How Long Is an LPN to BSN Program?
Written by:
Wilson College
• Jul 17, 2026
Training as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is the fastest way to begin a nursing career. However, registered nurses (RNs) have more job openings and higher salaries than LPNs. Fortunately, nurses have many opportunities for advancement.
LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs help LPNs who are ready to advance their nursing careers qualify for RN licensure. These bridge programs give LPNs credit for their prior nursing coursework and LPN licensing. A BSN builds on the clinical skills of an LPN and prepares graduates for new nursing career opportunities.
Why Should LPNs Earn a BSN?
Nurses make up the largest segment of the healthcare workforce. While LPNs provide basic nursing care, RNs often supervise the work of LPNs. During a BSN program, LPN-prepared nurses expand their clinical and leadership skills, preparing for the next step in their nursing career.
More Clinical Responsibilities
In hospitals and other healthcare settings, RNs have more clinical responsibilities and greater autonomy than LPNs. RNs conduct comprehensive health assessments, administer treatment plans, and educate patients on disease prevention. BSN-prepared nurses have the clinical reasoning and assessment skills to take on complex care management roles. They can also specialize in areas such as medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and cardiology.
Career Growth Opportunities
RNs can enter the profession with either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree. Why should LPNs consider a BSN rather than an ADN? Nurses with a BSN degree qualify for more healthcare jobs. In 2023, 70% of hospitals and healthcare employers strongly preferred BSN-prepared nurses, according to an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) survey.
In addition, a BSN prepares nurses for leadership roles, including nurse manager and charge nurse. RNs considering a graduate degree also benefit from holding a BSN. Before earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), RNs need a BSN.
Increase Earning Potential and Job Outlook
LPNs earned a median annual salary of $62,340 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). By contrast, RNs earned a median annual salary of $93,600.
BSN-prepared nurses also earn more than ADN-prepared nurses. ADN-prepared nurses earned a median of approximately $81,000 per year in December 2025, according to Payscale. BSN-prepared nurses earned a median of approximately $99,000 in November 2025.
In addition, RNs report stronger job growth, with the BLS projecting over 189,000 job openings for RNs each year between 2024 and 2034. In the same period, approximately 54,400 openings for LPNs are projected.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an LPN to BSN Program?
Completing a traditional BSN program takes four years for full-time students. An LPN to BSN program shortens that timeline by awarding credit for LPN coursework and licensure.
BSN programs designed for LPN-prepared nurses can take between two to four years to complete. Working nurses may prefer the flexibility of a part-time schedule, which allows them to work while advancing their education. The LPN to BSN program at Wilson College Online uses a part-time format and takes three to four years.
In LPN to BSN bridge programs, nursing students complete coursework that strengthens their health assessment, patient care, and nursing leadership skills. These programs also incorporate clinical requirements that place nursing students in supervised healthcare settings.
What Are the LPN to BSN Requirements?
Nurses applying to an LPN to BSN program need an active LPN license. Applicants also submit academic records demonstrating their preparation for a BSN program. Admission materials for the LPN to BSN program at Wilson College Online include:
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Official nursing school transcripts showing LPN coursework
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Official transcripts showing a high school diploma or the equivalent
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Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test results
Applicants who’ve completed non-nursing college coursework can submit transcripts for transfer credit evaluation.
Coursework and Clinical Requirements
Nursing students complete coursework and clinical requirements to earn a BSN degree. Wilson’s LPN to BSN courses include:
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Medical-surgical nursing care
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Nursing leadership
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Healthcare informatics
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Complex care across the lifespan
An LPN to BSN program also incorporates hands-on clinical experience. These supervised experiences prepare nursing students to practice in various healthcare settings. After completing a BSN program, graduates can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and apply for an RN license.
Enroll in the LPN to BSN Program at Wilson College Online
Are you an LPN considering the next step in your nursing career? The LPN to BSN program at Wilson College Online can help you reach your goals. Nursing students benefit from a flexible online format that allows learners to work while earning their BSN part time. Students learn from experienced nursing faculty and gain practical experience from hands-on clinicals, with graduates reporting a 90% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Wilson College Online offers a free transcript and program qualification review. Reach out today to learn more about the online LPN to BSN program.
Recommended Readings
5 Benefits of a BSN: What Nurses Should Know
How to Balance Nursing School and Work
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nurses, New Graduate Employment Data
American Nurses Association, ADN vs BSN: Which Is Right For You?
American Nurses Association, Types of Nurses and What They Do
Payscale, Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Degree
Payscale, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
