| LPN to BSN (Campus) | $40,000 - $60,000 |
Does not include books, fees, or clinical supplies ($1,000-$3,000 additional)
⏱️ Break-Even Timeline
Average Program Cost (ADN)
$15,000
Annual Salary Increase
+$26,340
You Break Even In:
7 Months
After that, you earn an extra $26K+ every year for the rest of your career.
💰 Lifetime Earnings Impact
Stay as LPN (30-year career):
$1,791,900
Become RN (30-year career):
$2,582,100
Difference: +$790,200 over your career
Assumes 2% annual raises, does not include benefits or overtime
Online vs. Campus-Based Programs
| Factor | Online Programs | Campus Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility |
✓ High Study anytime, anywhere |
⚠ Medium Fixed class schedules |
| Work While Studying |
✓ Yes Designed for working nurses |
⚠ Part-time only May need to reduce hours |
| Clinical Requirements |
⚠ Local clinicals You arrange near you |
✓ School-arranged Pre-scheduled for you |
| Cost |
✓ Lower $8K-$35K |
✗ Higher $15K-$60K |
| Peer Interaction |
⚠ Virtual Discussion boards, Zoom |
✓ In-person Face-to-face networking |
| Program Length |
✓ Self-paced 12-24 months typical |
⚠ Fixed 18-36 months typical |
| Best For | Working LPNs, parents, rural areas | Traditional learners, need structure |
🎯 Which Format is Right for You?
Choose ONLINE if you:
- ✓ Work full-time as an LPN
- ✓ Have family obligations
- ✓ Live in a rural area
- ✓ Are self-motivated
- ✓ Want lower costs
Choose CAMPUS if you:
- ✓ Prefer face-to-face learning
- ✓ Can reduce work hours
- ✓ Want built-in structure
- ✓ Value in-person networking
- ✓ Live near a college
Find LPN to RN Programs by State
Select your state to see accredited programs that accept LPN credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does LPN to RN take?
LPN to ADN programs typically take 12-18 months full-time or 18-24 months part-time. LPN to BSN programs take 18-36 months depending on your schedule and credit transfers.
Can I work as an LPN while doing bridge school?
Yes! Most online programs are designed for working nurses. You'll need to balance clinical hours (typically 8-16 hours/week) with your job, but it's very doable.
Will my LPN credits transfer?
Most bridge programs grant 30-40 credits for your LPN education and experience. The exact number depends on the school and your transcript. Always verify with admissions before enrolling.
Is online LPN to RN as good as campus?
Yes, if the program is accredited (ACEN or CCNE). Online graduates take the same NCLEX-RN exam and earn the same RN license. Employers don't distinguish between online and campus degrees.
How much does LPN to RN cost?
Online ADN programs: $8,000-$18,000. Campus ADN: $12,000-$25,000. Online BSN: $30,000-$45,000. Campus BSN: $40,000-$60,000. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce costs.
What's the salary difference between LPN and RN?
The median LPN salary is $59,730/year. The median RN salary is $86,070/year. That's a $26,340 annual increase (+44%). Over a 30-year career, RNs earn approximately $790,000 more than LPNs.
Do I need to retake anatomy and physiology?
It depends on when you took them. Most schools accept A&P courses taken within 5-7 years. If yours are older, you may need to retake them. Some programs offer A&P refresher courses.
Should I do ADN or BSN?
ADN is faster (12-18 months) and cheaper ($8K-$25K), great if you want to start earning RN salary quickly. BSN takes longer (18-36 months) and costs more ($30K-$60K), but opens management/leadership roles and pays $5K-$10K more annually.
Ready to Start Your LPN to RN Journey?
Compare programs, costs, and timelines. Get matched with schools that fit your schedule and budget.
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