LPN to RN Bridge Programs

If you are an LPN sooner or later you will feel that your career has hit a ceiling and you are going no where. This feelings come with all LPN regardless of how skillful you are as an LPN. When that happens you will want to consider upgrade to a BSN or RN. The really big question here is -- which one should you choose?

I suggest that you take time to read this article in its entirety and pause long enough to make an informative decision concerning whether or not you want to become BSN or RN. The reason is whenever there is a career change, you will need to invest much time and money and you want to do it right the first time.

There are some distinct differences between becoming a BSN or RN. BSN gets paid more than RN. However both enjoy flood of jobs once they are graduated and allowed to work in the US.

RN (Registered nurses) enjoy the largest demands and they are occupied in many large hospitals here in America. According to the department of Labor, RN employment is expected to rise at least 24 percent as comparing to other nursing career.

Either you opt to become RN or BSN, you will enjoy better paid positions, visible status and have more freedom in day to day duties at your place of employment.

Here are few things which you need to ponder before you decide to pursue either RN or BSN.

1- Long-term vs. Short Term Benefits

In 2009 there was an emerging trend for BSN which the health care facilities require all RN to hold a BSN. Thus if you are an LPN, becoming BSN can be the most efficient and effective solution in the long term.

Morever, LPN to BSN program may take you more time to complete than LPN to RN. LPN to BSN also cost you more in term of academic requirements thus it will take more of your time to get your degree. In most cases, you can take classes entirely online to save time if you are already an LPN.

2- Financial Rewards

According to the Department of Labor statistic, LPN made between $37,500 in June 2006 and LPN to RN is normally achieved an impressive raise at the tune of $25,000 per year. BSN opens more doors for you to advance your nursing career unprecedented by allowing you to work as nurse practitioner or nurse administrator.

3- Nursing Specialty Requirements

LPN is normally not specialize. RN or BSN have different set of recquisites courses and functions. You want to read up for each one and ask yourself if you really want to perform those tasks.

You may want to find the accredited RN or BSN schools near you and read up on their bridge programs. Try to see if the courses offer is something you want to invest your time and money in. The requirements for each type of career is different from state to state.

There's a lot to consider before choosing a degree program and most often, LPN opts to study RN first and later advance further to BSN.