LPN to RN Programs Raleigh, NC

The undergraduate certificate required to practice as a licensed practical nurse means LPNs receive substantially lower wages than a registered nurse. While there are LPN to RN bridge programs and advanced placement options for licensed practical nurses to complete an Associate of Science in Nursing degree in 12 to 18 months, fewer than 25% percent of practical nurses take this career advancement step. LPN to RN programs are intensive and full-time, requiring a reduction in work hours. Some practical nurses may also be comfortable in their current positions, caring for patients under the direction of a registered nurse. If you’re willing to sacrifice the time and finances to achieve your dream of becoming a registered nurse, you can enroll in a transition program after completing a transition course and providing documentation of your current license and experience as a practical nurse.

Wake Technical Community College

Wake Technical Community College offers an advanced placement option for licensed practical nurses to complete the requirements for an Associate Degree Nursing program. The curriculum builds on the practical nursing foundation. It covers a wider knowledge base to enhance nursing skills and increase critical thinking to prepare LPNs for the role and responsibility of a registered nurse. The program starts in the summer and is followed by two additional semesters of coursework. During the summer, students will complete NUR 214, which is an accelerated, intensive course that covers a range of content in expedited format. The intensive nature of the coursework requires that students consider a reduction in work and personal commitments while in attendance. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses for licensure in the state.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 53

Duration: 3 terms

Course titles:

General education courses – Introduction to Sociology, Anatomy and Physiology I, General Psychology, Writing and Inquiry

Core courses – Health-Illness Concepts, Holistic Health Concepts, Anatomy and Physiology II, Developmental Psychology, Nursing Transition Concepts, General Microbiology, Health System Concepts, Holistic Health Concepts, Writing/Research in the Disc, Complex Health Concepts, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective

Competencies – Provide patient-centered care, utilize information technology in clinical decision-making, integrate evidence-based practice in nursing, collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary team, and demonstrate professionalism in practice

  Admission criteria:

  • Complete the NC Residency Determination Interview
  • Complete the Application for Admission to Wake Tech Community College
  • Attend a mandatory Nursing Information Session
  • Complete the FAFSA and supporting documents
  • Submit official transcripts of all previous education including high school or GED scores and any college transcripts
  • Take the placement test – exemption may be granted to applicants who meet specific requirements
  • Submit a separate application for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing program – LPN applicants must apply for admission in the summer
  • Complete documentation of completing high school or college level chemistry with a grade C or better
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS or TEAS V with a minimum score of 59 or higher on the Composite score
  • Provide documentation of a practical nursing license – must be current and active
  • Have clear communication skills – must meet the English Language requirements
  • Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher on prerequisite coursework
  • Attend a mandatory departmental orientation after admission to the nursing program

Program Cost

The cost of tuition is $76 per credit for in-state students. Additional costs include textbooks, student activity fee, professional liability insurance, ATI test, CPR certification, criminal background check, drug testing, NCLEX application, NC licensure, physical exam, immunization, uniforms, shoes, stethoscope, scissors, and watch.

  • Website: https://www.waketech.edu/
  • Address: 9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
  • Phone: 919-866-5000
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate:32%

Johnston Community College

Licensed practical nurses may apply for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing program at Johnston Community College through the LPN to RN bridge program. LPN candidates must have a current, unrestricted license to practice within the state of North Carolina and one year’s experience in a health care setting. The curriculum covers general education and nursing courses to prepare students to function in the role of a registered nurse. Students will participate in clinical experiences at local health care facilities where they will apply the principles and concepts learned in the classroom. Graduates will be eligible to apply to the State Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 71 – including transfer credits

Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:

General Education and Core Courses – Introduction to Health Concepts, Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology I, General Psychology, Writing and Inquiry, Health-Illness Concepts, Anatomy and Physiology II, Development Psychology, Family Health Concepts, Health Care Concepts, Health Systems Concepts, Writing and Research in the Disciplines, Complex Health Concepts, General Microbiology, Introduction to Ethics

  Admission criteria:

  • Apply for admission to Johnston Community College
  • Complete the Residency and College application online
  • Submit official high school transcript or high school equivalency and official transcript of practical nursing education
  • Attend an interview with a counselor in the Office of Enrollment
  • Take and pass the College placement test – unless waiver is granted
  • Provide documentation of completing Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra at the high school or college level with a grade C or better
  • Place into ENG 111
  • Have a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA at the high school or college level
  • Attend a mandatory health science information session
  • Provide documentation of current LPN license for admission to the bridge program
  • Take and pass the TEAS – scores may be used to rank and select the best candidates for enrollment
  • Attend a mandatory 2-day program orientation upon acceptance to the program
  • Provide documentation of acceptable physical and emotional health
  • Provide documentation of immunization – MMR, varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, and influenza
  • Provide evidence of current CPR certification from the American Health Association at the Healthcare Provider level – must maintain certification throughout the program
  • Submit to a criminal background check and consent to random drug screen
  • Have medical insurance coverage
  • Provide two current passport style photos

Program Cost

Tuition costs $1,328 per semester for resident students. Additional costs for books, fees, liability insurance, physical exam, CPR certification, background check, and drug screen must be covered by the student.

  • Website: http://www.johnstoncc.edu/
  • Address: 245 College Road, PO Box 2350 Smithfield, NC 27577
  • Phone: (919) 934-3051
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%

Central Carolina Community College

Licensed practical nurses may apply for advanced placement in the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Central Carolina Community College. LPN candidates must take the PN Predictor – 6 months are the NCLEX pass date. Once admitted, students will build on their existing knowledge and skills to function in the role of a registered nurse after pass the NCLEX-RN. Nursing courses are delivered in sequence that progresses from the simple to complex. Graduates will be able to practice professional nursing behaviors that incorporate personal responsibility and accountability, communicate professionally and effectively with individuals, integrate knowledge of holistic needs of the individual, implement caring interventions incorporating documented best practices for individuals in diverse settings, manage health care for the individual using cost effect nursing strategies, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 73 – including transfer credits

Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:

General Education and Core Courses – Success and Study Skills, Anatomy and Physiology I, Expository Writing, Introduction to Health Concepts, General Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology II, Health Illness Concepts, Family Health Concepts, Developmental Psychology, Health Care Concepts, English Elective, Holistic Health Concepts, Health System Concepts, Introduction to Sociology, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective, Complex Health Concepts

  Admission criteria:

  • Complete the required documentation for the North Carolina Residency Determination Service – must be completed before submitting the college application
  • Take the MAP Embark Assessment – an Admissions Specialist will review the results
  • Submit an application to CCCC
  • Request official transcripts from high school and college to be sent directly to CCCC
  • Must have a weighted high school GPA or 2.8, have acceptable ACT or SAT scores, have appropriate CCCC transfer credit, or take a transition course in English and Math to be prepared to take the gateway English and Math for the nursing program
  • Apply for Financial Aid and scholarships
  • Attend an online information session
  • Schedule an appointment with an Admissions Specialist
  • Provide documentation of LPN licensure in the state and must have one year’s experience as a practical nurse
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS exam
  • Have CPR certification
  • Take the general education courses and pass with a grade C or higher

Program Cost

The program cost of $4,253 includes tuition, books, malpractice insurance, technology fee, and NCLEX Board Exam.

  • Website: https://www.cccc.edu/
  • Address: 1105 Kelly Dr., Sanford, NC 27330-9840
  • Phone: (919) 775-5401
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%

Durham Tech

The LPN to Associate Degree Nursing program at Durham Tech is designed for students that have already completed the requirements to become a licensed practical nurse and wish to further their education towards an Associate Degree. LPNs candidates must first complete an LPDN to ADN transition course before merging with the traditional Associate Degree Nursing track. The curriculum will include classroom sessions and clinical experiences that represent an integrated approach to learning. Courses will move from simple to complex nursing concepts and skills. Classes meet during the day. Clinical experiences match the didactic portions of the program and lets students apply the skills obtained. Schedules depend on site availability and may include days, nights, or weekend shifts. Practical nurses must have at least one year of LPN working experience.  Program graduates will receive an Associate in Applied Science degree and be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 50

Duration: 18 to 19 months

Course titles:

General Education and Core Courses – College Transfer Success, Anatomy and Physiology I, Writing and Inquiry, General Psychology, Nursing Transition Concepts, Anatomy and Physiology II, Development Psychology, Health Illness Concepts, Holistic Health Concepts, Pathophysiology, Health System Concepts, Writing/Research in the Disciplines, Family Health Concepts, Health Care Concepts, Complex Health Concepts, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective

Competencies – Provide patient-centered care, utilize information technology in clinical decision-making, integrate evidence-based practice in nursing, collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary team, and demonstrate professionalism in practice

Admission criteria:

  • Apply for admission to Durham Tech
  • Submit an official transcript of previous education including LPN program
  • Apply for Financial Aid
  • Attend a mandatory Student Orientation
  • Attend a Nursing Information Session
  • Provide documentation of current LPN license
  • Must provide documentation of one year’s experience as a licensed practical nurse
  • Complete the general prerequisites with a grade C or better – College Success, Writing and Inquiry, General Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Pathophysiology
  • Must complete the transition course before enrolling in the nursing program
  • Obtain an Adjusted Individual Score of 60% on the ATI TEAS Test
  • Meet the English Language requirement

Program Cost

The estimated cost for tuition and fees is $5,776. Additional costs for textbooks, background check, physical exam and immunization, uniforms, shoes, nursing supplies, professional liability insurance, and CPR certification must be covered by the student.

Wilson Community College

The nursing transition program at Wilson Community College is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses who want to enter the Associate Degree Nursing program with advanced standing. LPN candidates must meet the admission requirements and successfully complete the Nursing Transition Course (NUR 214) with a grade C or better to enroll in NUR 113 and complete the ADN requirements. Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Day and evening schedules are available.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 75 – including transfer credits

Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:

General Education and Core Courses – College Student Success, Anatomy and Physiology I, Intro to Health Concepts, General Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology II, Health-Illness Concepts, Holistic Health Concepts, Pharmacology, Development Psychology, Family Health Concepts, Introduction to Computers, Writing and Inquiry, Quantitative Lit., Health Care Concepts, Health System Concepts, Writing and Res. in the Disciplines, Critical Thinking, Complex Health Concepts

  Admission criteria:

  • Submit an admission application to Wilson Communication College
  • Submit official high school transcript or equivalency and all post-secondary coursework
  • Complete an Allied Health Intent Form and indicate transition option
  • Schedule an appointment to take the TEAS – the test costs $65. Candidates must achieve a minimum 63.3% on the overall adjusted score
  • Take the RN Fundamentals 2019, Content Mastery Test by ATI – a testing fee of $39 applies. Must achieve a Level 2 or 63.3%
  • Must be eligible to enroll in ENG 111 and MAT 143 without a co-requisite prior to starting NUR 214 in the Spring
  • Must be enrolled or have completed BIO 168 by application deadline
  • Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher on all general education courses
  • Must have and maintain an unencumbered LPN license with no history of disciplinary sanctions or actions with the NC Board of Nursing
  • Applicants that received their LPN license more than three years from the date of admission must provide evidence of having worked at least 1040 hours as an LPN in the last year
  • Submit a completed Physical Form – must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant
  • Provide documentation of immunizations – Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, flu vaccine, 2 step TB skin test
  • Have current CPR certification for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association
  • Complete a criminal background check and urine drug screen
  • Have malpractice insurance
  • Attend the program orientation

Program Cost

The approximate cost for the bridge program is $6,965.21. Included costs are books and supplies, uniforms, ATI test fee, malpractice insurance, and school fees.

  • Website: https://www.wilsoncc.edu/
  • Address: 902 Herring Avenue E, P.O. Box 4305, Wilson, NC 27893
  • Phone: (252) 291-1195
  • Fax: (252) 243-7148
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.55%

Samson Community College

Licensed practical nurses may be granted advanced placement in the Associate Degree Nursing program at Samson Community College. They will be admitted into the third semester of the program and complete the requirements for an Associate Degree in Nursing in just 12 months. This advanced placement option is open only to LPNs who can provide evidence of a current unencumbered NC license to practice as an LPN and the license must be maintained throughout the program. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 67

Duration: 5 semesters

Course titles:

General Education and Core Courses – College Student Success, Anatomy and Physiology I, Intro to Health Concepts, General Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology II, Health-Illness Concepts, Holistic Health Concepts, Pharmacology, Development Psychology, Family Health Concepts, Introduction to Computers, Writing and Inquiry, Quantitative Lit., Health Care Concepts, Health System Concepts, Writing and Res. in the Disciplines, Critical Thinking, Complex Health Concepts

Admission criteria:

  • Submit an admission application to Sampson Community College
  • Complete all the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – chemistry and biology with respective labs, Math
  • Must show evidence of a current unencumbered NC license to practice as an LPN – license must remain unencumbered while enrolled in the nursing program
  • Complete the Residency Determination request
  • Must show current CPR certification – American Heart Association – Basic Life Support
  • Must have been employed for the last 2 years as an LPN or have graduated from a PN program within the last year – a letter of reference from a current employer is required
  • Must achieve a score of 90% Probability of Passing NCLEX-PN on the entrance exam – submit score report with the application. Test scores are acceptable for a period of three years
  • Complete all first-year related course work for the ADN program with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above – preference will be given to students with a GPA of 2.5 or better
  • Submit the Advanced Placement Program Application to the Ashley Register Administrative Assistant Health Programs by January 15th
  • Submit a completed Health History Examination Form – must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant
  • Provide documentation of immunizations – Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, flu vaccine, 2 step TB skin test
  • Complete a criminal background check and urine drug screen
  • Have malpractice insurance
  • Attend the program orientation

Program Cost

The cost of tuition is $76 per credit – not to exceed $1,216 per semester. Additional costs include ATI testing, textbooks, uniforms, CPR certification, fees, malpractice insurance, physical exam, immunization, TB test, drug screen, and criminal background check.

  • Website: https://www.sampsoncc.edu/
  • Address: 1801 Sunset Avenue, Clinton, North Carolina 28328
  • Phone: 910-592-8081
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91%