What are LPN to BSN Programs?
This nursing degree program offers licensed practical nurses (LPNs) the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing (BSN) degree in just four academic semesters, or about two to three years. As a LPN you’ve already gained experience in the healthcare field. You know how to take care of sick patients and how hospitals and other healthcare facilities operate. Through getting a BSN degree you can enrich your skills and become prepared for a wider field of nursing career opportunities.
LPN to BSN programs follow the same academic plan and requirements as regular BSN programs, except that as an LPN you can receive full credit for previous courses taken. Many schools require you to have LPN licensure before being admitted. Often they also want you to have some LPN experience, which will aid in your BSN courses and clinical. Admission requirements for an LPN to BSN program can include a nursing entrance exam, CPR certification, or a criminal background check. Most courses for an LPN to BSN program are available online, although the clinical component is usually on-site. You must investigate with different online schools to know how they’ll handle their clinical component.
The following is a general summary of LPN to BSN programs:
- LPN to BSN nursing programs lead to a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree (BSN)
- LPN to BSN nursing programs generally last two to four years, depending on part-time or full-time status, and are offered by nursing schools, colleges and universities, both campus based and online
- RN salaries are $15,000 higher or more compared to that of an LPN
- BSN bachelor degrees can help career advancement, job security, job satisfaction and personal growth
- Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
- Online classes and self-study learning formats are extremely popular and viable option for students to continue their careers while receiving an education
LPN VS RN Career Overviews
An LPN education is shorter and costs less than a BSN program. They typically involve coursework study and training at a hospital, community college, or vocational/technical school. One has to take the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN, to qualify for an LPN licensure. As an LPN you work under the direction of physicians and RNs. You could work in hospitals, home health care services, nursing care facilities, physicians’ offices, and other health care providers and agencies. In this position you attend patients in a variety of ways, such as:
- Take vital signs
- Gather patient health information
- Prepare and deliver injections
- Assist patients in personal hygiene tasks
- Collect lab samples and perform routine lab tests
- Help care for and feed infants
- Teach patients and family members about good health habits
- Supervise nursing assistants and aides
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics as of 2010 LPNs earned an average annual salary between $34,260 and $47,4000.
With a BSN degree you can work as a registered nurse (RN). An RN holds a position of seniority over a LPN and is often in charge of assigning tasks in a hospital environment. BSN degrees typically take four years to complete, but if done through an LPN to BSN program they only take a maximum of three years. After completing the LPN to BSN program you must take the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN.
As an RN you’ll be responsible for the needs of patients suffering from illness or injury. You’ll provide care and cater to patients in a variety of settings. Some locations could include operating rooms, ambulatory care, intensive care, physicians’ offices, health care clinics, or specialized practices. The general responsibilities of a registered nurse can include:
- Observing and recording patient medical history and symptoms
- Establishing a plan of care for patients or adding to an existing one then putting the plan into action
- Managing and assigning tasks to licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants
- Advising and providing emotional support for patients and their families
The income of a RN is influenced by location, education and experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics survey showed that the median annual income of a nurse practicing in the U.S. is $64,690. The middle 50 percent earned $52,980 to $79,020.
LPN to BSN Programs Online
Since more and more LPNs are entering bridge programs to become an RN, online learning is turning into an extremely possible and popular option. Online learning allows a LPN to continue working full-time while acquiring a BSN degree. They’re specifically designed for the working professional. Online classes utilize online classroom systems modules that offer comprehensive learning. Through these online classroom environments you can earn the same education and college credits as you could from campus based learning.
These online course modules allow you to study at your own pace, which help you balance your busy work schedule and home life. You can also study at your own convenience. Rather than on-campus courses that are scheduled at specific times, online learning permits you to study whenever it works best for you. Typically online programs line you up with local clinics for your hands-on training component of a BSN degree. If they don’t line you up, they guide you through the process of finding a healthcare facility that can help you gain your clinical experience. These programs have full academic and tech support with professors who care about your education. Professors want to engage with you and they encourage communication through online forums, email, and video chat. Often professors offer their phone numbers for immediate communication, too.
Online learning promotes an environment of open discussion, without the pressure of face-to-face interaction. Through chat forums, video chat, and emails you’ll have rich discussions with students and teachers. Often BSN students say that they feel more comfortable asking clarifying questions or expressing their opinions through these methods of communication.
The following are general benefit summaries of online LPN to BSN programs:
- Cost: Online programs often cost significantly less than traditional schools since online classes don’t have the same overhead expenditures, like electricity and classrooms. You save on room and board, additional students fees, commuting costs, and eating out costs.
- Scheduling: Online programs offer both flexibility and customization. You can schedule courses around work and other commitments. You can also access your courses from anywhere in the world. Attending classes online frees up a lot of time by eliminating the commute.
- Quality: Online learning utilizes innovative technology and skilled support to create an educational and collaborative environment. If you attend an accredited school, you’ll receive a top-quality education from highly qualified professionals in the field.
- Accessibility: Distance learning is at an all-time high with more programs being offered online. After receiving your BSN education you can choose to continue on for a master’s or doctorate nursing degree program.
How to choose an Online LPN to BSN Program:
Now that you know how easy an LPN to BSN program is to get online, you’re faced with an array of options. How do you choose the online program that’s best for you? The following is a guide to help you look up certain degree information online. You should definitely research each program you’re considering attending. Don’t just choose the first program that pops up in a search. Your future career and finances are a part of this decision, so take it seriously.
- Accreditation: One of the most important things to look for in an online program is to choose a school that is accredited by one of two national accrediting agencies. These agencies are The National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Both of these organizations ensure the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.
- Alumni Success: Make sure to ask all schools for their record of examination rates for the past few years. If students have a high pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, you know you’ll be well prepared for test day.
- Hands-on Experience: An important component of all LPN to BSN programs are clinical rotations. This is your time to observe what RNs have to do daily. You’ll learn how to care for patients and collaborate with the healthcare team. Therefore, it’s important to know how much time you’ll spend in clinical rotation and what hospitals and clinics schools partner with. It’s also good to find out if your program will line up clinical rotations for you, or if that responsibility will fall on you individually.
- Tuition: It’s no lie that higher education is expensive. Tuition for LPN to BSN programs varies greatly and not all schools offer financing options. You should contact financial aid representatives at each school’s program to learn more about scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and other aid resources.
