LPN to RN online programs are a type of nursing bridge program that may help Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) pursue a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). These programs are aimed at students who have already completed the requirements for becoming an LPN or LVN, and want to build on their past education.
However, not all online RN programs are LPN to RN online bridge programs. In other words, you may need to look for a program that is designed to help you transition between career paths.
LPN to RN online programs may:
- Lead to earning an ADN (Associates Degree in Nursing) or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
- Help you prepare to take the NCLEX-RN to earn your Registered Nursing License
- Permit you to transfer previous college credits
- Potentially help reduce the time it takes to earn your degree
We’ve Found Nursing Schools with LPN to RN Online Programs
Check out this list of colleges and universities with accredited online LPN to RN programs, some of which may be earned partially or fully online. Program offerings may range from online LPN to ADN bridge programs, where you may earn an associates degree, to LPN to BSN online programs where you may earn a bachelors degree. It's best if you compare several schools to find one that sounds perfect for you!
1. Indiana State University
Program offered: LPN to BSN online, LVN to RN online
Founded in 1865, Indiana State University now educates students both locally and around the world. Indiana State’s online program may be perfect for LPNs or LVNs who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and also pursue RN licensure. The program accepts in-state students and also some out-of-state students, so you don’t necessarily have to live in Indiana to qualify.
Features of the program include:
- 76 credits in the major, in addition to prerequisites
- Courses within the major are offered 100% online.
- Clinicals are pursued in the student’s community.
Indiana State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the LPN/LVN to BSN Track is approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
2. Dallas Nursing Institute
Program offered: LPN to ADN bridge programs
The Dallas Nursing Institute began in 1991 with the goal of training tomorrow’s nurses. The school is community-focused, and offers nursing programs at a variety of stages, including LPN to RN transition programs. While DNI’s RN to BSN program is offered entirely online, its other programs may vary. Check with DNI to find out if its LPN to ADN bridge programs are a perfect fit.
Features of the program include:
- Some Associate Degree in Nursing courses may be taken online.
- Tuition includes textbooks, nursing kit, Kaplan exam preparation, and more.
- Degree may be earned in about 80 weeks.
DNI is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and its nursing programs are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
3. Rasmussen College
Program offered: Partially online LPN to RN programs, LPN to ADN bridge programs
Rasmussen College is well over one hundred years old and takes pride in helping students prepare for their professions. Their Mobility Bridge Entrance Option (LPN to RN) may help you transfer credits in order to pursue both your associates degree in nursing and your RN licensure. In addition to online learning, Rasmussen has 22 campuses in six states.
Features of the program include:
- Four program start times per year
- Blended learning allows you to take some courses online, and some on campus.
Rasmussen is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, its professional nursing associate’s degrees are approved by the Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas, Florida and Wisconsin Boards of Nursing.
4. Ball State University
Program offered: LPN to RN bridge programs, LPN to BS
Ball State University opened as a teachers’ college in 1899. The university has since expanded to offer 190 undergraduate and preprofessional programs, including the LPN transition track. Students in this program may be able to transfer prior education to the path of earning a BS in Nursing. While nursing courses must be taken on campus, non-nursing course requirements may be earned online.
Features of the program include:
- Summer transition semester may prepare you to progress to junior year of the nursing program.
- You may be able to transfer your science and general studies credits.
- Pursue Ball State Core Curriculum courses independently, through correspondence.
The baccalaureate nursing program at Ball State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program also holds full approval from the Indiana State Board of Nursing.
5. Ohio University
Program offered: LPN to ADN bridge programs
In 1808, Ohio University opened with just three students and one professor! Today, it features five campuses and two satellite centers to serve thousands of regional students. Pursue Ohio’s LPN to RN Associate of Science Degree in Nursing at its Southern campus.
Features of the program include:
- Designed to be earned in about two years.
- Students prepare to take the national council licensure examination, to pursue licensure as a registered nurse (RN).
- Program graduates may choose to pursue Ohio University’s RN to BSN program.
Ohio’s ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and holds full approval status from the Ohio Board of Nursing.
6. Herzing University
Program offered: LPN to ADN bridge programs
Herzing University offers flexible learning paths to help students pursue their career dreams. The university features 10 campuses in seven states, as well as online programs. Herzing offers a variety of nursing programs at different levels. For those interested in earning an LPN to RN degree, check out the bridge programs at Herzing’s Birmingham and Orlando campuses.
Features of the program include:
- Herzing’s Birmingham campus offers the LPN to RN program, which requires 48 credits and about 12 months to earn.
- Herzing’s Orlando campus offers the Bridge to ASN program, which requires 72 credits and about 18 months to earn.
- Earn your Associate of Science in Nursing degree and pursue RN licensure.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Birmingham’s LPN to RN Bridge Program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Orlando’s Bridge to ASN program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
7. Arkansas State University
Program offered: LPN to RN bridge programs online or on campus
Arkansas State University began as an agricultural college and has evolved to become a leader in medicine, technology, and distance learning. The university’s College of Nursing and Health Professions offers LPN-AASN programs both on campus and online. The LPN to RN online program is designed for LPNs employed in acute or long-term care, who wish to pursue RN licensure while continuing to work.
Features of the program include:
- Earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.N.).
- Online courses are taught in seven-week terms.
- For online learners, clinical requirements are held on selected weekends, in Jonesboro-area facilities.
Arkansas State’s AASN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The program is also approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
8. University of Cincinnati
Program offered: Blended, or partly online LPN to RN programs
The University of Cincinnati is a renowned public research institution founded in 1819. Blue Ash, one of its regional campuses, offers a flexible, hybrid LPN to RN program to help students pursue an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing. If you’re unsure whether LPN to RN online bridge programs are a good fit for you, it may be worth looking into a blended program like the one at UC Blue Ash. Students complete some program components online and some on campus, for the best of both worlds.
Features of the program include:
- Flexible clinical requirements
- 25% to 75% of learning is online, depending on the course
- Enriched learning experiences and simulations using Apple iPad mini
UC Blue Ash College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, and the nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
9. University of Mary
Program offered: LPN to BSN online/blended
University of Mary is a private Catholic university that welcomes students of all faiths. The university values service, ethical leadership, and experiential learning. University of Mary is home to a unique, blended LPN to BSN program. Students must attend campus in Bismarck, ND for orientation, exams, some clinical experiences, etc. However, they may pursue courses from home, potentially perfect for working nurses.
Features of the program include:
- LPNs with a diploma, certificate, or associates degree may qualify.
- Earn your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree and pursue RN licensure.
- Coursework and some clinical experiences can be completed in the student’s community.
The BSN program at the University of Mary is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
10. Florida Career College
Program offered: LPN to ADN bridge programs
Florida Career College has been helping students pursue their professional goals for over 30 years. They offer an LPN-to-RN Transition Program for licensed LPNs who hope to pursue RN licensure. The FCC School of Nursing has locations in Boynton Beach, Lauderdale Lakes, Pembroke Pines, and Jacksonville.
Features of the program include:
- Earn an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing.
- Degree may be earned in three to five semesters.
- Choose from four campus locations in Florida.
Florida Career Colleges are accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges & Schools (ACICS).
How Long Does It Take to Earn an LPN to RN Online Degree?
When pursuing an LPN to RN how long does it take depends on whether you’re earning an ADN or a BSN degree. An ADN (Associates Degree in Nursing) may take as little as 12 to 18 months to earn, though every program is different. Earning a BSN could take as few as six semesters for a full-time student. Keep in mind that factors like prerequisites, entrance exam, transfer credits, and clinical experiences could cause program length to vary.
Are There LPN to RN Online Programs Without Clinicals?
The short answer is, probably not. LPN to RN online programs without clinicals would be like a sky without stars! Even a 100% online program, like Indiana State’s, may require students to complete clinical experiences within their own communities. But the good news is that LPN to RN online or blended programs may offer clinicals that are flexible, close to home, or take place on weekends. You may just have to look a little harder for them. Hint: check out our list, below!
What About an LPN to RN Without Prerequisites?
Finding an online LPN to RN without prerequisites is unlikely. At least, all the schools in our list generally require students to have completed certain health care course requirements before, or in addition to, the core nursing curriculum. But, you’ll probably agree that these prerequisites are important. For example, where would you be without Anatomy and Physiology, Intro to Pharmacology, and other potentially required courses?
Find LPN to RN Online Programs That Are Perfect for You!
Whether you’re searching for an LVN to RN online program, an LPN to BSN online program, or another type of bridge degree path, you’re in the right place. Click any of the schools on our sponsored list to request more info, or fill out the form to get matched to schools for free! You can also find Online RN to MSN programs here!