LPN to ADN Programs

Career Spotlights

Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

What's a person to do if she wants to start a career in nursing, but can't afford to spend three to four years in college before being able to start earning a living? Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse may be the answer....

Read More

Become a Registered Nurse (RN)

Even in a sluggish economy, registered nurses are always in demand. Learn how to launch your RN career today in this six-step guide....

Read More

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want better pay, more autonomy, and increased job opportunities might want to consider earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). The move to ADN can provide new independence and responsibilities to LPNs. Moving into an ADN role can also position LPNs for greater career success down the road.

LPN to ADN: Making the Move

There are several steps to take in order to advance from an LPN to ADN. First, LPNs need to complete an education.

Education & Training: In order to transition from the LPN to AND level, students need to graduate from an ADN program. Today, numerous community and technical colleges offer ADN programs across the country. Although each school has its own admissions requirements, there are a few common things to remember:

• Minimum GPA. Often, ADN programs require potential students have a minimum grade point average of 2.75. If transferring programs, a college GPA of 2.0 is typically required.
• Minimum ACT or SAT scores. Traditionally, a combined SAT score of 990 or an ACT score of at least 21 is required.
• Prerequisites. Often, a series of prerequisite courses in areas such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, English, and more are required.

In some cases, ADN programs may even require that LPNs complete a set number of clinical practice hours prior to admission.

Application: The following items may be required during the application process:

• Completed ADN application form
• Completed college application form
• High school transcripts or GED scores
• Official college transcripts
• College application fees
• Completion of satisfactory college credits
• ACT or SAT scores

It generally takes two years of full-time attendance to complete the required coursework and clinical training to go from LPN to ADN.

LPN to ADN: Cost Benefits

It is important to weigh the costs as well as the pros and cons when deciding to move from LPN to ADN.

• Tuition and fees can be approximately $175.00 per credit
• Supplies and textbooks can be around $2,000 per year
• Uniforms are approximately $200 per year
• NCLEX-RN test fees are $200

Financial aid, such as student loans, is available to help finance an ADN education. Consider the transition to ADN as an investment in your future, an investment that should pay off with the potential for solid career earnings, career advancement, and job security.

ADN Salary and Career Outlook

Today, nursing remains one of the fastest growing career fields, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Estimates from the BLS expect nursing to see employment growth of 22 percent between 2008 and 2018. The largest population of health care workers in the U.S. is registered nurses who work in clinics, doctors' offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and more.

Registered nurses took home median annual salaries of $63,750 in 2009, with the top ten percent earning more than $93,000. Top paying employers included:

• Nursing home facilities ($59,320)
• Home health care services ($63,300)
• Physicians offices ($67,290)

In addition to higher wages and employment opportunities, transitioning from LPN to ADN allows individuals to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination, the standard for RN licensure. In the end, ADNs can work more independently, acquire more responsibilities, and take a larger role in the health care setting.