Online and Distance Learning

An LVN to RN program is one designed to enable a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).  This page has more details of what is involved and where the programs can be studied.

A Licensed Vocational Nurse to RN programs provide progression in a career in nursing. It paves way for those who want to advance their nursing careers from a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to be able to handle more complex responsibilities in the medical field.  As a Registered Nurse (RN), you would be expected to help with the preparation of care plans for patients and also to treat patients.

Career overview for someone taking this program

The dynamics of the registered nurses responsibilities keep changing everyday.  There are constant changes in the patient care and medicine administration with lots of improvements being seen in the field.  The completion of your LVN to RN degree can have you landing a job in emergency medical facilities, surgical centers, health maintenance organizations, nursing homes, private medical facilities etc.

This is an industry that needs very compassionate people who can help to offer heath care services in a more professional manner.  Knowing some communication skills in your LVN to RN degree is vital to keep your bridging gap between the patient and his family a success.

As a registered practitioner you will be in charge of supervising nursing aides, LPNs, nursing assistants, orderlies, nursing care technicians as well as many more junior health care personnel.  In many cases, you will be working under the close assistance of a physician but can be in control of provision of initial medication and assessment of patients.

LVN to RN training and programs

If you already are a Licensed Vocational Nurse and you wish to become a Registered Nurse, you will need to take a qualifying program that prepares you for the registration.  This can either be an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelors degree in nursing (BSN).  Some colleges provide special RN transition or LVN to RN bridge programs that credit the work already covered in the LVN program. 

Both the LVN to ADN and the LVN to BSN programs will typically comprise general education, science, nursing theory and clinical nursing. They will most likely include: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, sociology, psychology, human development, gerontology, nursing science, pharmacology, and communication skills.  The LVN to BSN degree will extend the content and depth further.  A BSN will typically take two years to complete for a nurse with an LVN or an LPN license.

Finding suitable schools and programs

LVN to RN programs can be provided online or offline. Use the search boxes and the links provided on this page to find suitable schools and programs.  Request information from several schools and then compare program content and admission requirements.  Consider applying for more than one program so as to increase your chances of an offer.

On Campus Nursing Schools in the US

You can find the location of campuses in the US and find one near you by clicking on the relevant links in the US universities and colleges web page.

On Campus Nursing Schools in Canada

You can find out the location of campuses and programs close to you on the Canadian universities and colleges web page.  Also, check the following selected schools and programs.

• Vancouver Career College
  • Practical Nursing

• CDI College
  • Nursing Assistant

What are the career prospects after taking an LVN to RN program?

Just like many other businesses, there is so much change that keeps occurring in the health care sector every passing day. There is so much financial, federal practice and state guidelines, and budgetary constraints. With the degree you will be able to face the state licensing restrictions, health care changes, specialties, registered nurses work settings, and emergency handling changes in a more professional manner. This will no doubt make you a well sought after professional in the health sector.

There is so much growth in the medical industry to give opportunities to those pursuing this program. The U.S. Department of Labor projects a continued rise in the employment opportunities of registered nurses till 2016 and even beyond. Job openings are bound to be available in multiple percentages in physician offices, hospitals, nursing care facilities, residential care facilities, outpatient care centers, local, state and federal government agencies among others. It is therefore a positive thing to take up an elevating course in the medical field like LVN to RN degree and open opportunities for your future.

As you look into the income rankings which you can expect once in employment, you need to realize that the number of years you have worked, your area of operation in the country and some other minimal factors like the industry of work may influence your remuneration. The U.S. Department of Labor shows that you can get from slightly below $40,250 to above $83,440.

Earnings by industry also vary with specifications given for registered nurses working in general medical and surgical hospitals, nursing care facilities, employment services, offices of physicians and home health care services.

For more information

Check the range of nursing programs available.

You can also search here for online nursing schools and programs

If you don't find what you want here, try using the search facility on this site with LVN to RN programs as your search term.

You also use this link to search for online degree programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for programs or top health care schools near you.