10 Best Accelerated ADN Programs (For LPN/LVN Nurses)
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Are you a licensed practical nurse ready to make a professional career move? Have you considered becoming a registered nurse but feel the time commitment may be more than you can handle? What if I told you earning your degree and becoming an RN in a short time is possible? Perhaps you have heard of options that are shorter than traditional RN programs but wonder, "What are the best accelerated ADN programs?”
In this article, you will find what we have discovered are the 10 best accelerated (campus-based and online) ADN programs in the nation. With the information I share about the programs, admission criteria, and what makes the schools a good choice, you can decide if earning your degree through an accelerated ADN program is the option you should pursue to accomplish your dream of becoming a registered nurse.
RECOMMENDED ONLINE NURSING SCHOOLS
What Exactly is the Goal of an Accelerated ADN Program?
The goal of accelerated ADN programs is to offer a fast-track educational solution to licensed practical/vocational nurses who wish to become registered nurses. The programs offer accelerated pathways to earning an associate degree in nursing, preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed to transition to a professional role as a registered nurse.
3 Main Advantages of Accelerated ADN Programs
Accelerated nursing programs are more popular now than ever, and for good reason. While there are many
advantages of accelerated ADN programs, the following are three of the main ones to consider.
ADVANTAGE #1: You Will Earn More Money
I realize money is not everything, but it certainly helps! If you are looking for ways to generate a higher income, earning your ADN is a great way. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the difference between
RN vs LPN salary is nearly $30,000 annually. The BLS reports that licensed practical/vocational nurses earn an average of $48,5000 per year, and registered nurses earn approximately $77,460!
ADVANTAGE #2: You Can Earn Your Degree Quickly
Perhaps the most obvious advantage of accelerated ADN programs is you can earn your degree in a short time. Some programs can be completed in as few as nine months. If you want to become a registered nurse but cannot devote years to earning a degree, an accelerated program may be the perfect option!
ADVANTAGE #3: You Can Be Part of the Solution!
There is currently a nationwide shortage of nurses that seems to have no end in sight. According to research conducted by the
National Council for State Boards of Nursing, approximately 900,000 registered nurses intend to leave the profession for various reasons. When you earn your degree through an accelerated ADN program and become a licensed registered nurse, you will be quickly eligible for jobs that many of those nurses leave vacant, which means you will become part of the solution to the nursing shortage crisis.
What are the Best Accelerated (Campus-Based and Online) ADN Programs in the Nation?
(Based on our
Ranking Methodology, the following are the 10 best accelerated ADN programs. The following list includes both (Campus-Based and Online) accelerated ADN programs. These ADN programs are for LPN/LVN nurses with an active license. You can complete these programs in 12 months or less.)
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: Rasmussen University offers one of the best accelerated ADN programs designed for LPNs who wish to transition to the registered nurse role.
To earn an ADN at Rasmussen, students must earn a total of 102 credits. However, qualified LPNs may transfer up to 42 general education credits and 12 professional nursing credits, meaning you could be required to
complete only 48 credits at the school. The curriculum includes classes such as Multidimensional Care, Pharmacology for Professional Nursing, Leadership and Professional Identity, and Essentials of Pathophysiology.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: At Rasmussen University, LPNs can earn an ADN and become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN in as few as 12 months.
Admission Requirements: To apply for the accelerated ADN program at Rasmussen University, you must achieve a satisfactory score on the School of Nursing Entrance Exam. Additionally, you must provide proof of current immunizations, pass a criminal background screening, provide a copy of your current BLS and CPR certification, and attend a School of Nursing orientation.
Why Choose Rasmussen University ADN Program
• Rasmussen University has a long history of educating nursing students, demonstrating genuine dedication to students and the nursing profession.
• Graduates of Rasmussen University’s accelerated ADN program work in a variety of settings, which indicates being well-prepared for diverse roles.
• The university reports excellent NCLEX-RN pass rates and employment rates for its graduates.
Program Length: 1 Year
Program Details: At Labouré College of Healthcare in Maine, you will find another of the best accelerated ADN programs in the nation. The program admits students three times each year in the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
To earn an associate degree in nursing, you must
earn 71 credits. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, however, you may receive credit by examination for up to 17 credits of professional coursework. These credits are earned by taking designated HESI examinations.
At Labouré, you will apply your theoretical education by participating in skills and simulation labs on campus and clinical practicums at a variety of acute care hospitals and healthcare facilities. In addition to weekly classroom theory, each professional nursing course requires at least 12 hours of clinical or laboratory time weekly, which means you will have ample opportunity to develop and hone your professional nursing skills. Clinical advisors arrange your clinical practicums to ensure you have diverse experiences. A few clinical sites include the Good Samaritan Medical Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, South Shore Hospital, and VA Boston Healthcare System.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated ADN program at Labouré College of Healthcare can be completed in as little as one year.
Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the Labouré accelerated ADN program must hold a current LPN license without restrictions. You must complete an admission application, pay a non-refundable application fee, and provide a copy of your high school diploma or GED, official transcripts from any post-secondary schools you attended, and official TEAS exam scores. Candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7, complete all prerequisite courses, and score a minimum of 850 on both the Fundamentals of Nursing and Maternity/Pediatrics HESI examinations.
Why Choose Labouré College of Healthcare ADN Program
• Labouré College LPN-to-ADN graduates consistently have excellent pass rates on the NCLEX-RN, which indicates a solid program designed to prepare you for RN practice.
• The school reports high retention and graduation rates for students enrolled in this accelerated ADN program. High retention and graduation rates are indicative of student satisfaction and success.
• The college boasts a diverse faculty with experience in several specialties.
Program Length: 3 Semesters
Program Details: Arkansas State University offers another excellent accelerated ADN program. The program admits students three times each year, which means you can choose to begin your program at a time that is convenient for you.
The program features a
72-credit hour curriculum, which includes 19 general education credits and 53 nursing credits. Students in this program study courses, including Immunohematology, Medical Microbiology, Principles of Clinical Laboratory Science, and Medical Parasitology.
Additionally, you will take four clinical courses that have corresponding clinical practicums. Clinicals are completed on the weekends, as determined by the Program Director, and are held at various healthcare facilities in the Jonesboro, Arkansas, area.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the accelerated ADN program at Arkansas State in as few as three semesters.
Admission Requirements: Arkansas State University requires you to meet the following criteria for admission to its accelerated ADN program. Candidates must complete an application on the School of Nursing website. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended should be submitted to the Registrar’s office and must reflect a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Additionally, all applicants must take the HESI A2 admission examination and the Smarter Measure Online Readiness Assessment.
You must hold an unrestricted practical nursing license and maintain the license for the duration of the program and provide validation of work experience consisting of at least 1,000 hours of nursing employment within the previous 12-24 months. Although it is not required, LPN employment at a long-term or acute care facility is preferred.
Why Choose Arkansas State University ADN Program
• Arkansas State University is ranked as having one of the best Undergraduate Nursing Programs in the nation by U.S. News.
• The university reports exceptional NCLEX-RN pass rates among first-time test takers.
• Additionally, the school reports high employment rates among graduates of the program, with most graduates finding RN positions within three to six months of graduation.
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: The accelerated ADN program at Texas State Technical College is another exceptional program. Whether you are immersed in classroom learning in classes like Complex Concepts of Adult Health, Mental Health Nursing, and Professional Nursing Leadership & Management or participating in clinical practicum training, you can feel confident that your education will be top-notch!
The program is fast-paced and designed as a transition program for current Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses. The ADN program features a robust
60-credit curriculum that includes 11 credits earned through clinical practice experiences. In addition to classroom learning, you will have a variety of experiences providing hands-on care to patients in various healthcare settings. The college has a broad clinical network and arranges clinical practicums for you.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Students pursuing the accelerated ADN program at Texas State Technical College typically complete the program in 12 months.
Admission Requirements: To be admitted to the LVN-to-ADN accelerated program at Texas State Technical College, you must be a licensed LPN/LVN in good standing. You must first be admitted to the college. After attending a mandatory information session, you will receive an email link to complete the online application for the program.
All candidates must take the HESI LPN to ADN Entrance Exam and score a minimum of 850. Valid copies of your driver’s license or state ID, social security card, American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider certification, valid Texas LPN/LVN license, and proof of personal health insurance are required. Additionally, all applicants must provide copies of up-to-date immunizations signed or stamped by a physician or medical doctor’s office.
Why Choose Texas State Technical College ADN Program
• At Texas State Technical College, you will learn with a cohort of your peers as you progress through the program together.
• Program faculty at Texas State Technical College are well-known for the diverse experiences and the expertise they bring to classroom and clinical settings.
• Graduates of the accelerated ADN program at Texas State Technical College work in a variety of settings and many go on to earn graduate degrees, which speak well of the preparation the program provides to students.
Program Length: 9 Months
Program Details: The accelerated ADN program at Catawba Valley Community College is a competitive, accelerated program offered with classes in the early afternoon and evenings to ensure little disruption of your normal schedule. The college offers three start dates each year in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. In addition to in-person classes, you will participate in asynchronous online classes and weekend clinicals.
At Catawba, you must complete 70 credits to earn the ADN degree. The
curriculum includes classes such as Introduction to Ethics, Health/Illness Concepts, Microbiology, and Complex Health Concepts. Classes and labs are held twice weekly. Clinical practicums are completed on Saturdays, with students participating in 12-hour clinical days. You will work with dedicated, experienced faculty in the classroom and learn from expert clinical staff and preceptors in diverse clinical settings.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated ADN program at Catawba Valley Community College is designed to be completed in two semesters or nine months.
Admission Requirements: Candidates for admission must have an active, unencumbered North Carolina or Compact State practical nurse license and be graduates from a regionally accredited practical nursing program. You must complete an NC Residency Determination and attend an information session. After submitting your application, an enrollment manager will activate it within three to five days. At that time, you must request official transcripts from your high school (or GED credential) as well as transcripts from every college or university you previously attended. Although you may apply to the program before completing general education prerequisites, completing them before applying makes you a more competitive candidate.
Why Choose Catawba Valley Community College ADN Program
• With dedicated faculty, staff, and advisors to guide you, you can expect excellent outcomes and a promising career by earning your degree through the Catawba Valley Community College LPN-to-ADN Program.
• The college reports excellent student satisfaction rates based on post-graduation student surveys, with many respondents reporting feeling highly satisfied with the knowledge and skills of the program faculty.
• Graduates of the program have excellent employment and NCLEX-RN pass rates, which supports the college’s claims of ensuring each student is well prepared for their future roles as registered nurses.
Program Length: 1 Year
Program Details: Missouri State University-West Plains offers another top accelerated ADN program. The program admits two cohorts each year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
The LPN-to-RN track is a
65-credit hour program that includes coursework in science, nursing, and liberal arts. At Missouri State, you will take classes, including Current Trends and Issues in Nursing, Nursing Care Across the Lifespan, Pharmacology, and Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing.
In addition to classroom learning, you will be immersed in rich laboratory and clinical learning, where you will gain professional skills to help you transition from an LPN to an RN role. You will practice hands-on care with patients in various clinical settings under the supervision of clinical faculty and approved preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated ADN program at Missouri State University takes one year to complete.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the accelerated ADN program at Missouri State University-West Plains, you must be accepted to the university with a non-probationary status and then apply to the nursing program. You must submit an official high school transcript or GED/HiSET certificate and official transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. All applicants must take the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam and must pass all nursing support courses with a grade of “C” or better.
Why Choose Missouri State University-West Plains ADN Program
• At Missouri State University, you will work with dedicated faculty and clinical advisors from the time you are admitted to the program until you graduate.
• The university offers job placement assistance to ensure graduates find employment as registered nurses following graduation.
• Graduates of the short ADN program at Missouri State University have excellent NCLEX-RN pass rates for first-time test-takers.
Program Length: 3 Semesters
Program Details: Juliet Junior College combines traditional classroom experiences with online learning, laboratory simulations in a high-fidelity laboratory, and clinical practicums to offer another of the best accelerated ADN programs in the nation. The program admits students twice a year, with cohorts beginning in the fall and spring semesters.
At Juliet, you must earn
72 semester credit hours to complete the ADN program. The curriculum includes general education requirements, major core nursing courses, and an LPN-to-ADN transition course. After completing the transition course, you will be awarded 7.5 semester hours toward the 72 semester hours requirement.
The program also includes a wide array of clinical experiences to help you develop the necessary skills to practice as a registered nurse. In clinical practicums, you will learn from experienced clinical faculty and preceptors in a variety of healthcare settings.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can earn your associate degree in nursing through the accelerated ADN program at Juliet Junior College in as few as three semesters.
Admission Requirements: Candidates for the ADN accelerated program must begin by applying to Joliet Junior College and then to the JJC nursing program. You must have a valid LPN/LVN license in the state of Illinois. In addition to taking the HESI Entrance exam and providing high school and college transcripts, you must pass a criminal background check and drug screen. Also, you must complete a physical examination and have current immunizations.
Why Choose Joliet Junior College ADN Program
• Joliet Junior College employs experienced faculty who continue to work in clinical practice, which means you will learn from instructors who are up to date with current trends and practices in professional nursing.
• At Joliet, you have access to a state-of-the-art high-fidelity laboratory where you will learn hands-on skills relevant to the registered nurse role, preparing you for clinical practicums and professional practice.
• Joliet Junior College accelerated ADN program graduates have outstanding pass rates for the NCLEX-RN among first-time test-takers.
Program Length: 2 Semesters
Program Details: Another top accelerated ADN program is offered at Cape Fear Community College in North Carolina. The program combines classroom instruction with asynchronous online learning and a wide array of clinical experiences to prepare you for your new role as a registered nurse. The program admits students in the spring and fall of each academic year.
The program features a
72-credit hour curriculum. You will learn in classes such as Nursing Transition Concepts, Microbiology, Critical Thinking for the Registered Nurse, and Developmental Psychology. In clinicals, you will provide care to patients and groups of patients of all ages across the lifespan. Clinical faculty will guide you as you develop and hone your clinical skills in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health centers.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated ADN program at Cape Fear Community College is designed to be completed in only two semesters.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the accelerated ADN program at Cape Fear Community College is competitive. You must have a current, unrestricted North Carolina or Multi-State LPN/LVN license. You must first complete a CFCC General Admission Application, including the Residency Determination Application. Once you are admitted to the college, you may apply for admission to the nursing program. You must provide official transcripts from high school (or equivalent) and any post-secondary school you attended. Transcripts should reflect a minimum 2.0 grade point average for all college coursework completed. Additionally, you must complete the ATN PN Comprehensive Predictor test, which is used to rank applicants. Students with the top 25 highest scores become semi-finalists and are considered for admission into the program.
Why Choose Cape Fear Community College ADN Program
• Cape Fear Community College offers low faculty-to-student ratios, which means you will have individual attention from faculty and staff.
• The college has clinical contracts with top hospitals and healthcare facilities to ensure adequate clinical experiences to prepare you for practice.
• Graduates of the program have excellent employment rates. The school reports most students are employed as registered nurses within six months of graduating from the program.
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: Howard College is home to another of our featured accelerated ADN programs. The program is a career mobility program designed to help licensed practical/vocational nurses upgrade their skills and become competent registered nurses. Students are admitted to the program two times each year, in the spring and fall.
The
60-credit program features classes, including Elementary Statistics, Adaptation to the Role of a Professional Nurse, Enhanced Concepts of Adult Health, and Mental Health Nursing. Clinicals begin in the first semester and continue each semester throughout the program.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The program at Howard College is a 12-month program, which includes two full semesters, a mini semester in the spring, and a summer flex session.
Admission Requirements: Licensed practical nurses with a valid, unrestricted license who wish to be considered for admission to the accelerated ADN program at Howard College must complete a general college application and a nursing application. You must complete all required prerequisites, earning a grade of “C” or better, and take the TEAS exam. In addition to providing copies of your official high school and post-secondary transcripts, you must provide a current immunization record and pass a criminal background check and drug test.
Why Choose Howard College ADN Program
•
U.S. News & World Report ranked Howard College as one of the top schools in the Southwest for Best ADN Programs in 2023.
• The College has a large network of hospitals and healthcare facilities where you will gain firsthand knowledge and clinical skills to help you prepare for your role as a registered nurse.
• At Howard College, you will learn from experienced nurse educators with diverse backgrounds and specialties.
Program Length: 8 Months
Program Details: Coastal Bend College offers another top accelerated ADN program and begins a new LVN-to-RN cohort each Fall and Spring. The program features online and face-to-face instruction as well as laboratory simulations and external clinical practicum experiences.
At Coastal Bend, you will complete
60 credits to earn the ADN degree, including 18 credits earned from prerequisite courses. The curriculum includes classes such as Nursing Informatics, Advanced Concepts of Adult Health, Care of the Childbearing Family, and Lifespan Growth and Development. While the college has several clinical contracts with top healthcare facilities and hospitals, the school will work with you to schedule clinical experiences as close to your home location as possible.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can anticipate earning an associate degree in nursing at Coastal Bend College through the short ADN program in eight months or two semesters.
Admission Requirements: Criteria for admission to the program at Coastal Bend College include holding an unrestricted LPN/LVN license through the Texas Board of Nurses or a Compact State, taking the TEAS entrance exam for nursing with a score of 70% or higher, and completion of all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C." You must complete a college application and submit all required documentation, including a copy of a valid LVN/LPN license, current American Heart Association CPR certification for Healthcare Providers, and official high school and LVN transcripts.
Why Choose Coastal Bend College ADN Program
• Coastal Bend College has a diverse team of nursing faculty and advisors dedicated to helping you succeed. You will have a dedicated advisor who works with you from admission until graduation to ensure you have all the tools you need to accomplish your goals!
• Graduates of the accelerated ADN program consistently have excellent NCLEX-RN pass rates, which is a strong indication of receiving a high-quality education.
• Coastal Bend College is ranked as one of the top nursing programs by
U.S. News.
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
What Starting Salary Can New Graduates of ADN Programs Expect to Earn?
New graduates of ADN programs earn an average of $61,260 per year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this pay breaks down to equal $5,100 per month, $1,178 per week, or $29.45 per hour.
Hourly | $29.45 |
Weekly | $1,178 |
Monthly | $5,100 |
Annual | $61,250 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
What is the Average Salary for Experienced Graduates of ADN Programs?
After graduating from an ADN program and gaining experience, you can expect to earn an average of approximately $89,010 annually. This pay is the equivalent of $42.79 per hour, $1,712 per week, or $7,420 per month.
Hourly | $42.79 |
Weekly | $1,712 |
Monthly | $7,420 |
Annual | $89,010 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Average Salary by State for Experienced Graduates of These Programs
Earning potential for graduates of accelerated ADN programs is determined by several factors. One of the major contributing factors that determines salary is location. For example, a state-by-state comparison by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows program graduates earn between $66,530 in Arkansas and $133,340 in California annually.
State | Average Annual Salary |
Alabama | $66,910 |
Alaska | $103,310 |
Arizona | $86,740 |
Arkansas | $66,530 |
California | $133,340 |
Colorado | $86,590 |
Connecticut | $94,260 |
Delaware | $85,020 |
District of Columbia | $98,230 |
Florida | $79,910 |
Georgia | $85,180 |
Hawaii | $113,220 |
Idaho | $78,610 |
Illinois | $82,220 |
Indiana | $75,580 |
Iowa | $69,370 |
Kansas | $71,990 |
Kentucky | $77,620 |
Louisiana | $75,920 |
Maine | $77,410 |
Maryland | $87,990 |
Massachusetts | $104,150 |
Michigan | $80,660 |
Minnesota | $88,860 |
Mississippi | $67,930 |
Missouri | $71,860 |
Montana | $78,350 |
Nebraska | $73,510 |
Nevada | $96,310 |
New Hampshire | $83,420 |
New Jersey | $96,670 |
New Mexico | $85,580 |
New York | $100,130 |
North Carolina | $77,420 |
North Dakota | $75,000 |
Ohio | $78,450 |
Oklahoma | $76,920 |
Oregon | $106,610 |
Pennsylvania | $80,630 |
Rhode Island | $88,250 |
South Carolina | $74,330 |
South Dakota | $64,500 |
Tennessee | $72,480 |
Texas | $84,320 |
Utah | $76,400 |
Vermont | $79,990 |
Virginia | $81,860 |
Washington | $101,670 |
West Virginia | $72,230 |
Wisconsin | $81,000 |
Wyoming | $81,010 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
10-Year Job Outlook for Graduates of These Programs
The job outlook for graduates of accelerated ADN programs is positive. The BLS projects nurses with this degree will see an increase in available jobs of about 6.24% between 2021 and 2031, which is higher than the average for all other jobs.
2021-31 |
+6.24% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
My Final Thoughts
As a nurse and healthcare educator, I love the fact that nursing is full of opportunities to advance and grow. If you are a licensed practical nurse who wants to take advantage of those opportunities, becoming a registered nurse is the next step. When time is of the essence, finding a short program is helpful. In that case, you probably wondered, “What are the best accelerated ADN programs?”
In this article, I answered that question by sharing the nation’s 10 best accelerated (campus-based and online) ADN programs. With a demand for registered nurses, excellent job opportunities, and so many options to earn your degree, there is no better time to find a program and get started!
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.