[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical nurse (LPN)[/hen-ui-link] looking to become a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link]?[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning your RN license can increase your job prospects, boost your earning potential, and expand your professional responsibilities. Licensure also provides greater professional autonomy because LPNs — also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVN) in Texas and California — must perform many of their day-to-day tasks under RN or physician supervision.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first step toward becoming an RN is earning an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree. Online LPN-to-RN programs provide a quick and cost-effective pathway to the next step in your career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore our rankings of the nation’s best online LPN-to-RN degree programs to find your ideal program today.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Online LPN-to-RN programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best online LPN-to-RN programs, making it easier to find a program that works for you. Our methodology uses metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Using Our Rankings: What To Look For in an Online LPN-to-RN program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When researching online LPN-to-RN programs, start with indicators of academic quality, such as accreditation status, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/states-with-highest-nclex-pass-rates/”]NCLEX pass rates[/hen-ui-link], and graduation rates. Here’s what to look for when comparing programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most programs require a minimum GPA and a valid practical nursing license. Admission requirements ensure you have the academic background to succeed in a fast-paced, rigorous program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Program Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPN-to-ADN and LPN-to-BSN programs offer similar core courses and clinical training. However, a BSN provides more focused leadership, public health, and research coursework.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Clinical Experience[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online LPN-to-RN programs may require anywhere from 200-500 clinical hours. Some schools allow distance learners to arrange local clinicals, while others require students to travel to placements at approved sites.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation ensures that nursing programs meet evidence-based professional standards. It’s also critical for earning an RN license. Further, the school’s accreditation status determines your eligibility for government financial aid and credit transfers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Program Length[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A typical LPN-to-ADN program may take as little as 12-18 months, while an LPN-to-BSN requires 2-3 years. Accelerated pathways are shorter than traditional programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]School NCLEX Pass Rate[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school’s pass rate on the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] can provide insight into how well the program prepares graduates for the licensure evaluation. Pass rates that match or exceed the national average may indicate higher program quality and teaching effectiveness.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]School Graduation Rate[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduation rates measure the percentage of students who complete their program within the expected time frame. A higher graduation rate can indicate a supportive learning environment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Online Learning Format and Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online LPN-to-RN programs offer several learning formats, including live class sessions and hybrid delivery. The right program fits your schedule, including any elements beyond the classroom. Make sure to pay attention to clinical requirements for online learners.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is Online LPN-to-RN Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Enrolling in an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing school[/hen-ui-link] can provide many benefits. All the online LPN-to-RN programs listed in our rankings have been accredited by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenursing.org/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ACEN) or the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE” target=”_blank”]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education[/hen-ui-link] (CCNE).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation from these groups shows that programs meet strict academic and professional standards. The list below includes several points about the importance of accreditation:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]State licensing boards require an accredited nursing degree for an RN license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited programs follow the best practices for training nurses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Federal financial aid is only open to students who attend accredited schools.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate nursing programs require each candidate to possess an accredited BSN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credits from accredited programs will more likely transfer.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Online LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs Work[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online LPN-to-RN programs offer a flexible, convenient, and potentially less expensive [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/in-person-vs-online-nursing-programs/”]alternative to in-person learning[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With online learning, you may use video conferencing tools like Zoom to meet with faculty and classmates or watch recorded lectures on your own time. Hybrid formats combine remote and in-person learning. Make sure to select a program that fits your schedule and learning style.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some online LPN-to-RN programs let you complete all non-clinical coursework remotely, while others may require you to attend a few on-campus sessions. Depending on the program, you may be able to arrange your [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]clinical placements[/hen-ui-link], or you may have to travel to approved sites.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an Online LPN-to-RN program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/applying-to-nursing-school/”]admission requirements[/hen-ui-link] for online LPN-to-RN programs depend on degree level and institution, but all schools require an LPN or LVN degree from an accredited nursing program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll submit proof of completion for an accredited LPN/LVN nursing program and your practical nursing license. Programs may prefer that you possess work experience. Some schools may require the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/teas-exam-guide/”]Test of Essential Academic Skills[/hen-ui-link] or other entrance exams.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Materials[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants submit official transcripts and proof of completion of clinical hours. They may also have to supply proof of LPN licensure and BLS/CPR certification, letters of recommendation, and employer verification letters.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]GPA Requirement[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This requirement varies by program and can range from a 2.0-3.0 GPA. You may also need a minimum 2.75 GPA in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/prerequisites-for-nursing-school/”]nursing prerequisite courses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for Your Online LPN-to-RN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming an RN can boost your earning potential, but [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]paying for a nursing degree[/hen-ui-link] can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several forms of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/financial-aid/”]financial aid for nursing students[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Start by filling out the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa” target=”_blank”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid[/hen-ui-link] (FAFSA) form to determine your eligibility for government-funded grants or loans. Many states and schools also use the FAFSA to award aid.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re currently working, find out if your employer offers tuition reimbursement programs. Some healthcare organizations partner with nursing schools to provide discounts.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also apply for school-sponsored or privately funded [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]scholarships and grants[/hen-ui-link], some of which assist specific populations, such as first-generation students, adult learners, and members of underrepresented groups.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, federal and state governments sponsor loan forgiveness and repayment programs for nurses interested in working in high-need areas.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With an ADN or BSN Degree?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ADN and BSN degrees prepare graduates to perform similar routine clinical tasks such as monitoring patients, administering medication, and updating medical charts.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]ADN is the fastest route[/hen-ui-link] to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]RN licensure[/hen-ui-link], a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]BSN can offer more opportunities[/hen-ui-link] for career advancement over time. More healthcare employers now [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce-fact-sheet” target=”_blank”]require or prefer candidates with BSNs[/hen-ui-link] over those with ADNs — at least one [hen-ui-link href=”https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8440404/” target=”_blank”]study found[/hen-ui-link] that healthcare facilities that employed more BSN-trained nurses were likelier to report better patient care outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the same time, nurses with BSNs can pursue leadership positions and graduate programs more easily. Consider your short-term and long-term goals when choosing your educational pathway to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]become an RN[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of the most popular career choices include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Critical Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/critical-care-nurse/”]Critical care nurses[/hen-ui-link] work in intensive care units and emergency departments, monitoring critically ill or injured patients and working with physicians and other healthcare professionals. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse%2C_Intensive_Care_Unit_(ICU)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]August 2025 Payscale data[/hen-ui-link], critical care nurses earn an average annual base salary of $81,920.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Surgical Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These specialized RNs work in hospital surgical units, outpatient clinics, or physician offices that offer surgical procedures. They provide patient care before, during, and after surgical and diagnostic procedures, working with surgeons, technicians, and other nurses. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Surgical_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link] data from February 2025, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/surgical-nurse/”]surgical nurses[/hen-ui-link] earn an average annual salary of $77,993.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Geriatric Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/geriatric-nurse/”]Geriatric nurses[/hen-ui-link] care for older people with conditions that typically affect the aging population, like arthritis, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. They assist patients with daily living challenges to help them maintain their quality of life and independence. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate/12064987/Geriatrics” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link] data from September 2025 indicates that this in-demand RN specialty offers an annual base salary of $78,120.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to go from LPN to RN?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs can earn ADNs and qualify for RN licensure in as little as 12-18 months by completing LPN-to-RN programs. These bridge programs prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and licensure through coursework and clinical requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is there a bridge program for LPN to RN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes — there are bridge programs for LPNs who want to become RNs. Nurses can enroll in LPN-to-ADN programs for the fastest route to RN licensure or consider LPN-to-BSN options to earn bachelor’s degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I get my LPN-to-RN degree online?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes — you can complete an LPN-to-RN program online. These bridge programs combine online coursework with in-person clinical requirements to prepare nurses for their RN license. Online LPN-to-RN programs can take as little as 12-18 months.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it worth going from LPN to RN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs who become RNs can increase their earning potential, clinical responsibilities, and job opportunities. RNs benefit from strong demand, and becoming an RN can also prepare for career advancement into leadership and advanced practice roles.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]