District of Columbia LPN to RN/BSN Programs
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Washington, D.C. have multiple pathways to advance their nursing careers through LPN to RN programs, though local options may be more limited compared to other regions. While there are fewer direct local programs, students in D.C. can leverage national online and hybrid LPN to RN programs that provide flexibility for working professionals.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Washington DC
Howard University
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - howard.edu
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Howard University's LPN to BSN program provides licensed practical nurses with a robust pathway to earn a bachelor's degree, leveraging their clinical experience to expand into advanced nursing roles. This campus-based program requires a valid LPN license, prerequisite courses, and a 3.0 minimum GPA for entry into the upper division curriculum. Admission occurs in the fall semester and mandates the TEAS-VI exam, a personal statement, and the Casper Assessment. As a BSN-level program, it emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and culturally competent care, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare environments without requiring ACT or SAT exams.
- LPN license required
- Upper division program entry
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Fall semester admission
- TEAS-VI exam required
- Personal statement needed
- Casper Assessment required
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC - Public 4-Year - udc.edu
Associate - LPN to Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (LPN-AASN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of the District of Columbia offers an LPN to Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program, a campus-based pathway for LPNs advancing to RN roles. This ACEN-accredited program spans up to three years with a competitive admission process, requiring a 3.0 GPA, B grades in recent science prerequisites, and the NLN NEX Pre-Admission Examination. It emphasizes evidence-based clinical training across diverse settings like pediatrics and geriatrics, with costs around $350. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, fostering careers in healthcare. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.
- ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
- Competitive Admission Requirements
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN Exam
- Diverse Clinical Placement Opportunities
- 3.0 GPA Prerequisite Requirement
- Science Courses Within 5 Years
- Maximum 3-Year Program Completion
- Only One Course Repeat Allowed
Washington DC LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Washington DC LPNs who plan to bridge to RN should expect selective admission with requirements that ensure readiness for advanced practice and licensure. Common prerequisites include:
- Active, unencumbered District of Columbia LPN license and current CPR certification for healthcare providers.
- Completion of college-level prerequisites with minimum grades and a qualifying cumulative GPA. Typical courses include Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab, Microbiology with lab, English Composition, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Nutrition, and College Algebra or Statistics.
- Standardized admission testing such as TEAS or HESI, along with a writing sample or interview at some programs.
- Background check, drug screening, required immunizations, TB clearance, and proof of health insurance for clinical placement.
- Official transcripts and validation of prior learning. Many bridge tracks require an LPN-to-RN transition course and a skills assessment.
- Recent LPN work experience is sometimes preferred or required for advanced standing; verified employment can also support scheduling flexibility for clinicals.
To be eligible for RN licensure in the District, graduates must complete an approved RN program and pass the NCLEX-RN. Always verify a program’s approval and current licensure steps with the District of Columbia Board of Nursing before you enroll, especially if the program is based out of state and places students in DC clinical sites.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula in DC build on practical nursing experience while preparing you for the RN scope of practice and the NCLEX-RN. You will learn to synthesize complex patient data, make clinical judgments, and coordinate care across settings. Typical learning components include:
- LPN-to-RN transition coursework, advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology across the lifespan.
- Adult medical-surgical nursing, maternal–newborn, pediatrics, and psychiatric mental health nursing.
- Community and public health, leadership and management, informatics, ethics, and evidence-based practice.
- High-fidelity simulation labs and supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care, ambulatory clinics, and community settings in the DC area.
Accreditation matters in DC for educational quality, eligibility for many forms of financial aid, employer recognition, and seamless transfer or graduate study. Look for:
- Institutional accreditation from a regional accreditor such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Programmatic nursing accreditation from ACEN or CCNE.
- District of Columbia Board of Nursing approval for pre-licensure RN programs operating in DC.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
In Washington DC, LPN to RN pathways are offered primarily by public community colleges and universities, with limited seats and competitive admission. Some programs schedule evening or weekend coursework to accommodate working LPNs. Because the District is geographically small, some residents also compare nearby options in Maryland or Virginia; if you study outside DC but complete clinicals within the District, confirm the school’s authorization for DC clinical placement.
Coursework commonly includes:
- Transition to professional nursing, nursing concepts, and role development.
- Advanced adult medical-surgical and care of patients with complex conditions, including cardiac, respiratory, renal, and neurologic disorders.
- Maternal–newborn, pediatrics, and family-centered care.
- Psychiatric mental health, therapeutic communication, and crisis intervention.
- Community health, population health, and health promotion in urban settings.
- Leadership, delegation, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration.
You will sharpen skills in IV therapy, comprehensive assessment, clinical decision making, care planning, and NCLEX-style test-taking strategies.
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in Washington DC work in diverse settings, including acute care hospitals, ambulatory specialty practices, community health centers, long-term care and rehabilitation, home health, schools, and government or federal facilities. Urban health needs, specialty services, and an aging population support steady demand for RNs in the region. Many hospital employers prefer or require the BSN for advancement, while ADN-prepared RNs often bridge to the BSN after hire.
Compared with LPN roles, RN practice in DC carries a broader scope of assessment and clinical judgment, greater responsibility for patient education and care coordination, and wider access to specialties such as critical care, perioperative services, emergency care, public health, and case management. RNs in the District typically earn higher wages than LPNs, with additional differentials for nights, weekends, and specialty units. Work schedules vary by setting, from 12-hour shifts in hospitals to more traditional daytime hours in ambulatory or community health.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time bridge (LPN to ADN): commonly 12 to 16 months of nursing coursework once prerequisites are complete.
- Part-time bridge: approximately 18 to 24 or more months, with lighter course loads each term.
- Evening/weekend tracks: designed for working LPNs, often similar to part-time durations with labs and clinicals scheduled during nontraditional hours.
- LPN to BSN: typically 24 to 36 months after prerequisites, depending on transfer credits and course sequencing.
Timelines vary by how many prerequisites you bring in, term availability of key courses, and clinical placement capacity.
Tuition and Costs
Tuition for LPN to RN bridge programs in Washington DC varies by institution type and degree goal:
- Public LPN to ADN bridges for DC residents are often under 20,000 in tuition for nursing coursework, excluding fees and prerequisites.
- Private LPN to BSN options in the District commonly total from the mid 30,000s to 60,000 or more, depending on transfer credits and required semesters.
Additional costs to budget for include university fees, textbooks and digital resources, uniforms and clinical supplies, background check and drug screening, immunizations, liability insurance, transportation and parking, NCLEX-RN testing and licensure fees, and optional review courses.
Housing and living costs in Washington DC are higher than the national average. Many students share housing or live in nearby suburbs to lower expenses. Factor in Metro fares or parking, technology needs, and childcare if applicable.
Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
In Washington DC, many bridge programs offer hybrid delivery. Didactic courses may be offered online or in a blended format, while labs and clinical rotations are conducted face to face at approved sites with qualified faculty or preceptors. Simulation can supplement but does not replace required hands-on clinical hours.
If you enroll in an out-of-state online bridge program and plan to complete clinicals in DC, confirm that the school is authorized for clinical placement in the District and that the program is approved for RN licensure eligibility. Always verify current requirements with the DC Board of Nursing before committing to an online or hybrid option.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Washington DC
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
After completing an LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in the District of Columbia. Applicants apply to the DC Board of Nursing for licensure by examination and register for the test through the official NCLEX site. After the Board determines eligibility, candidates receive an Authorization to Test and schedule with the testing vendor. Results are sent to the Board electronically.
- Eligibility: Graduation from an approved RN program and submission of official transcripts.
- Background check: A criminal background check and fingerprints are required as part of the DC application.
- Retakes: The national retake policy requires a minimum 45-day wait between attempts; candidates must follow any additional Board instructions if they need to retest.
- International graduates: Credential evaluation and English proficiency may be required before authorization to test.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Washington DC offers licensure by endorsement for RNs who already hold an active license in another U.S. jurisdiction. Endorsement typically requires primary source license verification, criminal background check, and meeting DC’s education requirements. DC does not maintain separate reciprocity agreements with individual states; instead, it evaluates applicants for endorsement based on Board standards.
Washington DC is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs who hold a multistate license from a Compact state must obtain a DC single-state RN license to practice in the District.
Licensure Requirements
The DC Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure for the District of Columbia. LPN-to-RN graduates apply either by examination (first-time RN license) or by endorsement (if already licensed as an RN elsewhere). In general, applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Completed online application and required fees.
- Official transcripts showing graduation from an approved RN program (ADN or BSN).
- Criminal background check and fingerprinting.
- NCLEX-RN pass results (for licensure by examination) or verified active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction (for endorsement).
- For internationally educated nurses: credential evaluation and English proficiency documentation, as applicable.
License Renewal
DC RN licenses are renewed biennially. Continuing education must be completed within each two-year renewal cycle before submitting the renewal application.
- CE requirement: 24 contact hours every two years for RNs.
- Topic requirement: At least 2 of the 24 hours must be in LGBTQ cultural competency, as required for DC health professionals with direct patient care.
- Practice hours: The Board does not require a minimum number of clinical practice hours for renewal, but RNs must maintain CE documentation for audit.
- Timing: The renewal window opens in advance of the expiration date printed on the license; complete all CE before applying. Late renewal and reinstatement processes are available per Board rules.
For the latest forms, fees, background check procedures, and CE audit details, consult the DC Board of Nursing.
Average LPN State Salary in Washington DC
$70,530
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average RN State Salary in Washington DC
$109,240
2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Approximately 18-24 months (four semesters)
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN)
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes
Program Focus:
This program builds upon the foundational knowledge of an LPN, focusing on core nursing concepts, clinical skills, and preparing students for entry-level registered nursing roles in various healthcare settings.
Average In-State Tuition in Washington, D.C.:
As of a 2021 breakdown for the University of the District of Columbia, tuition for a DC resident was approximately $320.00 per credit hour. Students should consult the university for the most current tuition and fee schedules.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming a registered nurse and entering the RN workforce sooner.
School Types:
Community Colleges. In Washington DC, this program is available at the University of the District of Columbia Community College.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 2 to 4 years, depending on the number of transferable credits from the LPN program and completion of prerequisite courses.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes
Program Focus:
This comprehensive program expands on the LPN's existing knowledge base with a deeper dive into nursing theory, research, leadership, and public health, preparing graduates for a wider range of clinical and leadership roles.
Average In-State Tuition in Washington, D.C.:
For the 2023-2024 academic year, the in-state tuition and fees at Howard University were $31,050 per year. Prospective students should verify the most current tuition for the LPN to BSN track.
Best For:
LPNs aiming for long-term career growth, leadership positions, and a foundation for advanced nursing education (Master's or Doctoral degrees).
School Types:
Universities. In Washington DC, this program is offered at Howard University.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Role: These programs are generally shorter, allowing for a quicker transition to a registered nursing position.
- Lower Cost: Typically, the overall tuition and fees for an ADN program at a community college are significantly less than for a BSN program at a university.
- Immediate Career Advancement: Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and can immediately begin working as registered nurses, gaining valuable experience and a higher salary than an LPN.
- Foundation for Future Education: An ADN serves as a solid stepping stone for later enrolling in an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program, often while working as an RN.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often a minimum requirement for nursing positions in specialized areas, case management, and leadership roles. Many healthcare employers prefer or require a BSN for entry-level positions.
- Higher Earning Potential: Over the course of a career, nurses with a BSN tend to have a higher earning potential compared to those with an ADN.
- Enhanced Skill Set: BSN programs provide more in-depth education in areas like nursing research, leadership, and community health, preparing graduates for more complex roles in the healthcare system.
- Direct Path to Advanced Degrees: For those who know they want to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree, starting with a BSN is the most direct educational path.
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