Is An LPN-to-BSN Worth It? – (Pros VS. Cons)


Written By: Darby FaubionDarby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »»
RN, BSN, MBA


Are you a licensed practical nurse considering becoming a registered nurse? Do you want to go back to school but feel unsure about which type of degree to pursue? One program that is an excellent option is an LPN-to-BSN program. These programs allow you to transition from a licensed practical nurse to a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Perhaps you heard of this type of program but wonder, “Is an LPN-to-BSN degree program worth it?”

I remember trying to decide which nursing school I wanted to attend and the degree I wanted to earn. I had so many questions! In this article, I am going to share 15 reasons why an LPN-to-BSN degree program is worth it and 5 reasons why it may not be the right degree for you. By considering these reasons, you can get a clearer understanding of why an LPN-to-BSN program may or may not be the best option for you and choose the right path to take for your career.



How Long Does an LPN-to-BSN Degree Take?


The time it takes to earn an LPN-to-BSN degree varies. Most programs take between one and two years, depending on whether you have completed all your general education or other prerequisite courses and on how many credits the school awards for having your LPN license. For example, you can complete the LPN-to-BSN program at Azusa Pacific University in two years. East Tennessee State University’s program takes four semesters to complete, and California State University East Bay students take two and a half years to complete the LPN-to-BSN after all prerequisite coursework is completed.


How Much Does an LPN-to-BSN Degree Cost?


LPN-to-BSN programs can cost as little as $15,000 to $100,000 or more. A few factors to consider are whether you must pay in-state or out-of-state tuition and if you have any type of scholarships or grants to help offset the cost of the program. For instance, at Georgia Southwestern State University, students pay between $24,128 and $77,736, depending on whether they are in-state or out-of-state students. At Nebraska Methodist College, the LPN-to-BSN program costs approximately $39,000 regardless of your state residency status.



Why is an LPN-to-BSN Degree Program Worth It? – the Pros

(The following are the 15 main reasons why an LPN-TO-BSN degree program is worth it.)


REASON #1: You Can Positively Impact Patient Outcomes

While all nurses can positively impact patient outcomes, there is evidence to support that higher levels of education in nursing are linked to significantly improved patient outcomes. The American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN) reports that nurses with a BSN have demonstrated abilities that benefit both patients and healthcare providers. According to the AACN, healthcare organizations that employ higher numbers of BSN-prepared registered nurses are associated with 24% greater odds of patients surviving cardiac arrest, 25% lower mortality rates, and an 8% decrease in the length of hospital stays.


REASON #2: You Can Earn More Money

One thing any of my previous nursing students would tell you about me is that I always stressed that nursing is not about the money. I truly believe that. However, earning a good income does not help!

In nursing, there are always opportunities to increase your earning potential. One of the biggest reasons why an LPN-to-BSN degree program is worth it is that you can increase your income significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a licensed practical nurse earns a median annual salary of $59,730. A registered nurse with a BSN, on the other hand, earns an average of $89,010. That is a difference of nearly $30,000 per year!


REASON #3: You Can Get a Job in Leadership or Management

If you want to utilize your knowledge, skills, and experience to positively impact your workplace, team, and profession, you may feel an LPN-to-BSN degree program is worth it. When you earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, you can leverage your degree with your experience and skills to become a leader or manager in nursing. As a leader, you will be perfectly positioned to advocate not only for patients but for your team and your organization.


REASON #4: You Can Easily Transition to a Graduate Degree

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a nurse practitioner or earning another advanced degree? One of the awesome things about nursing is that even if you are not prepared to go that far in your studies just yet, you still have options! One of the top reasons why an LPN-to-BSN degree program is worth it is that you can earn a bachelor’s in nursing and get the experience you need as a registered nurse, then easily transition to a master’s or doctoral program.


REASON #5: Improved Job Security

Nursing is an amazing profession with endless opportunities and job prospects. A nationwide shortage of nurses has made it possible for nurses to find jobs when some other professions may struggle. Because bachelor's-prepared nurses have a higher level of education, broader skills set, and wider knowledge base, employers often prefer BSN job candidates for registered nurse positions. In fact, according to a survey from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nearly 70% of healthcare employers prefer BSN graduates, which is one of the biggest reasons why an LPN-to-BSN degree program is worth it.


REASON #6: You Can Choose to Specialize

Becoming a registered nurse is a great accomplishment. One of the things I love about nursing, though, is you never stop learning. When you earn your bachelor’s degree in nursing, you have options to specialize. There are many areas of specialization you can choose from based on your interests. For example, you may choose to specialize in pediatrics, rheumatology, psychiatric-mental health, community, or cardiac nursing, just to name a few options.

I first learned about the many areas of nursing specialization when I worked at a university hospital. I was so excited to know I was not limited to earning one degree or one certification! Through the years, some of the areas I earned certification in were wound care, diabetes education, pediatrics, geriatrics, and mental health. That is what I love about nursing! There is always something new to learn and experience!


REASON #7: You Will Be Instrumental in Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential in promoting better patient outcomes. One of the things that makes an LPN-to-BSN degree program worth it is that you will learn ways to contribute to the interdisciplinary team, which means you can be instrumental in promoting and improving patient outcomes. The higher level of education and more in-depth experiences you gain in the program will give you insight into patient problems and care that you can share with the team, which benefits everyone.


REASON #8: You Have More Opportunities for Advancement

If you love nursing and plan to make a long-term career of it, chances are, you want to do what you can to move ahead. An LPN-to-BSN degree program is worth it because it creates more opportunities for you to advance. Whether you want to find a job as a nurse manager, administrator, or director, or if you hope to specialize in providing care for a specific patient population, there are endless opportunities when you earn a BSN!


REASON #9: You Will Develop a Broader Skill Set and Greater Clinical Competency

Another of the top reasons why an LPN-to-BSN degree program is worth it is that you will learn more advanced nursing skills and develop greater clinical competencies. An LPN-to-BSN program will build upon your prior knowledge and experience as a licensed practical nurse, helping you develop more advanced skills and competencies, which you can use to further promote your career.


REASON #10: You Can Mentor Other Nurses and Nursing Students

Depending on where you work, when you earn a BSN, you could take on the role of a mentor in nursing. Some hospitals and nursing homes utilize the knowledge and skills of baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses to mentor new nurses and nursing students. Being a nurse mentor is an excellent way to demonstrate professionalism and impact future generations of nursing outside of the traditional classroom.


REASON #11: Increased Marketability

Because baccalaureate nursing programs educate nurses at a higher level, earning a BSN degree increases your marketability in the nursing profession. Increased marketability is one of the top reasons why an LPN-to-BSN degree program is worth it. Whether you want to see what jobs are available for BSN-prepared nurses so you can transition to a new setting or specialty, or if you want to take on some part-time or prn work, earning your BSN is an excellent way to make yourself more appealing to prospective employers!


REASON #12: You Can Work in More Settings

As more advances in technology make access to healthcare easier, consumers' demand for alternative methods of receiving healthcare services has continued to grow and change. While there was a time when acutely ill patients would go to an emergency room for care, many now go to after-hours or urgent care clinics to seek care. As individuals live longer and demand more independent lives in older age, the need for services at or close to home has increased, which means there is an increase in the use of telehealth and home health services.

One of the awesome things about LPN-to-BSN degree programs is they prepare you to accept registered nurse roles in these types of settings. Whether you work in a clinical role providing patient care or a management position leading teams of nurses as they provide care, an LPN-to-BSN program can help prepare you for jobs in diverse settings.


REASON #13: You Will Have a Broader Scope of Practice

If you are ready to step into roles that offer more independence, an LPN-to-BSN degree program is worth it. While LPNs do have some autonomy with regard to certain tasks and decision-making, the differences between an LPN's and an RN's scope of practice are rather broad. For example, with a BSN, you can work in an administrative or leadership role that oversees licensed practical nurses and other registered nurses.


REASON#14: Your Day Will Never Be Boring!

If you like being busy, I believe you may find an LPN-to-BSN degree program worth it. When you earn your bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a registered nurse, there are so many opportunities for jobs that will keep you busy! Whether you work in a clinical role or a leadership or management role, there is always something to do as a registered nurse with a BSN.


REASON #15: You May Find a More Flexible Work Schedule

Work schedules for nurses vary depending on the setting. One of the great things about getting your Bachelor of Science in Nursing is that you may find more appealing jobs with better schedules. Having kids at home, I especially liked the idea that becoming an RN with a BSN could open the door to jobs with more flexible work schedules. Whether you have children or simply want some more freedom to choose the kind of schedule you want to work, an LPN-to-RN degree program could make it possible!



Why an LPN-to-BSN Degree Program May Not Be Worth It for You? – the Cons

(Now that we have discussed the 15 reasons why an LPN-TO-BSN degree program is worth it, I will share 5 main reasons why an LPN-TO-BSN degree program may not be worth it for you.)


REASON #1: Becoming a Registered Nurse Leads to More Challenging Work

Anyone who ever said nursing is not challenging has never been a nurse. That is true no matter whether you are a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse and no matter what degree you have. However, when you become a registered nurse, with the perks come more responsibilities, some of which can be quite challenging. If you are more interested in jobs with less responsibility and fewer challenges, you may feel an LPN-to-BSN degree program is not worth it.


REASON #2: LPN to BSN Programs Can Be Stressful

As much as I would love to sugarcoat things for you, the truth is that getting your BSN is going to be tough. LPN-to-BSN programs cover a lot of information in a shorter amount of time than a traditional bachelor’s nursing program. You will not only have classes, assignments, and tests, but you must also participate in clinical practicums. If you continue to work while in school or have a family or other responsibilities, it can make things stressful.

If I could give you any advice, I would tell you to consider your options carefully and think about why you want to become a registered nurse. If your “why” is not strong enough and you do not think you can handle the stress that comes with the program, it could be that an LPN-to-BSN degree program is not worth it for you.


REASON #3: An LPN-to-BSN Program Can Be Expensive

Depending on where you go to school, an LPN-to-BSN program can cost tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. You not only have to pay tuition but also other expenses to consider. For example, you must pay for books, uniforms, and other supplies, such as a blood pressure monitor, stethoscope, and pen light. You may have to pay out-of-state fees, technology fees, and other fees, as well. If you do not have the financial means or do not qualify for grants, loans, or scholarships, you may find an LPN-to-BSN degree program not worth it.


REASON #4: You May Feel You Don’t Have Enough Time

Another reason you may feel an LPN-to-BSN degree is not worth it is that it requires a significant time commitment. After attending classes and clinicals, studying for exams, and completing any assignments, you may feel like there is little time for anything else. It can be especially frustrating if you have a family and children.

I know when I made the decision to go back to school, I had to spend time carefully planning my schedule. I knew there were things I had to do if I wanted to earn my degree, but I also had children and a job. It was challenging, to say the least. If you are determined, you can accomplish your goals. However, if you are half-heartedly set on earning your degree, you may want to reconsider.


REASON #5: Climbing the Nursing Ladder Is Not One of Your Goals

I have a very close friend who has been a licensed practical nurse for nearly 30 years. She is one of the smartest people I know. There have been times when I have called on her to explain something to me from her perspective or from her many years of experience. The fact that she is not a registered nurse cannot take away her years of experience and personal insight. I asked her once why she did not go back to school to become a registered nurse, and she said she was content with what she was doing and had no desire to go back to school. So, if you are anything like my friend, you may feel like going back to school or climbing the proverbial nursing ladder is not for you. In that case, an LPN-to-BSN program is not worth it.



What is the Average Salary for LPN-to-BSN Degree Holders?


The average salary for LPN-to-BSN degree holders is $89,010 per year. This annual 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)



Is The Cost of an LPN-to-BSN Degree Worth the Return on Investment (ROI)?


When considering whether an LPN-to-BSN degree is worth it, one thing to think about is whether you will get a positive return on your investment. In general terms, a return on investment deals with the money you spend getting the degree compared to your earning potential. Even if you consider the most expensive LPN-to-BSN programs, when you consider that the average salary for program graduates is approximately $89,000, it is clear that you will get a positive return on your investment.



My Final Thoughts


If you are a licensed practical nurse considering becoming a registered nurse, there are so many things to consider, such as the type of program you would pursue if you went back to school. There are many types of RN programs to choose from, including LPN-to-BSN programs. You may have wondered, “Is an LPN-to-BSN degree program worth it?”

I have been where you are and understand how difficult it can be to choose an academic path. That’s why in this article, I shared 15 reasons why an LPN-to-BSN degree program is worth it and 5 reasons why it may not be the right degree for you. The nursing profession is filled with opportunities for the taking, and only you know what decision is best for you. I encourage you to consider the reasons in this article and make a decision based on what you want for your career and future.



List Of Sources Used For This Article


1. “Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses Are Essential to Quality Health Care” (American Association of Colleges of Nursing)
2. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
3. American Nurses Credentialing Center
4. “2023 Employment Research Brief” (American Association of Colleges of Nursing)
5. “LPN vs. RN- What Are the Key Similarities and Differences?” (nursingprocess.org)


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.