For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) aiming to elevate their nursing careers without disrupting current employment, Herzing University provides a flexible Online LPN to RN Bridge program. This pathway supports working professionals in transitioning efficiently and affordably to a registered nurse (RN) role while accommodating busy schedules.
🩺 Program Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Degree Awarded | Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
| Format | 100% online didactic courses combined with local clinical practicums and on-site intensives |
| Program Duration | ASN: 16–20 months; BSN: 20–28 months |
| Eligibility | Valid, active LPN, paramedic, military medic, respiratory therapist, or cardiovascular technologist license, depending on the pathway |
| Licensure Preparation | Graduates qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Higher Learning Commission |
| Financial Support | Scholarships, grants, and military discounts available |
Herzing University’s bridge programs are designed to recognize prior LPN coursework, enabling a faster and more cost-effective route to RN licensure while balancing work and personal commitments.
👩⚕️ What Students Can Expect
The program emphasizes flexibility, featuring asynchronous online lectures students can complete at their own pace. Local clinical rotations, coordinated with Herzing’s assistance, provide essential hands-on training in healthcare settings near students. Additionally, students attend short on-campus intensives for skills labs and knowledge assessments.
The curriculum prepares students with essential nursing knowledge, clinical reasoning, leadership, and evidence-based practice skills required for competent RN practice. This pathway also lays a foundation for further educational advancement, including RN to BSN programs.
📚 Curriculum Highlights
ASN Bridge Key Courses:
- Pharmacology
- Transition to Professional Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Family Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing II & III
- ASN Practicum
- Review of Nursing Concepts
BSN Bridge Key Courses:
- Nursing Pathophysiology
- Health Assessment
- Medical-Surgical Nursing I, II, & III
- Advanced Leadership and Management
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
- Nursing Informatics
- Policy, Trends, & Ethics in Nursing
- BSN Practicum
General education components include communications, humanities, mathematics, behavioral/social sciences, and science courses, with specific grade requirements in anatomy and physiology courses. Clinical experiences total up to 1,425 contact hours for ASN and 2,325 hours for BSN programs.
📈 LPN vs. RN Career Outlook
| Role | Median Salary | Job Growth (2023–2033) |
|---|---|---|
| LPN | $64,150 | 5.3% |
| RN | $98,430 | 6.0% |
Key Insights:
- The salary level of Registered Nurses is generally higher than that of Licensed Practical Nurses.
- The demand for RNs is projected to grow faster with more job openings, reflecting a nationwide need for highly trained nursing professionals.
- Transitioning from LPN to RN expands clinical responsibilities, autonomy, and career advancement opportunities.
🔍 Program Details and Admissions
ASN Bridge Requirements:
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- TEAS composite score: At least 66 (within last 3 years)
- Active LPN or equivalent license with no prior nursing course failures
- Eligible states include Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, among others
BSN Bridge Requirements:
- Licensure as LPN, paramedic, military medic, respiratory therapist, or cardiovascular technologist
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- TEAS score: At least 66
- Eligible states include Colorado, Florida (limited regions), Illinois, Texas (selected regions), Virginia, and others
Alternative pathways are available for those not meeting initial criteria, including pre-nursing courses and on-campus options.
💰 Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition for the LPN to BSN bridge: $755 per credit hour
- Tuition for the ASN bridge option varies; some credits may be waived through transfer
- Financial incentives include scholarships such as the Nurses Circle of Achievement, veteran and active-duty military discounts providing 10-20% reductions, and employer partnerships
Herzing’s adaptive learning technology and credit transfer options support an accelerated and personalized educational experience, reducing overall costs and time to degree completion.
🎓 Accreditation and Recognition
Herzing University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, with its baccalaureate nursing program holding accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university’s online nursing degrees are recognized among the top programs nationally, as noted by U.S. News & World Report.
📅 Program Start and Enrollment
The next cohort of the online LPN to RN Bridge Program will begin on October 27, and potential candidates can apply online and receive guidance on national eligibility and clinical placement options.
🔑 Summary
- The Online LPN to RN Bridge at Herzing University offers a flexible, accredited path for advancing from LPN to RN.
- The program balances online coursework with essential clinical training, accommodating working professionals.
- Graduates gain eligibility for RN licensure, have broader career development space, and have more career opportunities.
- Financial aid, military discounts, and credit transfer options make this an accessible choice for many aspiring RNs.
This bridge program is a strategic step toward long-term career growth, clinical expertise, and leadership roles in nursing. It equips licensed practical nurses with the tools to meet evolving healthcare demands without sacrificing current employment or personal responsibilities.
