Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide critical healthcare services in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. However, increasing numbers of LPNs are choosing to advance their careers by pursuing an RN degree through LPN to RN bridge programs.
Why Become a Registered Nurse?
There are several compelling reasons why getting licensed as a registered nurse should be considered by licensed LPNs:
- Higher earning potential – On average, RNs earn $82,750 per year in Connecticut, nearly $25,630 more than the $57,120 average LPN salary in the state (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Strong long-term job growth – Connecticut RN employment is projected to surge by 10% from 2020 to 2030, more than double the 5% job growth for LPNs over this same period
- Enhanced role authority – RNs have increased responsibility, supervisory duties, specialized career options, and autonomy over LPN roles
- Higher level of respect – The RN credential denotes a higher degree of medical competence and leadership ability
- Greater career stability – RN designation allows nurses to more easily relocate geographically for optimal job opportunities
Clearly, becoming an RN significantly impacts earning power along with lifelong career prospects over remaining an LPN long-term. Many LPNs decide the payoff of spending 12-18 additional months becoming an RN well worth the added effort and expense.
Overview of LPN to RN Programs
RN licensure normally requires either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). So LPN to RN programs educate students at the level needed to meet registered nursing education standards.
There are a few common types of LPN to RN bridge programs:
LPN to ADN – Designed to be completed part-time, LPN to ADN programs build upon prior practical medical knowledge. The average program length spans 5-6 semesters.
LPN to BSN – Offering double the clinical training hours required for an ADN, LPN to BSN programs prepare nurses for specialized roles. Some programs enable completing a BSN degree in as little as 18 months.
Online Options – Online LPN to RN programs provide exceptional flexibility for working LPNs to continue gaining clinical experience. Distance coursework combined with supervised local hospital shifts make these bridge programs conveniently accessible.
Accelerated Programs – Fast-track 12-month LPN to RN bridge programs quickly boost nursing credentials through intensive year-round commitment that includes on-campus simulation labs and immersive virtual reality case training.
No matter what type of LPN to RN pathway gets chosen, students can expect rigorous medical and clinical education. Course topics span nursing care related to pediatric, geriatric, surgical, psychiatric, general medicine, critical care, and community populations. Extensive hands-on skills development and testing also prepares nurses for passing the National Council Licensure Exam – RN version (NCLEX-RN) required for registered nursing licensure.
Top New Haven LPN to RN Programs
The New Haven area offers many highly rated LPN to RN degree programs. Here are some exceptional RN bridge programs for licensed LPNs to consider:
1. Three Rivers Community College
Highlights:
- Public Community College located in Norwich, CT
- Renowned LPN to RN transition program that takes just 3 semesters to complete
- 93% first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate
- Dedicated simulation lab to practice clinical skills in a risk-free environment
Admissions Requirements:
- Hold active LPN license without restrictions
- Complete Four General Education Courses:
- English Composition
- Human Biology with Lab
- Lifespan Psychology
- College-level Math
- Minimum 2.7 GPA
Time & Cost Investment
Credit Hours: 62 Credits
Tuition: $218/Credit Hour for CT residents
Duration: 1.5 Years (3 Semesters)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $13,516
2. Goodwin University
Highlights:
- Leading LPN to BSN online bridge program in Connecticut
- CCNE-accredited, prepares graduates for RN licensing exam
- Ranked #16 nationally for online RN to BSN programs (Intelligent)
- 560+ hours of hands-on clinical experience
Admissions Requirements:
- Hold unencumbered LPN license
- Complete LPN to BSN Bridge Course
- Pass the ATI TEAS Exam With a 58% Score
- Submit Official Transcripts
Time & Cost Investment:
Credit Hours: 122 Credits
Tuition: $370/Credit Hour
Duration: 4 Semesters (18 Months With Summers Off)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $45,140
3. Southern Connecticut State University
Highlights:
- Public 4-year university located in New Haven, CT
- High job placement rates for nursing school graduates
- Small class sizes taught by highly qualified nursing faculty
- Beautiful suburban campus setting
Admissions Requirements:
- Active CT LPN license
- Complete Four Prerequisite Courses:
- English Composition & Literature
- Lifespan Developmental Psychology
- Microbiology
- Anatomy & Physiology I
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Competitive program with limited seats
Time & Cost Investment:
Credit Hours: 125 Credits
In-State Tuition: $425/Credit Hour
Out-of-State Tuition: $1,144/Credit Hour
Duration: 7 Semesters
Total Estimated In-State Cost: $53,125
Compare the unique program features, cost factors, and campus locations to determine the best LPN to RN bridge program fit for your particular needs and interests.
Key Steps for Enrolling in a LPN to RN Program
Nurses ready to advance their career through an LPN to RN degree program should follow these key steps:
1. Fulfill Prerequisite Requirements
Most LPN to RN bridge programs require prerequisite general education credits related to English, Math, Psychology, Biology, etc. Audit your transcripts and complete any missing foundational courses in advance.
2. Pass Entrance Exams
You’ll likely need to take and meet minimum score requirements on standardized tests like the TEAS or HESI to demonstrate core academic proficiency levels for admission.
3. Secure Funding
Research scholarship options along with financial aid resources like Federal Nursing Loans available to LPN to RN students to put together funding.
4. Submit Program Applications
Apply early to boost chances for acceptance. Include all required documentation like essays, recommendation letters, license verification, immunization records, and transcripts.
5. Prepare for Enrollment
Once accepted, you may need to complete enrollment requirements like background checks, drug tests, CPR certification, and health insurance waivers before starting nursing program classes.
Expanding Career Prospects After Graduating
Earning an RN degree provides expanded nursing specialization and leadership opportunities. Here are some of the coveted nursing careers accessible after getting licensed as a registered nurse:
Nurse Practitioner
Working as an advanced practice registered nurse practitioner enables providing primary care services. Nurse practitioners can even open their own clinics or private practices. The average CT nurse practitioner salary reaches up to $111,680 per year.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse specialists focus on specific patient conditions and advanced treatments plans. Specialties can range from oncology to obstetrics with average annual salaries in Connecticut up to $106,940.
Nurse Midwife
Registered nurses can deliver babies, provide reproductive healthcare, and promote family wellness as certified nurse midwives. Full-time nurse midwives earn approximately $103,640 per year across the state.
Nurse Anesthetist
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) Provide anesthesia and pain management services for surgery patients, obstetric cases, trauma victims, and other intensive procedures. CRNAs rank among the highest paid nurses, making approximately $181,040 annually in Connecticut.
Pursuing an RN degree offers long-term dividends for LPN pay, responsibilities, and career advancement outlook that shouldn’t get underestimated or delayed. Reach out now to speak with admissions counselors from these exceptional LPN to RN bridge programs available in the thriving New Haven region and invest in your nursing future.