How to Go from LPN to RN with a Bridge Program
Bridge nursing programs provide a streamlined path to advancing qualifications and earning a higher degree, along with the benefits and added responsibilities that entails.
For LPNs who want to become RNs while leveraging their existing knowledge and experience, LPN to RN bridge nursing programs offer a cost-effective way to advance in the nursing field. Becoming an RN expands your scope of practice, allowing you to perform comprehensive assessments, develop patient care plans, and supervise other healthcare staff.
Benefits include:
- Streamlined path: By building on prior education and experience, these programs typically require fewer credit hours to become an RN compared to traditional pathways.
- Flexibility: Many nursing bridge programs offer flexible formats, including online and hybrid options, making it easier for working professionals to balance school and employment.
- Higher earning potential: Becoming an RN means higher earning potential and increased career opportunities in specialized fields and leadership roles.
Key Differences Between LPNs and RNs
| Key differences | licensed practical nurse (LPN) | registered nurse (rn) |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibilities | Provides basic care, assists RNs and doctors | Conducts assessments, creates care plans, administers medications, supervises LPNs |
| Education | Certificate or diploma | ADN or BSN |
| Career Opportunities | Limited to entry-level roles | Access to specialized and leadership positions |
| Earning Potential | National average salary is around $60,790 | National average salary is around $94,480, this role also offers more advancement opportunities |
Jersey College does not promise or guarantee employment. Figures cited on this page are for informational purposes only and are no promise or guarantee of any certain wage.
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4 Steps for Bridging from LPN to RN
Interested in taking the leap? The following sections outline the key steps in this process, from choosing the right nursing bridge program to obtaining RN licensure.
- Step 1: Decide on Your Program Pathway
Choosing the right educational pathway is crucial for LPNs transitioning to RNs. Bridge programs mainly include the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Both lead to RN licensure but differ in length, cost, and future opportunities.
- An ADN bridge program typically takes 12–24 months, offering a quicker, more affordable route to licensure.
- BSN programs last 3-4 years. Graduating nurses may have more opportunities to pursue leadership roles and education enhancement pathways
Your choice depends on your timeline, finances, and career aspirations. Learn more in our BSN vs ADN explainer.
- Step 2: Choose the Right Bridge Program
Here’s what to look for when searching for the right LPN to RN bridge program:
- Accreditation ensures the program meets industry standards and qualifies graduates for licensure. Choosing an accredited program also increases job prospects, as many employers require RNs to have completed an approved nursing education.
- Flexibility: For working professionals, flexibility is another key factor. Many bridge programs offer online or hybrid options, allowing students to complete coursework while continuing to work.
- Unique Opportunities: Clinical experience is often an essential part of the program, providing hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. Programs with strong partnerships with hospitals can offer valuable opportunities.
- Cost: Cost is another important consideration when choosing a bridge program. Tuition rates can vary widely depending on the institution, and additional expenses such as textbooks, lab fees, and clinical uniforms should also be factored in. Many schools offer financial aid options, scholarships, and payment plans, which can help offset costs. It’s also helpful to review a program’s return on investment, such as NCLEX-RN pass rates and job placement data, to ensure you’re making a financially sound decision. Taking the time to assess these factors will help you find a bridge program that aligns with both your budget and career goals.
- Step 3: Pass the NCLEX
After completing an LPN to RN bridge program, the next step is passing the NCLEX-RN, the licensing exam required to become a registered nurse. This exam is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to apply nursing knowledge in real-world scenarios, covering topics such as patient care, safety, pharmacology, and health promotion. A strong study plan is key to success, and many nursing students find review courses, practice exams, and study guides helpful in reinforcing critical concepts. Regular practice testing can improve familiarity with exam questions and highlight areas that need further focus.
Managing test anxiety is just as important as mastering the material. Creating a consistent study schedule, using time management techniques, and incorporating stress-reducing strategies like deep breathing and mindfulness can help build confidence. Taking breaks, staying active, and getting enough rest before the exam can also improve focus and performance. With thorough preparation and the right approach, you can increase your chances of passing the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt.
- Step 4: Obtain RN Licensure
After passing the NCLEX-RN, the final step in becoming a registered nurse is applying for RN licensure through your state’s Board of Nursing. Each state has its own licensure requirements, but the process generally involves submitting an application, providing proof of program completion, and ensuring that NCLEX-RN results are sent directly to the board. Some states may also require background checks, additional coursework, or other documentation, so it’s important to research state-specific guidelines ahead of time to avoid delays.
By staying informed about your state’s licensure requirements and ensuring all necessary documentation is accurately submitted, you can smoothly transition from a graduate to a licensed RN, ready to begin your professional journey.
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Impact of Advancing Your Career
Completing a bridge program can significantly enhance a nurse’s career, leading to greater responsibilities, higher earning potential, and expanded opportunities. For those bridging from LPN, becoming an RN means taking on more complex patient care tasks, developing treatment plans, and often supervising other healthcare professionals, allowing for more autonomy in their roles.
Beyond clinical responsibilities, RNs have access to specialized fields such as oncology, pediatrics, and critical care, as well as leadership positions in healthcare settings. These roles offer increased job stability and professional growth while contributing to improved patient outcomes. Financially, RNs earn considerably more than LPNs, making the transition a strong investment in long-term career advancement.
With an LPN to RN bridge program, nurses gain the expertise and credentials to take on meaningful roles in patient care, leadership, and specialized nursing fields. This career step not only broadens opportunities but also strengthens the overall impact nurses have in healthcare.
Debunking Myths
Misconceptions about LPN to RN bridge programs can make some nurses hesitant to enroll, but these programs are designed to be rigorous, flexible, and accessible to a wide range of students.
- Are Bridge Programs Less Rigorous Than Traditional RN Programs?
No, bridge programs follow the same academic and clinical standards as traditional RN programs, ensuring graduates are fully prepared for licensure. The difference is that bridge programs build on an LPN’s prior experience, making the learning process more efficient without lowering expectations.
- Do You Need to Quit Your Job to Enroll in a Nursing Bridge Program?
Some people have the misconception that students must quit their jobs to enroll in a bridge program. Many programs offer part-time, evening, and hybrid formats, allowing students to continue working while completing coursework. These flexible options make career advancement possible without sacrificing financial stability.
- Are Nursing Bridge Programs Best for Recent Graduates?
No. Some people have a misguided belief that only recent LPN graduates succeed, but bridge programs support students at ALL life stages. Whether an LPN is newly licensed or has years of experience, these programs provide structured coursework, faculty guidance, and clinical training to help students transition into an RN role successfully.
The Future of Bridge Programs
LPN to RN bridge programs are evolving to meet the changing needs of healthcare, incorporating virtual simulations, AI-driven learning tools, and telehealth training to enhance clinical education. These innovations provide hands-on learning experiences in a flexible format, helping students develop critical nursing skills in a controlled environment.
Bridge programs are also expanding access to nursing education, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where nursing shortages are a concern. Online coursework and remote learning options make it easier for LPNs to advance their careers without relocating. At the same time, the curriculum is adapting to reflect emerging healthcare priorities, such as mental healthcare, global health, and healthcare equity. By preparing nurses to address these pressing challenges, bridge programs ensure graduates are equipped to provide high-quality, patient-centered care in an evolving healthcare system.
Ready to take the next step? Find a bridge program near you!
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