Best Online LPN-to-BSN Programs

If you are an LPN, a BSN buys you more autonomy, more specialization options, and higher pay. An LPN-to-BSN bridge program speeds things up by applying your LPN credits toward BSN training, saving time and money while qualifying you for an RN license. Here are strong online options, plus what to weigh when you choose and apply.

Key Takeaways

• An LPN-to-BSN bridge applies your LPN credits toward BSN training, saving time and money while qualifying you for an RN license.
• Every program profiled here holds ACEN or CCNE accreditation, which is required for federal aid, RN licensure eligibility, and credit transfer.
• Online programs are mostly hybrid: coursework runs online, but you complete clinical hours in person at approved sites near home.
• Registered nurses earned a median of $93,600 in May 2024 versus $62,340 for LPNs, and RN employment is projected to grow 5% through 2034 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Standout Online LPN-to-BSN Programs

Kent State University holds a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education designation from the National League for Nursing. Its LPN and allied health-to-BSN degree is one of the few built around working LPNs and other allied health professionals, with more flexibility than a traditional BSN. The 120-credit curriculum spans prerequisites, foundational nursing, and the BSN nursing sequence, taught across regional campuses and online. It is public, in Kent, Ohio, accredited by CCNE, requires a completed practical nursing program, valid LPN license, and 2.75 GPA, runs a 39-month minimum with oncampus requirements, and posted a 79.79% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (2021/2022). Median earnings two years after graduation: $57,073 for bachelor's graduates, per College Scorecard.

Kettering College, affiliated with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, focuses entirely on healthcare education. Its 125-credit LPN-to-BSN offers a three-year full-time track or a parttime option for working nurses that finishes within five years, with clinical placements through the Kettering Health network. It is private, in Kettering, Ohio, accredited by ACEN, requires a completed practical nursing program, valid LPN license, and 2.8 GPA, runs a 24-month minimum, and posted a 74.16% first-time pass rate (2021/2022). Median earnings two years out: $57,955.

Midland University, a private Lutheran-affiliated school, runs a six-semester LPN-to-BSN that transfers prior credits toward prerequisites before you move into the traditional BSN curriculum. Clinicals start as early as sophomore year across Fremont and Omaha sites. It is private, in Fremont, Nebraska, accredited by ACEN, requires a completed practical nursing program, valid LPN license, 2.75 GPA, and one year of acute care experience, runs a 36-month minimum with oncampus requirements, and posted an 88.24% first-time pass rate (2021/2022). Median earnings two years out: $60,771.

Nebraska Methodist College serves just over 1,000 students in nursing and healthcare programs. Its 127-credit LPN-to-BSN runs in a hybrid format, mixing online study with a few campus days a week, and lets online learners complete clinicals locally. Students can add a Spanish for Healthcare Professionals minor. It is private, in Omaha, Nebraska, accredited by CCNE, requires a completed practical nursing program, valid LPN license, and 2.5 GPA, runs a 48-month minimum with oncampus requirements, and posted a 95.27% first-time pass rate (2021/2022). Median earnings two years out: $60,196.

Northern Michigan University ranks among the state's most affordable schools and runs over 170 programs. Its LPN-to-BSN follows the traditional BSN plan but grants up to 12 advanced placement credits toward the 120 required. Online learners get personalized advising for planning and clinical placements. It is public, in Marquette, Michigan, accredited by CCNE, requires a completed practical nursing program, valid LPN license, and 2.75 GPA, and runs a 30-month minimum with oncampus requirements. Median earnings two years out: $56,776.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, part of the Regional University System of Oklahoma, pairs affordable tuition with strong financial aid. The BSN completion program for working LPNs is fully online except for clinicals, delivered in seven eight-week sessions worth six credits each. Online learners complete clinicals within 100 miles of home. It is public, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, accredited by ACEN, requires a completed practical nursing program, valid LPN license, 2.25 GPA, and the NACE exam, runs a 12-month minimum with no oncampus requirement, and posted an 82.61% first-time pass rate (2021/2022). Median earnings two years out: $62,479.

St. John's College, founded by the Hospital Sisters of Saint Francis in 1886, runs the oldest Catholic hospital-based nursing program in the country. Its LPN-to-BSN admits twice a year with full- and parttime tracks, granting accepted LPNs 10 credit hours toward the BSN. It is private, in Springfield, Illinois, accredited by ACEN, requires a completed practical nursing program, valid LPN license, and the TEAS exam, runs a timeline that depends on transfer credits with no oncampus requirement, and posted an 88% first-time pass rate (2021/2022). Median earnings two years out: $54,996.

University of Arkansas enrolls over 30,000 students across 240-plus programs. Its fully online LPN-to-BSN requires no campus visits and offers fall or spring starts. The 120-credit curriculum runs six- or eight-week courses with 16-week practicums (10 weeks in summer), and online learners complete most clinicals at approved sites near home. It is public, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, accredited by CCNE, requires a completed practical nursing program, valid LPN license, 2.0 GPA, and at least 2,000 professional hours as a licensed LPN in the past 12 to 24 months, runs a 24-month minimum with no oncampus requirement, and posted an 83.1% first-time pass rate (2021/2022). Median earnings two years out: $59,308.

What to Look for in an LPN-to-BSN Program

Admission requirements. Schools screen for candidates ready to succeed. Expect a valid LPN license (or LVN in Texas and California) and a minimum GPA.

Curriculum. BSN programs build patient care and clinical decision-making. Review the course list to know what you will complete.

Clinical experience. Required hours depend on the school and your state nursing board. Ask whether the program helps you find sites near home, and if not, whether your schedule allows travel.

Accreditation. Accredited programs meet rigorous professional and academic standards. A nonaccredited program limits your options for employment, licensure, and graduate study. Unaccredited nursing schools are rare.

Program length. An online LPN-to-BSN usually takes two to three years full-time, depending on transfer credits and whether you study full- or parttime.

Graduation rate. This shows the share of students who finish on schedule, a useful signal of program quality. A school's NCLEX pass rate adds another read on how well it prepares RNs.

Learning format. Programs differ. Asynchronous formats are self-paced; synchronous and hybrid formats add structure like fixed login times or in-person attendance.

Specializations. A BSN can prepare you for roles in pediatrics, emergency care, oncology, and more. Check whether a school offers specialty courses or clinicals in your areas of interest.

Why Accreditation Matters

Accredited programs follow best practices for preparing RNs for licensure and practice. Accreditation determines your eligibility for financial aid and licensure, your graduate school options, and your job prospects. ACEN and CCNE accredit BSN programs, and every program here holds one or the other. Only students at accredited schools qualify for federal aid, credits from nonaccredited schools may not transfer, state boards license only graduates of accredited programs, and employers and graduate programs may pass on degrees from nonaccredited schools.

How Online LPN-to-BSN Programs Work

A BSN typically takes about 120 credits and four years. An LPN-to-BSN shortens that by granting credit for your prior coursework and license. Online programs meet the same accreditation standards as in-person ones, and an online BSN from an accredited program satisfies RN licensure requirements. You still complete clinical hours in person across a range of settings. Some programs arrange local placements or offer virtual clinicals; others require you to travel to approved sites.

Applying

Online LPN-to-BSN programs require a valid LPN license, and many require or recommend work experience. Applicants also typically need a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA, and specific prerequisites. Some schools ask for the National League for Nursing NACE Assessment to gauge your nursing knowledge. Common requirements include a high school diploma or GED, a valid LPN license with one year of experience, official transcripts, science prerequisites, letters of recommendation, an essay, a resume, and a 2.0 to 3.0 minimum GPA.

Paying for It

An LPN-to-BSN takes less time and costs less than a traditional BSN, but paying for it can still be a hurdle. Start with the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for federal, state, and school aid including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Many schools and private organizations offer need- or merit-based scholarships, and nurses who agree to work in high-need areas after graduation may qualify for loan forgiveness.

What You Can Do After

A BSN-prepared RN can work across high-demand specialties like public health, geriatrics, and neonatology, in hospitals, physician offices, long-term care and rehab facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health. The RN workforce is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary figures below come from BLS and Payscale.

Registered nurse. Performs assessments and diagnostic tests, administers treatments and medications, and supports patients and families across every healthcare setting. Median annual salary (May 2024): $93,600.

Public health nurse. Reduces health risks and prevents disease through education, advocacy, and direct care, often in government agencies, nonprofits, community clinics, and schools. Average hourly pay (January 2026): $36.86.

Neonatal nurse. Cares for newborns and premature infants facing specific challenges or chronic conditions. Average salary (September 2025): $79,253.

Psychiatric nurse. Cares for patients with mental and behavioral health conditions in hospitals, rehab centers, psychiatric clinics, and correctional facilities. Average hourly pay (December 2025): $38.30.

Critical care nurse. Cares for patients with life-threatening conditions or injuries in intensive care units, including surgical, trauma, and pediatric ICUs. Average hourly pay (February 2026): $38.13.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take? As little as two to three years. These programs credit your LPN education and experience. You typically need a valid LPN license, and some require a year of LPN experience.

Can an LPN-to-BSN make you an RN? Yes. You take undergraduate nursing courses and complete in-person clinicals, then sit for the NCLEX-RN and earn an RN license.

What's the fastest path? The quickest LPN-to-RN programs take about 12 months and award an ADN, not a BSN. To expand your options, an LPN-to-BSN finishes a bachelor's in as little as two years.

Is it worth it? Often. LPNs earned a median $62,340 in May 2024 while RNs earned $93,600, and RNs have far more room to advance.

Are these programs accredited? Yes. Every program listed holds ACEN or CCNE accreditation, which is required for federal financial aid, RN licensure eligibility, and transferring credits toward graduate study.