Are you a licensed practical nurse searching for the quickest way to upgrade your nursing skills so you can qualify for jobs with more responsibility and higher earning potential quickly? Then, you may be asking, “What are the best 1-year online LPN-to-RN programs?” We can help you answer that! The best online 1-year LPN-to-RN programs are programs you can pursue no matter how busy your work and life commitments keep you and that build upon the foundation of nursing knowledge you already possess. As an RN, you’ll make more money, work more autonomously, and have many more opportunities for professional advancement. This list of the 14 best 1-year LPN-to-RN online programs will tell you what you need to get started.
Program Length: 3 Semesters
Clinical Training: Clinical hours for the 1-year online LPN-to-RN program at Arkansas State University are held on weekends throughout each term. All clinicals occur at healthcare facilities in the Jonesboro, Arkansas, area.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The online LPN-to-RN program at Arkansas State University can be completed in one year or three consecutive semesters.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the LPN-to-RN online program at Arkansas State University, you must hold an active, unrestricted RN license and maintain that license throughout the program. You must first apply for undergraduate admission to Arkansas State. Then, you must complete an application for the LPN-AASN online program.
You must provide official transcripts for all college coursework you attempted at any post-secondary institution and take the HESI A2 admission exam and the Smarter Measure Online Readiness Assessment. All candidates must have an overall post-secondary grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. If you previously attended an RN nursing program but did not complete the program, you must have a letter from the Dean or Program Director stating your standing when you exited the program.
You must show proof of work experience equaling at least 1,000 hours of direct patient care within the past 12 to 24 months. Although it is not required, work experience in an acute or long-term care setting is preferred. Additionally, you must provide three academic or professional letters of recommendation.
Why Choose This Program
• Graduates of the online 1-year LPN-to-RN program at Arkansas State University consistently have excellent pass rates on NCLEX-RN exams for first-time testers.Program Length: 1 Year
Clinical Training: The rich curriculum for the LPN-to-RN 1-year online program includes five clinical courses with corresponding practicum experiences. Additionally, in your final semester, you will participate in a capstone clinical experience. Clinicals are arranged by program faculty and completed under the supervision of clinical faculty or approved preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: At Western Kentucky University, you can complete the LPN-to-RN program in three semesters or one year.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the online 1-year LPN-to-RN program at Western Kentucky University, you must have a current LPN license and become enrolled in the university. After being accepted into WKU, you may apply for admission to the nursing program.
If you have less than 10 college credits, you must submit ACT scores. If you have 10 or more college credits, you must have a cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or higher. You must provide copies of transcripts from any post-secondary school you have previously attended. You will also be required to take the ATI TEAS entrance exam and may be asked to participate in an admission interview with program faculty.
Why Choose This Program
• Western Kentucky University is recognized by U.S. News for having one of the nation’s best Associate Degree Nursing Programs.Program Length: 3 Semesters
Clinical Training: At the Pennsylvania College of Technology, students in the 1-year LPN-to-RN online program complete a minimum of 300 clinical practicum hours. Clinical rotations occur in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and community health facilities. All clinical assignments are arranged by program faculty and completed under the supervision of clinical faculty and/or approved clinical preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the LPN-to-RN online program at Pennsylvania College of Technology in three semesters when you enroll as a full-time student.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the 1-year LPN-to-RN online program at Pennsylvania College of Technology is a selective process. All applicants must have a Pennsylvania LPN license to be considered for admission. You must first gain admission to the college. Then, you must complete placement requirements and meet the essential functions and admission standards established by the Nursing Program. Your placement in the program will be determined by placement testing, qualifying ACT or SAT scores, transfer credits, or a combination of all three. Applicants with a Math/Science GPA of 2.5 or higher and a cumulative graduation grade point average of at least 2.5 are considered priority candidates in the admissions process.
Why Choose This Program
• Pennsylvania College of Technology offers small class sizes with extensive hands-on learning opportunities to prepare you for your new professional role as a registered nurse.Program Length: 1 Year
Clinical Training: Clinical practicums are an integral part of any nursing program, and Fairmont State University works to ensure you have ample experience to prepare for your new role as a registered nurse. Clinicals are held in the Fairmont region during the first two semesters of your program. The remaining clinical requirements may be met in your area of residence in the last semester of the program. Clinicals are held two to three days per month until the last semester, when the time requirement increases.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The Fairmont State University LPN-to-RN online program is designed to be completed in one year or three consecutive semesters.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the 1-year online LPN-to-RN program at Fairmont State University, you must complete a General Admission Application and be accepted to the university and a Nursing Program Application. You must complete all prerequisite courses, have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, score a minimum composite of 60 on the TEAS entrance examination, and have a current, unrestricted LPN license. You must submit a health assessment form, have a negative criminal background check, and pass a drug screening test. Finally, you must show proof of current immunizations and health insurance and be American Heart Association CPR certified.
Why Choose This Program
• At Fairmont State University, you will learn clinical skills in the school’s state-of-the-art skills and simulation lab, preparing you for in-person clinical practice.Program Length: 12 Months
Clinical Training: The LPN-to-RN program includes 270 hours of hands-on clinical training. You will begin clinical training in the first quarter of the program and continue practice experiences until graduation. Clinicals are completed at clinical partner sites, as determined by the school, and are supervised by qualified registered nurse preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The 1-year online LPN-to-RN program at Professional Skills Institute is designed to be completed in 48 weeks or four quarters.
Admission Requirements: Candidates for admission to the program offered at PSI must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, and be a graduate of an accredited practical nursing program. You must possess and maintain a current, unencumbered LPN/LVN license throughout the program. Additionally, you must provide copies of your official practical nursing transcript and transcripts from any other post-secondary school you attended, take the ATI-TEAS entrance exam, and have an adjusted individual total score of at least 50%. You may also be asked to interview with the program faculty.
Why Choose This Program
• Professional Skills Institute believes in providing the best academic experiences possible for students. You will learn from master’s-prepared registered nurses with a minimum of three years of real-world clinical nursing experience.Program Length: 1 Year
Clinical Training: You will participate in approximately 16 hours of clinical practicum weekly during the 1-year online LPN-to-RN program. Clinicals are scheduled by the program director at local hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities and are supervised by clinical faculty or approved preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The LPN-to-RN transition program can be completed in one year or three consecutive semesters.
Admission Requirements: The admission process for the 1-year online LPN-to-RN program at Hillsborough Community College begins with completing an online application for general admission. Once admitted to HCC you must complete all required prerequisites. After completing prerequisites, you may fill out the the Health Sciences Application to gain admission into the nursing program. All candidates must complete nursing prerequisites with a minimum cumulative prerequisite GPA of 2.89. You must take the ATI TEAS version 7 entrance exam and score a 60 or above, as well.
Why Choose This Program
• Graduates of the LPN-to-RN online program at Hillsborough Community College report high satisfaction rates regarding program delivery, clinical training, and faculty engagement.Program Length: 2 Semesters
Clinical Training: Each LPN to ADN course in the curriculum includes a minimum of 144 hours of clinical practicum hours. Clinical experiences are preceptor-led. All clinicals take place in Southeastern North Carolina. Clinical preceptors and sites must be approved by program faculty and final clinical arrangements must be facilitated by the LPN-to-ADN program director.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The 1-year online LPN-to-RN program includes two semesters, one in the fall and one in the spring. No summer classes are required.
Admission Requirements: If you wish to attend the LPN-to-RN program at Cape Fear Community College, you must first complete an application for general admission and meet minimum general admission requirements. Once admitted to the college, you must file an “Intent to Apply” form indicating your intent to attend the LPN-to-RN program. You must possess a current, unrestricted LPN/LVN license issued by the state of North Carolina or a multi-state practical nursing license. Applicants must have graduated from an approved practical nursing program within the last year and be currently employed as an LPN or have one year of documented experience working as a Licensed Practical Nurse. You must provide copies of your official high school transcript and any college, university, or technical school transcripts. Finally, you must take the ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor test.
Why Choose This Program
• As a student in the online 1-year LPN-to-RN program, you will have help from academic advisors who will work with you to develop a plan to help you reach your academic and career goals.Program Length: 9 Months
Clinical Training: At CVCC, you will participate in a minimum of 300 clinical hours. Clinical practicum occurs in hospitals, community health centers, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare settings. Clinical assignments, sites, and preceptors are arranged by clinical faculty. All students work under the supervision of a clinical instructor or approved preceptor in the clinical setting.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The LPN-to-RN online program at Catawba Valley Community College can be completed in as few as nine months.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Catawba Valley Community College 1-year LPN-to-RN online program, you must complete an online application for admission to the college and attend a mandatory information session. Candidates must provide official high school or equivalent transcripts, official transcripts from any college or university they attended, and proof of graduation from a regionally accredited practical nursing program. Further, you must have an unrestricted LPN license issued by the state of North Carolina and submit an Employer Verification Form confirming part-time or full-time employment as an LPN.
Why Choose This Program
• Catawba Valley Community College has nursing faculty with decades of experience in the field. Their experience and personal insight into the RN role will be instrumental in preparing you to transition from an LPN to an RN!Program Length: 1 Year
Clinical Training: Clinical training for the online 1-year LPN-to-RN program is self-scheduled by the student. You must submit requests for clinical sites and your chosen preceptors for approval to the program director. Clinicals may be completed at approved sites near your hometown.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the LPN-to-RN online program at Missouri State University in West Plains in one year.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the one-year online LPN-to-RN program at Missouri State University-West Plains is competitive. The school uses a Ranking Score Computation system and selection committee to determine applicant eligibility.
Minimum admission requirements include the following. You must be admitted to Missouri State-West Plains with a non-probationary status and apply to the nursing program. You must provide a final official high school transcript or HiSET/GED certificate, and official transcripts from any previously attended post-secondary school. You must be a graduate of an accredited practical nursing program and possess a current, unrestricted license to practice as an LPN/LVN. All candidates must take the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam.
Why Choose This Program
• Missouri State-West Plains reports high retention rates in the program and excellent NCLEX-RN pass rates!Program Length: Two Semesters
Clinical Training: The Sampson Community College online 1-year LPN-to-RN program includes a minimum of 300 clinical hours. In some cases, you may be able to complete the clinical requirements at your current place of employment. However, clinicals may not be completed in the same unit where you are currently employed. Program faculty will collaborate with you to ensure appropriate clinical placements and preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The Sampson Community College online LPN-to-RN program is designed to be completed in two semesters.
Admission Requirements: To begin the admission process for the 1-year LPN-to-RN online program at Sampson Community College, you must submit an online SCC admission application. You must be a currently licensed and practicing LPN with at least 2,000 hours of work experience in an acute care hospital medical/surgical unit or skilled nursing facility. Your LPN license must be issued in North Carolina or a Compact State.
Candidates must complete the SCC LPN to ADN Nursing Entrance Exam and achieve a score of 94% or higher to be considered for the online program. You must provide official transcripts from your LPN program and other post-secondary school you attended, an LPN-to-ADN Intent Form, a Verification of Practice Form, and a copy of your American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR card.
Why Choose This Program
• Sampson Community College’s 1-year online LPN-to-RN program has a low attrition rate, which is a strong indication of student success in the program.Program Length: 3 Semesters
Clinical Training: Clinical training for the OC Tech 1-year LPN-to-RN online program consists of on-campus laboratory simulations and in-person clinicals. You will learn the necessary skills to perform in the clinical setting in the safe, controlled environment of the nursing lab. Clinicals are held one day per week per course. Program faculty arrange clinical sites and preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The LPN-to-RN online program at OC Technical College is a three-semester pathway.
Admission Requirements: Licensed Practical Nurses with a current, unencumbered license may apply for admission to the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College 1-year LPN-to-RN online program. You must successfully pass the proctored ATI Fundamentals and Dosage Calculations tests, which are administered through the college’s testing center.
Why Choose This Program
• At OC Tech, you will work with a dedicated academic advisor who will help guide you from the time you apply to the program until you graduate, ensuring you have the best experience and opportunities for success!Program Length: 12 Months
Clinical Training: Clinical training begins in the first semester of the program. You will complete five clinical courses throughout the program, each with a corresponding clinical practicum. Students in the program typically complete a minimum of 500 clinical training hours, consisting of hands-on, preceptor-supervised patient care.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The online LPN-to-RN program at Howard College in twelve months.
Admission Requirements: To be accepted into the online 1-year LPN-to-RN program at Howard College, you must complete an application for general admission and a nursing application. Candidates must complete the required prerequisite courses and take the TEAS entrance exam. Verification of an unencumbered LPN license or, if you are waiting to take the NCLEX-PN, an official transcript from your accredited practical nursing program must be provided. Additionally, you must provide verification of current immunizations and pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
Why Choose This Program
• Howard College has a history of more than 50 years of educating nursing students. The dedication of the school, faculty, and staff makes Howard College an excellent place to transition from an LPN to an RN!Program Length: 8 Months
Clinical Training: Clinical practicum experiences are scheduled collaboratively between you and the program faculty. Whenever possible, your training will take place in clinical partner facilities nearest to your home location.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the online 1-year LPN-to-RN program at Coastal Bend College in as few as eight months.
Admission Requirements: Admission criteria for the 1-year LPN-to-RN online program at Coastal Bend College include the following. You must apply for admission to the college and take the TEAS entrance exam, achieving a TEAS composite score of 70% or higher. You must complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher. All candidates must provide proof of current immunizations as required by the Texas Department of State Health Services and have current American Heart Association CPR certification for the Healthcare Provider.
Why Choose This Program
• At Coastal Bend College, you will experience rich laboratory learning opportunities in the school's simulation lab that will prepare you for diverse clinical practicums.Program Length: 3 Semesters
Clinical Training: Program faculty arrange clinical training sites and identify experienced preceptors. You will complete at least 500 clinical practice hours in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient facilities, physicians' offices, long-term care facilities, and community health centers.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The LPN-to-RN program at Joliet Junior College is designed to be completed in three semesters.
Admission Requirements: To be accepted to the online 1-year LPN-to-RN program at Joliet Junior College, you must be a licensed LPN in the state of Illinois. You must apply to and be accepted to the college and then complete a separate application for the nursing program.
Why Choose This Program
• Graduates of the Joliet Junior College LPN-to-RN program consistently rate well above state and national averages for pass rates on the NCLEX-RN.