Best LPN to BSN Programs in 2023

LPN to BSNAs demand for adequately educated nurses increases programs to meet those needs have been created, one such program is an LPN to BSN bridge program. This particular program caters to the working nurse and experienced nurse that is seeking to further their education and career opportunities. The bridge program is an attractive option for current LPN’s as they do not have to re-take courses or they can test out of courses for which they have experience and expertise in. Requirements may be different from school to school to bridge to a BSN.

As with all nursing educational programs the LPN to BSN programs include traditional classroom coursework and clinical training in various settings. Many colleges offer their nursing programs in traditional formats on campuses and some offer online programs, which is becoming more available and accredited. Nursing programs with coursework available online offer a great deal of flexibility for working nurses to juggle their career and further their education.

The greatest benefit of the bridge LPN to BSN programs is that most are accelerated with some only taking two year to complete. The school, requirements, course hours, how many courses students can test out of, and the program itself determine the duration. Traditional BSN programs are typically 4 years.

The advantages of earning a LPN to BSN degree are various and great. While LPNs may evaluate patient’s vital signs and apply basic first aid, LPNs don’t have the skills, certification, or nursing expertise necessary to perform complicated patient procedures. LPN to BSN programs provide students with in-depth instruction in pathology, physiology, pharmacology, anatomy and direct patient care providing them knowledge and skills that will enable them to excel in their nursing profession and assume a higher level of responsibility.

Nursing professionals with a BSN degree are able to specialize in their professions. Licensed Practical Nurses are not able to specialize, their primary responsibilities are to provide general nursing support. Specialties in nursing areas such as pediatrics, cardiac, trauma nursing and critical care. With the ability to specialize, Registered Nurses career advancement opportunities are greatly broadened.

As regulation of the nursing profession has improved and expanded so has the need to standardize what nurses across the country know and are able to apply. Upon completion of the nursing program students should be prepared to pass the NCLEX examination, if they so desire, and receive certification as a Registered Nurse (RN). With a BSN degree that is form an accredited institution nurses then become desirable candidates to fill the many nursing positions in either the healthcare industry or medical organization.

Graduates from accredited LPN to BSN programs can either enter the healthcare industry in their specialization or apply to attend a graduate program. Many institutions for higher learning offer MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree or a doctoral degree (DNP). Whatever the reason for continuing an education in nursing, this just one more door that opens through the bridge program of LPN to BSN.

Admission Requirements

Most LPN to BSN programs have the same admission requirements as conventional BSN programs. First, the prospective student needs to submit an application form to the nursing school along with a copy of a transcript of record. Most programs also require course prerequisites in subjects including microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, sociology and psychology. Some programs have an established minimum grade for prerequisite courses, be sure to know if the desired program requires this. An overall GPA of 2.5 or higher may also be required. Finally, a copy of an LPN license should be attached to your application.

Applicants who have met the minimum requirements will then be ranked according to criteria set by the school’s admission committee. Applicants will then be notified by email with respect to their admission status


Top Schools that Offer LPN to BSN Programs

1. Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers the LPN-BSN track as a means through which LPN / LVNs may complete a bachelor of science in nursing degree and achieve eligibility to apply to take the RN licensing examination. Participants can choose to go either part or full time with course work completely online. There are necessary clinic hours to be completed prior to graduation. Most states recognize and accept the LPN to BSN degree and allow graduates to practice under such premis.

  • Location: Terre Haute, Indiana
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: Varies by program, please inquire
  • Minimum time commitment: Varies, please inquire
  • Degree requirements: LPN/LVN license, IT course, CPR, medical check, liability insurance, transcript
  • Programs: LPN/LVN to BSN
  • Request Information Direct: Indiana State University

2. North Dakota State University

NDSU offers a competitive transfer program for students or nursing professionals that have already completed their associate degree. The LPN to BSN program is a flexible online program that is accredited and allows participants to take coursework online. Students will still have to participate in clinic hours and experiences in a variety of settings. The nursing program has student to faculty ration of 8:1, and prides itself on the strength of its faculty, who are active members of the nursing profession.

The LPN to BSN program is primarily online, making it an attractive route for working LPNs seeking to further their education while working. The track is a six-semester program that includes summers, and requires occasional time on campus. In order to be admitted to the LPN to BSN track, you must have both an LPN license and an Associate degree in nursing prior to applying.

  • Campus: Fargo, North Dakota – Online
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $3,822.96 for 12 credits
  • Minimum time commitment: 122 credits
  • Degree requirements: Associate’s degree, or 66 completed college credits, LPN, prerequisite courses, GPA of 3.0 recommended
  • Programs: LPN to Bachelor of Science Nursing Option
  • Request Information Direct: North Dakota State University

3. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Nursing

THE LPN to BSN program offers mobile flexibility for for individuals who are working as licensed practical nurses and want to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The nursing curriculum is 60 credit hours, with 30 hours earned through advanced standing examination and 30 by enrollment to be completed within the program. The LPN to BSN program offers Saturday classes, clinical rotations in Oklahoma, and internet-based coursework to accommodate working nurses.

  • Campus: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Online
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: $137.60 per credit hour for Oklahoma residents, $563.40 per credit hour for non residents
  • Minimum time commitment: 60 credit hours
  • Degree requirements: GPA of 2.5 minimum, prerequisite courses, NLN examination, one year employment, valid Oklahoma LPN license
  • Programs: Licensed practical nurse to BSN
  • Request Information Direct: University of Oklahoma

4. Presentation College

The fully online LPN-to-BSN, and RN-to-BSN Completion Programs available at PC are designed with the working nurse in mind. Our CCNE and ACEN-accredited programs offer an accelerated path to a bachelor’s degree for LPN’s.

These programs are only offered through the College’s Online PC Virtual Department. This online program is available to residents of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Only 64 students are accepted for each term. All classes are delivered online, and some clinical have to be complete at a virtual site offered by the school in Aberdeen, SD, Fargo, ND, or Fairmont, MN.

  • Campus: Aberdeen, South Dakota
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: ACEN and CCNE
  • Tuition: Varies, please inquire
  • Minimum time commitment: 4 to 6 semesters
  • Degree requirements: Valid LPN license
  • Programs: LPN to BSN
  • Request Information Direct: Presentation College

5. Waynesburg University

Waynesburg University is one of the top ranked private Christian University in the country. Waynesburg University’s nursing program was recently recognized as a best value in the 2017 College Factual “Best Colleges Nationwide.” Offering a student to faculty ratio of 13:1 and amazingly, graduates from Waynesburg University’s nursing program achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX examination for seven years straight, from the years 2008-2015, and graduates continue to score at near perfect passing rate.

Courses at Waynesburg University are taught by experienced nursing faculty, not teaching assistants, and the program has a new advanced, state of the art simulation lab, as well as opportunities for clinical practice early on in the program. LPNs can enter the BSN program as first-year students on a full-time or part-time basis, allowing work flexibility. Applicants to the program must first apply for admission to the university and fulfill the prerequisite courses before entering the nursing program. Because Waynesburg University is a private institution, tuition is costly, but the university offers a wide range of scholarships that can help cut costs.

  • Campus: Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 99.3%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 124
  • Admission Requirements: LPN license, admission to university, prerequisites with 3.3 GPA
  • In-state Tuition: $20,540/year
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)

6. California State University San Marcos

San Marcos Campus is one of 23 in The California State University system. Only a handful of schools in The California State University system offer outstanding LPN to BSN programs—including CSU Chico, CSU Fullerton, CSU San Bernardino, CSU Stanislaus, and CSU Hayward—but CSU San Marcos consistently prepares students to pass the NCLEX-RN examination at a higher rate. One of the great benefits of attending a state college, tuition is much lower than compared to private colleges.

CSU San Marcos offers an appealing fast track for BSN students:

Located in sunny San Diego County, CSU San Marcos’ nursing program offers an LVN to BSN program that integrates LVN students into a cohort of traditional BSN students, with a 33-month track for earning your BSN. If you pass the LVN Skills assessment test, you can be awarded up to 17 nursing credits coming into the program, which gives you a great head start, and means you only have to attend part-time during your first year.

  • Campus: San Marcos, California
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.9%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 77-92
  • Admission Requirements: California LVN license, assessment test, prerequisites with 2.75 GPA
  • In-state Tuition: $7,059/year
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)

7. Bradley University

Bradley University has had an accredited nursing program since 1956 and now offers numerous tracks to students seeking to advance their professional nursing career,including a LPN to BSN track. Bradley University has been ranked as the #4 university in the Midwest by US News & World Report.
Participants that begin with a degree as a LPN can earn 11 credit hours for the experience they already have.

Well rounded education is combined with practical nursing experiences. Bradley’s nursing program integrates a liberal arts education with practical and theoretical nursing courses and clinical experience, which students begin as early as their sophomore year. Participants of the nursing program that maintain their GPA during your first two years are guaranteed a “seamless progression into the clinical nursing phases of your education.”

  • Campus: Peoria, Illinois
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.3%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 124
  • Admission Requirements: LPN license
  • Tuition: $31,110/year
  • Accreditation: Yes (ACEN)

8. Worcester State College

The nursing program of the Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Nursing Department at Worcester State University has been educating students and professional nurses to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities. Worcester State College is a liberal arts and sciences college that takes an evidence-based and multidisciplinary approach to training nurses.

Programs are designed with the working nurse in mind, offering flexibility in coursework.

The LPN-to-BS track offers a flexible schedule and the ability to attend classes part-time. Like the standard track, the LPN-to-BS track focuses on combining coursework with hands-on experience, both in a modern nursing simulation lab and at various local healthcare organizations. Similar to other LPN to BSN programs, you can also earn credits for your previous experience as an LPN, up to 18 if you pass the entrance exam. Unlike some of the other programs, however, you enter the nursing program at Worcester State as a freshman rather than having to apply after earning your prerequisites.

  • Campus: Worcester, Massachusetts
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.0%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
  • Admission Requirements: LPN license, entrance exams
  • In-state Tuition: $8,857.00
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)

9. Newman University

Newman is a fully accredited private Catholic Liberal arts University. Participants of the nursing programs benefit from small class sizes and personalized instruction as they are mentored by highly educated nursing professionals. Students receive such instruction both in the classroom and in local hospitals in the surrounding area.

Newman offers a smooth transitional experience for students of the LPN to BSN track.

Newman University’s LPN to BSN program gives you credit for three nursing courses coming in as an LPN, and all you have to do to transition into the program once accepted is take a 2-credit hour bridge course. From that point on, you’re basically on the same track as someone taking the traditional route to their BSN, except you’ve already completed three courses. You can enter the nursing program after completion of prerequisite courses, the bridge course, and you must have your LPN license from the state of Kansas to be eligible for the LPN to BSN program.

  • Campus: Wichita, Kansas
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.7%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 124
  • Admission Requirements: Kansas LPN license, CPR, pre-requisites (57 credit hours)
  • Tuition: $24,920/year
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)

10. University of Louisiana Monroe

The nursing programs offered from the Kitty Degree School of Nursing have been accredited since 1960 with a long proven history of excellence.
Baccalaureate nursing graduates at ULM receive a broad based general educational foundation inclusive of history, English, science, and arts. Graduates also receive a comprehensive education in all aspects of nursing care and are prepared to work in a variety of health care environments.

The LPN to BSN program is broken into three phases. First participants engage in three semesters or prenursing. Second, they enroll in a bridge semester. Last, students attend four semesters of professional nursing coursework. Admitted students have the option of attending full or part time if they choose to work while continuing their education.

  • Campus: Monroe, Louisiana
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.3%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
  • Admission Requirements: Louisiana LPN license
  • In-state Tuition: $3,829/semester
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)

11. Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University is a private liberal arts university that combines nursing science with a foundation in the arts and the natural sciences.
The School of Nursing at PLU is a professional program that views and teaches nursing as a care giving process based in scientific knowledge, humanistic theory and health care technology. Nursing professionals that graduate from PLU acknowledge and respect the values, needs and lifestyles of patients. PLU’s School of Nursing has earned a reputation for excellence.

The LPN to BSN track at Pacific Lutheran University requires allows students to apply to the university first to earn prerequisites, or students can apply to both the university and nursing school at the same time if they have already met the prerequisites at a community college prior to applying. Graduates of Pacific Lutheran University will have gained not only the technical skills and knowledge needed to be a nurse, but also an understanding of modern information systems and how to navigate the complexities of technology of within the healthcare system.

  • Campus: Tacoma, Washington
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.7%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 5 semesters
  • Admission Requirements: LPN license, prerequisites with 3.0 GPA
  • Tuition: $37,950/year
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.plu.edu

12. Piedmont College

Piedmont College, located in Demorest, Georgia, boasts an impressive student to faculty ration of 14:1, and although it is a private college, over 96% of students receive need-based financial aid or scholarships, greatly reducing the cost to an average of $12,208. Graduates will have a foundation to integrate knowledge, skills, and values from the arts and sciences through the development of a reciprocal learning community. Participants of the nursing program will provide or accommodate quality care with respect for the diversity of individuals, groups, and communities across the life span.

The LPN to BSN program is designed to provide career advancement opportunities for participants. In addition to gaining an excellent liberal arts education students will receive timely real world experience with clinical practice in a variety

  • Demorest, Georgia
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.9%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 132
  • Admission Requirements: Georgia LPN license, prerequisites with minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Tuition: $21,990/year
  • Accreditation: Yes (ACEN)
  • https://www.piedmont.edu

13. Daytona State College

Daytona State College specializes in the design of nursing programs that create a career ladder for those seeking to become nurses and those seeking to advance their careers as nursing professionals through increasing their education. Currently one such program is the LPN to BSN program that is a bridge program. Participants will first earn their ADN degree then enroll in the ADN to BSN program.

The benefits of this ladder or stepping stone type educational program is that participants can take the NCLEX-RN test after the first two years. Upon passing students can then be employed as RN’s while completing the second phase of the program. Both parts of the bridge program can be completed at Daytona State College, or students can transfer into the program after earning their ADN from another institution.

  • Campus: Daytona Beach, Florida
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.2%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
  • Admission Requirements: Florida LPN license, 2.5 GPA
  • In-state Tuition: $2,508/year
  • Accreditation: Yes (ACEN for ADN, SACCOC for BSN)
  • https://www.daytonastate.edu

14. Carson Newman College

Carson Newman College is a Private Baptist liberal arts college in Jefferson City, Tennessee, just 30 minutes from Knoxville. It is ranked as the #1 college in the nation for community service, #1 in the South in teaching undergraduate programs, and as the #9 baccalaureate college in the nation.
Students enjoy small classes and personalized education with faculty to student ratio of 14:1.

There are two different tracks offered for nursing students to earn their BSN degree, either a traditional route (4 year track) or an accelerated route (8 consecutive semesters). Students entering the program as LPN’s can take a “challenge” exam, by passing the exam students can then receive credit for previous education and experience.

  • Campus: Jefferson, Tennessee
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.0%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 68 + prerequisites
  • Admission Requirements: prerequisites of 2.75 GPA or higher, LPN and challenge exams
  • Tuition: $12,100/semester
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.cn.edu

15. Ball State University

Graduates of Ball State School of Nursing are prepared for the nursing profession by providing a blend of intense lecture material with practical clinical experience. The program combines classroom studies, research, and involvement in the local health care community.

One of the greatest benefits of attending the nursing school at Ball University is students receive a personalized education in which they are mentored throughout the program. Participants entering with a LPN degree will take a bridge semester and then begin their BSN with personalized help from the Associate Director. From then a personalized plan of study is created for each student to best finish their BSN degree at Ball University.

  • Campus: Munice, Indiana
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.6%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 119
  • Admission Requirements: Indiana LPN license, prerequisites with minimum 3.0 GPA
  • In-state Tuition: $7,698/year
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • cms.bsu.edu

16. Harding University

As a private Christian University, Harding gives back to the local community and globally through opportunities in which students can volunteer their nursing skills and knowledge to those in need. The Carr College of Nursing was founded in 1975 and has been accredited since then. Participants benefit from close teacher-student relationships and personal mentoring through the program and beyond. The nursing program is founded on practice-oriented critical thinking with many opportunities for hands on experience in the field.

Currently the BSN program is separated into two phases. The first being traditional prenursing curriculum. Upon completion of that students will then need to apply separately for the Carr College of Nursing. Students with a LPN can apply to be admitted to a advanced placement track where they receive credit for the courses and experience they have gained prior to participating in the BSN program at Harding University.

  • Campus: Searcy, Arkansas
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.5%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 139
  • Admission Requirements: Arkansas LPN license, prerequisites.
  • In-state Tuition: $17,130/year
  • Accreditation: Yes (ACEN and ASBN)
  • www.harding.edu

17. Allen College

Allen College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to preparing the next generation of health care professionals and has been educating nurses for over 90 years. The nursing program emphasizes clinical preparation. Students can transfer from a number of partnered institutions once they have met the prerequisite requirements or earned their associate degree. Contact Allen College to ensure that the Associate degree will meet requirements necessary for admission to the nursing program.

Allen College offers multiple tracks fro students to earn a BSN. For students that already have a LPN and are seeking to earn a BSN there are two different tracks to choose from. The traditional track of five semesters and an accelerated track that allows students to complete the BSN in 4 semesters that includes summer term. Students entering with a LPN will be given up to 7 credits for their previous education and experience.

  • Campus: waterloo, Iowa
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.4%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 58
  • Admission Requirements: Iowa LPN license, prerequisites from another institution with minimum 3.0 GPA
  • In-state Tuition: $33,292 total
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE and HLC)
  • www.allencollege.edu

18. Idaho State University

Idaho State University is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institute located in the small Idaho town of Pocatello. It was founded in 1901 and currently has a state-of-the-art human simulation lab for students enrolled in the nursing program. ISU has an excellent track record of preparing students for passing the NCLEX-RN examination.

Students seeking to earn their BSN at ISU will see the difference gaining an education at ISU will make in their careers. THE nursing program has a traditional and modern approach to educating students with on campus courses, online classes, interactive telecommunication, and clinical experiences in both the sate of the art human simulation lab and on site of local hospitals. TO receive entrance to the nursing program applicants must first take required pre requisite courses. Students that have earned a LPN prior to applying can earn credit towards those courses with their LPN education and experience.

  • Campus: Pocatello, Idaho
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.1%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
  • Admission Requirements: Prerequisites with minimum 3.0 GPA
  • In-state Tuition: $4,282/semester
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,981
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.isu.edu

19. Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Methodist College has a long standing dedication to educating nursing and health care professionals since 1891. In the nursing field, there’s no substitute for advanced education combined with experience. Nursing Professionals with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from NMC will find a host of new career and educational opportunities open up to them. Students will be educated in the science, holisitic and nurturing aspects of nursing.

LPNs have a unique opportunity to be successful in the transition to becoming a registered nurse and earn their BSN. Participants previous degree and work experience provide them with the skills needed to excel in the classroom and clinical settings. The LPN to BSN program is broken into two phases. The first phase includes your general education courses and an LPN Bridge course to allow you to get credit for your previous education. The second phase is six semesters long and immerses you in a comprehensive nursing curriculum.

  • Campus: Omaha, Nebraska
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.0%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 126
  • Admission Requirements: LPN license, minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Tuition: $552/credit hour
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.methodistcollege.edu

20. Sentara College of Health Sciences

Founded in 1892, Sentara College of Health Sciences has maintained an outstanding reputation of educating the next generation of nurses. Sentara is a non-profit institution of higher learning that is dedicated to preparing professionals of the health care industry and is affiliated with Sentara Healthcare. Students seeking to attend Sentara must first complete their prerequisite general education courses at another institution and transfer for their nursing degree.

In the BSN program at Sentara College, participants earn their degree as part of a small clinical group and gain 990 hours of hands-on clinical time. This approach has led to a 96% retention rate among students in the program. As an LPN, students can earn advanced placement, meaning a reduction in the nursing courses they are required to take.

  • Campus: Chesapeake, Virginia
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.9%
  • Program Length/Credit Hours: 71
  • Admission Requirements: Virginia LPN license, prerequisites at another institution
  • Tuition: $27,728 total
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.sentara.edu

21. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a Carnegie Doctoral-Research university that has a “large-scale, small-feel,” fully accredited with small classes and professors that know their students. Georgia Southern University is the largest and most comprehensive institution of higher education south of Atlanta.

Participants admitted to the nursing program can enter the BSN track on an accelerated path by passing individual exams. Upon passing exams students will be given a credit for 4 of the required nursing courses in the program. Prior to admittance to the program students are required to complete 45 credit hours of prerequisite courses at the university.

  • Campus: Statesboro, Georgia
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.8%
  • Credit hours: 126
  • Admission Requirements: Georgia LPN license, prerequisite courses
  • Tuition: $3,659/term
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.georgiasouthern.edu

22. Colorado State University Pueblo

Colorado State University recognizes the growing need to offer multiple degree entry paths based on previous education and academic entrance criteria that support student achievement at a professional level and aims to provide such tracks to serve incoming students.The nursing department provides a supportive and caring learning environment and provides opportunities for collaboration with local and regional healthcare agencies.

As with most nursing programs, students must first complete their prerequisite general education courses before applying to the nursing program, either at Colorado State University Pueblo or as a transfer student from another college. Once admitted into the program, participants can earn credit for up to 7 nursing credit hours in the LPN to BSN track. The program is a traditional 120 credit-hour degree program.

  • Campus: Pueblo, Colorado
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.5%
  • Credit hours: 120
  • Admission Requirements: LPN license, prerequisite courses.
  • In-State Tuition: $3,591/term
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $9,095/term
  • Accreditation: Yes (ACEN)
  • https://www.csupueblo.edu

23. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University offers a fully equipped computer lab to provide students with a quality learning experience while earning their BSN. The classrooms are equipped with current technology to enhance students learning experience.

Applicants that currently hold a active LVN license will find that extending their education to a BSN will open new career opportunities. The nursing program has a focus on student and patient wholeness, the LVN to BS track will prepare you for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

  • Campus: Loma Linda, California
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.17%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN license, prerequisite courses.
  • In-State Tuition: $25,680
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $25,680
  • Accreditation: Yes (ACEN)
  • home.llu.edu

24. Bethel College of Kansas

Bethel College’s core values of academic excellence, scholarship and integration permeate and shape the nursing curriculum. Programs in the nursing department offer a rigorous program of study that prepare students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills through one-on-one interactions with faculty and peers in classroom, lab and clinical settings. Participants will benefit greatly with faculty that are present and mentoring each step of their career path giving students the feedback necessary for skill development.

  • Campus: North Newton, Kansas
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.62%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN license, prerequisite courses.
  • In-State Tuition: $24,200
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $24,200
  • Accreditation: Yes (ACEN)
  • https://www.bethelks.edu

25. Delaware State University

Nursing students of Delaware State University work in smart classrooms and simulation labs, getting hands-on experience with electronic medication carts, computerized monitors, and other high-tech tools of the nursing profession. The Program offered for BSN emphasizes real-world experience and direct community involvement. Students participate in clinicals of various types; public clinics, schools, assisted-living facilities, and other health care sites. They gain the skills, confidence, and communication ability to excel in this rapidly growing field.

  • Campus: Dover, Delaware
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.00%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN license, prerequisite courses.
  • In-State Tuition: $7,336
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $15,692
  • Accreditation: Yes (ACEN)
  • www.desu.edu

26. Montana State University- Bozeman

Graduates of MSU College of Nursing will be more than a technician at the bedside; graduates will be making decisions that impact the health of people in the local and global communities. Nursing students will be educated based on professional, regulatory and organizational standards.

  • Campus: Bozeman, Montana
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.29%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN license, prerequisite courses, GPA of 3.0
  • In-State Tuition: $6,850
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $22,170
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.montana.edu

27. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Associate, diploma, and LPN degree nurses can become RN when they pass the NCLEX-RN. Students attend ULM to continue their education and obtain their BSN so they can either continue on their educational pursuit of a master’s degree, to obtain a management position in their health care agency, or to gain the knowledge for practicing at the best of their ability.

  • Campus: Monroe, Louisiana
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.15%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: have a state approved and LPN license from a nationally accredited institute, prerequisite courses, GPA of 2.0
  • In-State Tuition: $8,282
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $20,382
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.ulm.edu

28. Midland University

Midland University has the BSN program completely online that allows registered nurses to fit the six- to eight-week courses into their schedules and immediately begin using what they learn to improve the quality of patient care in their local community. Courses from a previous LPN degree or associate degree program are easily transferable and prerequisite courses can be completed at a local community college.

  • Campus: Fremont, Nebraska
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.00%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN license or Associate degree, prerequisite courses
  • In-State Tuition: $28,150
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $28,150
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • https://www.midlandu.edu

29. Wichita State University

Wichita State offers flexibility for students with diverse educational goals, and previous educational experiences. The nursing programs appeal to students because of the passionate and distinguished faculty, the partnering clinical facilities and the practical hands-on experience students will receive through practicum, clinical simulation, and scholarly activities relevant to their nursing practice.

  • Campus: Wichita, Kansas
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.66%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN or Associate degree, prerequisite courses
  • In-State Tuition: $5,675
  • Out-of-State Tuition:
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.wichita.edu

30. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M is prepared to address the critical nursing shortage across Texas and the country by educating and preparing nursing professionals and exploring the most advanced nursing research. Faculty is devoted to creating and implementing the most effective educational experience combined with cutting-edge classroom technologies and simulated experiences that include standardized patients and virtual clinical learning for participants of the nursing program.

  • Campus: College Station, Texas
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.96%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN or Associate degree, prerequisite courses
  • In-State Tuition: $9,428
  • Out-of-State Tuition:
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.tamu.eduu

31. Ohio University

Students can transfer their previous educational credits and experience as LPN’s and then engage in classes that are held on Ohio University’s main campus in Athens, with clinical training taking place at hospitals and clinics in southeast Ohio. Students will be responsible to arrange transportation to some of these sites. Candidates that are accepted to the program can be both freshmen and transfers, enter as pre-BSN majors.

  • Campus: Athens, Ohio
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN or Associate degree, prerequisite courses
  • In-State Tuition: $11,548
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $20,512
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.ohio.edu

32. University of Tulsa

Students of the Nursing Programs benefit greatly from critical thinking methods of nursing practicum as they are educated in nursing theory, practice, and communication. Participants will engage in clinicals through partnerships with major hospitals and health care systems in the region. Licensed Practical Nurses may earn up to 13 credit hours through proficiency examinations. L.P.N. students are required to take NSG 2023 in addition to the standard B.S.N. requirements. For further information, consult the director of the School of Nursing.

  • Campus: Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.00%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN or Associate degree from accredited program, CPR, Immunizations, background check, prerequisite courses
  • In-State Tuition: $38,556
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $38,556
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • https://utulsa.edu

33. Chicago State University

Nursing programs are nationally is competitive, challenging, exciting, and rewarding as is the career itself. Chicago State University’s faculty and departmental staff are here to assist students from application to graduation. The faculty is committed to developing each student professionally, and to guide each student to excel academically.

  • Campus: Chicago, Illinois
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 71.00%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN or Associate degree from accredited program, CPR, prerequisite courses
  • In-State Tuition: $9,846
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $16,806
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.csu.edu

34. Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University is a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence, a designation held by only 17 schools in the nation, Saint Xavier promotes to instill within students a belief that providing excellent care is not just an aspiration but an expectation. Students are guided to strive for excellence with the understanding that good enough is never good enough – especially now as nurses are being called to lead in the transformation and advancement of healthcare in America at a rapid rate.

  • Campus: Chicago, Illinois
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83.00%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN or Associate degree from accredited program, CPR, prerequisite courses
  • In-State Tuition: $30,100
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $30,100
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • www.sxu.edu

35. Arkansas State University

A-State Nursing faculty are committed to the concept of educational mobility and have provided a variety of approaches for those currently holding a LPN to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A-State participates in the statewide articulation program for licensed practical nurses (LPN) and licensed psychiatric technician nurses (LPTN) seeking the BSN degree. LPNs and LPTNs may earn sophomore level credit by articulation. After meeting prerequisites and grade requirements, LPNs apply for admission to junior level nursing courses, and can complete the BSN program within two years of admittance.

  • Campus: Jonesboro, Arkansas
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.00%
  • Credit hours:
  • Admission Requirements: LPN or Associate degree from accredited program, prerequisite courses
  • In-State Tuition: $7,720
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $13,480
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • https://www.astate.edu/

36. University of Akron

The University of Akron School of Nursing offers a career pathway that caters to the needs of Licensed Practical Nurses who are interested in earning the baccalaureate degree in nursing. The sequence is designed for LPNs who completed a practical nursing curriculum, as well as LPNs with bachelor’s degrees in an area other than nursing. The pathway provides learning opportunities that will build on prior knowledge and experience students had as LPN’s.

  • Campus: Akron, Ohio
  • Type: Public
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.00%
  • Credit hours: 2.5 years after admittance
  • Admission Requirements: LPN or Associate degree from accredited program, prerequisite courses
  • In-State Tuition: $10,946
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $19,646
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • https://www.uakron.edu

37. Alderson-Broaddus University

Students entering as LPN’s can convert their prior education and experience into 20 credit hours towards their BSN degree. Participants enjoy small classes with the same students throughout the program. Classes are offered on weekend and evening schedules allowing for LPN’s to continue working while furthering their education.

  • Campus: Phillipi, West Virginia
  • Type: Private
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 78.00%
  • Credit hours: 36 months full time to earn 120 credits
  • Admission Requirements: LPN or Associate degree from accredited program, prerequisite courses
  • In-State Tuition: $22,740
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $22,740
  • Accreditation: Yes (CCNE)
  • ab.edu

Now How to Get Started on Continuing Your Education to a BSN

LPN’s already have a great head start on their education and career opportunities. The first necessary step to climbing the career and educational ladder as a nurse is to contact the nursing departments at schools and universities you are interested in prior to applying. Many nursing departments have different requirements and application processes necessary to adhere to for admission to their LPN to BSN programs.

The traditional BSN degree is a four-year degree, which means graduates take general education courses as well as the core nursing courses. Most LPN to BSN transfer programs require the general education courses be completed as a prerequisite to applying for and being accepted into a program. Another thing to note when applying is that many colleges and universities require your LPN/LVN license to be in the same state as the program for which you are applying.

Don’t be overwhelmed, with a LPN and experience under your belt you are ahead of the game compared to most students entering programs in nursing. With your education started and some experience in the health care field you are well prepared to move forward to better things. Contact the school of choice and start your path toward your BSN.

How The Schools Were Ranked

In order to be eligible, the schools on this list needed to offer an accredited BSN degree with a track for LPNs/LVNs. The schools were ranked based upon their student passing rates on for the NCLEX test for Registered Nurses. NCLEX-RN scores were obtained from public records from each individual state.

In cases where NCLEX-RN scores were equal, rankings were based upon tuition rates for the nursing programs, with lower tuition rates warranting a higher ranking.