LPN to BSN Programs in Nursing

LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse. Individuals interested in becoming LPNs need to possess at least a high school diploma or GED to qualify into the LPN program of approximately 1 year duration. Post completion of LPN program, they can take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-PN to become LPNs.

Though the demand for LPNs is high, yet the opportunities provided by RNs or Registered Nurses career are even more attractive. To move into the role of RNs, Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing are a minimum requirement which take around 3-4 years. However, LPN to BSN programs can be completed in comparatively shorter time frames. These programs therefore allow nurses to build nursing experience while completing their BSN qualifications.

Several institutions offer LPN to BSN programs through campus and online modes. However, practical exposure is a must for either channel. Course curriculum typically covers medical ethics, anatomy and physiology, nursing management, pharmacology, research in nursing, nutrition and health, human resource management, abnormal psychology, chemistry, health care management, professional nursing and microbiology lab. Moreover BSN programs allow LPNs to choose specializations.

Career prospects are extremely bright for nurses who complete LPN to BSN programs and reflect in higher pay, responsibilities, choice of specialties and diverse career opportunities. Post LPN to BSN programs, LPNs can take and pass the appropriate licensure exams to become Registered Nurses or RNs. This is a natural career progression. Registered nurses earn a little better than 50 percent more than licensed practical nurses based on median national incomes of 2006.

University of Phoenix and Lincoln Technical Institute offer top notch programs for students followed by Kaplan University and Everest Institute providing “best in class” education. South University focuses its programs on positive student experience.