LPN to RN Programs Jacksonville, FL

Working as a licensed practical nurse has its rewards but there are many reasons why your decision to go back to school to become a registered nurse is a wise one. There will be some limitations on your scope of practice as a practical nurse. The LPN-RN transition program will cover the additional skills needed to engage in a wider scope of practice. It will also grant you eligibility to take the national exam for licensure as a registered nurse. The higher education and accompanying scope of practice will provide an instant salary boost, expanded career options, and greater respect as nurse. Moreover, the registered nursing degree will open doors to positions in hospitals that do not typically hire licensed practical nurses. Last but not least, your success as a registered nurse will inspire you to continue your education to the bachelors of science and beyond.

Florida State College at Jacksonville

The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Nursing (R.N.) Option for Paramedics and Licensed Practical Nurses prepares licensed health care professionals for practice as a registered nurse. The curriculum combines general education and professional courses in the classroom, lab, and local health care facilities. The prerequisite and general education courses must be completed before application deadline for the Nursing program. Students must complete all academic requirements with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above to graduate from the program. Graduates will be prepared to practice as entry-level nurses and will be qualified to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. The A.S degree program articulates into a bachelor’s degree program. Admission to the program is limited to LPNs with a current Florida or Compact State license who have completed at least six months of work experience in the last two years.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Duration: 12 to 18 months

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, College Algebra

General education courses – English Composition I, Chemistry for Liberal Arts or Introduction to General Chemistry or Principles of General Chemistry, Microbiology, Human Growth and Development, General Psychology

Core courses – Validated Nursing Bridge I: College Credits Earned by Exam for LPNs, Transition to Professional Nursing, Nursing Care of the Family Across the Lifespan, Health-Illness Concepts Across the Lifespan I, Health Alterations Across the Lifespan I, Health-Illness Concepts Across the Lifespan II, Health Alterations Across the Lifespan II, Nursing Concepts: Families in Crisis Complex Health Problems I, Nursing Concepts: Families in Crisis: Complex Health Problems II, NCLEX Review

Admission criteria:

• Complete prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.0 or better – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, College Algebra
• Complete general education courses before applying for the program
• Submit official non-FSCJ transcripts to the College before the published application deadline
• Submit official advanced placement score reports to the College before the published application deadline
• Submit official HESI A2 scores to the FSCJ Assessment Center – scores must cover the 9-subtest administration in one sitting, must have been taken within the last two years, and must be a minimum of 75% in each for four HESI A2 subtests – reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and math
• Submit an application to the nursing program online by the published deadline
• Must undergo drug screening and criminal background checks prior to placement in the agencies for clinical experiences
• Complete a physical exam after acceptance to the program
• Submit proof of health insurance and references
• Complete flu shot and Covid-19 testing where applicable

Program Cost:

Tuition and fees cost approximately $7,551 for Florida residents. There will be additional fees for lab supplies, textbooks, uniforms, nursing equipment, background check, and health exam. The program is eligible for Federal financial aid.

• Website: https://www.fscj.edu/home
• Address: 4501 Capper Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218
• Phone: (904) 766-6500
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.72%

Jersey College Nursing School Jacksonville Campus

The LPN to RN Bridge track of the Professional Nursing program admits students based on current nursing practice including nursing and general education courses completed. Faculty will use classroom theory, assignments, skills labs, and clinical experiences to prepare students for the role of the registered nurse. The curriculum comprises of 113 quarter credits. LPNs will receive 20 quarter credits for prior learning after completing NUS201 the LPN to RN transition course. Graduates will earn an Associate of Science degree in Nursing (A.S.N.) and be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX.  The bridge track is open only to current licensed practical nurses who plan to continue their education to become a registered nurse. The duration of the program is 15 months for day students. Day classes meet between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm. Evening students meet 5:30 pm and 10:00 pm Monday through Friday for 21 months.

Program Outline

Quarter credits: 113

Duration: 15 months

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Microbiology: Impact of Microorganisms on the Environment, Composition I, Pathophysiology, Nutrition, College Algebra, Life Span Development, Sociology, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, Healthcare Foundations, Health Assessment and Skills

Core courses –  LPN to RN Transition, Health Assessment and Skills, Medical-Surgical Nursing I Perspectives and Assessment of Care, Geriatric Nursing Management Concepts for Elder Care, Psychiatric Nursing: Assessment and Management of Mental Health, Maternal Newborn Nursing: A Family and Community Based Approach, Pediatric Nursing: Care for the Children and Their Families, Principles of Pharmacology, Medical Surgical Nursing II: Perspectives and Assessment of Care, Nursing Leadership and NCLEX Seminar

Admission criteria:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency
• Provide a valid government-issued photo ID and social security card
• Submit an application for admission online
• Attend an interview with an Admissions Counselor and obtain a recommendation for admission
• Pass a criminal background check and drug screen
• Read and sign the Enrollment Agreement
• Complete a satisfactory health exam including proof of immunizations – MMR, Mantoux test, Hepatitis B, Varicella
• Must have current certification in Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association
• Meet the program’s technical standards

Program Cost:

The estimated total for tuition and fees is $35,494 for day students and $35,724 for evening students. It includes books, enrollment fee, application fee, technology and verification fee, uniform fee, nursing kit, and computer fee. The program is eligible for Federal financial aid.

• Website: https://www.jerseycollege.edu/
• Address: 8131 Baymeadows Cir W, Jacksonville, FL 32256
• Phone: (904) 404-9551
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.97%

St Johns River State College

The LPN Bridge to ASN program at St Johns River State College is designed to assist licensed practical nurses who want to up their education and skill levels to practice as registered nurses. LPNs will receive a jump start on the AS degree as they will receive 10 credit hours for their previous education and experience. The hybrid program delivers core nursing classes online and on campus. Program graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Students will complete 12-hour clinicals one day per week.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Duration: 4 semesters

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Composition I, General Education Humanities, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, General Psychology, College Algebra

Nursing related courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Human Growth and Development, Human Nutrition

Core courses – LPN Transition, Clinical Pharmacology, Adult Health Nursing II, Mental Health Nursing, Adult Health Nursing III, Parent Child Nursing, Adult Health Nursing IV, Transitional Nursing

Admission criteria:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Submit an application for SJR online
• Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher and a GPA of 3.0 or above by the end of the application period
• Request official college transcripts to be sent to SJR’s records department
• Sign a consent and waiver to perform a criminal and professional background check and drug screen. Admission is conditional upon the results of the background check and drug screen
• Attend a nursing student orientation
• Complete the American Health Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (CPR & AED) program before the first day of class
• Complete a satisfactory physical exam
• Must have liability/malpractice insurance of $1,000,000 per incident and $3,000,000 per aggregate
• Initiate and maintain an annual subscription to myClinicalExchange as a clinical requirement

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition is $108 per credit hour for in-state residents. Non-residents will pay $388.94 per credit hour. It includes financial aid fee, student activities fee, capital improvement fee, access fee, and technology fee. Additional costs include transportation to clinical sites, textbooks, supplies, background check, drug screen, and NCLEX fee. The program is eligible for Federal financial aid.

• Website: https://www.sjrstate.edu/
• Address: 283 College Dr, Orange Park, FL 32065
• Phone: (904) 276-6800
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.0%

Fortis College

The Associate of Science degree in Nursing at Fortis College has an entry path for licensed practical nurses to prepare for practice as a registered nurse. LPNs must have a current license to practice to apply to the program. They will receive academic credit for completion of an accredited PN program and their active PN license. The program is offered in hybrid format with some of the core nursing courses being delivered online. Students will participate in clinical experiences at local health care facilities. Rotations may be scheduled in the evenings or weekends and may cover 12-hour shifts. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for registered nurses.

Program Outline

Quarter credits: 106

Duration: 96 instructional weeks

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, General Biology, Microbiology, Introduction to Informatics, Effective Communication, English Composition, College Mathematics, Pharmacology, Health Assessment, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Sociology

Core courses – Foundations of Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Leadership and Management, Community Nursing Concepts, Mental Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Transition to Practice – Capstone, Fundamentals of Human Nutrition

Admission criteria:

• Be at least 17 years or older. Students must be 18 years or older by the start of the clinical portion of the program
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalency
• Complete an application for admission online
• Attend an interview with an admissions representative
• Take and pass the Wonderlic SLE with a score of 16 or better
• Agree to and sign the Fortis College Enrollment Agreement
• Take the HESI Admission Assessment Exam and achieve a score of 75% or higher on the English Language Composite Score
• Submit a copy of your driver’s license and social security card
• Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
• Submit a copy of current Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification from the American Heart Association. The CPR certification must be maintained throughout the length of the program
• Submit a signed Allied Health and Nursing Program waiver
• Complete all the required immunization – hepatitis B, varicella, Tdap, MMR, TST, seasonal influenza
• Must have a current, valid unencumbered practical nurse license

Program Cost:

The total program cost of $49,680 includes enrollment fee, tuition, reference books, student kit, laptop, uniforms, textbooks, background check, drug test, and licensure exam. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

• Website: https://www.fortis.edu/
• Address: 700 Blanding Blvd., Suite 16 Orange Park, FL 32065
• Phone: (904) 269-7086
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 70.59%

Concorde Career Institute

The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing program offered by Concorde Career Institute has an entry-pathway for licensed practical nurses to complete the requirements for practice as a registered nurse. The curriculum includes classroom theory, lab skills, and clinical rotations at local health care facilities. Clinical shifts may be up to 12 hours and scheduled in the day, evening, or weekends. Licensed practical nurses must have a current and unencumbered license to practice in Florida or a compact state. They will receive credit for the prior education and experience. Program graduates will receive an Associate of Science in Nursing and be qualified to take the NCLEX to become a registered nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 74.5

Duration: 72 instructional weeks

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – College Algebra, Elements of Human Communication, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, English Composition

Core courses – Practical to Professional Nursing Transition, Pharmacology, Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing, Adult Health Nursing I, Adult Health Nursing II, Foundations of Nursing Practice, Health Assessment, Nursing Care of Childbearing and Childrearing Families, Transition to Professional Practice, Multisystem Disorders, NCLEX Preparation & Capstone

Admission criteria:

• Complete a personal interview and campus tour
• Submit a completed application for admission
• LPN applicants must have a current license to practice as a practical nurse
• Must have graduated from an accredited LPN program less than two years prior to the RN program start date. Applicants who graduated more than two years must demonstrate a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care within the last three years
• Take and pass the entrance assessments – Wonderlic score of 21 or above or HESI A2 score of 75
• Provide proof of graduating from high school or high school equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
• Consent to drug screening policy

Program Cost:

The total cost of the nursing program is $53,233. It includes tuition, application fee, and textbooks. The program is eligible for Federal financial aid.

• Website: https://www.concorde.edu/
• Address: 7259 Salisbury Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32256
• Phone: 904-515-5518
• Fax: 904-807-0108
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 71.43%

Keiser University

Licensed practical nurses may apply for advanced placement in Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Nursing program. The LPN will be awarded credit for previous education and experience upon demonstration of successful completion of an accredited LPN program, current licensure, and experience in direct patient care. The applicant may be required to complete a transition course before credit is granted. The curriculum will cover general education and core nursing courses in the classroom, lab, and local health care facilities. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit the NCLEX for Registered Nurse licensure.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Duration: 18 months

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Introduction to Computers, English Composition I, English Composition II, American Literature, English Literature, Intermediate Algebra, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy & Physiology II, Microbiology I

Core courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Nursing Pharmacology, Basic Adult Health Care, Maternity Nursing Care, Pediatric Nursing, Advanced Adult Health Care, Nursing Roles Practicum, Life Span Development, Introduction to Psychology

Admission criteria:

• Submit an application to Keiser University online
• Submit an official high school transcript with un-weighted GPA above 2.8 or college GPA of 2.0 or above
• Take and pass the Wonderlic SLE entrance exam with a score of 20 or higher
• Complete a satisfactory background check before the program start date
• Attend an interview with the nursing program director or designee
• Take and pass the TEAS exam with a score of 60 or higher – candidates holding a baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher will be exempt from taking the TEAS exam
• Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of B and cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Complete satisfactory drug screening
• Complete all the required health screening – immunizations
• Must have a current license to practice as a practical nurse to qualify for advanced placement

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $10,400 per semester for full-time students. The cost for books, supplies, uniforms, background check, and insurance must be added to the total.

• Website: https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/
• Address: 6430 Southpoint Pkwy Jacksonville, Florida 32216
• Phone: (904) 296-3440
• Fax: (904) 296-3407
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100.0%