Updated January 25, 2025
The LPN to RN program in New York provides a fast, simple, and affordable way to become a registered nurse if you are already licensed as a practical nurse. There is still much demand for LPNs so the financial gain and opportunities are better than average. While there may be many more benefits to continuing your career as an LPN, there are also some disadvantages. LPNs are at the lower end of the nursing team and need constant supervision from a registered nurse or physician. Registered nurses have more autonomy when it comes to making decisions related to patient care management. Enrolling in an LPN-to-RN program will take your nursing career to the next level. Most programs provide some flexibility to facilitate a work-school balance.
Monroe University
The Monroe College Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree builds on the educational preparation of Licensed Practical Nurses, allowing students to transfer up to 22 credits. LPN candidates must present official transcripts for evaluation of the core nursing courses completed in their LPN studies. Final transfer to the program will be granted upon validation of an LPN license in good standing in the state of New York. Additionally, candidates must have completed the prerequisite courses – Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology II, Microbiology, Introduction to Psychology, and English Composition and present high school or college transcripts of Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to practice as Registered Nurses. They will also demonstrate intermediate through advanced skills in the provision of holistic, quality care and health teaching, address the healthcare needs of individuals and families, apply evidence-based research to make sound clinical judgments in care, and develop nursing plans of care for individuals.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 42
Duration: 3 Semesters
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Analytical Thinking, Writing, and Research, Introduction to Sociology, Psychology Across the Lifespan, General Chemistry, General Chemistry Laboratory, Clinical Nutrition and Diet Therapy or Other Nutrition Elective
Core Courses – Culturally Competent Care of the Child-Bearing Family, LPN to RN Transition/Introduction to Culturally Competent Care, Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Culturally Competent Care of the Child-Rearing Family, Advanced Pharmacology, Culturally Competent Care of the Adult with Health Alterations I, Culturally Competent Care of the Adult with Health Alterations II, Trends in Professional Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Must have a valid high school diploma or GED or college degree from an accredited school
- Present high school or college transcripts of Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry – a grade C or higher is required
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Attend a pre-admission interview
- An acceptable GPA and good overall academic performance
- Submit an official transcript of a practical nursing certificate completed at Monroe College or another accredited school – must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Must have a valid NYS LPN license
- Complete the prerequisite courses – Algebra, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Expository Writing and Introduction to Psychology
- Submit ATI TEAS scores at the proficient level with a 70 or higher
- Submit two letters of recommendation from employers, academic institutions, or community organizations
- Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- Complete required fingerprinting
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $26,820 for full-time students who complete the program in three semesters. Books, fees, and supplies will cost an additional $1,800.
Website: https://www.monroecollege.edu/
Address: King Hall 2501 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468
Phone: (718) 933-6700
Fax: (718) 364-3552
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83.6%
LaGuardia Community College
The Registered Nursing Program at LaGuardia Community College has a special entry pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses that follows the NY Coalition for Educational Mobility Articulation Model. Practical nursing candidates must meet all the criteria to obtain advanced standing in the LPN to RN program. A primary requirement is to complete the Bridge Course (SCR100) which will include advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing and Pharmacology/Nutrition content. Once admitted to the nursing program, students must complete the nursing courses in sequence. Graduates of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited program will receive an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 56
Duration: 3 Semesters
Course titles:
Pre-clinical phase – First Year Seminar for Health Sciences, Composition I, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Development Psychology, Foundations of Chemistry, Human Anatomy I, Human Anatomy II, Microbiology, Elementary Statistics
Clinical phase – LPN to RN Bridge, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Parent Child Nursing, Writing through Literature, Leadership & Delegation, Community Health, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Intent to Graduate
Admission criteria:
- Create an account and submit an application online through NursingCAS
- Submit official high school and college transcripts – sent directly from the institution to LaGuardia
- Have a minimum general GPA of 2.75
- Have a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 in English Composition, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology
- Take and pass the ATI TEAS Exam with an overall score of 58.7% in each category
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Submit a statement of purpose – between 250 to 650 words – that outlines the reasons for applying to the AAS program
- Submit a current resume – indicate work and volunteer experience
- Have current Basic Life Support (BCLS for the Professional Rescuer) card
- Submit a completed medical form including lab results and immunization
- Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen
- Must have current unencumbered LPN license
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $4,800 per year for full-time NYC residents and $9,600 per year for out-of-city/state residents or international students.
Website: https://www.laguardia.edu/
Address: 31-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: 1-718-482-7200
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.6%
AMG School of Nursing
AMG School of Nursing fosters career mobility by crediting licensed practical nurses for previous knowledge gained in the LPN program. The LPN to RN bridge program is specifically designed for LPNs to prepare for licensure as a registered nurse in just one year (they are admitted to the second year of the nursing program upon validation of their previous education). Students can receive up to 34 credits for core courses – 18 credits for liberal sciences, 7 credits for nursing fundamentals, and 9 credits for liberal arts. The bridge program covers nursing courses and clinical experience in local healthcare facilities. During the rotations, students will have opportunities to develop and apply knowledge gained in the classroom. Hands-on training will also be conducted on campus in the modern, fully-equipped lab. Students must obtain a minimum grade of 77 percent or better on all nursing courses and a satisfactory clinical evaluation to graduate. Graduates will be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to assume entry-level positions in nursing. The program is accredited by the New York State Department of Education Professional Education Program Review and accredited by the New York State Board of Regent.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 29
Duration: 2 Semesters
Course titles:
Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, Introduction to Psychology, Nutrition, English Composition, Speech Communication, College Math, LPN to RN Role Transition Seminar
Courses – Pharmacology, Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing Care of Special Population I: Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of Special Population II: Geriatrics and Mental Health, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, Developmental Psychology
Admission criteria:
- Complete a standardized entrance exam to assess competency and knowledge in reading, math, pharmacology, and fundamentals – HESI with a minimum score of 80
- Must submit a completed application to the program online
- Complete the required personal essay on a topic selected by the Nursing Department
- Attend an admissions interview and one with the Program
- Director
- Must consent to a yearly physical conducted by a health care practitioner
- Must have current liability insurance
- Must have BLS-C CPR certification for the duration of the program
- Must have current unencumbered LPN license
- Submit official high school and college transcripts – sent directly from the institution to AMG
- Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen
Program Cost:
Tuition for the program is $27,125. Expenses for books, supplies, and fees are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.amg.edu/
Address: 110 Bridge Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 833-213-0093
Email: Amg@amg.edu
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.0%
Helene Fuld College of Nursing
Helene Fuld College of Nursing offers a full-time associate degree program for licensed practical nurses to prepare for licensure as a registered nurse. Candidates will receive 18 semester credits (27 quarter credits) toward the Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing through pre-admission testing and LPN licensure. The additional 53 semester credits (79.5 quarter credits) must be earned at Helene Fuld to complete the degree requirements. The curriculum includes liberal arts and science courses which must be taken before or concurrently with the parallel nursing courses. All nursing courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 64.5
Duration: 18 months (4 semesters)
Course titles:
Prerequisites: Chemistry, Mathematics, Clinical Nursing Skills
Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Introduction to Psychology, English I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Psychiatric-Community Mental Health Nursing, Human Development, English II, Anatomy and Physiology III, Parent-Child Health Nursing, Introduction to Sociology, Microbiology, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Professional Foundations
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application online using Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS)
- Take and pass the pre-entrance TEAS Exam
- Provide official copy of academic transcripts including the LPN transcripts from an accredited institution
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalency
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must have a minimum GPA average of 2.0 cumulated from all college or universities attended
- Must have a current LPN license and registration in a US jurisdiction
- Take and pass Introductory Chemistry and Mathematics with a grade C or higher
- Must have current CPR certification (BLS)
- Must take and pass a 2-credit Clinical Nursing Skills course with a grade C or higher at HFCN
- Must meet the technical standards of the profession
- Make a one-time enrollment deposit of $100
- Complete Castle Branch onboarding – background check, physical exam, immunizations, drug screen, health insurance, and COVID requirements
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $7,550 per semester for full-time students. Fees, books, uniforms, and supplies are not included.
Website: https://www.helenefuld.edu/
Address: 24 East 120th Street, New York, NY 10035
Phone: (212) 616-7280
Email: Admission@helenefuld.edu
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 79.3%
LPN to RN Programs in New York FAQs
How long does it take to go from LPN to RN in New York?
It generally takes 12 months of full-time attendance for a practical nurse to prepare for registered nursing. Some programs can extend to 18 to 24 months depending on your experience and the amount of credits eligible for transfer into the program.
What is the difference between LPN and RN in New York?
In New York, the primary differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and a Registered Nurse (RN) lie in their educational requirements, scope of practice, and responsibilities.
Educational Requirements:
- LPN: Typically, LPN programs take around one year to complete and can be found at community colleges or vocational schools.
- RN: RNs must complete an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. After that, they become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for registered nurse licensure in the state.
Scope of Practice:
- LPN: LPNs provide basic nursing care, which includes tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and ambulating patients. They may also administer medications, change wound dressings, and check vital signs. LPNs are not allowed to independently deliver nursing care plans or make changes to them.
- RN: RNs have a broader scope of practice, which includes basic patient care as well as more technical responsibilities like medication administration, performing diagnostic tests, and operating medical equipment. RNs may also supervise other healthcare workers like LPNs, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), or even other RNs.
Responsibilities:
- LPN: LPNs often assist medically fragile patients with tasks necessary for their comfort and report on their patients’ health status to higher-ups in the chain of command at their place of employment.
- RN: RNs are charged with managing as well as delivering healthcare services. Formulating nursing care plans is a major part of the nursing process taught in both ADN and BSN programs.
How much more does a registered nurse make than a licensed practical nurse in New York?
In New York, the salaries for LPNs and RNs can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility. Here are some general figures:
- LPN Salaries: The average salary for LPNs in New York ranges from approximately $46,240 to $71,610 annually. The hourly wage can vary from $21.96 to $30.31 depending on the location within the state.
- RN Salaries: The average salary for RNs in New York is higher than that of LPNs. RNs typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, with the exact figure depending on factors such as experience, education level, and specific job responsibilities.
What is the quickest LPN-to-RN program in New York City?
The average completion of all four LPN to RN programs in and around New York City is 12 months. However, you can reduce the time required based on the amount of credits eligible for transfer into the program. If you complete the prerequisite and science courses before applying to the program, you may be permitted to enter the program at the third semester and complete the requirements in less than 12 months.
How long does it take to get an RN license in NY?
It takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to get your RN license after submitting all required documentation to the Board. You must pass the NCLEX-RN and a background check to be eligible.
Can I take the LPN-to-RN program online in New York City?
The New York City schools that offer the LPN-to-RN program do not offer an online option. Students typically dive right into the core nursing courses which require physical attendance for the theoretical and practical components.