LPN to RN: Why Take an Online LPN to RN Program?

“I love being an LPN but with the opportunities becoming more and more limited for us, I knew I`d eventually have to advance my degree,” says one full-time LPN who is studying online to become an RN.

Experienced licensed practical nurses are flocking to enroll in the online LPN to RN degree program. If you are an LPN, you probably have at least one coworker who has decided to take this route. Perhaps you’re even considering becoming an RN yourself. And why not? For a licensed practical nurse, there are numerous benefits to becoming an RN. Your ADN degree will provide you with more job opportunities, a higher salary, personal fulfillment, and the opportunity to specialize.

1. More Job Opportunities

“I decided to go back to school to have better job choices,” one 29 year old LPN says. “In my state the only jobs available for LPNs is being an LTC and that isn’t for me.”

Registered nurses are in high demand. With 2.5 million jobs, registered nurses represent the largest health care occupation. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the employment of registered nurses is expected to expand 23% from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by technological advances in patient care, a burgeoning emphasis on preventive care, and an increase in the number of elderly people.

2. A Higher Salary

“I have worked in many areas of LTC,” says a 33 year old LPN. “I resigned when I started back to school. I felt like I need to be getting more pay as most of the positions I held were RN positions as well.”

In May 2006, the median annual earnings of licensed practical nurses were around $37,000. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,000—one of the lower end payscales in the nation. Even the highest 10 percent earned just over $50,000.

In contrast, a registered nurse can look forward to a pay increase of about $15,000 per year. There is potential for advancement, promotion and pay raises at any time in an RN’s career, whereas if you remain an LPN you are likely to hit a ceiling at some point, no matter how experienced you are.

3. Personal Fulfillment

“I graduate in 3 days from an LPN to RN bridge program,” announces one nursing student. “I`ve been an LPN for 15 years. It will be nice to get the respect and pay that I deserve.”

As an LPN, you are limited to providing routine care for the sick. You might provide medications, administer direct patient care or work in a physician`s office. Taking orders is second nature, even if you have just as much experience and intelligence as the RNs you work alongside.

Imagine the possibilities as a registered nurse. Your responsibilities and privileges increase substantially, and you are able to independently make important decisions related to patient health care. Your work becomes less monotonous and you feel that you are constantly challenging yourself and growing your sense of personal fulfillment.

4. Opportunity to Specialize

Most LPNs are generalists, working across all areas of health care. Registered nurses, on the other hand, have an almost unlimited number of specialties to choose from.

“One great thing about this career is lots of flexibility and challenges,” says one new RN who is enjoying the diverse possibilities that have opened up. “If I get tired of one area I can always transition into another.”

What will your specialty be? Graduates of online LPN to RN programs have gone on to become ambulatory care nurses, critical care nurses, medical-surgical nurses, occupational health nurses, perianesthesia nurses, perioperative nurses, psychiatric-mental health nurses, radiology nurses, rehabilitation nurses and transplant nurses. Whatever your passion, you will certainly be able to find a specialty that makes each workday exciting.

The Benefits of Choosing an Online LPN-To-RN Program

More people than ever are entering the nursing profession in their late twenties through early forties. People in this age group generally already have careers and family obligations. It makes sense that they opt for the flexibility and affordability of an online LPN to RN degree program rather than a traditional classroom setting. To date, more than 150,000 busy adults have used The College Network to advance their education.

“I chose The College Network because it was flexible and I could study from home. I was able to complete my Nursing associate’s degree in only 6 months.”, said Sally Manchetta, a graduate of the online LPN to RN program. "I loved everything about the program! The study guides were amazing, the support was amazing – the entire program was amazing!”

"Many of the traditional programs had 2-3 year waiting lists and I would have had to find additional childcare to attend class.", says Natalie LeValley, an online LPN to RN bridge program graduate from Kenosha, WI. "With The College Network, there was no waiting list, no additional surprises, and I completed my education at my pace, in the comfort of my own home. The modules provided all the information not only to pass exams, but to pass with excellent grades. The program is perfect for working people, working parents, and people on waiting lists to earn their degree. The College Network helped me attain my dream of becoming an RN!"

What’s your dream? Will you specialize as a trauma nurse…a holistic nurse…an infusion nurse…or will you go into management or education? Whatever your dreams, you can make them come true in as little as a year through the online LPN to RN degree program.

Learn More About The LPN to RN Online Degree Program

LPNs / LVN`s earn your RN license in as little as 12 months and start enjoying better earnings, increased responsibility and authority, more job options, and far more opportunities for career advancement. Request additional information to speak with a program adviser: Online LPN to RN Program.

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Why Earn a Nursing Degree Online?
LPN to RN Transition: Why The Rush To Do It Now?
LPN-to-RN: The Next Step in Your Nursing Career
Which Nursing Program Should You Choose: LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN?
Juggling Work and Nursing School

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