The licensed practical nursing to registered nursing (LPN to RN) pathway may be one reason for the upward mobility of practical nurses. The transition program removes the barrier to continuing education so necessary for advancement to the next level in nursing. Practical nurses who maintain their licenses and have experience in the field can enter in the second or third semester of a registered nursing program and complete the requirements for an associate degree in nursing in just 12 to 18 months. Practical nurses who take this route will not only improve their job outlook but take a larger role in patient care and realize a salary increase of more than 27 percent. Having an associate degree in nursing will also increase their motivation to proceed to the next step – the bachelor of science in nursing – which opens the door to positions in management, administration, and education.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
The accelerated LPN to ADN bridge program at Bluegrass Community and Technical College is designed for the licensed practical nurse who demonstrates through competency assessment the ability to build upon previous learning and experience. LPN candidates who meet the criteria will be awarded 16 credit hours in nursing upon successful completion of the LPN to ADN transition course and 9 credit through advanced standing for holding a current LPN license and completion of an accredited practical nursing program. Once enrolled in the program, students will acquire the skills to transition to the RN role. They will develop critical thinking and learn the concepts of nutrition, metabolism, endocrine, elimination, and integumentary. The program is also designed to strengthen the four competencies of nursing practice including human flourishing, nursing judgment, professional identity, and spirit of inquiry. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurse.
Program Outline
Credit hours: 40 to 44
Duration: 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Mathematics, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, General Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Writing I, Heritage/Humanities
Core Courses – Nursing Practice I, PN Transition to ADN, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Behavioral Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Medical Surgical Nursing III
Admission criteria:
- Must attend a scheduled pre-admission conference
- Submit a completed application to the Office of Admission before the application deadline – if not a current student
- Submit an official transcript from all colleges, and universities attended
- Submit results of the ATI TEAS exam current within 3 years
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – math, general psychology, anatomy and physiology I
- Must have taken nursing courses at an accredited college
- Provide documentation of required immunizations
- Must have current CPR certification – CPR for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association
- Must have successfully graduated from a Practical Nursing program – within three years of admission to the BCTC nursing program
- Must hold a current active unrestricted practical nurse license
- Must verify current employment as an LPN
- Complete a satisfactory background check and drug screen
- Must have and maintain malpractice insurance throughout the program
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $182 per credit hour plus $8.00 per credit hour student fee. Other costs are uniforms, accessories, nursing books, laptop for testing, CPR certification, immunizations, TB skin test, liability insurance, Castlebranch account, nursing skill pack, background check, and Live Review course.
Website: https://bluegrass.kctcs.edu/index.aspx
Address: 470 Cooper Drive Lexington KY 40506
Toll Free: (855) 246-2477
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%
Sullivan University
The PN to ASN program offered by Sullivan University prepares practical nurses to provide holistic care for clients and the community. Practical nurses who have a current, unencumbered practical nursing license and have completed an accredited practical nursing program will receive advanced standing credit and complete the requirements for the associate of science in nursing in 18 months. The program is delivered in an interactive way to engage students and support the development of critical thinking skills and related clinical judgments that form the basis for competent practice. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 93
Duration: 18 months full-time
Clock hours: 1430
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Laboratory, Medical Microbiology, Medical Microbiology Lab, Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, Composition I, Composition II, College Mathematics, Introduction to Sociology
Core Courses – Concepts of Basic Nursing Practice, Adult Nursing Care II, Nutrition, Mental Health Nursing, Maternal Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Adult Nursing Care III, Seminar in Professional Development, Integrated Practicum
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application and application fee to Sullivan University
- Request transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions and submit to the university
- Submit acceptable ACT (21) or PAX (composition score 100) scores
- Complete mobility testing with a minimum score of 750 – waived for a Sullivan University PN graduate who has successfully passed the NCLEX and is an LPN
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on prerequisite and corequisite courses
- Attend a mandatory orientation upon acceptance to the program
- Complete a criminal background screen and release documentation of the background screening results from an authorized provider
- Complete the physical exam form as verification of a physical exam performed by the licensed physical. Must have been completed within 12 months prior to admission
- Complete Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association. Students must keep a current copy of file.
- Complete satisfactory drug screen
- Must have current health insurance that must be renewed annually
- Complete the required immunizations – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB, Varicella, Influenza
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $375 per credit hour for nursing courses. Students can also expect additional costs for textbooks, fees, uniforms, background check, CPR certification, immunization, and NCLEX exam.
Website: https://www.sullivan.edu/
Address: 3101 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205
Toll Free: (800) 844 1354
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 55%
Midway University
Midway University offers licensed practical nurses the opportunity to bridge into the Associate of Science in Nursing degree program. Candidates for this route must have graduated from a regionally accredited institution within the last five years. Once approved, they will be awarded 9 credit hours for NSG 115 and start the program in the second semester. Students will build on their existing nursing skills through classroom theory that emphasizes the technical and theoretical aspects of nursing. The accompanying supervised clinical laboratory experiences allow students to practice skills as local health care agencies. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and transition seamlessly into the RN to BSN program also offered at MU. Full-time and part-time schedules are available. Some of the coursework may be delivered online.
Program Outline
Credit hours: 55
Duration: 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional/Hybrid
Course titles:
General Education Courses –Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab
Core Courses – Introduction to Professional Nursing Concepts, Fundamentals of Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Obstetric and Women’s Health Nursing, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing and Clinicals, Synthesis and Integrative Practicum, Health Assessment, Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing I: Fundamentals, Pathopharmacology I, Pathopharmacology II, Principles of Teaching and Learning, Ethical and Legal Aspects of Nursing, Perinatal Nursing, Population Health Nursing, Trends and Issues, Nursing Leadership and Management, Introduction to Evidence Based Research
Admission criteria:
- Secure admission as a degree-seeking student to Midway University – admission does not guarantee admission to the Associate Degree in Nursing program
- Apply for admission to the nursing program – application will be sent via DocuSign
- Submit official high school transcripts or GED score
- Submit official college or university transcripts from a regionally accredited institution
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8
- Must have an ACT score of 21 or equivalent score. Applicants who have earned an associate, baccalaureate, or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution are exempt from the ACT requirement
- Must have a TEAS test score of at least 60 – valid for applicants after Spring 2021
- Submit documentation of immunization showing immunity – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Varicella, Influenza, negative TB test results
- Must have current American Heart Association BLS certification
- Provide a letter from a health insurance company with evidence of health insurance before commencing the clinical rotations
- Must have completed sufficient general education credit hours – completed within 5 years- before applying to the nursing program
- Practical nursing candidates must have graduated from a regionally accredited institution within the last 5 years and have proof of active Kentucky or compact state LPN license and transcript
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $12,250 per semester for full-time students. Additional expenses for books, supplies, immunization, insurance, background check, CPR certification, fees, fingerprints, and NCLEX-RN are not included.
Website: https://www.midway.edu/
Address: 512 East Stephens Street Midway, Kentucky 40347
Phone: 1.800.952.4122
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94%
Galen College of Nursing
The LPN to ADN bridge program at Galen College of Nursing builds on the knowledge and experience of practical nurses and prepares them for practice as a registered nurse. There are no prerequisites so practical nurses can complete the requirements in just 15 to 18 months. The curriculum is clinical-based and is designed to prepare students for success on the licensure exam. General education courses are included in the nursing curriculum. General education courses completed in previous programs may be transferred in. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The program admits new students four times per year.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 107
Duration: 24 months full-time
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Laboratory, Information Literacy and Technology Essentials, English Composition, Galen Pathway to Success, Human Anatomy and Physiology II – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology II – Laboratory, College Mathematics, Development Psychology, Introduction to Sociology
Core Courses – LPN to RN Role Transition, Principles of Pharmacology, Microbiology for Health Professionals, Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing, Concepts of Nursing: The Childbearing/Child Caring Families, Concepts of Mental Health Nursing, Applied Ethics, Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing, Leadership and Nursing Management, Transition to Registered Nursing Practice
Admission criteria:
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED diploma
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English
- Take and pass the entrance exam with satisfactory scores – ACT (18), SAT (980), Multilevel PAX (90), ATI TEAS (52). Test scores must have been earned within the last five years
- Must have a diploma in practical nursing
- Must have a GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale from a practical nursing program
- Must provide proof of current, active, unencumbered PN licensure
- Must consent to a criminal background screen and release documentation of the background screening results from an authorized provider
- Provide a signed, complete Galen physical exam form as verification of a physical exam performed by the licensed physical. Must have been completed within 12 months prior to admission
- Complete Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association. Students must keep a current copy of file.
- Complete the required immunizations – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB, Varicella, Influenza
Program Cost:
General education courses cost $415 per quarter credit hour. Nursing education courses cost $435 per quarter credit hour. Books cost $2,400. Students must cover the cost of registration, lab fee, clinical fee, technology fee, background fee, books, uniforms, and other supplies.
Website: https://galencollege.edu/
Address: 3050 Terra Crossing Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40245
Phone: (877) 223-7040
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88%
Morehead State University
Licensed practical nurses who hold an unrestricted license as a practical nurse in Kentucky are eligible for placement in the second semester of the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program at Morehead State. The program will help them to acquire additional knowledge, skills, and competencies to perform in the role of a registered nurse. Students will learn in the state-of-the-art simulation labs and apply the practical skills through clinical experiences at healthcare facilities throughout the region. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses to obtain a registered nursing license. The program has limited enrollment.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 51-53
Duration: 72 weeks
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, CORE Writing I, Core Math, Humanities, Core Writing II, Oral Communication
Core Courses – Nursing Care Concepts I, Maternal Child Concepts, Mental Health Concepts, Nursing Care Concepts II, Transitional Nursing Concepts, Advanced Nursing Concepts
Admission criteria:
- Must have an HESI minimum score of 900
- Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Mathematics for Technical Student, English
- Must submit a completed nursing program application form
- LPN applicants must have completed an accredited program
- Must have an have unrestricted license to practice as an LPN in Kentucky – provide copy of verification
- Obtain a criminal background check
- Submit to drug screening
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended to MSU Enrollment Services
- Must have Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association
- Complete the required immunizations – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB, Varicella, Influenza
- Must have health and liability insurance
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $4,620 per semester for full-time Kentucky residents or $6,983 for out-of-state students. Additional expenses for background check, drug screen, fees, books, supplies, CPR certification, and uniforms must be covered by the student.
Website: https://www.moreheadstate.edu/
Address: 150 University Blvd., Morehead, KY 40351
Toll-Free: 1-800-585-6781
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 30%
Beckfield College
Licensed practical nurses may receive advanced placement in the registered nursing program offered at Beckfield College. They will learn in a supportive environment to develop critical thinking and clinical judgment required in nursing practice. PN students must take NUR 199 Transition to Professional Nursing in lieu of Fundamentals of Nursing and will receive 2.5 proficiency credits. Students will learn in the classroom as well as through interactive, practical experiences in the lab and clinical rotations. Graduates will earn an Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) in nursing and be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). They will be prepared to function within legal and professional standards of practice and are accountable and adaptable generalists.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 95.5
Duration: 70 weeks
Method of instruction: Blended
Course titles:
General Education Courses –Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Composition, I Composition II, Rhetorical Persuasion, Introduction to Statistics, Mathematics for Health Care Professionals, Principles of Psychology, Nursing Assistant Skills I
Core Courses – Nutrition, Medical Microbiology, Transition to Professional Nursing, Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing, Essentials of Medical Surgical Nursing, Maternal Reproduction Nursing, Mental Health & Nursing, Nursing Care of Children, Critical Needs, Leadership, & Community Nursing, Nursing Pharmacology I, Nursing Pharmacology II, Dimensions in Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Must meet with an admission representative before enrolling in the college
- Must graduate from a legitimate high school or have a GED certificate
- Must have an ACT score of 19 – earned within the last 5 years or a SAT score of 1000 within the last 5 years or 66 on the TEAS score within the last year
- Must have completed an accredited program and possess an unencumbered practical nursing license
- Must have a minimum 24 academic quarter credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.4 for the bridge program
- Submit to a 30-year criminal background screen
- Submit official transcripts when requested
- Complete the physical exam form as verification of a physical exam performed by the licensed physician
- Must have Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association
- Complete satisfactory drug screen
- Complete the required immunizations – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB, Varicella, Influenza, COVID-19
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $38,875.50. Other costs include registration, textbooks, student resource and technology fee, ATI Assessment fee, liability insurance, laptop computer, pinning and photo fee, textbooks, background check, and uniforms.
Website: https://www.beckfield.edu/
Address: 16 Spiral Drive, Florence, KY 41042
Phone: (859) 371-9393
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 75%