The LPN-to-RN Bridge builds upon the skills that you already have as a licensed practical nurse to help you take a more direct and holistic approach in the delivery of care. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of the effect of diseases on the body and learn how to create patient care plans to meet the needs of diverse clients. The program will also emphasize and foster critical thinking to make informed decisions to improve patient outcomes. Assessment of complex cases, making sound clinical judgments, proper use of the nursing process are some other very critical areas covered in the transition/bridge program. At the conclusion of the program, you will be prepared to pass the NCLEX for Registered Nurses and function as a manager of care.
PIMA Community College
Licensed practical nurses may apply for transfer credit in the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing offered by PIMA Community College at complete the requirements to become a registered nurse in less than 24 months. The program may award credit for prior education and experience as a practical nurse, giving students the opportunity to earn a registered nursing degree without repeating coursework. LPN applicants must have completed an approved program and hold some experience as a practical nurse. They will build on their nursing, communication, leadership, and critical thinking to function within the scope of practice as a registered nurse. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN to practice as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 74-76 (including transfer credits)
Duration: 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Core Courses – Nursing Process I, Nursing Process II Transition to Associate Degree Nursing, Drug Calculations, Introduction to Pharmacology, Nursing Process III, Nursing Process IV, Nursing Trends and Issues, Human Nutrition and Biology Nutrition, Microbiology, Human Development and Relations Developmental Psychology, Success in Health Professions, Introduction to Psychology, English Composition
Admission criteria:
- Complete the program prerequisites with passing scores
- Must have a valid practical nursing license
- Must submit transcripts from practical nursing program for evaluation
- Must complete all prerequisites before applying to the program
- Must complete a 9-credit transition course and meet the requirements for entry in the third semester
- Provide documentation of practical nursing work experience – letter of employer verification detailing 576 hours of employment as an LPN
- Complete the HESI Admission A2 exam through the PCC Nursing Department – scores are valid for one year
- Submit a completed LPN to RN Nursing Program Application
- Submit documentation of immunization – hepatitis B, varicella, influenza, MMR, Tdap
- Obtain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Pass a urine toxicology screening exam
- Provide proof of negative TB test or negative chest x-ray
- Must have and maintain health insurance throughout the program
- Must have current CPR card at the Health Care Provider Level throughout the program
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $87 per credit for resident students. Students will also have to cover the cost for background check, drug screen, physical, fees, books, supplies, and uniforms. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.pima.edu/
Address: 4905 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85709-1010
Phone: (520) 206-4500
Toll-Free: 1-800-860-PIMA
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.42%
PIMA Medical Institute
Licensed practical nurses may apply for advanced placement in the Associate Degree Nursing program at PIMA Medical Institute to complete the requirements for a registered nursing degree. Theory and hands-on training will support the development of the professional skills LPNs need to assume the role of an entry-level registered nurse. LPN candidates will need to submit transcripts for evaluation to determine placement in the program. The core curriculum emphasizes nursing theory, pharmacology, growth and development, and patient care across the lifespan. Students will complete approximately 1,612 contact hours of theory care and practical instruction. Graduates of the Arizona Board of Nursing approved program will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 70 (including transfer credits)
Clock hours: 1612
Duration: 5 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General education courses – English, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Applied Mathematics
Core Courses – Introduction to Health Care, Foundations of Human Potential, Strategies for RN Success, Human Development, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Pharmacology for Health Promotion and Maintenance, Nursing’s Role in Health Promotion, Nutrition, Family Centered Care Across the Life Span, Acute Care Nursing Across the Life Span, Professional Transition I, Sociology of Health, Pharmacology for the Complex Patient, Nursing Care for the Complex Patient, Health Care Informatics, Nursing Care in Challenging Situations, Role Development of the Graduate Nurse
Admission criteria:
- Must secure admission to PMI before applying for admission to the nursing program
- Meet with an admissions representative
- Take the required entrance assessment
- Must have graduated high school or completed GED – transcript or diploma required
- Apply for admission to the nursing program
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English
- Pass a criminal background check and urine drug screen
- Submit record of immunizations including a negative TB test or chest x-ray
- LPN applicants must submit official transcripts from the practical nursing program and hold a current license to practice
- Must have and maintain health insurance throughout the program
- Must have current CPR card at the Health Care Provider Level
Program Cost:
There are several funding options for eligible students to finance their education. A financial aid representative will provide students with options based on their individual needs.
Website: https://pmi.edu/
Address: 2121 N. Craycroft Road, Building 1, Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 800-477-PIMA
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 69.44%
Carrington College
The associate degree in nursing program at Carrington College has an entry pathway for licensed practical nurses to complete the requirements to become a registered nurse. LPN applicants must hold a current license to practice and have completed an accredited practical nursing program. The training will include lectures and interactive discussions in the classroom, practical activities in the simulation lab, and supervised patient care experiences at various health care facilities in the community. LPNs will receive credit based on an evaluation of their transcripts, which will determine their starting point in the program. Nursing courses must be taken in sequence and a passing grade in required for progression to the next course in the sequence. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse. They will be prepared to collaborate with patients, families, and members of the health care team in the delivery of safe, patient-centered care, use evidence-based knowledge in make decisions, understand their role and function as a provider of care, communicate effectively, and commit to lifelong learning.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 72 (including transfer credits)
Duration: 32 weeks
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General education courses – English Writing and Composition, College Algebra, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology, Interpersonal Communication, Chemistry for Health Care Professionals, Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Microbiology with Lab
Core Courses – LPN to RN Transition – Theory, LPN to RN Transition – Lab, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing I Theory, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing – Clinical, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing – Theory, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing – Clinical, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing II – Theory, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing Care of the Older Adult – Theory, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing Care of the Older Adult – Clinical, Leadership Management 2, Leadership Management 3 – Preceptorship
Admission criteria:
- Meet the general requirements for admission to Carrington College
- Must have a high school diploma or GED – official transcript required
- Must have completed an accredited practical nursing program – provide transcripts for evaluation
- Must have a current license to practice as an LPN
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on the prerequisite courses
- Take and pass the ATI TEAS Admission Assessment with a combined score of 58%
- Attend a Registered Nursing information session before applying to the registered nursing program
- Submit a completed application to the Nursing Department and pay any applicable fees
- Provide negative TB test results – not more than 12 months old
- Provide documentation of immunization 2 MMR, hepatitis B or waiver, varicella, Tdap, influenza
- Submit to drug screening and background check
- Submit proof of current American Heart Association CPR card
- Must undergo a physical exam
- Must have and maintain health insurance throughout the program
Program Cost:
The program cost of $41,817 includes textbooks, ebooks, tuition, supplies, and fees. Other costs include a background check, CPR course, immunizations, drug screen, and licensing fee. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://carrington.edu/
Address: 201 N Bonita Ave., Ste 101, Tucson, AZ
Phone: (877) 344-3316
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.00%
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.