Massachusetts has a variety of accelerated programs for LPNs looking to become RNs. While there are no 6-month online programs, many can be completed in 12 months.
Registered nurses (RNs) provide a broad scope of important services in the healthcare industry, from patient care to coordinating with doctors and medical professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be about 194,500 registered nurse job openings each year for the next decade.
If you are a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and ready to enhance your career opportunities, you may be curious about 6-month LPN to RN programs. In this article, we explore different accelerated nursing program options, after which graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Read on to learn more about the availability of 6-month LPN to RN programs in Massachusetts.
Are There Any 6-Month LPN to RN Programs in Massachusetts?
Though the concept is appealing, true 6-month LPN to RN bridge programs are extremely rare. A six-month time frame is generally too short to earn the amount of credits required to earn either your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
However, there are many degree programs where you can graduate at an accelerated rate, some in as quickly as 12 months. The colleges and universities featured here offer a variety of accelerated options, enabling nursing students to leverage their prior experience and education and streamline the process.
While 6-month LPN to RN programs online are not a realistic option, there are numerous ways for you to earn your nursing degree relatively quickly.
<h2 id="section---AcceleratedLPNToRNProgramsInMassachusetts">Accelerated LPN to RN Programs in Massachusetts</h2><p>These LPN to RN programs are offered in accelerated formats. All schools are accredited institutions and many offer financial aid to help offset education costs.
</p><h3 id="section---1.NorthShoreCommunityCollege">1. North Shore Community College</h3><p>Located in Danvers, MA, North Shore Community College (NSCC) offers an LPN to RN advanced placement program option. This program is designed for LPNs to earn their associate degree in one year. In order to be eligible for the one-year track, students must have a valid licensure and complete a two-credit transition course.
</p><p>Classes are offered on a full-time basis and during the day. Clinical practice, which gives nursing students the hands-on experience essential to the profession, can be scheduled for the day or the evening.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> Free for Massachusetts residents; $40 per credit for regional students
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> One year
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
</p><h3 id="section---2.MountWachusettCommunityCollege">2. Mount Wachusett Community College</h3><p>Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) is based in Gardner, MA, and offers an advanced standing bridge option for LPNs looking to earn their Associate Degree in Nursing. This education program is designed for LPNs who have at least six months of professional experience and whose background allows them to skip introductory courses and begin more advanced coursework.
</p><p>Classes are primarily taken on campus. Supervised clinical work takes place at a variety of healthcare facilities within a one-hour drive of MWCC's campus.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $25 per credit for in-state residents; $230 per credit for out-of-state residents
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> One year
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> ACEN
</p><h3 id="section---3.NorthernEssexCommunityCollege">3. Northern Essex Community College</h3><p>Northern Essex Community College, located in Haverhill, MA, has an advanced placement nursing program for those looking to earn their ADN. LPNs may receive credit for a full year of their associate degree after completing a one-credit nursing transition course. Coursework is primarily in-person, including classes and clinical experience in local healthcare facilities.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $346 per credit
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> One year
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> ACEN
</p><h2 id="section---OtherAcceleratedLPNToRNPrograms">Other Accelerated LPN to RN Programs</h2><p>The following schools are out-of-state options located near Massachusetts and offer accelerated LPN to RN programs that can be completed within one academic year.
</p><h3 id="section---GeneseeCommunityCollege">Genesee Community College</h3><p>Genesee Community College (GCC) is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network; GCC's nursing school is located on its Batavia, NY, campus. Licensed LPNs can complete the advanced placement ADN program in two semesters.
</p><p>Coursework is a combination of in-person and online classes. Clinical experiences take place in healthcare settings across Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, and Livingston counties, as well as in Buffalo and Rochester. GCC's nursing program boasts higher than average NCLEX pass rates at both state and national levels.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $218 per credit for in-state residents; $243 per credit for out-of-state residents
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> One year
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> ACEN
</p><h3 id="section---CorningCommunityCollege">Corning Community College</h3><p>Located in Corning, NY, Corning Community College (CCC) has an advanced placement option for students who have received their LPN license within the last five years. Qualified LPNs must enroll in the nursing program for a minimum of 27 credit hours, after which they earn their Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
</p><p>CCC's accelerated LPN to RN degree program is three semesters long. Coursework is primarily conducted in person and consists of classes, nursing skill labs, and hands-on experience in healthcare facilities in Steuben and its surrounding counties.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $237 per credit for in-state residents; $395 for out-of-state residents
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> One year
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> ACEN
</p><h3 id="section---OrangeCountyCommunityCollege">Orange County Community College</h3><p>Orange County Community College in Middletown, NY, offers an advanced placement option through its LPN to RN transition program. Qualified LPNs or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) can move directly into the second half of the school's AAS degree program. Students must complete a special one-week bridge course.
</p><p>While the majority of nursing courses are in-person, other general education classes (like psychology and math) may be taken online. Graduates are encouraged to take the NCLEX-RN exam within three months of graduating.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $242 per credit for in-state residents; $484 per credit for out-of-state residents
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> One year
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> ACEN
</p><h3 id="section---HerzingUniversity">Herzing University</h3><p>If you're looking for an LPN to RN online program, Herzing University is a great option. All of its core courses are designed for online learning; some are delivered in real-time and some may be taken on demand to accommodate working students' schedules. To satisfy clinical experience requirements, RN students travel to designated Herzing University campuses or partner sites across the United States.
</p><p>Herzing University offers two accelerated degree pathways for LPNs: LPN to ASN and LPN to BSN. Both programs leverage previous experience and education to shorten the time needed to earn a degree.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $730 per credit
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> 16 to 20 months (LPN to ASN)
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> ACEN
</p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTheFastestLPNToRNProgramsInMassachusetts">FAQs About the Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Massachusetts</h2><p>Here we address some of the most frequently asked questions about accelerated LPN to RN programs, from average program length to prerequisites.
</p><h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToGoFromLPNToRNInMassachusetts">How Long Does It Take To Go From LPN to RN in Massachusetts?</h3><p>The traditional route from LPN to RN takes two years (if you are earning your associate degree) to four years (if you're working towards your bachelor's degree) according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-4">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>.
</p><p>Accelerated ADN and BSN programs enable students to earn degrees in 12 to 24 months. After you've earned your nursing degree, you are eligible to sit for the entrance exam and receive your RN license.
</p><h3 id="section---IsThereABridgeProgramFromLPNToRN">Is There a Bridge Program From LPN To RN?</h3><p>Yes, there are bridge programs for LPNs looking to become registered nurses. Bridge programs help LPNs translate previous experience and education to advanced placement in a degree program.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionRequirementsForA6MonthLPNToRNProgram">What Are the Admission Requirements for a 6-Month LPN to RN Program?</h3><p>Admission requirements depend on the school and the degree program. For example, if you're interested in an accelerated BSN program, you'll need to have already earned a bachelor's degree at an accredited institution. Many colleges and universities require their students to transfer credits with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (GPA).
</p><p>There are some basic admission requirements you'll want to keep in mind, regardless of your chosen school and program: a background check, immunizations, and your most recent school transcript.
</p><h2 id="section---FindNursingDegreePrograms">Find Nursing Degree Programs</h2><p>If you're looking for more information on nursing courses, we invite you to connect with the institutions on Learn.org and find out which school will best help you advance your nursing career.</p>
