Are you a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Toledo area looking to advance both your nursing skills and career options? Then returning to school through an LPN to RN bridge program may be for you! As a current nurse, you already have invaluable clinical experience and knowledge to help you successfully transition into the expanded role of a registered nurse.
This comprehensive guide provides key details on LPN to RN pathway options in Toledo, Ohio to help you make an informed decision for your nursing future. We’ll explore what bridge programs entail, their benefits, tips for selecting the right program, steps for applying/enrolling, set you up for success once in a program, and shine light on exciting RN career prospects. So let’s get started!
What Exactly Does an LPN to RN Bridge Program Do?
LPN to RN bridge programs build upon the medical knowledge and clinical capabilities you’ve already gained as a practical nurse. The curriculum transitions students from having a defined nursing function under supervision of RNs or physicians to acquiring expanded skills, experience and decision-making to practice more autonomously as a registered nurse.
Nationally over the past decade, employment for RNs is projected to grow 9% while LPN roles may decline due to their limited scope in technologically advancing healthcare settings. Locally, Ohio will need over 17,000 additional nurses by 2026 due to aging populations and expanding medical facilities. Investing into an LPN to RN bridge program enhances your nursing expertise to fill more advanced and in-demand RN roles.
Why Should I Become a Registered Nurse?
Transitioning from LPN to RN provides several impactful benefits:
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Increased Responsibilities: RNs have a wider breadth of practice allowing full patient case management and administrative duties compared to the bounded task-based work of most LPNs.
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Higher Salary Potential: Average national salaries for RNs are $73,000 vs $47,000 annually for LPNs. In Ohio specifically those numbers are $66,000 and $43,000 respectively per year.
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Expanded Job Options & Advancement: The RN license offers flexibility to transition into a diversity of healthcare settings in varied roles with opportunities to obtain further nursing specializations.
The investment into advancing your qualification from practical to registered nurse is truly valuable for maximizing your nursing expertise. Let’s look closer at accredited bridge program options in the Toledo area.
Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Toledo, Ohio
There are several excellent LPN to RN programs in the Toledo region offered through local community colleges and universities. Be sure focus on schools holding accreditation through either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Accreditation indicates that stringent educational standards were met by the institution including qualified faculty, rigorous curriculums, adequate program resources and the ability for graduates to pass the RN licensure exam. This designation is key for ensuring the quality and reputation of your bridge program.
Below outlines the top accredited LPN to RN programs in Toledo:
1. Mercy College of Ohio
Academics: Mercy College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing degree spanning 5 semesters including summer sessions of full-time study. Course topics focus deeply on core RN knowledge areas like medical-surgical nursing, mental health, pediatrics, obstetrics and community care. Students also learn more advanced skills in clinical judgement, pharmacology, physical assessment, evidence-based practice and nursing leadership/management.
Admission Requirements: You must currently hold an active Ohio LPN license, achieve set benchmark scores on the TEAS entrance exam and may need to complete defined prerequisites courses if not already studied.
Approximate Cost: $415 per credit hour of tuition makes Mercy College very competitively priced for private schools in the region.
Reviews: Graduates consistently rate Mercy College’s nursing program as excellent preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam and workplace readiness. One-on-one support from faculty instructors, paired with hands-on clinical experience at Mercy Health facilities are commonly cited strengths.
2. Herzing University
Academics: Herzing offers an accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing pathway spanning just 3 semesters designed specifically for working LPN students. The curriculum intertwines coursework and clinical work focused on areas including critical care, mental health, pediatrics, leadership and transcultural nursing. Classes are offered in flexible formats – on-campus, online and hybrid.
Admission Requirements: You’ll need your LPN diploma, transcripts, proof of current Ohio licensure, letters of recommendation, a resume and passing scores on the HESI nursing entrance exam.
Approximate Cost: Herzing costs $515 per credit hour putting total program expenses around $26,000. They work proactively with students on financial assistance options.
Reviews: Graduates give high marks to Herzing for small class sizes, personalized teaching and convenient blended scheduling options that fit working nurses’ lifestyles. The variety of clinical placements at healthcare networks across Northwest Ohio are also touted positively.
3. Owens Community College
Academics: Owens offers an Associate Degree in Nursing over 5 semesters that incorporates evening and weekend courses to accommodate working LPNs. Coursework expands upon the medical, surgical, pediatric and maternity care knowledge foundation developed as an LPN. Additional emphasis is placed on community health, nursing research, psychology and management.
Admission Requirements: Owens requires you hold an active Ohio LPN license without restrictions. You‘ll also need to complete several prerequisites like anatomy, physiology, biology, microbiology and nutrition courses if you have not already.
Approximate Cost: Owens offers very affordable tuition at $155.88 per credit hour for in-state students. Textbooks and fees add roughly another $1,000 per semester.
Reviews: Owens nursing graduates consistently receive positive feedback from regional healthcare employers for having well-developed critical thinking and technical skills. The program’s high NCLEX-RN pass rate outcomes demonstrate excellent educational preparation as well.
Whether aiming to expand your knowledge, earnings potential or professional opportunities, Toledo offers multiple LPN to RN bridge programs tailored to working nurses. Now let’s explore key factors to weigh when selecting your ideal program match.
How to Select the Best LPN to RN Program for Your Goals
Choosing your perfect pathway to registered nursing does require some consideration around logistics that fit your situation. Below are key decision points to guide your research process:
Accreditation Status
As highlighted previously, verify CCNE or ACEN accreditation to ensure program quality standards needed for RN licensure.
Schedule Format & Location
If still working, seek programs offering evening, weekend or online courses with multiple term start dates for flexibility. Also confirm clinical rotation sites work geographically.
Duration & Curriculum
Standard bridge programs run 4-5 semesters. If accelerated options meet your needs better, ensure condensed courses still cover fundamentals adequately.
Faculty Qualifications
Experience levels of nursing faculty and instructor-to-student ratios indicate how personalized attention will be.
Cost Comparison
Contrast total programs costs and how much is covered by Federal Pell grants or other tuition assistance. Never assume a program is financially out of reach without exploring funding options first.
Doing thorough homework by researching these aspects will help identify your best-aligned LPN to RN bridge program for advancing professionally.
Applying to LPN to RN Programs in Toledo
With a few items pulled together, submitting your actual LPN to RN program application goes smoothly:
Transcripts
Have college transcripts from your practical nursing diploma as well as any other previous college courses available.
Licensure Documentation
Programs want to verify your active, unrestricted Ohio LPN license status.
Letters of Recommendation
Secure recommendations speaking to your nursing skills, work ethic and ability to succeed in advanced coursework.
Entrance Exam Scores
Take either the TEAS or HESI nursing entrance exam in advance to achieve competitive scoring.
Immunization & CPR Records
Programs require current TB testing, vaccination, and CPR certification documentation.
With these pieces ready, you’ll be set to complete applications thoroughly. Double check for any additional unique requirements from your prospective schools as well.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Once accepted into an LPN to RN bridge program, you’ll need to navigate demanding courses and clinical work. Utilize these tips to pave your pathway:
Map Out a Detailed Study Schedule
Balance assignments and test prep among other obligations in a realistic weekly agenda with set reminders.
Attend Every Class & Actively Participate
Stay engaged asking questions freely for deeper comprehension. Take meticulous notes and review them consistently.
Form Study Groups
Connect with peers to discuss clinical experiences, course topics needing clarification and practice tricky skills.
Meet With Professors
Don’t hesitate to request 1:1 help from your nursing professors during office hours if needing to further breakdown concepts.
Seek Extra Study Resources
Some find YouTube videos, anatomy flashcards or NCLEX practice questions valuable for reinforcing retention of knowledge.
Prepare Thoroughly for Clinicals
From having proper attire, paperwork and equipment to understanding assigned duties, not being prepared causes undue stress while gaining required hands-on experience.
You’ll also want to care for your own wellbeing through proper rest, a balanced diet and stress relief activities. With commitment to these positive habits, you’ll transition smoothly into registered nursing!
What’s the Job Outlook for RNs Nationally and in the Toledo Area?
The future remains very bright for registered nurses as healthcare systems strive to deliver high quality, person-centered and value-based care. The aging baby-boomer population along with rising rates of chronic diseases will drive increased demand. Ambulatory care, home health and community-based settings also continue expanding RN roles beyond traditional hospital sites.
Nationally, registered nursing careers are projected to grow 9% through 2026. That equals over 386,000 additional RN job openings due to industry growth and replacement needs as nurses retire. In Ohio specifically, the expected RN job growth rate is 7% which would require close to 17,500 new RNs by 2026. And our localized projections for the Toledo area mimic these robust numbers.
With this high-growth outlook combined with the good wages, flexible work options and opportunities for advancement – the ROI in bridging from LPN to RN looks quite encouraging! By choosing the right accredited program catered to your situation, you’ll be well positioned to excel as Licensed Practical Nurse today and Registered Nurse tomorrow!
To recap, LPN to RN bridge programs build upon your existing medical knowledge to gain advanced nursing skills needed for supervisory clinical roles and better career prospects. Find the right program match by comparing curriculum, cost, schedule and earning RN accreditation. Follow tips to stay on track once classes begin and you’ll smoothly transition to registered nurse status opening new job possibilities. Wishing you much success on your journey to RN!