LPN to RN Bridge
Advance from practical nursing to RN with bridge programs that credit your LPN coursework.
Your path
This path starts with a practical nursing program and continues into an LPN-to-RN bridge, which gives you credit for your LPN coursework and finishes the Associate Degree in Nursing in about a year instead of two.
- Listed timeframe
- 18 months
- Programs to explore
- 1046 ADN programs
- School locations
- See individual programs
Before you start
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- US citizen or eligible to work in the US
- Social Security number
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- Immunizations and TB test
- Physical exam
- CPR or BLS certification
- Entrance exam (TEAS or HESI)
- Prerequisite courses (anatomy and physiology, microbiology)
- Minimum GPA
More about this path
Requirements. The bridge portion requires an active LPN license in good standing, and most programs want at least one year of LPN experience.
Timeframe. 18 months is the timeframe listed for this path. Confirm the full timeline, including prerequisites and application waits, with your schools.
Locations. Programs are drawn from the credential directory. Check each school’s location, attendance, and residency requirements.
Annual pay by credential. Catalog averages for each credential, not one salary range.
- LPN-associated roles: $60,790/year
- ADN-associated roles: $79,000/year
Tuition, admission requirements and total time vary by school. Completing this path does not guarantee admission.
Programs on this path
Compare programs and keep your application steps in one place.
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Tifton, Georgia
ADN Associate Degree in Nursing
Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations
West Palm Beach, Florida
ADN Associate Degree in Nursing
Advance Science International College
Miami Lakes, Florida
ADN Associate Degree in Nursing
Aiken Technical College
Graniteville, South Carolina
ADN Associate Degree in Nursing
Aims Community College
Greeley, Colorado
ADN Associate Degree in Nursing
Alamance Community College
Graham, North Carolina
ADN Associate Degree in Nursing
Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage, Alaska
ADN Associate Degree in Nursing
Albany State University
Albany, Georgia
ADN Associate Degree in Nursing
Showing 8 of 1,046 programs
How this path works
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Compare ADN programs
Compare the connected programs and check prerequisites, costs and dates.
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Complete your LPN training
Pick a provider and finish the program and credential steps.
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Meet entry requirements
Prepare the experience, exams, and prerequisites your chosen programs require.
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Apply
Gather your documents and check each program’s requirements before you apply.
Completing this path does not guarantee admission. Each program sets its own requirements.
Common questions
I am already an LPN. Where do I start?
Skip the practical nursing step and go straight to the bridge programs listed on this path. Your LPN license is what they ask for.
How much time does the bridge save?
About a year. Bridge programs credit your LPN coursework, so the RN portion is roughly 12 to 18 months.
Do I need experience before the bridge?
Most programs want an active LPN license and around a year of work as an LPN. Check each program's page.
Will I be an RN at the end?
You earn an ADN and sit for the NCLEX-RN. Passing it makes you a registered nurse.
Similar paths
Other routes students explore alongside this one.