Are you a licensed practical nurse who wants to become a registered nurse? Earning an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing and a registered nurse (RN) license offers a great way to increase your job prospects and earning potential.
An online licensed practical nurse (LPN)-to-RN degree provides a cost-effective and relatively quick pathway to either an ADN or BSN while preparing you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Explore our rankings of the best online LPN-to-RN degrees and learn more about what to expect in a program.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online LPN-to-RN Programs Rankings Summary
| Rank | School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of ArkansasFayetteville, AR | $7,666 | $24,482 | 83% |
| #2 | Excelsior CollegeAlbany, NY | Not provided | Not provided | Not provided |
| #3 | Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityWeatherford, OK | $6,368 | $13,478 | 94% |
| #4 | Pennsylvania College of TechnologyWilliamsport, PA | $15,120 | $22,680 | Not provided |
| #5 | Wilson CollegeChambersburg, PA | $25,200 | $25,200 | 93% |
| #6 | Missouri Valley CollegeMarshall, MO | $20,500 | $20,500 | 66% |
The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs of 2024
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Arkansas Fayetteville's LPN-to-BSN online requires 120 credits or 2-3 years of mostly asynchronous study. Applicants should ensure that their resident state has approved the program as preparation for licensure. Distance learners arrange their own clinical sites in their communities.
The curriculum emphasizes understanding healthcare impacts of cultural, economic, political, and social issues. Learners explore nursing leadership, health information technology, health assessment, pharmacology, and healthcare policy to increase their scope of practice. Graduates can take the NCLEX to obtain nursing licensure or go on to pursue graduate studies.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $329 per credit
- Admission Requirements: LPN license; 2,000 hours of LPN work experience within 12-24 months; 48 credit hours of prerequisites; TEAS score of 65%, if applicable
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 83.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $66,626 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,666
Out-of-state
$24,482
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,875
Out-of-state
$21,420
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
29,068
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Accreditation
Yes
#2 The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs of 2024
Excelsior College
Albany, NY - 4 years
- Online
Excelsior College's online LPN-to-RN program awards associate and bachelor's degrees. Self-paced online learning complements in-person clinical experiences in hospitals. The bachelor's-level nursing curriculum focuses on collaborative and individual practice experiences, population-based health, and nursing roles in influencing healthcare delivery.
Excelsior only accepts applications from candidates in fifteen states, and students can transfer up to 31 credits into the program. Learners need an RN license to advance to bachelor of nursing coursework once they complete their associate-level nursing courses.
- Program: Associate in applied science in nursing; bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Albany, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $550 per credit
- Admission Requirements: LPN license; 200 hours of supervised employment in a direct patient care environment; TEAS scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: Variable
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 74.2% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
17,166
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
#3 The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs of 2024
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Southwestern Oklahoma State University online LPN-to-BSN program allows Oklahoma LPNs to complete their nursing bachelor's degree. The program does not accept out-of-state applications. Clinical practic*ms take place in person at sites within 100 miles of distance learners' homes. Students must come to campus occasionally for check-offs.
The curriculum emphasizes professional growth and leadership abilities. Courses include acute and chronic care across the lifespan, community health promotion, issues and concepts for professional practice, and LPN-to-BSN role transition.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Weatherford, Oklahoma
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $11,212 total program cost
- Admission Requirements: Oklahoma residency; LPN license; 2.5 GPA; 70% score on NACE exams; prerequisite coursework
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 73.21% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $74,597 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,368
Out-of-state
$13,478
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,294
Out-of-state
$12,966
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
4,648
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Accreditation
Yes
#4 The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs of 2024
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The accelerated LPN-to-RN program at Pennsylvania College of Technology awards an associate of applied science nursing degree. In the hybrid format, students complete much of their nursing coursework online and come to campus once a week. Courses include LPN-to-RN role transition, medical surgical nursing, nursing care of children, and psychosocial nursing.
Applicants must complete placement requirements consisting of ACT or SAT scores, placement testing, and/or transfer courses. Prerequisite coursework requirements include anatomy and physiology, English composition, and technical algebra or trigonometry.
- Program: Associate of applied science in nursing
- Campus: Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $608 per credit for Pennsylvania residents; $866 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Pennsylvania LPN license; placement requirements; prerequisite coursework; 2.5 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: Five semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 90.7% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $69,178 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,120
Out-of-state
$22,680
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,120
Out-of-state
$22,680
Retention Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
4,240
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Accreditation
Yes
#5 The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs of 2024
Wilson College
Chambersburg, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Wilson College designed its online LPN-to-BSN for working students. The program emphasizes holistic practice and schedules 240 in-person clinical hours during the final three weeks of the program. Students who live within two hours of campus must log 80 clinical hours of hospital and simulation experiences. Learners residing further away can choose to travel to campus for a 7-10-day residency to complete their clinicals.
LPNs receive 18 credits toward the 120-credit degree total and up to 54 transfer credits for completed coursework. Enrollees learn about nursing informatics, caring for older adults, ethics, and quality and safety measures.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
- Tuition: $465 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Current active LPN license; high school transcripts or GED certificate; LPN program transcripts; college transcripts, if applicable; minimum 3.0 GPA; TEAS score no less than four years old, with a score of 65
- Minimum Time Commitment: Variable
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 77.78% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $70,919 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$25,200
Out-of-state
$25,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,270
Out-of-state
$9,270
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
1,405
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
75%
Accreditation
Yes
#6 The Best Online LPN-to-RN Programs of 2024
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Missouri Valley College offers an LPN-to-BSN track for LPNs who live in Missouri. Students complete their coursework online, but they must come to campus to validate their registered nursing skills in the required transition to registered nursing class. The curriculum includes a senior seminar and practicum and courses in nursing of families, community and public health nursing, and NCLEX prep.
The program requires prerequisites, such as introduction to nursing, human nutrition, microbiology or general chemistry, and human anatomy and physiology.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Marshall, Missouri
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $21,300 total program cost
- Admission Requirements: Missouri LPN license; 2.75 GPA; B in prerequisite courses; TEAS score of 58.7.
- Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 81.82% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$20,500
Out-of-state
$20,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,600
Out-of-state
$3,600
Retention Rate
47%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
1,776
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
17%
Accreditation
Yes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online LPN-to-RN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Why Is Online LPN-to-RN Program Accreditation Important?
Prospective RNs need to understand the importance of enrolling in an accredited nursing school. All online LPN-RN programs listed in our rankings have received accreditation by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation means that the program you choose has undergone regular evaluations to ensure it meets rigorous academic and professional standards and prepares graduates for licensure and practice.
- Accreditation ensures that your program's curriculum offers a quality academic experience that meets national standards.
- Accredited programs can lead to more career advancement and employment prospects.
- Some employers prefer or require new nursing hires who have graduated from accredited programs.
- Federal financial aid programs restrict eligibility to students who attend accredited schools.
- Graduate nursing programs only admit students who have earned undergraduate degrees from accredited programs.
- Accredited nursing programs do not accept transfer credits from unaccredited schools.
How Online LPN-to-RN Programs Work
Online LPN-to-RN programs offer a flexible, convenient, and often less expensive alternative to an in-person degree. Nurses may choose between two pathways to RN licensure: the LPN-to-associate degree in nursing (ADN) and the LPN-to-bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
The ADN takes less time and costs less to complete than the BSN. However, bachelor's degree-holders have more options to advance into leadership roles and pursue specialties. The BSN also provides the required entrance credential for graduate school.
Some online LPN-to-RN programs let you complete all degree requirements remotely, while others may require you to attend a few on-campus sessions. Depending on the program, you may arrange your own clinical placements, or you may have to travel to approved sites. Some online programs offer virtual clinical experiences.
Applying to an Online LPN-to-RN Program
The admission requirements for online LPN-to-RN programs depend on whether you are applying for an associate or bachelor's degree. However, all programs require an LPN or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) degree from an accredited nursing program. Other common elements include a minimum GPA, placement exams, completion of specific nursing prerequisites, clinical hours, and an unrestricted and valid practical nursing license.
-
Admission Materials
The most common admission criteria include a high school or GED diploma, completion of an accredited LPN/LVN nursing program, and an unrestricted and current practical nursing license. Programs typically admit applicants with 6-12 months of work experience. Some schools may require the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or other entrance exams. -
GPA Requirement
Make sure to submit all required documentation with your completed applications, including official transcripts, a record of prerequisite coursework, and proof of completion of a minimum number of clinical hours as determined by the state nursing board that issued your LPN/LVN license. You may also have to supply proof of LPN licensure and BLS/CPR certification, letters of recommendation, and employer verification letters. -
Other Requirement
This requirement varies by program and can range from 2.0 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You may have to demonstrate a GPA of 2.75 or higher in nursing prerequisite courses.
Paying for Online LPN-to-RN Programs
Several factors can affect the cost of an online LPN-to-RN degree, including program length and transfer credits. Be sure to consider whether you can work while taking courses and whether you must pay out-of-state tuition rates as a distance learner, which are generally much higher than in-state rates.
Online learners may qualify for financial assistance. Begin your search for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Financial Student Assistance (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for government-funded grants or loans. You may also apply for school-sponsored or privately funded scholarships and grants, some of which provide assistance for specific populations, such as first-generation students, adult learners, or members of underrepresented cultural or racial groups.
Federal and state governments sponsor loan forgiveness or repayment programs for nurses interested in working in high-need areas. Find out if your employer offers tuition reimbursem*nt programs.
Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in an LPN-to-RN Program
When comparing the best online LPN-to-RN programs, always look at the key indications of academic quality, such as accreditation status, NCLEX pass rates, and graduation rates. Pay attention to admission criteria, coursework and clinical requirements, program length, and distance learning formats to make sure that the program meets your needs.
Admission Requirements
Admission criteria vary, but most schools require a high school degree or equivalent, a minimum GPA, and a valid practical nursing license. Admission requirements ensure that you have the necessary academic background to succeed in a fast-paced and rigorous program.
Program Curriculum
An LPN-to-ADN and an LPN-to-BSN offer similar core courses and preparation for the NCLEX-RN. However, a BSN provides more focused training in leadership, public health, and research, which may increase job opportunities and serve as a foundation for graduate work. Before choosing a program, consider how well it fits with your career goals and interests.
Clinical Experience
Online LPN-to-RN programs may require anywhere from 200 to 500 clinical hours. You should contact program administrators to find out if they allow distance learners to arrange their own clinicals at their workplace or near their homes, or if they must travel to placements at approved sites.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that the LPN-to-RN program you choose meets current, evidence-based professional standards. Accreditation serves as a major requirement for NCLEX-RN licensure. Your school's accreditation status determines your eligibility for government financial aid and the ability to transfer credits.
Program Length
The length of an LPN-to-RN program depends on whether you want an ADN or a BSN degree. An LPN-to-ADN may take as little as 12-18 months, while an RN-to-BSN requires around two years for completion.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
The NCLEX-RN pass rate tells you how well the program prepares students for the licensure exam. Pass rates that match or exceed the national average indicate higher program quality and teaching effectiveness.
School Graduation Rate
Graduation rates measure the percentage of students who complete the program within the expected time frame. A higher graduation rate provides a good indicator of a supportive learning environment and a commitment to prepare students for RN practice.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online programs feature synchronous classes that meet at specific times, asynchronous classes that let you work at your own pace, or hybrid formats that combine remote and in-person learning. Some programs may require a few on-campus visits. Make sure to select a program that fits your schedule and learning style.
What Can You Do with an ADN or BSN?
ADN and BSN degrees prepare graduates to perform similar routine clinical tasks, such as monitoring patients, administering medication, and updating medical charts.
While an ADN is the fastest route to RN licensure and entry-level nursing positions, a BSN offers more opportunities for career advancement. BSN holders perform a more complex variety of roles and are more likely to move into leadership positions and pursue graduate studies or specialties.
When choosing your educational pathway to become an RN, consider your short and long-term goals. While you may continue to find employment as an RN with an ADN, you can earn more and advance your career by earning a BSN.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing advocates for the BSN degree as the minimal education requirement for nursing practice. Hospitals, the top employers of RNs, and other major healthcare providers increasingly hire only BSN graduates.
Earning a BSN can also broaden your career and salary options by preparing you for graduate training and advanced practice registered nursing roles in specialized patient care and patient population areas.
Critical Care Nurse
Critical care nurses work in intensive care units and emergency departments, monitoring critically ill or injured patients. They work alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals. Many critical care nurses pursue critical care registered nurse certification, which requires at least five years of RN or APRN experience providing direct care in a critical care setting. According to Payscale, critical care nurses earn an average annual base salary of $81,070, as of December 2023.
Learn More About Critical Care Nursing
Surgical Nurse
These specialized RNs work in hospital surgical units and 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. Based on December 2023 Payscale data, surgical nurses can expect to make an average base salary of $67,160 per year.
Learn More About Surgical Nursing
Geriatric Nurse
This in-demand RN specialty that focuses on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of older patients offers an annual base salary of $74,770, according to Payscale data from December 2023. Geriatric nurses treat conditions that typically affect the aging population (e.g., arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease) and assist patients with daily living challenges to help them maintain their quality of life and independence.
Learn More About Geriatric Nursing
Explore types of specialty practice areas in our nurse practitioner specialties guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online LPN-to-RN
Are entrance exams required for admission to LPN-to-RN programs?
Depending on the nursing program, you may have to take an entrance exam for admission. The TEAS, the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission (PAX) exam, and the Nursing Entrance Test (NET) are the most commonly used admission assessments for LPNs and RNs.
What is the fastest LPN-to-RN program?
LPN-to-RN bridge programs leading to an ADN can take as little as one year to complete. Earning a BSN may entail 1-2 years, depending on the RN-to-BSN program requirements and the number of transfer credits accepted from previous coursework.
Is completing an LPN-to-RN program worth it?
You can expect to earn significantly more as an RN than an LPN. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data accessed December 2023, RNs make an average annual salary of $81,220, which is $26,600 more than an LPN earns. Employers give RNs wider responsibilities, with more autonomy than LPNs. RNs also can advance into leadership and specialty nursing roles not available to LPNs.
Can you go from LPN to RN online?
The popularity of online LPN-to-RN programs continues to grow. If you would like to earn an ADN or a BSN degree, but you have personal or work obligations, these programs offer convenient and cost-effective options.
Related Resources
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by NurseJournal. Page last reviewed on October 24, 2022.
