The need for highly-trained nurses has never been greater and will likely increase in the coming years. Staffing shortages and an aging workforce have placed increasing pressure on healthcare facilities in search of capable nursing professionals. As a result, nurses with advanced levels of training and education have access to a larger pool of career opportunities. Earning a degree from a fastest LPN to RN program helps nurses develop new skills, build on previous experiences, and advance their careers.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of Central Florida | Ocala, Florida |
| 2 | Baton Rouge Community College | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| 3 | Valencia College | Orlando, Florida |
| 4 | Lakeland Community College | Kirtland, Ohio |
| 5 | Dyersburg State Community College | Dyersburg, Tennessee |
Why Should I Complete a Fastest LPN to RN Program?
According to the American Nurses Association, the field of nursing faces tremendous challenges. Specifically, the nursing shortage is an area of considerable concern and has increased in recent years. In fact, the American Nurses Association indicates that the organization has been working on addressing “unsafe nurse staffing levels” to improve the working conditions for nurses and to improve patient outcomes.
A 2022 fact sheet from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that nursing is the largest profession in the healthcare workforce in the United States. Among the more than 4 million nurses working in healthcare facilities across the country, a significant number are either registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). While the responsibilities of these professionals are in the same realm they also differ. LPNs are generally involved in aspects of basic patient care, such as administering medication and helping with getting dressed. RNs typically have more complex and analytical duties compared to those of LPNs. They also provide more direct care to patients and collaborate with doctors and specialists to develop treatment plans.
Completing one of the fastest LPN to RN programs allows you to advance your career and develop the skills necessary to increase your contribution to nursing. Nurses that become RNs also have increased earnings compared to the salary of an LPN. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2021, LPNs earned a median annual salary of $48,070. RNs made substantially more, with median earnings of $77,600 per year.
Choosing a Fastest LPN to RN Program
Selecting a fastest LPN to RN program requires you to research and evaluate which programs best align with your specific goals and current lifestyle. Some programs require on-campus attendance while others allow for fully online learning.
These programs all lead to the possibility of licensure as a registered nurse. Please note that tuition rates do not include the costs associated with fees, supplies, or other costs. Tuition rates are for one credit hour of instruction, based on the in-state rate.
Here are the top 15 LPN to RN Programs!
College of Central Florida
The LPN to ADN Bridge program at the College of Central Florida is offered at the Ocala campus. The program is an intense accelerated program for highly-motivated licensed practical nurses that want to expand their career opportunities. Students must achieve a grade of “C” in each course in order to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
The program is a limited access program with a May start date each year.
School Overview
Baton Rouge Community College
Receive credit for prior classes taken in your LPN studies when you enroll in the LPN to RN Entry track at Baton Rouge Community College. Prospective students should note that admission to the LPN to RN program is competitive so it is important to submit the application as soon as possible after deciding that the school is the right choice to advance a nursing career. Application is available during the fall semester of each year.
School Overview
Valencia College
Valencia College is an award-winning college with the opportunity for licensed practical nurses to complete an associate’s degree in nursing and prepare to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The college points out that the R.N. Advanced Standing Track is a limited-access program, and that admission to the college does not imply admission to this program. Students need to apply specifically to the program for acceptance.
Learn to improve communication and technical skills and to utilize appropriate technology, along with promoting lifelong learning as a nurse.
School Overview
Lakeland Community College
The LPN to RN program at Lakeland Community College prepares current LPNs with unrestricted licensure for a future as a registered nurse with an associate’s degree. Students gain advanced technical skills and leadership in nursing skills.
The program is accredited by ACEN. Students in this program do not have to take the TEAS exam.
School Overview
Dyersburg State Community College
The Dyersburg State Community College Division of Nursing prepares registered nurses for the next step in their career through a fastest LPN to RN program. Currently employed licensed practical nurses submit their completed application by December 31 in the year prior to when they wish to start the program, which has a May start date each year.
Complete the requirements to become a registered nurse in shorter time than usual when you complete this fast-track program.
School Overview
Meridian Community College
Licensed practical nurses with at least one year of experience have the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree in nursing at Meridian Community College and become a registered nurse. Complete the Accelerated Program for Licensed Practical Nurses and Paramedics and sit for the NCLEX-RN to practice as a registered nurse in Mississippi.
Students must attend a mandatory ADN Accelerated Information session and complete the HESI Admission Assessment Exam for consideration for admission.
School Overview
Clark State Community College
The LPN to RN Transition program at Clark State Community College prepares graduates to work as entry-level registered nurses and to assume more advanced responsibilities. The program is based on students gaining knowledge of evidence-based practices, safety in nursing, communication skills, and patient centered care.
Some graduates of the program decide to continue their education and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
School Overview
Fox Valley Technical College
The LPN to ADN program at Fox Valley Technical College provides nurses with LPN licensure in Wisconsin the opportunity to advance their career and become a registered nurse. The college allows for up to 19 hours of credits from your LPN program to apply towards this program, a big start towards program completion.
Program graduates are expected to demonstrate appropriate clinical skills, communication skills, and to provide patient-centered care throughout the lifespan.
School Overview
Ohio University
Ohio University offers its LPN to RN Pathway program at three convenient Ohio locations, including at the Chillicothe, Ohio campus. Students that have graduated from an accredited LPN program have the opportunity to enhance their career by receiving advanced placement. The school has a reputation for graduating well-prepared nurses, who are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam upon completing program requirements.
Some students choose to continue their education and enroll in the RN to BSN program at Ohio University.
School Overview
Texas County Community College
The Accelerated LPN to RN program at Texas County Community College requires students to attend classes only two to three days a week, yet still complete program requirements in an accelerated format. Students at the Houston, Missouri school likely enjoy the smaller class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention from faculty members.
Near the end of the program an NCLEX prep specialist comes to the campus to help prepare students for the exam.
School Overview
Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University offers several nursing programs, including the Associate’s Degree in Nursing program (ADN/RN) program. Current licensed practical nurses have the opportunity to complete the degree and sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.
The program is offered in hybrid format, meaning that some requirements are completed on campus and other requirements are completed online.
School Overview
Galen College of Nursing
Earn an associate’s degree in nursing and advance your career opportunities when you complete the Galen College of Nursing LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge program. The college notes that with the expected growth of the nursing profession, now is a great time to enhance your career.
There are several Galen College of Nursing locations where you can earn this degree, including the main campus of Louisville, Kentucky, in Cincinnati, Ohio, San Antonio, Texas, in Tampa Bay, Florida, and an off-campus site located in Hazard, Kentucky.
School Overview
Monroe College
The LPN to RN Associate’s Degree in Nursing program at Monroe College is an on-campus program. The program allows students to continue their employment while enrolled in the program. Faculty members provide on-going support to students throughout the challenging mix of courses in the program curriculum.
Students enjoy a variety of liberal arts courses in addition to the required chemistry, anatomy, and healthcare coursework.
School Overview
University of Kentucky
A licensed practical nurse that wishes to become a registered nurse does not have to complete an associate’s degree program if they choose to complete an LPN to BSN program offered by the University of Kentucky.
Students complete up to 500 clinical hours of guided learning. They also complete a bachelor’s degree in less than half the time it would take to complete the program if they did not have the LPN licensure. Applicants need to have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in their previous program, and current LPN licensure.
School Overview
Southern University Shreveport Louisiana
The LPN/RN Fast Track Associate Degree in Nursing program at Southern University Shreveport Louisiana prepares nurses to learn new skills and enhance their knowledge as a nurse. Prepare for new challenges and advances in your career when you earn an associate’s degree in nursing and sit for the NCLEX exam.
School Overview
What to Look for in an LPN to RN Program
Selecting an LPN to RN program can quickly become overwhelming because there are so many factors to consider. As you weigh your options, it can be helpful to examine some key points.
Requirements
LPN to RN programs have different admissions requirements. However, some specific criteria that are common to many programs include:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A minimum GPA
- A set number of clinical hours
- An LPN license in good standing
You may also need to show evidence that you have completed certain general education courses and that you have passed an entrance exam.
Curriculum
The curriculum of an LPN to RN program will focus on a number of general education classes in subjects like English, math, and social sciences. This is complemented by core classes, such as microbiology, chemistry, and anatomy, and courses in different areas of nursing.
Accreditation
In order to use your credentials to their highest potential, it’s vital that the LPN to RN accelerated program you attend is accredited. Programs can receive accreditation status from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
School Graduation Requirements
It’s also important to determine what graduation requirements each program has in place. For example, some programs allow you to test out of taking certain courses, which can make it possible to graduate more quickly.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
Once you have completed your LPN to RN degree, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam tests your knowledge of nursing, and passing it is a requirement to become licensed as an RN in the United States.
Your academic program should help prepare you for this licensure examination, so researching a school’s NCLEX pass rate is a good indicator of whether students are receiving a high-quality education. If the pass rate is low, the program may be lacking in critical areas of study.
Why Is LPN to RN Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is essential for several reasons. First, in order to gain accreditation status, a program must pass a rigorous assessment of its academic quality. If you attend a program that has been accredited, you have much greater assurance that you are receiving the best possible education.
Receiving a degree from an accredited program can also have a significant effect on your future career. Many employers will only accept degrees from schools with accreditation status because they have proven that they are offering an up-to-date and evidence-based curriculum. Even with a degree in hand, you may struggle to find a position with an employer if your academic program was not accredited.
LPN to RN Curriculum
As you explore potential LPN to RN programs, you may notice variations in the curriculum. No two programs are exactly the same, but most include a set of general education requirements as well as major-specific courses. Some programs allow students to complete their general education courses in advance, while others integrate them into the core curriculum.
Some of the courses you can expect to encounter in an LPN to RN program curriculum include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: In this course, students learn about different aspects of the human body, including the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.
- Microbiology: This class focuses on the study of microorganisms and human disease, including host resistance, identification of pathogens, and disease transmission.
- Writing and Research: Students learn how to clearly communicate, use appropriate terminology, and conduct research in the field of nursing.
- Psychology: In this class, students learn about human behavior, with a focus on subjects like cognition, abnormal development, and social psychology.
Depending on the program you attend, you may also take more specialized courses in a particular area of nursing, such as behavioral health nursing, maternal health nursing, medical/surgical nursing, and pediatric nursing.
How Fast Can I Complete an LPN to RN Program?
The amount of time that it will take to graduate from an LPN to RN program depends on several different factors, including whether you have already completed any transferable credits. If you attend full-time, some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as one year, while others may require two years to graduate. Students who are only able to attend part-time can expect to spend a longer period of time completing their degrees.
LPN to RN Program Salary
After receiving your degree from a fastest LPN to RN program online, you will be well-positioned to earn an above-average salary. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for an RN in 2021 was $77,600 or $37.31 per hour. This significantly surpasses the median salary for all occupations, which was $45,760.
Keep in mind that this number could fluctuate based on your location and employer. For example, data from the BLS shows that RNs who work in nursing and residential facilities earn a median salary of $72,420 per year, while those who work for the government earn a median annual salary of $85,970.
How Much Does an LPN to RN Program Cost?
Higher education is expensive, but completing an accelerated program is one way to help keep costs down. Students are away from the workforce for a shorter period and pay lower amounts of fees over time. Earning your degree online also offers cost savings as you don’t have to pay additional money for parking, transportation, or housing.
The cost of your degree will differ based on whether you attend a private or public college and are charged as an in-state or out-of-state student. According to 2021 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition and fees for full-time students at public two-year colleges were $3,900, compared to $15,800 for private for-profit two-year colleges.
Methodology
We understand the time-consuming process of finding a fastest LPN to RN program, so we did the hard work for you. We searched for accredited programs and ranked them in ascending order, using a weighted score for the tuition and program length. Please remember that information such as tuition rates sometimes change.
Do you need help finding the right college or university? We can help you with that based on your selected program.
Do you need to update the information that we have for your school? Please contact us and we will make the necessary changes for you.
