LPN to RN in Oklahoma

LPNs and RNs both care for patients, however RNs take on more duties and responsibilities.

LPN to RN programs are offered to nurses who are qualified and licensed as license practice nurses (LPNs) in order for them to take on greater nursing tasks and responsibilities as registered nurses (RNs). Generally, few colleges of nursing admit LPNs directly into a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program but suggest that they start off as freshman in traditional BSN courses. However, highly experienced LPNs will find introductory nursing to be an unnecessary waste of time and money. As such, many LPNs consider advanced, transitional or bridge programs that let them enter into a later part of the BSN training and graduate in a shorter time.

Reason For Taking LPN To BSN Programs

Licensed practice nurses who wish to advance in their nursing careers will need to earn college degrees and become licensed as registered nurses. A basic requirement to sit for the licensing examination (NCLEX-RN, or National Council for Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse) is a college degree. This can be either an associate degree (ADN) or a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN). A few colleges have dedicated advancement or bridge programs to cater to highly qualified LPNs, however many require that the LPN enter a traditional BSN course after satisfying several admissions requirements.

LPN to BSN Program General Information

In order to be admitted as an LPN directly into a BSN program, the LPN must pass proficiency tests and gain college credit for courses in which they possess a high level of experience or skills. As part of the BSN training, they will take courses in general education (e.g. mathematics, literature, English, social science), and nursing courses (e.g. nursing informatics, health assessment, pharmacology, geriatrics, pathophysiology, ethics, mental health, research and leadership). Two important nursing courses common to most universities are psychiatric nursing and medical-surgical nursing. Depending on the year in which the LPN is admitted, basic biology and chemistry courses are also necessary. Some Oklahoma Board of Nursing approved programs are offered by the University of Oklahoma, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Langston University and Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

University of Oklahoma: Undergraduate LPN to BSN

The University of Oklahoma accepts LPNs with at least one year of nursing/clinical experience and who hold a current LPN license. In addition to other general or science education prerequisites, the LPN must pass the National League of Nursing (NLN) Acceleration Challenge Examination or Mobility Profile II examination which test nursing knowledge, such as medical/surgical interventions, psychiatry, obstetrics and pediatrics. This also provides the LPN with 30 hours of course credit required for admission. Students may study part- or full-time and start in either the fall or spring semesters. The LPN to BSN curriculum includes learning how to take health assessments, community nursing, acute and chronic illness nursing, research, leadership and disability courses. Several courses are also offered on Saturdays and through the Internet, to provide flexibility for working students. Where appropriate, clinical work experience can be carried out in a student's current place of employment. Students who complete 127 credit hours and pass the examination process are awarded a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

The BSN program at Northwestern has a separate LPN/BSN Completion Track for LPNs who wish to advance to a BSN degree. Students who satisfy appropriate work experience, general requirements and nursing education requirements will qualify for college credit. Courses that suitably qualified LPNs can receive credit for include introduction to nursing concepts, medical terminology, as well as nursing practicum. In addition, testing out of physiology, nutrition, human life span and pharmacology courses is available. LPNs are accepted into the junior year during the fall semester as full-time students, and are required to complete the "PN/RN Progression Course."

Other Colleges: Langston University and Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Langston University has a dedicated LPN to baccalaureate program for LPNs who hold a current license. Students must pass proficiency tests to receive advanced standing in some courses. Oklahoma Wesleyan University offers the LPN-BSN Advance to place LPNs in a BSN course and prepare the LPN for the NCLEX-RN examination. Students are nevertheless required to satisfy all admissions requirements as traditional-entry BSN students.

References

• Northwestern Oklahoma State University: Division of Nursing BSN Program
• Langston University Nursing & Health Professions Programs
• University of Oklahoma College of Nursing: Undergraduate - LPN to BSN
• Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Resources

• Oklahoma Board of Nursing