Nurses are the very center of the healthcare profession. At every level, they care for patients and attend to their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Day by day, they make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. If you’re current working as a licensed practical nurse, you might be considering a change of role and responsibility by preparing to become a registered nurse. LPNs care and advocate for patients, but their duties are limited when compared to that of the registered nurse. By enrolling in an LPN to RN program, you will acquire knowledge and skill to take on an expanded role and have more autonomy. The rewards are numerous and include higher pay, more opportunities, greater responsibility, a wider range of career options, and better patient outcomes as you put your new knowledge to good use.
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Southwest Tennessee Community College offers an LPN Mobility Track that is designed for currently licensed practical nurses to transition into the role of a registered nurse. LPNs can apply to the day program that is open for admission every summer. The highly individualized program blends classroom instruction with hands-on experiences in various health care settings. Students will be required to complete 58 credits which will be added to the 7 credits held in escrow for LPNs. It is recommended that LPNs take a semester of general education courses before applying to the nursing program. Completion of science courses will qualify for bonus points in the admission index score. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing Department of Health.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 58 (7 credits held in escrow for LPNs)
Duration: 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, English Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, Introduction to Psychology, Principles of Nutrition
Core Courses – Professional Nursing, Transition Clinic, Dosages and Solutions, Women’s Health & Childbearing Family, Nursing of the Childbearing Family Clinical, Pediatric Nursing, Nursing of Children Clinic, Mental Health, Mental Health Nursing Clinical, Medical Surgical II, Adult Health Nursing II Clinical, Nursing Management, Introductory Statistics
Admission criteria:
- Secure admission to Southwest as a regular admission student
- Submit a completed application for the Nursing Program by February 1st
- Must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 or a minimum 2.5 cumulative CPR on college courses completed
- Must demonstrate eligibility for college-level courses – Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C
- Take and pass the Nursing Pre-admission Exam with the minimum required score
- Submit a type-written letter describing the applicant’s desire to practice as a registered nurse
- Formally accept admission in writing upon acceptance
- Submit copy of medical record with documentation of immunization – MMR, Hepatitis B, negative TB skin test or chest x-ray
- Obtain a negative drug screen
- Complete a criminal background check before commencing the clinical rotations
- Attend a mandatory new nursing student orientation
- Must have a current, valid, unencumbered TN or compact state LPN license
- Must have current CPR certification – BLS for Healthcare Provider
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $236 per credit in-state and $770 per credit out-of-state. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.southwest.tn.edu/
Address: 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134
Phone: 901-333-500
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80%
Jackson State Community College
The LPN to RN Career Mobility program is designed to prepare licensed practical nurses with the entry-level skills and knowledge to become a registered nurse. LPN applicants must have a current, unencumbered LPN license before applying to the program. Theory and practical coursework will prepare students to provide and manage client care, communicate and function as a member of the health care team, and adhere to legal and ethical standards of professional nursing practice. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN and assume entry-level employment in hospitals, clinics, and extended- care facilities. They may also choose to continue their nursing education to the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels. Admission to the program is competitive and is based on a point system. New classes begin each summer.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 64
Duration: 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, English Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, General Psychology, Introduction to Pathophysiology, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
Core Courses – Life Span Psychology, Fundamentals of Communication or English Composition II, Nursing Transitions I, Nursing Transitions II, Adult Health Nursing I, Adult Health Nursing II
Admission criteria:
- Obtain regular full admission and maintain good academic standing at Jackson State
- Complete all the required learning support competencies if applicable
- Submit a completed application to the Nursing program (LPN to RN option) by the published deadline – March 1st for fall admission and September 1st for spring admission
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater – based on all undergraduate college-level courses attempted at accredited colleges or universities
- Submit official transcripts of high school and college work to the Office of Admissions
- Submit ACT exam scores
- Declare any disciplinary, suspended, revoked, or denied health care license
- Report any felony convictions
- A criminal background check, TB test, and drug screen must be completed upon admission to the program
- Provide documentation of current immunization
- Must have a current and unencumbered LPN license
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $211 per credit in-state and $745 per credit out-of-state. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.jscc.edu/
Address: 2046 North Parkway, Jackson, TN 38301
Phone: (731) 424-3520
Toll-Free: (800) 355-JSCC
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95%
Dyersburg State Community College
DSCC facilitates a registered nursing program for Practical Nurses who hold a valid and current license and want to prepare for a career as a registered nurse. They may apply through the Advanced Standing LPN-RN Fast Track Nursing Program and complete the requirements for an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing in one year. Students will be awarded 7 credit hours for Foundations of Nursing on the basis of their prior LPN educational program. The structure of the program gives LPNs the ability to attend school while employed. Upon completion of the requirements, they will be equipped with the knowledge needed to assume the role of a registered nurse and succeed on the NCLEX-RN. New classes begin in May and ends in May of the following year (three semesters).
Program Outline
Semester credits: 66
Duration: 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, English Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Statistics, Microbiology, Humanities/Fine Arts (3 credit option)
Core Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, English Composition II, Principles of Nutrition, Lifespan Development Psychology, Fundamentals of Communication, Transition to Professional Practice, Mental Health Nursing I, Women’s Health & Childbearing Family, Pediatric Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Medical Surgical Nursing III, Professional Practice in Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Must be accepted to DSCC as a regular admission student
- Submit a completed Application for the LPN to RN program to the Division of Nursing by December 31st
- Must submit evidence of current active LPN license
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all courses comprising the nursing curriculum and a minimum grade C in each course
- Take and pass the TEAS and submit scores by the application deadline
- Complete a criminal background and drug screen as required by the clinical facilities – the student must assume the cost of the physical exam, drug screen, and background check
- Submit proof of satisfactory physical and mental health including current immunizations (Tdap, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and negative TB test or chest x-ray)
- Must have valid Basic Life Support (American Heart Association) CPR card
- Attend an interview with a member of the Nursing Department as part of the admissions process
- Must complete learning support courses before the application deadline
- Must pass a Math Dosage Validation exam each semester
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $4,420 per year for in-state students and $17,226 for out-of-state students. Books and supplies cost an additional $1,200 per year.
Website: https://www.dscc.edu/
Address: 1510 Lake Rd, Dyersburg, TN, 38024
Phone: 731-286-3200
Email: info@dscc.edu
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89%
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.