3 Best (1-YEAR) LPN-to-BSN Online Programs
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Are you a licensed practical nurse looking for a fast way to advance your nursing career? A streamlined one-year LPN-to-BSN online option may be just what you’re searching for. Distance learning permits you to learn at your own speed without interfering with your existing work and personal commitments. Once you complete the associate curriculum, you’ll transition seamlessly into the BSN requirements that an increasing number of healthcare employers require. What are the best 1-year online LPN-to-BSN programs? Programs that are designed with your learning needs and convenience in mind. Keep reading to find out more about the 3 best 1-year LPN-to-BSN online programs.
What are the Best (1-YEAR) LPN-to-BSN Online Programs in the Nation?
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 3 best 1-year LPN-to-BSN online programs in the nation. You can complete these programs in 12 months or less.)1. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center - Oklahoma City, OK
Program Length: 9 Months
When you pursue your BSN through the one-year LPN-to-BSN online program at the University of Oklahoma HSC, you will earn a total of 60 credits. You will receive 30 credits through advanced standing examinations and 30 credits through enrolled classes.
Clinical Training: In this program, you will complete a minimum of 160 hours of in-person clinical training per semester. Clinicals are arranged by program faculty and designed to give you diverse experiences in patient care.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The online 1-year LPN-to-BSN program is designed to be completed in nine months when you enroll full-time. There is a part-time program option, which takes approximately two years to complete.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for the 1-year online LPN-to-BSN program at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, you must be a graduate of an accredited LPN/LVN program and have an active, unrestricted license to practice as a Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse. Candidates must complete 30 credit hours of prerequisite coursework prior to application and have a grade of “C” or better in each class. Additionally, you must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA for the last 60 hours of attempted coursework and a science GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Why Choose This Program
• The University of Oklahoma HSC reports excellent first-time NCLEX-RN candidate pass rates among graduates of the 1-year online LPN-to-BSN program. This is a strong indication that the program meets high-quality standards necessary to prepare you for practice as a registered nurse.• As a student in the program, you will work with a dedicated advisor throughout the program who will guide you and assist you with scheduling, counseling, and other needs.
• Graduates of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center LPN-to-BSN program have high employment rates, with those responding to post-graduation surveys reporting having jobs as registered nurses within a few months of graduation.
2. Southwestern Oklahoma State University - Weatherford, OK
Program Length: 3 Semesters
To earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at SWOSU, you must complete 124 total college credits. 64 credits are earned through general education and pre-professional courses, and 60 credits are earned from major coursework. The university offers you the opportunity to earn 30 advanced-standing credits by demonstrating your knowledge and skills through Nursing Accelerated Challenge Exams.
Clinical Training: The program includes 160 hours of clinical practicum per semester, which means you will have at least 480 hours of hands-on clinical training by the time you graduate. Clinicals are completed in Oklahoma and are arranged by program faculty.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the one-year LPN-to-BSN program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in just three semesters.
Admission Requirements: To be accepted into the LPN-to-BSN 1-year online program at SWOSU, you must be a legal resident of Oklahoma and have either an Oklahoma or multistate LPN/LVN license that allows you to practice within Oklahoma state. You must complete both NACE exams with a minimum score of 70% and complete all prerequisite courses before the application cycle closes. Candidates must have a minimum 2.0 GPA for any college coursework attempted. You must submit an admissions application to the university, provide official transcripts from your LPN/LVN program, and upload ACT/SAT scores.
Why Choose This Program
• Southwestern Oklahoma State University allows you to receive up to 30 advanced-standing credits through challenge exams. Taking and passing these exams means you can earn your BSN in less time than a traditional baccalaureate nursing program.• At SWOSU, you will learn from professional nurses with diverse real-world nursing experience who are dedicated to promoting and advancing the nursing profession through quality nursing education.
• Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers job placement assistance to students. Many students have offers of employment pending graduation and passing the NCLEX-RN.
3. Missouri Western State University - St. Joseph, MO
Program Length: 3 Semesters
To earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours. Once you are accepted into the LPN-to-BSN program, you will enroll in the course, Clinical Reasoning in Nursing. This course is designed to evaluate your knowledge and skills to determine how many credits will be awarded from your LPN degree toward earning your BSN.
Clinical Training: The MWSU one-year LPN-to-BSN online program includes more than 750 laboratory and clinical practicum hours. You will have clinical experiences in several settings, including extended care, obstetrics, mental health, pediatrics, medical/surgical, and critical care health settings. Clinical sites and schedules are determined by program faculty, and practicums are supervised by clinical faculty and/or approved preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The program offered at Missouri Western State University is designed to be completed in three semesters.
Admission Requirements: The 1-year LPN-to-BSN online program at Missouri Western State University is open to graduates of accredited practical nursing programs with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a 3.2 or higher GPA are considered for preferred admission. You must possess a current, unrestricted United States LPN/LVN license. Additionally, you must take the ATI TEAS exam and score a minimum of 58.7%, and complete all Missouri Western State University nursing prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better.
Why Choose This Program
• MWSU reports excellent retention rates for its online 1-year LPN-to-BSN program, which is a good indication of student success and satisfaction.• Graduates of the program consistently exceed the national average for NCLEX-RN pass rates among first-time testers.
• Missouri Western State University offers individualized academic advising and low faculty-to-student ratios to ensure you get the attention you need to succeed.
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.