The Fastest Route From LPN to BSN Starts Here
South College's LPN-to-BSN bridge in Knoxville is built for a 39-month finish; Vincennes University gets Indiana LPNs through in three years flat. That kind of compression, shaving time off the usual four-year degree, is the entire appeal of the bridge model, and it's why licensed practical nurses increasingly turn to the Fastest LPN/LVN Programs to bypass the associate degree altogether.
The tradeoff shows up in schedule intensity and admissions friction: TEAS scores, GPA floors of 2.5 to 3.0, prerequisite science courses, and LPN clinical hours that still have to happen somewhere near your zip code.
We evaluated 25 online and hybrid programs on cost, credit transfer, and graduate outcomes, and the spread between the strongest and weakest options is wider than most LPNs expect.
Twenty accredited LPN-to-BSN pathways made this list, and they look very different from one another. Some are small regional colleges that cap cohorts at a couple dozen students; others are large universities that hand you escrow or proficiency credit for the LPN license you already hold. Each card below shows what you would actually pay in-state and out-of-state, along with the school's overall graduation rate, so you can size up the commitment before you request information.
How we ranked these
- Median graduate debt load
- Institution-wide graduation rate
- Accreditation and credit transfer
- Net price and tuition cost
- Scheduling flexibility for working LPNs
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, student-faculty ratios and net price — nces.ed.gov
Wenatchee Valley College
Wenatchee Valley College is a small public college in North Central Washington whose LPN-to-BSN track was developed with regional workforce grant funding and capped at roughly 18 students per cohort. Students move through six quarters of advanced nursing coursework covering pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, finishing with a leadership portfolio and capstone. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,300 a year and out-of-state about $5,600, and the school's overall graduation rate is 43%.
- CCNE accredited
- Six quarters to complete, ending in a capstone and leadership portfolio
- 2.0 GPA minimum plus 45 general education credits
- Current Washington LPN license required before entry
- Small cohorts capped at about 18 students
- $50 application fee; background check and drug screen required
- Clinical rotations in acute care, community health, and psychiatric settings
- Blocked clinical placements in North Central Washington
LPN to BSN — Hybrid
Worcester State University
Worcester State University is a public Massachusetts university with a three-year LPN-to-BS track built specifically for nurses licensed in the state. The curriculum spans medical-surgical, obstetric, pediatric, community, and mental health nursing and closes with a capstone, and students must earn at least an 80 in every nursing course to stay in the program. In-state tuition and fees are about $11,800, out-of-state about $17,900, and the school's overall graduation rate is 61%.
- ACEN and CCNE accredited
- Fall start only, with a June 1 admission deadline
- 2.5 GPA minimum and an unencumbered LPN license
- NACE entrance exams required for admission
- Capstone course included in the three-year plan
- Prerequisite courses required before nursing coursework
- Nursing courses require a grade of 80 or higher to progress
- Advising support through a dedicated LPN-BS coordinator
LPN-to-BS Program — Hybrid
West Virginia University
West Virginia University runs its LPN-to-BSN pathway through WVU Potomac State College in Keyser and WVU Tech in Beckley, giving nurses in the northern and southern parts of the state a campus close to home. Classes meet in the afternoons, evenings, and on weekends, and a dedicated transition course eases the shift from practical to professional nursing. In-state tuition and fees are about $10,100, out-of-state about $28,600, and the school's overall graduation rate is 65%.
- CCNE accredited and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN
- 22 escrow credits awarded for LPN licensure and experience
- Afternoon, evening, and weekend class options
- Offered at the Keyser and Beckley campuses
- Transition course NSG 213 focuses on assessment and clinical judgment
- Online didactic coursework paired with in-person clinicals
- Skills and simulation labs plus regional healthcare facilities
LPN to BSN — Hybrid
William Carey University
William Carey University is a private Christian university in Hattiesburg whose LPN advanced placement track grants credit by exam so experienced nurses can finish a BSN in as few as four full-time terms. The hybrid option is limited to Mississippi and Louisiana residents and uses clinical sites in Hattiesburg, Biloxi, and Baton Rouge. Tuition and fees run about $15,500 for the year, and the school's overall graduation rate is 60%.
- Accredited by ACEN and CCNE
- No entrance exam required
- Full-time plan of study completes in four terms
- Full-time and part-time options with spring and fall starts
- 2.8 GPA minimum; an unencumbered PN license required
- Asynchronous online classes with proctored exams at added cost
- Hybrid clinical sites open to Mississippi and Louisiana residents
- Inaugural advanced placement cohort posted a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
LPN Advanced Placement, Bachelor's — Hybrid
Georgia State University
Georgia State University is the only institution in metro Atlanta offering a seamless LPN-to-BSN bridge, and the professional sequence starts at Perimeter College before moving to the downtown Atlanta campus. Students complete 47 credit hours of nursing coursework over six semesters and receive 12 articulation credits for their LPN training, with clinical rotations in acute care and community agencies. In-state tuition and fees come to about $8,700, out-of-state about $24,800, and the school's overall graduation rate is 53%.
- CCNE accredited
- Six-semester plan with a summer start
- 2.8 GPA minimum and at least one letter of recommendation
- TEAS entrance exam required
- 12 articulation credits awarded for prior LPN or LVN education
- 47 credit hours of nursing major coursework
- Clinical rotations in acute care and community agencies
- Professional sequence begins at Perimeter College, then moves to Atlanta
Nursing, LPN to BSN Bridge Program — Hybrid
Vincennes University
Vincennes University is an Indiana public college whose LPN-to-BSN completion concentration can be finished in as little as three years while students keep working. Most coursework happens online, with no more than one day a week on campus, and the degree prepares students for the RN licensure exam and supervisory roles. In-state tuition and fees are about $7,100, out-of-state about $16,900, and the school's overall graduation rate is 39%.
- ACEN accredited
- Complete in as little as three years
- Two start dates per year: spring and fall
- One day per week on campus at most
- Prepares students for the Registered Nurse Licensure Examination
- Coursework in leadership, community health, and clinical reasoning
- Offered at the Vincennes and Jasper campuses
- In-person orientation required before the semester begins
Nursing LPN to BSN Hybrid Degree — Hybrid
Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech University offers LPN-to-BSN study in both a traditional on-campus format and a hybrid option launched for working nurses in the state. Hybrid students meet clinical requirements through a mix of simulation and preceptorship arranged around their own geography and work setting, and the university follows the Arkansas Nursing Education Progression Model. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,700, out-of-state about $14,700, and the school's overall graduation rate is 49%.
- ACEN accredited, 120 total credit hours
- Traditional face-to-face or hybrid format
- 2.8 GPA minimum and a current Arkansas LPN license
- Fall admission with a May 1 application deadline
- 16 hours of articulated credit for prior LPN education
- TEAS required for the on-campus track
- Students must complete the program within four years
- No entrance exam required
- Fall admission only
- Requires 1,000 or more LPN work hours in the past 12 to 24 months
- Clinical hours split between simulation and preceptorship
- Placement arranged around the nurse's location and work experience
LPN to BSN Nursing Program — Hybrid
LPN to BSN Hybrid — Hybrid
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg State University is a public Massachusetts university whose LPN-to-BS bridge spans both day and continuing education schedules, which makes it easier for a working LPN to piece together a full course load. Up to 18 transfer credits are awarded after passing the NLN NACE exams, and an accelerated curriculum option shortens the timeline. In-state tuition and fees are about $11,300, out-of-state about $17,400, and the school's overall graduation rate is 55%.
- CCNE accredited, 120 total credit hours
- Accelerated curriculum option for LPNs
- 2.5 GPA minimum and a Massachusetts LPN license in good standing
- Entrance exam required; three NLN NACE exams must be passed
- Up to 18 transfer credits awarded based on exam performance
- Day and evening courses on campus
- Two letters of recommendation required
- Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN
LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program — Hybrid
Madonna University
Madonna University is a private Catholic university in Livonia with an LPN-to-BSN bridge that admits experienced nurses straight into the nursing major if they clear a higher academic bar. The curriculum covers health assessment, pharmacology, holistic care, and nursing leadership, with clinical placements built in and NCLEX-RN preparation throughout. Tuition and fees run about $28,400 for the year, and the school's overall graduation rate is 60%.
- CCNE accredited; recognized by the Michigan Board of Nursing
- Two admission cycles: fall with a January 31 deadline, winter with July 31
- 3.0 GPA minimum plus SAT or ACT scores
- Current, unencumbered Michigan LPN license required
- Work experience required for direct nursing major admission
- Hands-on clinical placements in Michigan healthcare settings
Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing — Hybrid
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers a 33-credit BSN completion track for licensed practical and vocational nurses, with clinicals arranged within roughly 100 miles of the student's home. The program is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and lists about $11,200 in total tuition, one of the lowest figures on this list. It is not currently accepting new students; an updated plan goes to the state board in September 2026, and Spring 2027 is the earliest possible admission term. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,500, and out-of-state students pay roughly the same.
- ACEN accredited and approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing
- 33 total credit hours, about $11,212 in total program tuition
- Clinicals arranged within roughly 100 miles of home
- One-on-one guidance from student-focused faculty
- Prepares graduates for nurse educator, administrator, and informatics roles
- New admissions paused; earliest possible start is Spring 2027
LPN to BSN Program — Online
University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama runs a 48-credit LPN-to-BSN pathway across 14 nursing courses with three start terms a year, plus a longer six-semester option for nurses who trained at non-regionally accredited programs. Clinical rotations are available across Alabama and Mississippi, and the curriculum emphasizes care in rural and underserved communities. In-state tuition and fees are about $10,100, out-of-state about $19,100, and the school's overall graduation rate is 53%.
- CCNE accredited
- 48 total credit hours across 14 nursing courses
- Three start terms a year: spring, summer, and fall
- 3.0 GPA minimum plus 62 credits of prerequisites
- $50 application fee
- Clinical rotations in Alabama and Mississippi
- Six-semester option for LPNs from non-regionally accredited programs
LPN to BSN Pathway — Hybrid
Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University lets experienced LPNs test out of up to 11 nursing credit hours through proficiency exams, which shortens the path to the BSN. Applicants need at least one year of current LPN practice, and the curriculum builds through advanced nursing theory, leadership, and evidence-based practice toward NCLEX-RN eligibility. In-state tuition and fees are about $8,400, out-of-state about $20,900, and the school's overall graduation rate is 45%.
- CCNE accredited
- Up to 11 nursing credit hours earned by proficiency exam
- One year of current LPN practice required
- Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid and scholarships available
LPN to BSN Option — Hybrid
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg University is a private Christian university in southwestern Pennsylvania with a CCNE-accredited LPN-to-BSN program built around a simulation lab and an immersive clinical learning center. Students get clinical experience early, work with community health partners, and can join the nursing program's Sigma Theta Tau honor society chapter. Tuition and fees run about $30,500 for the year, the same rate for in-state and out-of-state students, and the school's overall graduation rate is 66%.
- CCNE accredited
- Simulation lab and nursing immersion room on campus
- Clinical experience begins in the sophomore year
- Community health partnerships for clinical placements
- Sigma Theta Tau international honor society chapter
- Prepares graduates for RN licensure and hospital, clinic, and community roles
LPN to BSN — Hybrid
Davenport University
Davenport University is a private Michigan university whose LPN-to-BSN bridge transfers credit for the LPN certificate once the NCLEX-PN is passed and a 2.5 GPA is met. The 120-credit curriculum includes adult care, mental health, childbearing, and community health rotations, plus an optional case management specialty for nurses drawn to care coordination. Tuition and fees run about $24,500 for the year, the same for in-state and out-of-state students, and the school's overall graduation rate is 57%.
- ACEN accredited, 120 total credit hours across 34 courses
- 2.5 GPA minimum; transfer credit for the LPN certificate
- NCLEX completion required before transfer credit is granted
- C+ or better required in all biology and chemistry courses
- Capstone course required
- Optional case management specialty in care coordination
- Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN
LPN to BSN Bridge Program — Online
Indiana State University
Indiana State University's LPN to BSN track is built for practicing nurses who cannot travel to campus, with clinical placements arranged in the student's own community. Coursework covers nursing theory, leadership, research, pharmacology, and health assessment, and faculty bring medical-surgical, acute care, and emergency nursing experience to the classroom. In-state tuition and fees are about $10,300, out-of-state about $22,300, and the school's overall graduation rate is 43%.
- ACEN accredited
- Clinicals arranged in the student's own community
- No campus visits required
- Transfer all applicable credit; course equivalency exams available
- Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN
- Faculty practice in acute care and emergency nursing
Nursing: LPN/LVN to BSN — Online
South College
South College is a private institution headquartered in Knoxville with an LPN-to-BSN bridge that runs roughly 39 months and requires no TEAS assessment. The curriculum moves through mental health, pediatric, adult health, maternal infant, and community health nursing, with about 20 in-class hours a week alongside lab and clinical training. Tuition and fees run about $18,500 for the year, the same for in-state and out-of-state students, and the school's overall graduation rate is 42%.
- ACEN accredited
- Designed for completion in about 39 months
- No TEAS assessment required
- Current unencumbered LPN license required
- Classroom, lab, and clinical training across five nursing areas
- Financial aid, scholarships, and grants for qualified students
- Offered at multiple campuses with holistic admission review
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN) — Hybrid
Saint Ambrose University
Saint Ambrose University is a private Iowa university whose LPN-to-BSN track is delivered through its online nursing school, with clinicals completed at partner health centers. The 55-credit, 21-month plan carries a published total program tuition of about $35,200, admits on a rolling basis, and accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Iowa residents who qualify for Pell Grants can apply the Ambrose Advantage scholarship, and the school's overall graduation rate is 61%.
- CCNE accredited
- $35,200 total program tuition at $640 per credit
- 21-month completion option across 55 credit hours
- Rolling admissions with fall and spring starts
- 3.0 GPA minimum and prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required; up to 90 transfer credits accepted
- Spanish for Health Services certificate option
- Faculty are practicing nurses
LPN to BSN — Online
Mercyhurst University
Mercyhurst University is a private Pennsylvania university with an LPN-to-BSN bridge offered in both a standard and a three-year accelerated format, plus two concentration options. The program charges no application fee, emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient safety, and uses newly renovated simulation facilities for hands-on training. Tuition and fees run about $45,800 for the year, the same rate for in-state and out-of-state students, and the school's overall graduation rate is 60%.
- ACEN accredited
- $0 application fee
- Three-year accelerated option available
- Two concentration options
- Hands-on clinical training with state-of-the-art simulation equipment
- Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN
- Newly renovated nursing facilities
LPN-BSN Bridge — Hybrid
Wilkes University
Wilkes University's Passan School of Nursing lets LPNs challenge up to five nursing courses through NLN Mobility Examinations, which can trim months off the degree. The program requires anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry prerequisites along with a 3.0 GPA, and it awards transfer credit for qualifying coursework. Tuition and fees run about $43,500 for the year, the same for in-state and out-of-state students, and the school's overall graduation rate is 63%.
- CCNE accredited
- Challenge up to five nursing courses by NLN Mobility Examination
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry
- Transfer credit accepted for qualifying courses
- Blends online coursework with on-campus experiences
LPN to BSN — Hybrid
Chamberlain University-Arizona
Chamberlain University's Phoenix campus runs a three-year BSN pathway for LPNs and LVNs with up to nine proficiency credits available through validation testing. The 122-credit curriculum includes simulation labs and clinical training at nearby hospitals, and there are six entry points a year with no prerequisites required. Tuition and fees run about $20,600 for the year, and the program lists $765 per credit hour across the full degree.
- Three-year program length
- Up to nine proficiency credits for LPN or LVN experience
- No prerequisites required
- Six start dates per year
- 122 total credit hours at $765 per credit hour
- HESI A2 or ACT/SAT scores required, plus an enrollment interview
- Hands-on simulation labs and clinical training at nearby hospitals
- Excellence in Education Grant and other scholarships available
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — Hybrid
How We Scored and Ranked These Programs
An online LPN-to-BSN program can look impressive in a catalog and still be the wrong fit for a working nurse, so choosing the right LPN/LVN bridge program starts with the factors that actually block completion: geography, schedule, and credit transfer.
How the Composite Score Works
Each program receives a composite score built from two layers.
- Online delivery boost: Programs with fully online didactic coursework and a clear pathway for LPN credit transfer score higher.
- Baseline quality factors: Graduation rate, average net price, post-enrollment earnings, and student debt outcomes add stability to the score.
- Current tuition: Institution-reported tuition figures keep the cost comparison tied to current catalogs rather than outdated marketing pages.
The online boost is meaningful, but it is not the entire score. A cheap, fully online program with weak graduation or earnings data can still rank below a more expensive option that does better by its students after enrollment, even when it appears among most affordable LPN/LVN programs.
Where the Data Comes From
We pull institution-wide benchmarks from the College Scorecard and IPEDS, then layer in institution-reported tuition. This distinction matters. Graduation rate, net price, earnings, and debt outcomes describe the entire college or university, not one LPN-to-BSN cohort. A school with strong overall results may still have a nursing program that underperforms, so we treat those numbers as context instead of program proof.
What We Deliberately Left Out
Clinical placement quality, NCLEX pass rates, and student satisfaction are not scored because program-level reporting is too inconsistent to compare fairly. We would rather state that limit plainly than invent a number to make the list look more complete. That transparency is where this methodology differs most from competitor rankings.
Understanding the LPN-to-BSN Bridge Pathway
Start from zero or start from where you already stand: that's the real difference between a traditional BSN and a bridge program built for working LPNs and LVNs. A bridge pathway is designed specifically for nurses who already hold an active practical nursing license. Instead of treating your diploma and clinical hours as irrelevant, these programs award credit for the coursework, skills validation, and licensure exam you've already completed, letting you step directly onto a bachelor's track without first earning an associate degree.
What Makes a Bridge Program Different
Traditional BSN students work through general education, foundational nursing theory, and entry-level clinicals in sequence. LPN-to-BSN bridges compress that front end. Prerequisite science and gen-ed courses often transfer in from your LPN training, clinical hour requirements are adjusted to reflect skills you've already demonstrated on the job, and coursework shifts quickly toward RN-level scope: pharmacology, health assessment, leadership, and community health.
Yes, You Can Skip the ADN
A common question is whether you can go from LPN to BSN without earning an associate degree first. You can. LPN to RN Bridge Programs are built for exactly this. Upon completing the required coursework and clinical hours, graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN just like any other prelicensure nursing student, earning RN eligibility and a bachelor's credential in a single pathway rather than two separate ones.
Employers Don't Distinguish by Delivery Method
A CCNE- or ACEN-accredited online BSN carries the same weight in a hiring stack as a campus-based degree. Magnet-recognized hospitals and most health systems evaluate accreditation and licensure outcomes, not whether coursework happened in a lecture hall or a laptop.
LPN to BSN vs. LPN to ADN to BSN: Time, Cost, and Earnings Compared
LPNs weighing a BSN have two main routes: a direct LPN-to-BSN bridge or a two-step path that adds an ADN (and a second application cycle) before completing an RN-to-BSN. The direct bridge typically shaves one to two semesters off your total timeline and eliminates a redundant admissions process, letting you reach BSN-level earning power sooner.
Credit Transfer Policies, Program Timelines, and Schedules for Working LPNs
One of the biggest advantages of an LPN-to-BSN bridge program is the credit you receive for your existing license and clinical experience, which can shave semesters off a traditional BSN timeline. The table below compares published transfer credit, scheduling, and timeline details across ranked online and hybrid programs. Where schools evaluate credit individually rather than awarding a fixed block, that is noted. Keep in mind that actual credits awarded may vary based on your transcript, state of licensure, and prerequisite coursework.
| School | LPN License Credits Awarded | Total Credits Required | Estimated Program Length | Accelerated Track Available | Part-Time Option | Asynchronous Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia University | Up to 22 escrow credits for LPN experience | Not published | Not published | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Online didactic with in-person clinicals |
| Arkansas Tech University | 16 articulated credits | 120 | Up to 4 years | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Hybrid format (online and on campus) |
| Fitchburg State University | 18 transfer credits | 120 | Not published | Accelerated curriculum option listed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Indiana State University | Evaluated individually (transfers all applicable credit) | 120 | 9 semesters | Not available | Not confirmed | Online coursework, no on-campus visits required |
| Saint Ambrose University | Evaluated with up to 90 total transfer credits accepted | 55 nursing credits (120 total with prerequisites) | 21 months (6 semesters) | Yes, 21-month completion | Not confirmed | Online nursing courses |
| University of South Alabama | Evaluated individually | 48 nursing credits (62 prerequisite credits required separately) | 4 semesters | Yes, 4-semester track | 6-semester option also available | Not confirmed |
| Georgia State University | Evaluated individually | Not published | 6 semesters | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Evaluated individually (33 total program credits suggests significant prior credit recognition) | 33 nursing credits | Not published | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Online BSN completion format |
| Davenport University | Transfer credit for LPN certificate (amount evaluated individually) | 120 | Not published | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Online program |
| Chamberlain University | Up to 9 proficiency credits (newer LPN-to-BSN option may award additional automatic license credit) | 122 to 126 | Approximately 3 years (up to 16 weeks shorter with LPN option) | Yes, time savings of up to 16 weeks | Not confirmed | Online coursework available |
| Wilkes University | Credit by NLN Mobility Examinations (up to 5 nursing courses) | Not published | Not published | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Vincennes University | Evaluated individually | Not published | As few as 3 years | Not confirmed | Flexible schedule for working students | Hybrid (one day per week on campus) |
| William Carey University | Evaluated individually | Not published | 4 terms (full-time plan) | Not confirmed | Full-time and part-time options | Asynchronous online classes |
| Mercyhurst University | Evaluated individually | Not published | 3 years (accelerated option) | Yes, 3-year accelerated option | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
Related Articles
Tuition, Financial Aid, and the Real ROI of an LPN-to-BSN Degree
Tuition for an LPN-to-BSN program varies by format, location, and whether a student starts at a community college. Many students reduce total cost by completing prerequisites through Community College Nursing Programs before transferring into an online BSN completion program. Public in-state tuition tends to be the lowest-cost route, but private and out-of-state rates can stretch budgets. Request a written cost breakdown before enrolling; some online BSN programs charge a flat rate for a block of credits, while others charge per credit. Even so, budget for tuition, fees, and clinical supplies; online learners may still face on-campus intensives, lab fees, or proctored exams.
Financial aid can offset a substantial portion of the bill. Submit the FAFSA early, ask employers about tuition reimbursement, and explore state nursing workforce grants. Employer tuition reimbursement is especially common at hospitals and long-term care facilities, but may require a service commitment. LPN Training & Financial Aid for Veterans and Military personnel may be able to apply GI Bill benefits and service-related scholarships toward tuition. Some BSN completion programs also offer competency-based or per-credit pricing, which can lower total cost for students who transfer a high number of credits. Treat private loans as a last resort because they often carry less flexible repayment terms.
BLS data from May 2025 shows the median annual wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses was $64,400, while registered nurses earned a median of $97,550.1 That $33,150 gap is the primary financial case for bridge completion. The same release reports a mean annual wage of $101,420 for registered nurses, which captures overtime and higher-paying settings. Even a modest tuition investment can pay for itself within a few years when the post-graduation salary increase is paired with steady employment. BLS counted roughly 3.38 million RN jobs compared with about 648,410 LPN/LVN jobs, a wider employer base that can support long-term mobility.1 For working LPNs, the return on investment is usually strongest when employer reimbursement and federal aid cover part of the cost.
According to a recent AACN survey of 643 nursing schools, nearly 70 percent of employers now express a strong preference for hiring BSN-prepared nurses, while one in four hospitals outright require a bachelor's degree for new RN hires. For LPNs eyeing long-term career security, these numbers underscore why the BSN credential has become the industry standard.
What You Need to Get in: Admissions Requirements for LPN-to-BSN Programs
Admissions standards vary across programs, but most online LPN-to-BSN pathways share a core set of requirements. Gathering these items early can prevent delays and keep you on track for the next enrollment cycle.
- Active, Unencumbered LPN/LVN LicenseEvery program requires proof that your practical or vocational nursing license is current, unrestricted, and in good standing. Some schools also verify that you hold licensure in a state they are approved to serve, so confirm geographic eligibility before you apply.
- Minimum Cumulative GPAMost programs set a GPA floor between 2.5 and 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though the actual threshold varies. For example, Indiana State University lists a 2.75 pre-admission GPA (with a 2.75 in science courses), while Chamberlain University uses a holistic review with a typical minimum around 2.4. A few schools allow applicants below the stated cutoff to petition or complete a dean's evaluation.
- Prerequisite CoursesAnatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, English Composition, and a general Psychology course are the most commonly required prerequisites, with a minimum grade of C in each. Statistics or introductory Chemistry may also appear on the list. Most prerequisites must be completed before admission, though some programs allow one or two courses, often Statistics, to be taken as co-requisites during your first term.
- Entrance ExamPrograms typically require one standardized nursing admission test. The TEAS and HESI A2 are the most widely accepted; Indiana State University uses the Kaplan Admission Test instead. Chamberlain accepts TEAS, HESI A2, ACT, or SAT scores valid within the past five years. Confirm which exam your target school requires well in advance, as scheduling and score turnaround can take several weeks.
- Clinical LPN Work ExperienceSome programs require at least one year of direct patient-care experience as a licensed practical or vocational nurse. Excelsior University, for instance, asks applicants to verify a minimum of 200 hours of supervised direct patient care in the prior calendar year. Even when not mandatory, recent clinical experience strengthens your application.
- Background Check and Drug ScreeningA criminal background check and urine drug screening are standard requirements, often completed through a designated third-party vendor after acceptance. Clinical partner facilities set their own clearance standards, so results may affect your ability to complete required in-person rotations.
- Current CPR/BLS CertificationYou will need a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification from an approved provider such as the American Heart Association. Most schools require this to be current at the time of enrollment and throughout the program.
- Official Transcripts from All Prior InstitutionsSubmit sealed, official transcripts from every college or university you have attended, including the program where you earned your practical nursing credential. Admissions committees use these to verify prerequisite completion, calculate your cumulative GPA, and evaluate potential transfer credits.
Find LPN-to-BSN Programs by State
The programs below round out this year's directory of online and hybrid LPN-to-BSN options, listed alphabetically by state. Each entry links to the school's own program page so you can check admission terms, clinical placement, and start dates directly. If you are searching for LPN-to-BSN programs near me, start with your state licensing board and then compare the delivery format against your work schedule.
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) (LPN Bridge)
- Licensed Vocational Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LVN to BSN)
- Nursing LPN to BSN
- LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
