If you want to have a greater role in patient care than your current scope of practice as a licensed practical nurse affords, you can take your training a step further by enrolling in an LPN to RN program. The transition program prepares licensed practical nurses for registered nursing in just one year. The journey to registered nursing provides rewards beyond that of your duties in patient care. The difference in salaries could be as much as 40 percent -depending on where you work. The opportunities for growth are endless after you’ve earned your associate degree in nursing. You can ascend the career ladder by completing the bachelor of science in nursing and the master of science in nursing to prepare for advanced practice roles and extend your capabilities and opportunities in the profession. Such opportunities are scarcely afforded to practical nurses who typically function in the role of caregivers or rehab assistants. The registered nurse credential indicates your special training to serve as a valuable member of the interdisciplinary health care team. There will always be a demand for your professional education and training in various parts of the healthcare sector in the United States and across the globe.
Butler Community College
The Nursing Department at Butler Community College provides the opportunity for advanced placement of the licensed practical nurse into the second level of the associate degree in nursing curriculum. Applicants to this pathway must have a current Kansas LPN license and LPN IV certification. The curriculum covers core nursing courses at the second level, so students must have completed the prerequisite, general education, and science courses. All nursing courses must be completed with a grade C or better to graduate from the program. All nursing courses within one semester must be completed successfully to progress to the next level. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure in Kansas.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 69 – including transfer credits
Duration: 1 year
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – English Composition I, Anatomy and Physiology, General Psychology, College Algebra
Core Courses – Patient Centered Care II: Common, Acute and Chronic Health Problems, Pharmacology for Nursing II, Professional Nursing II, Development Psychology, Therapeutic Nutrition, Patient Centered Care III: Complex Physical and Mental Health Problems, Pharmacology for Nursing III, Professional Nursing III, Microbiology, Patient Centered Care IV: Multisystem or Emergent Health Problems, Concept Synthesis, English Composition II or Public Speaking
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to Butler Community College
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better: Anatomy & Physiology, English Composition I, General Psychology, Math Requirement College Algebra
- Submit an application to the Nursing Program – deadline for the fall semester is May 20th and September 20th for the spring semester
- Must provide validation of current LPN license and LPN IV certification
- Submit a Butler Department of Nursing Health Record physical exam form that is completed and signed by a health care provider
- Provide verification of an annual TB skin test following an initial 2-step
- Provide documentation of up-to-date immunization – Tdap, 2 MMR, 2 varicella, hepatitis B series, seasonal influenza
- Provide documentation of COVID-19 fully vaccinated status
- Must have current CPR certification – American Heart Association BLS Health Care Provider or the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Certification should include adult, child, infant, and two-person.
- Provide documentation of health insurance that must be maintained throughout the program
- Complete a satisfactory background check and negative urine drug screen
Program Cost:
The estimated tuition is $5010 Kansas residents. Students will incur additional costs for nursing student fees, liability insurance, lab supplies, digital resources, uniforms, testing software, a senior fee, and licensing exam.
Website: https://www.butlercc.edu/
Address: 901 S Haverhill Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042
Phone: 316-321-2222
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 79.00%
Johnson County Community College
Licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses can enter the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Johnston County Community College with advanced standing and bypass the first year of required classes. The bridge program offers a streamline process for practical nurses to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. Students will complete one year of nursing and general education courses. Prerequisite and some general education courses must be completed before enrolling in Health Assessment in nursing and Concepts of Nursing Care: PN to RN transition courses. Upon completion of the two requisite courses, LPNs will receive credit for Concepts of Nursing Care; Foundations and Concepts of Nursing Care; Childbearing Family and Children. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take to NCLEX-RN for licensure as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 56-59 including 21-24 prerequisite credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology, English Composition I, Introduction to Psychology, College Algebra
Core Courses – Foundational Concepts of Nursing II, Human Development, Complex Concepts of Nursing, Complex Concepts of Nursing II, Humanities Elective
Admission criteria:
- Must attend a mandatory information session
- Must be able to person certain physical and mental activities associated with the profession
- Must have Kansas LPN certification
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher – English Composition, Introduction to Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, College Algebra
- Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on the required prerequisites
- Submit a completed LPN to RN bridge application
- Complete the Consent for Background Check Form
- Submit proof of residency
- Submit work history as a licensed practical nurse
- Make arrangements for transcripts to the sent to JCCC
- Complete the health requirements – Hepatitis B, Influenza, MMR, Tdap, Varicella
- Must carry medical insurance – proof of current health insurance must be submitted annually
- Complete TB skin testing annually – submit a current 2-step TB test or provide documentation of at least two current consecutive negative annual TB tests
- Must have current American Health Association BLS – Healthcare Professional or Provider Certification or American Red Cross BLS/CPR form Healthcare and Public Safety or Professional Rescuers
Program Cost:
The total cost of the program is $6,422. It includes tuition, criminal background checks, clinicalstudent.com access, physical exam and immunizations, tuition for in-county residents, supplies, uniforms, and graduation expenses.
Website: https://www.jccc.edu/index.html
Address: 12345 College Blvd Overland Park, KS 66210
Phone: 913-469-8500
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.30%
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.