Are There Online LPN to RN Programs Without Clinicals?

In online licensed practical nurse (LPN) to registered nurse (RN) degree programs, LPNs complete virtual didactic coursework and in-person clinical experiences needed to secure RN licensure. Are you seeking LPN to RN online programs without clinicals?

Keep reading to find out if schools allow students to skip this requirement. You'll also discover institutions offering flexible online LPN to RN programs for busy learners.

Are There LPN to RN Programs That Don't Require Clinicals?

All LPN to RN programs, whether leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), require clinical training. However, some institutions provide options for reducing or modifying this requirement, such as allowing students to complete clinicals in their local communities or offering condensed clinical schedules.

Why Clinicals Are Required To Become a Registered Nurse

Nursing students must complete a program approved by a state's board of nursing to secure RN licensure in the state where they plan to work. In addition to didactic coursework, these programs must include supervised clinical experiences. This ensures students are capable of applying the theory learned in the classroom in real-world healthcare settings.

Options for Reducing or Modifying Clinical Requirements

Though all LPN to RN programs include clinical training, some schools offer ways to modify this requirement, including:

• Hybrid programs: In hybrid LPN to RN programs, students complete coursework online and only have to commute to campus for labs and healthcare facilities for clinicals.
• Competency-based models: Competency-based programs typically enable students to navigate nursing courses at their own pace, and may offer similar flexibility for clinicals.
• Workplace-based clinicals: Some programs allow students to complete clinical experiences in their place of work, reducing commute and work time.
• Condensed clinical schedules: You can find LPN to RN programs that offer clinicals on weekends or only a few days a month to make them more convenient for busy students.

10 Most Flexible Online LPN to RN Programs

Are you ready to begin an online LPN program? Explore schools offering the most flexible clinical options for working licensed practical nurses.

1. State Fair Community College

At State Fair Community College, students seeking RN licensure can pursue the school's Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing. This competency-based nursing program offers an advanced placement option for LPNs and licensed paramedics, enabling them to complete the requirements for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in two semesters.

Students seeking a hybrid option must attend the Clinton Campus, where video-conferencing is available. To earn the AAS degree, learners must take clinical courses and complete a professional nursing capstone clinical.

• Estimated tuition cost: $133 to $183 per credit (in-district); $203 to $253 per credit (Missouri residents); $273 to $323 per credit (non-Missouri residents)
• Financial aid: Three in four SFCC students who apply receive financial aid, including grants and scholarships.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Missouri State University-West Plains

Missouri State University-West Plains offers a 65-credit Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) LPN-to-RN bridge program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. Learners take liberal arts, science, and nursing courses and complete clinical practicums at health care facilities in Missouri and northern Arkansas.

This one-year program offers on-campus and self-paced online learning options to accommodate enrollees' scheduling needs. For greater flexibility, students self-schedule all clinicals at an approved facility nearest them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $163 to $263 per credit (in-state); $326 to $526 per credit (out-of-state); $193 to $293 per credit (online)
• Financial aid: State and federal aid (grants, loans, work-study, etc.) and scholarships can reduce program costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Reynolds Community College

Students attending Reynolds Community College can earn an AAS in nursing through the school's LPN to RN advanced placement option, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This 67-credit program, which provides in-person, hybrid, and online learning formats, prepares students for RN licensure in one year.

Enrollees must complete didactic courses, simulation hours, and clinical hours. To accelerate program completion, students can receive credit for prior learning and clinical hours completed during their LPN program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $172.40 per credit (in-state and E-Rate in-state); $294.90 per credit (E-Rate out-of-state); $389.50 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Qualifying enrollees can increase affordability with grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, and tuition waivers.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Ocean County College

The on-site and online nursing program at Ocean County College is a full-time RN degree option for active healthcare professionals. This program offers in-person classes/clinicals one day per week and web-assisted classes and clinical experiences in a learner-centered environment that is partially self-directed.

Admission requirements include having a hands-on healthcare background with at least six months of employment. Passing the TEAS and having a clean background check are also required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $206 per semester hour (county residents); $220 per semester hour (out-of-county residents)
• Financial aid: Federal student aid and scholarships help students cover the cost of their degree.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University's School of Nursing offers an ACEN-accredited LPN to Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN), consisting of online didactic courses and a traditional clinical component. Courses are taught in seven-week terms, and clinical hours are held on selected weekends each term at Jonesboro-area clinical sites.

Admission requirements include completing a health assessment, psychology, and other prerequisite courses. Applicants should also provide proof of LPN employment, PN licensure, and an overall 2.5 GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $323 per credit (in-state); $600 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: A-State offers scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans to help learners save.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Fairmont State University

Fairmont State University's 12- to 18-month LPN to ASN is a full-time program for students with an LPN license seeking flexible clinical options. Coursework is delivered online, and clinicals take place two to three days per month in West Virginia.

Coursework explores nursing care across the lifespan, mental health, microbiology, and more. Enrollees who have completed their first two semesters of this program with a 2.75 GPA can begin transitioning to the school's RN to BSN program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,354 per semester (resident); $6,532 per semester (non-resident)
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and loans are available to make learning more affordable.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Indiana State University

At Indiana State University, the LPN/licensed vocational nurses (LVN) to BSN track prepares students for RN licensure through online coursework in patient care, leadership, and health assessment. Clinicals are arranged in each student's community. On-campus visits aren't required.

LPN/LVN program eligibility starts with showing proof of an unencumbered LPN license. A minimum science GPA of 2.75 is also required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,989 per semester (in-state); $11,323 per semester (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Enrollees can lower costs with state aid, grants, scholarships, work-study, loans, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Excelsior University

LPNs, paramedics, LVNs, and certain military personnel looking to become RNs can find a competency-based AAS program at Excelsior University, enabling learners to progress through coursework at their own pace. Eight-week courses, delivered fully online, explore microbiology, foundations in nursing practice, nursing care, and beyond.

Clinicals include a care of patients across the lifespan practicum. An advanced clinical practicum nursing capstone is also included.

• Estimated tuition cost: $550 per credit
• Financial aid: State and federal aid, Excelsior and external scholarships, private loans, and grants help learners reduce costs.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Methodist College

The LPN to BSN program at Methodist College is a good choice for students seeking a condensed clinical schedule. In this hybrid program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), students take online nursing courses during the week and in-person nursing classes or clinical experiences on Saturday mornings through Sunday late afternoons.

Methodist accepts transfer credits from previous LPN programs, saving time and money. Admission requirements for this BSN degree program include a 2.5 GPA and official transcripts.

• Estimated tuition cost: $677 per credit (for undergraduate nursing programs)
• Financial aid: Methodist College offers need- and merit-based financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Herzing University

Herzing University offers online LPN bridge programs for students interested in an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in nursing. Enrollees take core didactic courses in real time or on demand and complete intensives at Herzing or a partner site.

Students also complete precepted clinical hours in or near their geographic area. This program, which seeks applicants with a high school or college GPA of 2.5 or higher, offers rolling admissions with no application deadlines.

• Estimated tuition cost: $755 per credit (LPN to BSN); $925 per credit (LPN to ASN)
• Financial aid: At Herzing, students can save with grants, veterans benefits, and scholarships, such as the Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the schools in this ranking list to verify that they meet the following criteria for delivering high-quality learning experiences:

• Accreditation: These schools are accredited by nationally recognized organizations, such as the SACSCOC and the HLC.
• Affordability: We selected schools with affordable tuition and financial aid to help reduce costs.
• Program reputation: All institutions above have reputations for providing quality programs for on-campus and online students.

FAQs About LPN to RN Programs Without Clinicals

Are you ready to begin a rewarding LPN to RN program? Review the FAQs below for more information before taking the next step.

How Many Months Is the LPN To RN Program?

Not all LPN to RN programs are completed in the same timeframe. Traditional programs might take two years to complete, while students enrolled in accelerated programs or attending schools that accept transfer credits can finish in 12 months.

What Will I Learn in an LPN to RN Program?

LPN to RN programs provide coursework and clinical experiences to prepare learners for the NCLEX-RN exam. Students learn concepts like advanced nursing theory, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing, and obtain hands-on experience through lab simulations and clinical rotations in medical settings.

What Is the Easiest Way To Go From LPN to RN?

The easiest way to go from working as an LPN to an RN is through a bridge program. These accelerated pathways to RN licensure allow LPNs to leverage existing experience and prior coursework while enjoying flexible class and clinical scheduling.

How Much Is an LPN To RN Program?

The cost of an LPN to RN program varies based on factors like learning format (online vs. on-campus), enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), and residency (in-state vs. out-of-state). However, you can find very affordable programs costing less than $300 per credit hour. Examples include programs at State Fair Community College and Ocean County College.

Is It Smart To Be an LPN Before an RN?

Becoming an LPN before an RN is a good choice if you want to work in the healthcare field but can't yet commit to an RN program. LPN programs are shorter, so students can begin their careers sooner. However, if you want more responsibility and a higher salary, skipping the LPN program and finding a fast-track RN program might be a better choice.

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