LPN to RN Online Programs: Top Accredited Schools for Working Nurses [2025]
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Navigate to: 6-Month LPN to RN Programs | Best Schools | Costs & Financial Aid | FAQs
⚡ Quick Answer: Are There 100% Online LPN to RN Programs?
Not quite—but close. True "100% online" LPN to RN programs don't exist because the RN license requires in-person clinical hours (typically 200-400 hours). However, hybrid programs offer the best of both worlds:
- ✅ 80-90% online coursework (lectures, exams, assignments)
- ✅ 10-20% in-person clinicals (arranged near your home)
- ✅ Work-friendly schedules (evening/weekend clinical options)
- ✅ No campus commute for theory classes
Bottom line: You'll complete most of your LPN to RN program from home, with flexible clinical placements at local healthcare facilities.
What Are LPN to RN Online Programs (Hybrid Model)?
An LPN to RN online program (officially called a hybrid bridge program) is an educational pathway that allows licensed practical nurses to:
- 📚 Complete most coursework 100% online (asynchronous lectures, readings, exams)
- 🏥 Complete required clinical hours at approved facilities near you (hospitals, clinics, nursing homes)
- ⏰ Study on your own schedule (evenings, weekends, between shifts)
- 💼 Keep working as an LPN while earning your RN (part-time or PRN)
- 🎓 Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
How the Hybrid Model Works (Weekly Schedule Example):
| Component | Time Commitment | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Online lectures & readings | 10-15 hours/week | Watch/read anytime |
| Online assignments & exams | 5-8 hours/week | Scheduled deadlines |
| Clinical rotations (in-person) | 12-16 hours/week | Local facilities, scheduled shifts |
| Total | 27-39 hours/week | Mostly online, some in-person |
Typical clinical schedule: 2-3 days per week (8-12 hour shifts) at a hospital/clinic near your home.
🏆 Top 10 LPN to RN Online Programs (2025 Rankings)
We evaluated 50+ programs based on accreditation, cost, NCLEX pass rates, flexibility, and student reviews. Here are the best:
| School | Format | Length | Tuition | NCLEX Pass Rate | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior University | Online + clinical | 12-18 months | $24,000-$30,000 | 89% | ACEN |
| Indiana State University | Hybrid online | 12 months | $15,000-$20,000 | 92% | CCNE |
| Rasmussen University | Hybrid | 9-12 months | $28,000-$35,000 | 85% | CCNE |
| Herzing University | Hybrid online | 12-18 months | $30,000-$38,000 | 88% | CCNE |
| Chamberlain University | Online + clinical | 12-24 months | $35,000-$45,000 | 91% | CCNE |
| Gateway Community College (CT) | Hybrid | 9 months | $12,000-$18,000 | 88% | ACEN |
| Blinn College (TX) | Hybrid online | 12 months | $10,000-$15,000 | 90% | ACEN |
| Western Governors University | Online + clinical | 6-24 months | $7,500/semester | 84% | CCNE |
| South Texas College | Hybrid | 12 months | $8,000-$14,000 | 89% | ACEN |
| Florida Gateway College | Hybrid online | 12 months | $9,000-$16,000 | 87% | ACEN |
🌟 Editor's Pick: Excelsior University for maximum flexibility (self-paced, no campus visits except clinicals) and Blinn College (TX) for best value (Texas residents).
Compare Top Online Programs →LPN to RN Online vs. Traditional Campus Programs
| Factor | Online/Hybrid Programs | Traditional Campus Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework Location | 80-90% online (home) | 100% on-campus |
| Clinicals | Local facilities near you | Assigned by school |
| Schedule Flexibility | High (asynchronous classes) | Low (fixed class times) |
| Can Work While Studying? | Yes (part-time/PRN) | Difficult (full-time school) |
| Commute Required? | No (except clinicals) | Yes (2-5 days/week) |
| Tuition Cost | $10,000-$35,000 | $8,000-$30,000 |
| Program Length | 9-24 months | 12-24 months |
Choose Online/Hybrid If:
- ✅ You need to work while studying
- ✅ You have family/caregiving responsibilities
- ✅ You live far from a nursing school
- ✅ You prefer self-paced learning
Choose Traditional Campus If:
- ✅ You thrive with in-person instruction
- ✅ You want more hands-on lab time
- ✅ You can attend school full-time without working
💰 LPN to RN Online Program Costs (2025)
Tuition Breakdown by Program Type:
| Program Type | Average Tuition | Total Cost (with fees) |
|---|---|---|
| Community College (In-State) | $5,000-$12,000 | $8,000-$18,000 |
| Community College (Out-of-State) | $12,000-$20,000 | $15,000-$25,000 |
| Public University (In-State) | $10,000-$18,000 | $15,000-$25,000 |
| Private University | $20,000-$35,000 | $25,000-$45,000 |
| For-Profit Online Schools | $24,000-$40,000 | $30,000-$50,000 |
Additional Costs to Budget For:
- Books & Materials: $800-$1,500
- Nursing Supplies (stethoscope, scrubs, etc.): $300-$600
- Background Check & Drug Screening: $100-$200
- Clinical Transportation & Parking: $500-$1,000/semester
- NCLEX-RN Exam Fee: $200
- RN License Application: $100-$200
💡 Total estimated cost: $10,000-$45,000 depending on program type and state residency.
Financial Aid Options:
- FAFSA (Federal Student Aid): Apply at studentaid.gov
- Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year (no repayment required)
- Federal Student Loans: Subsidized/unsubsidized options
- State Grants: Check your state's nursing board website
- Nursing Scholarships:
- HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
- Tylenol Future Care Scholarship ($5,000-$10,000)
- National Black Nurses Association Scholarships
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Many hospitals offer $3,000-$10,000/year
- Military Benefits: GI Bill, National Guard State Tuition Assistance
📋 Admission Requirements for LPN to RN Online Programs
Standard Requirements (Most Programs):
- ✅ Active LPN license (in good standing, no disciplinary actions)
- ✅ Minimum GPA: 2.5-3.0 from LPN program
- ✅ Prerequisite Courses (must be completed with C or better):
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Microbiology
- English Composition
- Psychology and/or Sociology
- College Algebra or Statistics
- ✅ Work Experience: 1-2 years as an LPN (some programs waive this)
- ✅ CPR Certification: BLS for Healthcare Providers (American Heart Association)
- ✅ Background Check: Criminal background check and fingerprinting
- ✅ Drug Screening: Pre-admission and random during program
- ✅ Immunizations:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B series
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- TB test (within last 12 months)
- Annual flu shot
- COVID-19 vaccination (most programs)
Competitive Programs May Also Require:
- 📝 TEAS or HESI Entrance Exam: Minimum score 65-75%
- 📄 Personal Statement/Essay: 500-1,000 words on career goals
- 📬 Letters of Recommendation: 2-3 (from LPN instructors, supervisors, or physicians)
- 🎤 Admissions Interview: In-person or virtual
🗺️ State-by-State: Best LPN to RN Online Programs
Top Programs by Region:
🌟 Northeast:
- Connecticut: Gateway Community College (New Haven) - $12,000-$18,000
- Massachusetts: Quinsigamond Community College - $14,000-$22,000
- New York: Excelsior University (online) - $24,000-$30,000
🌟 Southeast:
- Florida: Florida Gateway College - $9,000-$16,000
- Georgia: Georgia Piedmont Technical College - $10,000-$18,000
- North Carolina: Central Piedmont Community College - $11,000-$19,000
🌟 Midwest:
- Indiana: Indiana State University (hybrid online) - $15,000-$20,000
- Ohio: Sinclair Community College - $12,000-$20,000
- Illinois: Rasmussen University (hybrid) - $28,000-$35,000
🌟 Southwest:
- Texas: Blinn College - $10,000-$15,000 (best value for TX residents)
- Texas: South Texas College - $8,000-$14,000
- Arizona: Pima Community College - $11,000-$18,000
🌟 West Coast:
- California: Antelope Valley College - $15,000-$25,000
- Oregon: Portland Community College - $13,000-$21,000
- Washington: Spokane Community College - $12,000-$19,000
🏥 Clinical Placements: How They Work in Online Programs
3 Models for Clinical Coordination:
Model 1: School Arranges Clinicals (Most Common)
- ✅ School partners with local hospitals/clinics nationwide
- ✅ You're assigned to a facility within 50 miles of your home
- ✅ Clinical schedule: Typically 2-3 days/week (8-12 hour shifts)
- ❌ Limited control over exact facility/schedule
Model 2: Student-Sourced Clinicals (Self-Placement)
- ✅ You find your own clinical site (must be school-approved)
- ✅ Maximum flexibility—choose facility and schedule
- ✅ Can potentially do clinicals at your current workplace
- ❌ Requires more legwork (contacting facilities, paperwork)
Model 3: Hybrid Model
- ✅ School provides a list of pre-approved facilities
- ✅ You select from the list and coordinate schedule
- ✅ School handles contracts and compliance
Typical Clinical Hours Breakdown (500-600 hours total):
- Medical-Surgical Nursing: 150-200 hours
- Maternal-Newborn (OB): 80-120 hours
- Pediatrics: 80-120 hours
- Mental Health/Psychiatric: 80-100 hours
- Community Health: 60-80 hours
- Leadership/Management: 40-60 hours
✅ How to Choose the Best LPN to RN Online Program for YOU
Step 1: Verify Accreditation (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
Only attend programs accredited by:
- ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing)
- CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)
Why it matters: Unaccredited programs won't let you sit for the NCLEX-RN exam or transfer credits.
Step 2: Check NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
National average: 87%
Look for programs with: 85%+ pass rate (ideally 90%+)
How to check: Visit your state's Board of Nursing website (e.g., Texas: bon.texas.gov)
Step 3: Evaluate Clinical Placement Support
Ask admissions:
- "Do you arrange clinicals, or do students find their own?"
- "What's the typical distance to clinical sites?"
- "Are evening/weekend clinical options available?"
Step 4: Compare Total Cost (Not Just Tuition)
Calculate:
- Tuition + fees
- Books & supplies
- Clinical transportation
- Lost income (if reducing work hours)
Example: A "$10,000 program" might actually cost $15,000 after all expenses.
Step 5: Assess Schedule Flexibility
- Asynchronous (best for working nurses): Watch lectures anytime
- Synchronous: Live online classes at set times
- Part-time options: Extend program to 18-24 months
Step 6: Read Student Reviews
Check:
- Google Reviews
- AllNurses.com forums
- NursingCAS.org (centralized application system reviews)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I complete an LPN to RN program 100% online with no campus visits?
A: No. All RN programs require in-person clinical hours (200-600 hours). However, hybrid programs let you complete 80-90% of coursework online, with clinicals at facilities near your home.
Q: How long does it take to complete an LPN to RN online program?
A:
- Full-time: 9-18 months
- Part-time: 18-24 months
- Self-paced (e.g., WGU): 6-24 months depending on your speed
Q: Can I work full-time while doing an online LPN to RN program?
A: Difficult but possible. Most students work part-time (20-30 hrs/week) or PRN (as-needed shifts). Full-time work + full-time school is extremely challenging due to clinical requirements.
Q: Are LPN to RN online programs cheaper than traditional programs?
A: Not always. Tuition is similar, but you save on:
- Commuting costs
- Campus parking fees
- Relocation (if no local program exists)
Q: Do employers value online RN degrees the same as traditional degrees?
A: Yes—if accredited. Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, your license is identical. Employers care about:
- ✅ RN license (not how you got it)
- ✅ NCLEX pass
- ✅ Clinical competence
Q: What's the difference between ADN and BSN programs?
A:
| Factor | ADN (Associate Degree) | BSN (Bachelor's Degree) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 9-18 months | 18-36 months |
| Cost | $10,000-$25,000 | $20,000-$60,000 |
| Eligibility | Sit for NCLEX-RN ✅ | Sit for NCLEX-RN ✅ |
| Job Prospects | Good (bedside nursing) | Better (management, specialty units) |
| Salary | $70,000-$85,000 | $75,000-$95,000 |
Bottom line: ADN gets you licensed faster. You can always do an RN-to-BSN bridge later (12-18 months online).
Q: Will my LPN credits transfer?
A: Some yes, some no. Most programs give credit for:
- ✅ Basic nursing skills (reduced clinical hours)
- ✅ Prerequisite courses (if recently completed)
- ❌ LPN theory courses (usually must repeat at RN level)
Typical credit granted: 15-30 credits (saves 1-2 semesters)
Q: What if I fail the NCLEX-RN after graduating?
A: You can retake it. Most states allow unlimited attempts with 45-90 day waiting periods between tries. Many schools offer free NCLEX review courses for graduates.
🚀 Next Steps: Start Your LPN to RN Journey Today
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility ✅
- Active LPN license?
- 1-2 years experience (if required)?
- Prerequisites completed or in progress?
Step 2: Research & Compare Programs 🔍
- Use our comparison table above
- Request info packets from 3-5 schools
- Verify accreditation (ACEN/CCNE)
- Check NCLEX pass rates with your state board
Step 3: Apply for Financial Aid 💰
- Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov
- Research nursing scholarships (HRSA, state programs)
- Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement
Step 4: Submit Applications 📝
- Apply to 2-3 programs (increase acceptance odds)
- Request official transcripts from LPN program
- Schedule TEAS/HESI exam if required
- Gather letters of recommendation
Step 5: Prepare for Success 📚
- Save 3-6 months living expenses (if reducing work hours)
- Notify your employer (many offer tuition assistance + flexible scheduling)
- Arrange childcare/family support for clinical days
- Get organized: planner, study space, reliable internet
💼 Career Outcomes: What Happens After You Become an RN?
Immediate Benefits:
- 💰 Salary increase: +$33,000/year average (LPN $48,070 → RN $81,220)
- 📈 More job opportunities: Hospitals, specialty units, travel nursing, management
- 🏥 Expanded scope of practice: IV therapy, advanced assessments, medication administration
- 🎓 Career advancement: Pathway to BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner
RN Career Paths (5-10 Years Post-Graduation):
- Charge Nurse: $85,000-$95,000/year
- Nurse Manager: $95,000-$120,000/year
- Travel Nurse: $90,000-$140,000/year (with housing stipends)
- Specialty Certifications: ICU, ER, OR, NICU (+$5,000-$15,000/year)
- Nurse Practitioner (MSN): $110,000-$130,000/year
- Nurse Educator: $75,000-$95,000/year
- Informatics Nurse: $85,000-$110,000/year
Long-Term ROI Example:
| Timeframe | LPN Path | RN Path (After Bridge) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years 1-2 | $96,140 | $162,440 (-$20k program cost) | +$46,300 |
| Years 3-5 | $144,210 | $243,660 | +$99,450 |
| Years 6-10 | $240,350 | $406,100 | +$165,750 |
| 10-Year Gain | +$311,500 | ||
*Assumes 3% annual raises, does not include overtime/bonuses.
✅ Final Thoughts: Is an LPN to RN Online Program Right for You?
An LPN to RN online/hybrid program is ideal if you:
- ✅ Want to advance your nursing career without quitting your job
- ✅ Need schedule flexibility (family, caregiving, financial obligations)
- ✅ Live far from a traditional nursing school campus
- ✅ Are self-motivated and comfortable with online learning
- ✅ Want to increase your salary by $30,000+ per year
The investment pays off: With an average program cost of $15,000-$25,000 and a salary increase of $33,000/year, most RNs break even within 8-12 months of graduation.
Your nursing career transformation is 9-18 months away. Take the first step today—research programs, apply for financial aid, and start building the future you deserve.
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