If you are a LPN who feels they have a good base of knowledge and nursing experience you might wish to take the next step and become a RN. The differences between a LPN and a RN as far as duties go may seem small at first glance, but they are a lot different in the education required to achieve each certification, and the different opportunities afforded to each down the road are the huge differences. RN’s are offered many more opportunities compared to LPN’s as they gain more experience, ones that will not be offered to a LPN whether or not they have the same experience or  knowledge. Without a RN certification, it is increasingly difficult for a LPN-certified nurse to continue to receive promotions or to further their career. The starting salary for a LPN is generally okay in the beginning of their career, a LPN will want to continue some education program so they can continue to grow in the future.

A LPN to RN transition program is designed for LPNs who wish to become RNs with a minimum amount of time and with as little repeat of course content and credits as possible. Graduates of the program are eligible to become RN’s after they pass all mandatory exams for hope to be RNs. The exam tests medical knowledge, nursing competencies, and determines if you are eligible to earn a RN license and begin your career as a Registered Nurse. To start off and begin your work as a RN make sure you have satisfied all the requirements for the Transition Program.

To start you need to be a graduate from a State Board approved nursing program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. You will also need to submit your official transcripts of required courses. Finally you will need to fill out and complete the Nursing and Allied Health application and submit it to the Division of Nursing and Allied Health, before the application deadline date for that semester’s program. While it may seem exhausting to a recently certified LPN, it is recommended that they continue on with learning and gaining new certification, and shooting for a RN status will make them more marketable.

There are now programs online where LPNs and LVNs can earn their NLNAC-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree without ever stepping foot in a classroom. Aspiring RNs can complete their upper-level nursing courses (about 43 hours) online and be well on their way using one of the LPN to RN programs.