The LPN to RN bridge program provides a fast track to the registered nurse credential. The curriculum is designed to build on your skills and previous education as a practical nurse. It may require completion of a bridge course to evaluate your skills and understanding before you begin the core nursing courses in the registered nursing program. As an LPN, you will complete the requirements for an Associate of Science degree in nursing and licensure as a registered nurse in just 12 to 18 months instead of the traditional 24 months. You must have and maintain your practical nursing license throughout the program and some experience (at least one year) may be required.
Atlanta Technical College
Licensed practical nurses may apply for advanced placement in the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing program at Atlanta Technical College. The program includes classroom theory and hands-on practice to prepare students for practice as a registered nurse to care for diverse populations across the life span. The curriculum moves from simple to complete and utilizes the nursing process as well as critical thinking. After successful completion of the requirements, students will meet the requirements to take the licensure exam to become a registered nurse. They will also have the foundational preparation to continue to the BSN degree. New students are admitted once per year in the fall semester.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 69
Duration: 6 terms
Course titles:
General education courses – Composition and Rhetoric, Public Speaking, Introductory Psychology, College Algebra, Introduction to Humanities, and American Literature
Core courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II, Anatomy and Physiology Lab II, Introductory Microbiology, Introductory Microbiology Lab, Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Psycho-Social Mental Health and Illness, The Childbearing Family, The Childbearing Family, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Transition, Leadership, and Management
Admission criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Apply for admission at Atlanta Technical College and submit the non-refundable application fee to the college
- Attend a nursing information session
- Must be admitted to the college before apply for admission to the nursing program
- Submit official high school or GED transcripts and college transcripts
- Associate degree level COMPASS, ASSET, SAT, or ACT test scores
- Take and pass the ATI TEAS admission test with a minimum score of 65%
- Obtain a minimum grade B on the prerequisite courses
- Must complete a baseline criminal background check no less than three months prior to the beginning of the clinical experience
- LPN applicants must have a valid license to practice and one year of experience as a nurse
Program Cost
The estimated cost of the program is $12,726. Students must budget additional funds for uniform, nursing supplies, background check, immunization, drug screen, liability insurance, and CPR training.
Website: https://atlantatech.edu/
Address: 1560 Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta, GA 30310-4446
Phone: 404-225-4400
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.21%
Gwinnett Technical College
LPNs and Paramedics may apply for the traditional associate degree nursing program or for the accelerated option and bridge into the second year of the nursing curriculum after completing an LPN to RN Bridge course. The bridge option is open only to licensed practical nurses who have completed at least one year of practice prior to the program start date. The candidate will begin second-year nursing courses that include a theoretical and practical component. Graduates of the state-approved program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to obtain a state license and assume employment as a registered nurse. They may also continue their educational pursuits to the bachelor of science in nursing through a bridge RN to BSN program.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 61
Duration: 2 semesters
Course titles:
Prerequisite/ general education courses – First Year Experience, Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Introductory Microbiology with Lab, Introduction Microbiology, Introductory Microbiology Lab, Human Development, Pharmacological Concepts and Drug Calculations, Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice, Bridge to Professional Nursing Practicum II
Core courses – Concepts of Maternal Nursing, Concepts of Pediatric Nursing, Concepts of Adult Health III, Transition into the Profession of Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Attend an information session
- Must be 18 years or older at start of the program
- Submit an application for admission to Gwinnett Technical College
- Submit all transcripts of high school and any previous college coursework
- Take the ACCUPLACER test if required
- Complete the required prerequisite courses
- Sit for the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam before the application deadline (the exam costs $53.50)
- Complete and submit the entire program packet
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and score a percentage of 70 or higher on the Kaplan test to apply for the bridge program
- Must have a valid LPN license and at least one year of experience in practice
Program Cost
Georgia residents pay $543 per credit for tuition and fees or $1,943 per semester for 15 credits. Additional expenses for nursing students include liability insurance, clinical site badge, uniform and lab coat, shoes, immunizations, background check and drug screen, and CPR training.
Website: https://gwinnetttech.edu
Address: 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Phone: 770-962-7580
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.25%
Georgia State University
Georgia State University offers an LPN to RN Bridge track designed to prepare current licensed practical nurses for licensure and practice as a registered nurse. LPNs will join the program in the second year and complete 28 credit hours of professional nursing courses in addition to the 35 general education courses completed before admission to the program. The core nursing courses will include a theoretical and hands-on learning component that will enable LPNs to function in the new role of a registered nurse. At the conclusion of the program, they will receive an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing and be eligible to tale the NCLEX examination for licensure as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 63
Duration: 2 semesters
Course titles:
General education courses – English Composition, Quantitative Reasoning or higher, Public Speaking, Research Strategies and Technology, Human Anatomy and Physiology and Lab I, Human Anatomy and Physiology and Lab II, Human Anatomy and Physiology and Lab III, Microbiology and Public Health, American Government, Survey of United States History, Introduction to General Psychology, Choices for Life
Core courses – Bridge to Professional Nursing, Childbearing Concepts of Nursing, Psychiatric/Mental Health Concepts of Nursing, Childbearing Concepts of Nursing II, Advanced Concepts of Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to Georgia State University Perimeter College and be accepted
- Must complete at least one Biology course and lab listed under Nursing General Education – coursework must be less than 6 years at the time of enrollment
- Must complete the TEAS exam with a satisfactory score – passing score of 63 in the Adjusted Individual Total Score, the Reading 68, and Mathematic 68
- Must apply for admission to the nursing program online
- Must submit a letter of recommendation from current employment stating length of employment, skills performed, and a skills evaluation
- Must have a current GA LPN license
- Provide documentation of lawful presence in the United States to qualify for in-state tuition
Program Cost
In-state tuition costs $95 per credit hour or $1,425 per semester for students completing 15 or more credits. Additional costs for nursing supplies, CPR training, criminal background check, immunization, uniform, textbooks, drug screen, and liability insurance are not included.
Website: https://perimeter.gsu.edu/
Address: 33 Gilmer Street SE Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-413-2000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.24%
Erudite Nursing Institute
The Registered Nursing program at Erudite Nursing Institute is open to licensed practical nurses who will complete the requirements for a registered nursing degree in less than the required two years. The program includes theory and hands-on training in the art and science of nursing that will enable graduates to fill the role and responsibilities of a registered nurse including operation and maintenance of medical equipment, life support and wound care, diagnostic testing, administration of medication and treatments, supervising LPNs and CNAs, healthcare triaging and prioritizations, and communicating with the health care team. Graduates will be eligible to apply to the Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX examination to be licensed are a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 90
Duration: 2 years
Course titles:
General education courses – Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Intro to Sociology, Microbiology with Lab, Composition and Literature, Medical Mathematics
Core courses – Pharmacology and Administration of Medication, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beyond Nursing Fundamentals, Clinical Nursing Skills, Communication and Public Speaking, Concepts of Professional Nursing, Medical Nursing Child/Adult/Senior, Surgical Nursing Child/Adult/Senior, Acute Care Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Attend an information session
- Be 18 years or older
- Submit a completed application and non-refundable fee of $65
- Submit official transcript from high, college, or university attended
- Must have a current practical nursing license
- Experience as an LPN, Physician Technician, or higher and have a minimum of 4 years’ work experience or 1000+ hours of verifiable work experience
Program Cost
The estimated cost of the program is $24,120 based on the completion of 90 credit hours. The cost of textbook, supplies, technology fee, and exam delivery are included in the tuition.
Website: https://www.eruditenursing.education/
Address: 3330 Cumberland Blvd, Ste 500, Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: 1(800) 595-6276
Email: admissions@EruditeNursing.education
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.