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.

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)

Campus Locations:

Livermore
Pasadena
Murrieta
Woodland Hills
San Francisco
Bakersfield
Gardena
Ontario
Online
Fairfield
Lancaster
Roseville
Fresno
Elk Grove
San Jose
Costa Mesa
Sacramento
Rancho Cordova
Los Angeles
Diamond Bar
Oakland
Lathrop
Salida
Palm Desert

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration (Online)

Campus Locations:

San Marcos
National City
San Diego

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Registered Nursing
• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Sacramento
San Jose
Antioch
San Leandro

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles
San Bernardino
Gardena
South Gate

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Campus Locations:

Addison

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies

Online

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.

Programs:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Midwifery/Womens Health Nurse Practitioner

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

Vista
San Diego

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Los Angeles
Anaheim

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Healthcare Administration
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Rancho Mirage
Santa Maria

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Fairfield

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Canyon Country

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
• Professional Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Redding

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse

Campus Locations:

Colton
Anaheim

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)
• Medical Assisting, AS

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Medical Office Assistant

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• MSN in Executive Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Medical General
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant

Campus Locations:

LA Puente
Ontario
San Jose
San Bernardino
Gardena
Los Angeles
Hayward
Reseda
Torrance
San Francisco

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Medical General
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Vocational High School - Medical

Campus Locations:

Norcross