Curious about how to go from LPN to RN? As an RN, you’d have greater autonomy, more responsibilities, a higher salary on average, and opportunities for advancement. To go from LPN to RN, apply to an ABSN program, earn a BSN degree, and pass the NCLEX-RN®.
In hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) fulfill an essential role in patient care. They monitor patients’ vital signs, provide basic care and comfort, and help patients with activities of daily living (ADLs). If you’re an LPN, then you already know how important your work is for patients. You may be wondering, however, if you can advance your career by becoming a registered nurse (RN).
Going from LPN to RN offers numerous advantages for your career, and Concordia University, St. Paul’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program can help you achieve them.
At CSP Global, it’s possible to earn a quality BSN in as few as 16 months. Our Accelerated BSN program, offered in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Portland, Oregon, is designed for career switchers like you who are ready to take the next step. Inspired by Christian principles, such as care for the individual on a holistic level, our comprehensive curriculum prepares you to tackle modern challenges in nursing as an RN.
Why Transition From LPN to RN?
Before taking a look at how to go from LPN to RN, consider your motivation for doing so. There are plenty of advantages to becoming an RN. Compared to LPNs, RNs:
- Have higher salary expectations
- Have a stronger job growth rate, with many more positions available
- Can choose from many different nursing specialties and work settings
- Can pursue career advancement opportunities
Beyond these reasons, many people also decide to switch from practical nursing to RN because they want to do more for their patients. Compared to LPNs, RNs have more autonomy and a broader scope of responsibilities. Whereas LPNs provide basic care and comfort, RNs can:
- Assess patients
- Develop nursing care plans
- Administer medications and other treatments
- Educate patients and family members
What do RNs do? Take a closer look at the roles and responsibilities.
What’s the Fastest Way to Go From Practical Nursing to RN?
If you’re interested in taking the next step in your career and going from LPN to RN, you may be wondering, “How long for an LPN to RN transition?” It depends on your starting point. If you have no prior college education, then you’ll need to enroll in a four-year BSN program or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. While an ADN can be completed more quickly than a traditional BSN, it makes it more difficult to secure nursing roles and can hold you back from advancement as an RN.
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 54 non-nursing college credits, you may be eligible for CSP’s ABSN program after completing prerequisite courses and starting the program, you can graduate with a BSN in as few as 16 months. It’s the fastest way to go from LPN to RN with a BSN.
How to Go From Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse Through an ABSN
Making the switch from LPN to RN is straightforward, and it can happen more quickly than you’d think. At Concordia University, St. Paul, we have dedicated ABSN admissions advisors who will walk you through each step of the process. Once enrolled, you’ll have the support of our experienced faculty while you benefit from holistic training and progressive learning.
1. Navigate the Admission Process
The first step is to determine your eligibility for admission to our ABSN program. When you contact an admissions advisor, it’s helpful to have a copy of your unofficial transcripts on hand. Your advisor will review your transcripts and advise you of your eligibility.
The admission requirements at CSP Global include:
- A non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 54 non-nursing college credits
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- A minimum score of 65% on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
- English language proficiency
- Clearing a criminal background check
Depending on your academic background, you may need to complete some or all prerequisite courses. All prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade of C. The prerequisites include foundational science and anatomy courses. After completing any needed prerequisites, you can submit your application.
2. Earn a BSN
The next step in how to go from LPN to RN is to complete your degree. At Concordia University, St. Paul, you’ll work through three main learning components:
- Coursework: We offer nursing theory coursework online to make switching to RN more accessible.
- Labs: You’ll complete nursing skills labs in person. Within our well-equipped labs, you’ll practice key nursing skills, like placing IV lines.
- Clinical learning experiences: Thanks to our clinical partners, you’ll enjoy placements in local healthcare facilities and community-based agencies. Here, you’ll benefit from immersive learning in environments where care can be provided to individuals, families, groups and communities. You’ll practice providing patient care within the full scope of a professional nursing practice.
3. Pass the NCLEX-RN
As an LPN, you’ve already passed the NCLEX-PN. Once you graduate with a BSN, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN. Compared to the first NCLEX you took, the NCLEX-RN will be more rigorous, spanning a greater breadth of nursing knowledge. You’ll be tested not only on your nursing knowledge but also on your ability to develop appropriate clinical responses to different patient care situations, including complex cases involving co-morbidities.
After passing the NCLEX-RN, you’ll be able to obtain your state-issued RN license. During interviews for RN jobs, be sure to highlight your previous experience as an LPN and your desire to provide a higher level of care as an RN.
Career Opportunities and Salary Expectations for RNs
There are plenty of career opportunities for new RNs to consider. Think about where you would feel most effective and comfortable. Would you rather work at a busy urban hospital or trauma center? Or perhaps you’d prefer the slower pace at a family doctor’s office, where you can get to know your patients closely over time.
Along with considering your ideal work setting, you’ll need to choose a nursing specialty. Some popular ones include:
- Adult-gerontology
- Population health
- Emergency room & Critical Care
- Labor and delivery
- Medical-surgical nursing & Oncology
- Mental health
- Pediatrics
While some nursing specialties pay more than others, all RNs have strong salary command. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all types of RNs made a median annual salary of $93,600 as of May 2024.
Do you know how to highlight your nursing competencies on your resume?
Career Advancement Possibilities
After gaining some clinical experience as an RN, you might start to think about advancing your career further. You can earn a professional certification in your specialty, for example. You might also go back to school to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD, or both.
With graduate-level education and board certification, you could become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Alternatively, if you’re interested in roles away from the bedside, consider opportunities in nursing education, nursing administration and management, or nursing research.
Transition to Registered Nurse at CSP Global
Concordia University, St. Paul welcomes LPNs who are ready to take the next step in their careers and become RNs. At our ABSN learning center, you will receive a Christian nursing education focused on delivering evidence-based care to diverse patients. We offer practical training, with fully equipped, state-of-the-art nursing skills labs and immersive clinical learning experiences. With our hybrid approach, you can go from LPN to RN online and in person, with online coursework and in-person immersive learning.
Contact an admissions advisor today to determine your eligibility and get started with the next step in your career.