If you want to upgrade your career from a licensed practical nurse to a registered nurse, you may be wondering what your options are. One option is to enroll in an accredited LPN to RN program.
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What is an LPN?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a health care professional who provides basic nursing care. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors.
LPNs typically provide direct patient care, such as bathing, dressing, and taking vital signs. They may also collect testing samples, give injections, and monitor patients’ progress.
In some states, LPNs may administer medications. In most states, however, this task is reserved for RNs.
LPNs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and doctor’s offices. Some LPNs also work in home health care or hospice settings.
What is an RN?
A registered nurse (RN) is a health care professional who provides direct patient care. RNs work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and home health care agencies.
RNs typically provide direct patient care, such as administering medications and monitoring patients’ progress. They may also collect testing samples, give injections, and provide education and support to patients and their families.
RNs typically collaborate with physicians and other health care professionals to plan and provide care for patients.
What is an LPN to RN Program?
An LPN to RN program is a training program that allows licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to become registered nurses (RNs). LPNs must complete an accredited nursing program in most states and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become RNs.
LPN to RN programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and may be offered at community colleges, technical schools, and universities. Some programs may be completed entirely online, while others may require some on-campus coursework.
Graduates of LPN to RN programs are prepared to provide direct patient care in various settings. Gaining experience as an LPN can give students a competitive advantage when applying to RN programs. Most LPN to RN programs require applicants to have at least 1 year of experience working as an LPN.
Once they have completed an accredited nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN, LPNs who wish to become RNs may apply for hospitals, clinics, and home health care agencies.
What are the Benefits of Completing an LPN to RN program?
There are many benefits to completing an LPN to RN program.
- By becoming an RN, you will be able to provide direct patient care in various settings.
- RNs also have the opportunity to advance their career by pursuing higher levels of education and training.
- Additionally, RNs earn a higher salary than LPNs.
- The median annual salary for RNs was $73,300 in 2019, while the median annual salary for LPNs was $47,090.
- Completing an LPN to RN program can also give you a competitive advantage when applying for RN positions.
- Most employers prefer to hire RNs who have completed an accredited nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN.
- Many RN programs give preference to applicants who have experience working as an LPN.
- By completing an LPN to RN program, you will be able to gain the necessary education and experience to pursue a career as an RN.
What is the Fastest LPN to RN Program?
The fastest LPN to RN programs are typically accelerated programs that can be completed in 12-18 months. These programs are designed for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who wish to become registered nurses (RNs).
There is an exception as Medlife Institute in Naples, Florida, offers a 9-month LPN to RN program. Some people often get confused with the duration of this course as 6 month LPN to RN program but it doesn’t seem like true. You can contact the college for specific details.
To be eligible for an accelerated program, you typically need to have a clean criminal history and at least 1 year of experience working as an LPN.
You also need to complete math, science, and English prerequisite coursework. Once you have completed the necessary coursework, you can apply to an accredited nursing program.
How Can I Make Sure I Choose the Right LPN to RN Program for Me?
You should consider a few things when choosing an LPN to RN program.
First, you need to ensure the program is accredited by a nationally-recognized accrediting body, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
You should also make sure your state’s Board approves the Nursing program.
Additionally, you should consider the length of the program, the cost of tuition, and whether the program offers online or on-campus coursework.
Finally, you should ensure the program has a good reputation and is accredited by a nationally-recognized accrediting body.
You can learn more about choosing the right LPN to RN program by talking to an admissions counselor at a nursing school.
What are the Licensure Requirements for Becoming an RN?
Here are a few steps that you need to follow in order to become a registered nurse.
- To become an RN, you need to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN.
- LPNs who wish to become RNs may apply for hospitals, clinics, and home health care agencies.
- To take the NCLEX-RN, you must first apply to your state’s Board of Nursing.
- You will then need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
- After you have passed the NCLEX-RN, you will be able to apply for an RN license.
What is the Job Outlook for RNs?
The job outlook for RNs is positive. Employment of RNs is expected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
- The growing elderly population will need more medical care, and the number of people with chronic conditions is expected to increase.
- Additionally, the Affordable Care Act is expected to increase the demand for RNs.
- Hospitals, clinics, and home health care agencies will need RNs to care for patients.
Is there anything else I should know about LPN to RN programs?
Yes. It is important to note that some states have different licensure requirements for RNs.
For example, in California, you need to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
However, in Texas, you also need to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) to be eligible for an RN license.
Additionally, some employers prefer to hire RNs with a BSN. So, if you plan to pursue a career as an RN, you should consider completing a BSN program.
FAQs:
How long does it take to complete an LPN to RN program?
Most LPN to RN programs can be completed in 1-2 years. But, it depends on the specific program you choose.
Can I complete an accredited LPN to RN program online?
Yes, some LPN to RN programs offer online coursework. You need to make sure the program you choose is accredited by a nationally-recognized accrediting body, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
How much does an LPN to RN program cost?
The cost of an LPN to RN program varies depending on the specific program you choose. However, most programs cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
What Kind of Courses Will You Take in an LPN to RN program?
The courses you take in an LPN to RN program will depend on the specific program. However, most programs include coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nursing theory, and clinical skills. You will also complete clinical rotations in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
By completing an accredited nursing program, you will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue a career as an RN.
Conclusion
If you are an LPN interested in becoming an RN, you should consider completing an accredited LPN to RN program. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and include coursework in anatomy and physiology, nursing theory, and clinical skills. You will also need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.