Both licensed practical nurses and registered nurses have an important role in healthcare delivery and make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families. Their roles may sometime overlap in some places, but the scope of practice and weight of responsibility are vastly different. If you’re currently practicing as a licensed practical nurse, you’ll notice that registered nurses have a broader scope of practice and a more active role in the decision-making process as it applies to patient care plans. The additional education provided in the registered nursing program (one additional year of study) prepares RNs to make clinical decisions, use professional judgment, administer medications, operate and monitor medical equipment, and coordinate patient care with other members of the health care team. Put simply, the RN role goes beyond the basic nursing care that LPNs provide. The good news is that you can recoup that additional year of study through LPN-to-RN nursing programs and prepare for licensure as a registered nurse. Even better, once completed, the sky is the limit as you can build on that education to the Bachelor of Science degree and beyond.
Baltimore City Community College
Licensed practical nurses may continue their education to the RN degree by applying for the LPN to Associate Degree in Nursing option at Baltimore City Community College. LPNs may challenge by examination, first semester nursing courses to enter the second semester of the nursing program. They will complete theory, lab, and clinical components of nursing courses which must be taken in sequence. The goal of the program is to equip students with the competencies and skills to care for the whole person with care and compassion. LPN applicants must have a current, unencumbered Maryland LPN license before applying for admission to the program. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX to become a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 61
Duration: 3 semesters
Course titles:
Prerequisite Courses – Preparation for Academic Achievement, Computer Literacy Exam, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, Biology Placement Exam (Test out of BIO 101)
Core Courses – English Writing, Introductory Psychology, Medical Surgical Nursing of Adults I, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Care of the Client with Mental Health Problems, Fundamentals of Speech Communication, Medical Surgical Nursing of Adults II, Perspectives and Issues in Nursing, Modern Elementary Statistics, General Education – Literature Elective
Competencies: Drawing blood and starting IVs, collaborating with medical teams to provide competent care, monitoring patients’ response to medications, take pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs, updating patient records, prepping patients for exams, giving subcutaneous injections
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to the College
- Must have an active, unencumbered Maryland LPN license
- Provide evidence of graduation from an approved LPN program
- Complete all required developmental coursework (math, reading and writing sequence)
- Must pass the Biology 101 Placement Exam
- Complete prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher (BIO 202, BIO 203, and BIO 212) – science courses must not be older than 10 years at the time the student takes his/her seat in the nursing program
- Attend a Nursing Information Session
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or greater
- Must have resident BCCC courses – a minimum 6 credits
- Take and pass the current TEAS – within one year of the program start date
- Submit a completed application by the stated deadline – the deadline for the spring semester is the last Friday in October and the last Friday in March for the fall semester
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $110 per credit hour for resident students and $280 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Additional costs for books, uniforms, supplies, admission costs, immunizations, CPR, and miscellaneous items are not included.
- Website: https://www.bccc.edu/bccc
- Address: 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215-7807
- Phone: 410-462-8300
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:69%
Anne Arundel Community College
Anne Arundel Community College in collaboration with the American Public University System offers an accelerated dual enrollment program that enables licensed practical nurses to be admitted into the second of the registered nursing program at AACC. LPNs must have an active, unencumbered license to be admitted to the program. Theory and hands-on training sessions in the lab and at clinical agencies will help to prepare students to become competent professionals ready to be employed in this most respected profession. Clinical rotations will be conducted in acute medical-surgical, obstetrical, pediatric, and critical care units. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX for Registered nurses and transfer to a four-year institution if desired.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 36 (not including transfer credits)
Duration: 3 terms
Course titles:
Prerequisite Courses – Composition and Introduction to Literature, Introduction to Psychology, Mathematics GER, Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Sociology, Human Biology II or Anatomy and Physiology II, English Composition and Introduction to Literature II
Core Courses – LPN to RN Transition, Nursing of Adult Clients in Health and Illness II, Nursing Care of Children and Families, Nursing Management of Clients with Complex Health Problems and Transition into Nursing, Nursing Perspectives II
Competencies: Drawing blood and starting IVs, collaborating with medical teams to provide competent care, monitoring patients’ response to medications, take pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs, updating patient records, prepping patients for exams, giving subcutaneous injections
Admission criteria:
- Attend a program information session
- Submit a completed application for admission by the specified deadline
- Submit official transcript from LPN training – must be from a state-approved LPN program
- Provide a copy of current active Maryland LPN license
- Provide verification of current employment as an LPN for a minimum full-time equivalent of one year within the last three calendar years
- Submit a completed Clinical Experience Form
- Submit a completed Work Performance Evaluation
- Take and pass the ATI TEAS
- Demonstrate eligibility for ENG 111 or ENG 115
- Demonstrate eligibility for a general education Mathematics course
- Have a minimum college GPA of 2.5
- Pass the TOEFL with a minimum score of 550 for foreign educated students
- Successfully complete the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR course
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screening
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $122 per credit hour for residents of Anne Arundel County and $264 per credit hour for Maryland residents. Students will incur additional expenses for textbooks, uniforms, supplies, CPR, and background check.
- Website: https://www.aacc.edu/
- Address: 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012-1895
- Phone: 410-777-AACC (2222)
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:70%
Community College of Baltimore County
The LPN to RN Transition program, or the LPN Bridge program, at Community College of Baltimore County is a special pathway for licensed practical nurses to bridge into the registered nurse program. Admission through this pathway is open to practical nurses who hold a valid Maryland LPN license and complete the prerequisite courses before applying for admission. Once admitted, students will complete a 7-credit transition course. LPNs must obtain a grade C or higher to enter with advanced standing and receive academic credit for the first year of the program. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurse. They will be committed to the promotion of optimal health, development of professional identity, demonstration of nursing judgment, and exhibition of a spirit of inquiry. The transition course admits new students in the fall semester.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 70
Duration: 12 months
Course titles:
Prerequisite Courses – Biology I: Molecular and Cells, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, College Composition I, Finite Mathematics and Modeling, Introduction to Psychology, Microbiology, Principles of Human Growth and Development
Core Courses – LPN to RN Transition, Maternal Newborn Nursing Concepts, Professional Practice Nursing Concepts, Nursing Concepts II, Pediatric Nursing Concepts, Nursing Concepts III, General Ed. Elective – Arts and Humanities
Admission criteria:
- Complete all the Transition program prerequisites with a grade C or higher
- Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher based on the scores from the prerequisite, general education, and other required courses
- Have an overall CCBC GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Take and pass the ATI TEAS with satisfactory scores – Overall (Proficient or higher) and Reading (69,0% or higher)
- Pay the non-refundable seat fee of $200
- Complete the Student Health Profile (CCBC Nursing Physical Examination form)
- Provide documentation of current CPR from the American Heart Association Health Care Provider or approved equivalent
- Provide proof of Health insurance coverage
- Complete the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
- Must have current Maryland licensure as an LPN
- Must have at least 500 hours of clinical experience as an LPN
- Must have graduated from an accredited LPN program – official transcripts required
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $122 per credit hour for residents of Baltimore County and $241 per credit hour for Maryland residents. Additional costs include textbooks, uniforms, supplies, CPR, and background check.
- Website: https://www.ccbcmd.edu/
- Address: 800 South Rolling Road, Baltimore, MD 21228-5317
- Phone: 443-840-2222
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.51%
Frederick Community College
The LPN transition-to-RN Program allows Licensed Practice Nurses to build on their medical experience to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing. The curriculum includes theory and practical training in the lab and affiliated clinical agencies. The program will emphasize the prevention of disease and promotion of health. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students are eligible to take the NCLEX examination for registered nurse licensure. Day, evening and weekend schedules are available. The program is selective admissions and requires completion of Math for Medication Safety Test before starting clinicals.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 72-76
Duration: 5 semesters
Course titles:
Prerequisite Courses – English Composition, Mathematics Gen ED, Introduction to Sociology, Communications, Physical Education, Health or Nutrition, Humanities Gen Ed, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology for Allied Health, Arts Gen Ed
Core Courses – Pharmacology for Nurses, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nursing, LPN Transition to Nursing Clinical Course, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Maternal Child and Family Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing III, Preparation for Practice
Admission criteria:
- Complete all prerequisite coursework before applying for admission – must obtain a grade C or higher
- Must have a current, unencumbered Maryland LPN license
- Must have completed an accredited LPN program
- Submit official transcripts if prerequisite courses have been completed at another college
- Take the TEAS and obtain a qualifying score – a minimum overall proficient score of 58.7 % and a reading score of 69%
- Provide documentation of current CPR from the American Heart Association Health Care Provider or approved equivalent
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
- Complete the health assessment form indicating good general health and up to date immunizations
- Provide proof of current health insurance
Program Cost:
The annual cost for full-time in-county students is $4,717 for tuition. Students will incur additional costs for books, uniforms, immunizations, licensure and testing, nursing school pin, and other miscellaneous costs.
- Website: https://www.frederick.edu/home.aspx
- Address: 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702
- Phone: 301-846-2400
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:70%
Prince George’s Community College
The Nursing Program at Prince George’s Community College has an advanced placement option for licensed practical nurses to be admitted to the second year of the program. Theory and practical training will focus on health maintenance, health promotion, and disease prevention. LPN candidates must complete a transition module to qualify for admission through the LPN to RN pathway. The transition course from cover select content from the first year of the associate degree program. These include dosage calculation, physiological integrity, and growth and development. Students will be required to complete independent study on maternity and newborn client. Graduates will receive an Associate of Science degree and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Through an articulation with bachelor’s degree nursing programs, graduates can transfer credits and complete the BSN degree in much less time. Prince George’s County residents will be given priority in the admissions process.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 70
Duration: 24 months
Course titles:
Prerequisite Courses – First Year Experience, Composition I: Expository Writing, Writing About Technical Topics, Composition II: Writing About Literature, Applied College Algebra, Interpersonal Communication, Foundations of Communication, Microbiology, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Ethics, Introduction to Philosophy: The Art of Questioning, Human Growth and Development, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Anatomy and Physiology II,
Core Courses – LPN to RN Transition, Nursing Care of Children and Families, Physiological Integrity II, Nursing the Client with Multidimensional System Involvement, Psychosocial Integrity, Psychosocial Integrity III, Management of Care and Professional Issues
Admission criteria:
- Must have a current, active unencumbered LPN license in Maryland
- Must have completed an accredited practical nursing program
- Must have work experience as a licensed practical nurse
- Must have a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (grade C)
- Must complete the transition course with a minimum grade C
- Submit an application for admission and the non-refundable fee of $25
- Take and pass the ATI TEAS with satisfactory scores
- Provide documentation of current CPR from the American Heart Association Health Care Provider or approved equivalent
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
- Complete the health assessment form indicating good general health and up to date immunizations
- Provide proof of current health insurance
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $114 per credit hour for county residents and $209 per credit hour for Maryland State residents. Additional costs include textbooks, uniforms, supplies, CPR, and background check.
- Website: https://www.pgcc.edu/
- Address: 301 Largo Road, Largo, Maryland 20774-2199
- Phone: 301-546-PGCC (7422)
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.89%
Cecil College
Licensed practical nurses may complete a transition course to qualify for advanced placement int the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Cecil College. They will study the role of the registered nurse, role transition from LPN to RN, nursing concepts, including the Neuman Systems Model, nursing process, pharmacology, and care of adult and aging clients.
Students will participate in clinical rotations at affiliates in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 70
Duration: 2 years
Course titles:
Prerequisite Courses – Arts and Humanities Elective, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab II, Freshman Composition, Composition and Literature, Introduction to Statistics
Core Courses – LPN to RN Transition, Clinical Lab II: Medical/Surgical Settings, Care of Childbearing/Childrearing Families, Care of clients Affected by Complex Stressors, Professional Issues in Nursing, Clinical Lab III: Care of Childbearing/Childrearing Families, Clinical Lab IV: Medical/Surgical/Psychiatric, Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Introduction to Sociology
Admission criteria:
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on Cecil College of transfer coursework applicable to the nursing program
- Must have a current LPN license in Maryland
- Must have completed an accredited LPN program – transcripts required
- Must have current experience as a practical nurse
- Place in MAT097
- Complete BIO208/218 with a grade C or better
- Take and pass the TEAS with an adjusted individual minimum score of 58%. The preferred scores are 66% individual score and 68% reading score
- Complete Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab with a grade C or better
- Complete the application for general admission to Cecil College
- Submit official college transcripts directly to the Registrar
- Submit an application to the LPN to RN program
- Attend a Nursing Program Applicant Information Session
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $125 per credit for in-county students and $235 for Maryland residents. Other costs students must expect to cover include textbooks, uniforms, immunizations, licensure and testing, nursing school pin, and other miscellaneous costs.
- Website: https://www.cecil.edu/
- Address: One Seahawk Drive, North East, MD 21901
- Phone: (410) 287-1000
- Email: information@cecil.edu
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.96%