LPN to RN Programs Tampa, FL

The constant work pressure on nurses can make it almost impossible to pursue the additional education needed to advance their careers. If you’re a licensed practical nurse with a current and unencumbered practical nursing license, you can enroll in an LPN to RN bridge program to complete the requirements for a registered nursing degree in 12 to 18 months. Bridge programs for LPNs may offer limited online training as most courses incorporate hands-on, in-person activities. However, you may benefit from flexible, part-time schedules that will help you to manage work with your continuing education. Keep in mind that part-time schedules will lengthen the completion time. The program awards credits for educational and experiential training. LPN can earn up to 20 credits to reduce the normal time for a registered nursing degree by one to two semesters. At the completion of the program, you will have the skills, abilities, and confidence to pass the licensure exam and practice competently as a registered nurse in various health care settings.

Galen College of Nursing

The LPN to ADN Bridge program at Galen College of Nursing is designed for licensed practical nurses who want to take the next step to advance their career. There are no prerequisites, making it possible for LPNs to earn a registered nursing degree in 15 to 18 months. The program features hands-on learning that starts early in the program and clinical-based curriculum to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Galen College benefits include fast completion time, quarter-based program with four starts per year, no prerequisites to start in the nursing curriculum, general education courses included in the nursing curriculum, and acceptance of transfer credits (general education courses). Upon completion of the program requirements, students will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Quarter credits: 99

Duration: 15 to 18 months

Course titles:

Curriculum plan – Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Lab, 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, LPN to RN Role Transition, Development Psychology, Principles of Pharmacology, Medical Surgical Nursing Concepts, Introduction to Sociology, Microbiology for Health Professionals, Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing, Concepts of Nursing: The Childbearing/Child Caring Family, Applied Ethics, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing, Leadership and Nursing Management, Transition to Registered Nursing Practice

Admission criteria:

• Must be a high school graduate or have a GED diploma
• Demonstrate written and verbal English proficiency
• Must have a GPA of 2.5 or better from the PN program
• Must provide proof of current, active, unencumbered PN licensure
• Submit TEAS test scores of 52 or better
• Provide proof of immunization – Tdap, MMR, Varicella, TB skin test or chest x-ray, Hepatitis B, influenza
• Complete a physical exam and health history
• Obtain a satisfactory background check report – must fill out the criminal background screening authorization form
• Maintain current CPR certification by the American Heart Association throughout the program

Program Cost

Tuition costs $400 per quarter credit hour for general education courses and $415 per quarter credit hour for nursing education courses. Other costs include technology gee, lab fee, clinical fee, books, registration fee, background check fee, uniform and supplies, physical exam and immunizations, and CPR certification.

• Website: https://galencollege.edu/
• Address: 10200 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St N, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33716
• Phone: (727) 722-9292
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.97%

St. Petersburg College

The LPN Transitional Program at St Petersburg College lets licensed practical nurses advance to the Associate of Science Degree with an advanced standing. LPNs will earn credit for their experience and education and will gain the technical skills and background to succeed as a registered nurse. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. It includes lecture and hands-on clinical classes and preparation for success on the national exam. All prerequisite courses must be completed before applying for admission to the program. Graduates of the Florida Board of Nursing approved program will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse. Day and evening schedules are available. The day program begins in May. The evening program begins in August and January. Credits earned are fully transferable to the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at SPC or any state university in Florida.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Duration: 3 terms

Course titles:

General education/support courses – Communication – Composition, Communication – Speech, Humanities and Fine Arts, Enhanced World View, Mathematics, Studies in Applied Ethics, General Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab II, Microbiology, Microbiology Laboratory, Basic Computer and Information Literacy

Nursing – LPN Transition Health Concepts, LPN Transition Professional Nursing, LPN Transition Pharmacology, Health Concepts III, Pharmacology III, Professional Nursing III, Health Concepts IV, Pharmacology IV, Practicum

Admission criteria:

• Must complete the St Petersburg College Admission Application and pay the non-refundable application fee
• Submit official, unopened high school or GED transcripts indication completion of standard high school diploma or equivalency. Applicants who have completed an Associate or Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution are exempt from this requirement
• Submit official, unopened transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges or universities
• Must demonstrate college-level Writing, Reading, and Math through test scores or completed courses
• Must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale or higher in all postsecondary coursework
• Complete the prerequisite requirements (21 credits) with a grade C or better and a minimum 2.75 GPA – Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab, Microbiology with Lab, Elementary Statistics, American National Government, Communications, Computer/Information Literacy
• Must have a minimum 2.75 GPA on science pre-entry requirements
• Submits ATI TEAS test scores – completed within 6 months of the Health Programs Application
• Must have a clear/active LPN license within the state of Florida or LPN license in all Nurse Licensure Compact states – provide license number and issue date in the application
• Submit a Health Programs Application for the AAS program
• Pass a drug and background/fingerprint screening
• Complete the Heath Examination Form and any required immunizations
• Complete the Health Education Program Orientation

Program Cost

The program cost of $9,034 for Florida residents includes physical and immunizations, drug and background check, uniforms, special equipment and lab fees, textbooks, state exam, and license fees.

• Website: https://www.spcollege.edu/
• Address: P.O. Box 13489 St. Petersburg, FL 33733-3489
• Phone: 727-341-4772
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.09%

Keiser University

Licensed practical nurses may apply for advanced placement in the Associate of Science degree in Nursing program at Keiser University. The program employs an evidence-based approach to educate the diverse student body in the practice of nursing. It fully commits to providing patient-centered care through the use of integrated technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sound clinical judgment in a professional, safe, and effective environment. Students will learn to collaborate with the health care team, use clinical judgment, and reasoning to promote optimal patient care, integrate evidence-based technologies to support clinical decision making, and demonstrate behaviors of professionalism in the pursuit of excellence. Graduates will be prepared for success on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72 (including transferred credits)

Duration: 18 months

Course titles:

General education – Life Span Development, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Computers, English Composition I, English Composition II, American Literature, English Literature, Intermediate Algebra, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology I

Nursing – Fundamentals of Nursing, Nursing Pharmacology, Basic Adult Health Care, Maternity Nursing Care, Pediatric Nursing, Advanced Adult Health Care, Nursing Roles Practicum

Admission criteria:

• Apply for admission to Keiser University Admissions
• Submit verification of high school graduation or GED completion
• Take and pass the entrance exam or submit satisfactory SAT, ACT, or ASVAB scores
• Obtain a score of 20 or higher on the Wonderlic SLE entrance exam – applicants with a baccalaureate or higher may apply for exemption
• Complete a satisfactory background check
• Attend an interview with the nursing program director
• Obtain a composite score of 60 or higher on the TEAS nursing entrance exam
• Obtain a minimum B grade on the prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
• Obtain a minimum C grade on the prerequisite courses – Microbiology, Intermediate Algebra, Life Span Development and general education courses
• Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Complete satisfactory drug screen and complete all required health screening (immunizations)
• Must have a valid, unencumbered Florida or Compact State LPN license if applying for LPN advanced standing

Program Cost

Tuition costs $11,024 per semester for full-time students completing 12 to 17.99 credits per semester. Additional expenses include a background check, immunization, drug screen, CPR, state exam, and license fees.

• Website: https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/
• Address: 5002 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33634, USA
• Phone: (813) 885-4900
• Fax: (813) 885-4911
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.00%

Hillsboro Community College

Licensed practical nurses are eligible to enroll in an accelerated program leading to an Associate of Science degree in Nursing at Hillsboro Community College. The curriculum is designed to prepare LPNs to take the licensure exam and practice as a registered nurse. LPNs receive 10 hours of articulated credit or experiential credit. Applicants must complete the prerequisites before applying to the program. New students are admitted once per year in the summer term at the Dale Mabry campus. Nursing graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and, upon successful completion, receive the RN license. Day and evening/weekend schedules are available. The evening program meets 2 to 3 days a week from 5:00 pm. The clinical rotations will be scheduled on Saturdays for 8 to 10 hours.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 63

Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Modern American History, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory, English Composition I, College Algebra or higher mathematics, Microbiology and Human Disease, Microbiology and Human Disease Laboratory, English Composition II

Nursing – Essential Concepts of Patient Management, Critical Thinking in Nursing Practice, Concepts of Family Nursing, Concepts of Mental Health Nursing, Humanities General Education, Specified Electives, Complex Simulation, Concepts of Adult Health I, Concepts of Adult Health I Clinical, Concepts of Adult Health II, Concepts of Adult Health II Clinical, Role Transformation, Nutrition and Drugs, Chemistry for Health Sciences, Chemistry for Health Sciences Laboratory, Developmental Psychology of Life Span, Fundamentals of Human Nutrition, Ethics, General Psychology, Health Assessment

Admission criteria:

• Submit a completed application to HCC by the deadline
• Must complete the online college orientation
• Submit a completed Nursing Program Application
• Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions and submit with the application
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.8 on prerequisite courses
• Take and pass the TEAS entrance exam with a minimum score of 60% overall
• Obtain a clean background check – download and complete the Criminal History-Informed Consent Form
• Obtain a negative drug screen
• LPN candidates must include a copy of valid LPN certification and verification of at least 6 months working experience
• Attend a mandatory nursing information session
• Provide a physical exam certified by a licensed physician and up-to-date immunization record
• Provide proof of current CPR certification (Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers)

Program Cost

The estimated program cost of $6600.70 for Florida residents includes tuition for three semesters, lab fees, lab kit, and books. Additional expenses for the application fee, background check, drug screen, physical exam, immunization, uniforms, equipment, CPR class, name badge, NCLEX Test Application, and Florida RN licensure must be covered by the student.

• Website: https://www.hccfl.edu/
• Address: 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33614
• Phone: 813-253-7000
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 72.24%

Jersey College Nursing School Tampa Campus

Jersey College at Tampa offers an LPN to RN Bridge track available for practical nurses who have completed an accredited program and hold a current license to practice. LPNs accepted into this track will receive 20-quarter credits for prior learning and experience. The curriculum is based on current nursing practice and includes nursing and general education courses. Theory, skills lab, and clinical experiences will prepare students for entry-level practice as a registered nurse. Graduates will receive an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse.

Program Outline

Quarter credits: 93

Duration: 24 months

Course titles:

Courses – Human Body in Health and Disease, Composition I, Pathophysiology, Nutrition, College Algebra, Life Span Development, Sociology, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, Healthcare Foundations, Health Assessment and Skills, LPN to RN Transition, 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 Children and Their Families, Medical-Surgical Nursing II: Perspectives and Assessment of Care, Nursing Leadership and NCLEX Seminar

Admission criteria:

• Must be 18 years or older at the time of admission
• Must have completed high school or equivalency
• Submit proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident card
• Apply for admission to Jersey College and the Nursing Program
• Deposit funds for tuition and fees
• Submit to a background check and obtain satisfactory results
• Read and sign the Enrollment Agreement
• Provide evidence of good physical health – pass a physical exam
• Provide proof of immunization – current TB test, Hepatitis B, varicella, MMR
• Have a current CPR card – Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association

Program Cost

The total estimated cost of completing the bridge program is $37,845 for day students. The cost includes tuition, books, enrollment fee, criminal background check, application, supplies, technology fee, uniforms, and tools and kits.

• Website: https://www.jerseycollege.edu/
• Address: 3625 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619
• Phone: (813) 246-5111
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.75%

Rasmussen University

The career ladder program at Rasmussen University includes an entry option for licensed practical nurses to complete the requirements for a registered nursing degree and licensure in just 12 months. LPNs will receive credit for three courses consisting of 13 credit hours. Students will learn patient-centered skills in real-world environments, complete classroom and experiential training to build confidence in their patient care abilities, develop decision-making skills and care interventions, and gain first-hand industry insights from nursing faculty with real-world experience. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse and may opt to continue to the BSN through the RN to BSN program.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 89

Duration: 12 months

Course titles:

General education courses – English Composition, Humanities, Algebra, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, General Chemistry, Human Nutrition, General Microbiology, Human Growth and Development, General Psychology

Core courses – Essentials of Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, Nursing Care of the Older Adult, Multidimensional Care II, Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing, Pharmacology for Professional Nursing, Multidimensional Care III, Maternal Child Nursing, Professional Nursing Skills II, Multidimensional Care IV, Leadership and Professional Identity, Associate Degree in Nursing Capstone

Admission criteria:

• Must be 18 years or older at the time of admission
• Must attend a Nursing Information session
• Must have completed high school or equivalency
• Apply for admission to Rasmussen University
• Achieve a satisfactory score on the School of Nursing Entrance Exam
• Read and sign the Rasmussen College Enrollment Agreement and Attachments
• Submit a health physical and proof of immunizations
• Complete a satisfactory criminal background screen
• Must provide copy of a current, unencumbered practical nursing license in Florida
• Must have current Basic Life Saving and CPR Certification with Defibrillator
• Complete the experiential online orientation course and the School of Nursing Orientation
• Submit transcripts for evaluation – for applicants with prior college credits

Program Cost

Tuition costs $36,401 for students completing 89 credit hours of general education and core nursing courses. The costs for fees, books, criminal background check, application, supplies, technology fee, uniforms, and tools and kits are not included.

• Website: https://www.rasmussen.edu/
• Address: 4042 Park Oaks Blvd, Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33610
• Phone: 813-246-7600
• Fax: 813-621-4835
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 69.83%