If you do a Google search for LPN to RN bridge programs, you’ll probably find a long list of college websites and maybe even some college search sites—all inviting you to explore their nursing options. Depending on where you live and what you’ve heard from your healthcare colleagues, you might already have a list of RN programs in mind. So how do you compare these different schools? And which programs should you actually contact?

The best way to start is by grouping RN bridge programs into categories. The following “types” are a little generalized (and even a little sarcastic), but they definitely capture the key pros and cons that come with certain bridge options (like online programs versus community college programs). Here’s the breakdown:

1.      The D.I.Y. LPN to RN Bridge Program

Doing it yourself is great… when it comes to painting a bathroom or retiling your kitchen backsplash. But learning something like disease causation theory without any live instruction or real-time questions and answers is a much different story—a very long and frustrating story.

Most of today’s online LPN to RN bridge programs are essentially self-study options. If you think you can teach yourself complex nursing units and stay on task in terms of homework and reading assignments, a fully online program may suit you. Otherwise, look for a hybrid bridge or an online RN bridge with live instruction.

2.      The Department Store LPN to RN Bridge

You’ve seen these colleges’ ads. They’re on TV, on billboards, plastered on the sides of city buses…  One of the reasons they have so much marketing budget is they offer about 97 different degrees—ranging from business and accounting to gunsmithing and dog grooming. Do you really want to pursue your RN through one of these “department store” institutions?

Look for bridge program schools that specialize in healthcare credentials. Or better yet, look for a bridge program that partners with many different schools, giving you a variety of institutional options.

3.      The Hoop-Jumping LPN to RN Bridge

Bridge programs are supposed to offer a pathway for practical nurses who want to advance; they’re not supposed to involve hoop-jumping and confusing red tape. And yet, some of your local campus schools may require lengthy applications, preadmission tests, wait list placement, and preliminary gen ed course requirements—all before you can even be accepted into the nursing bridge program.  

Plus, their transfer credit policies (for past credits earned or credit-by-exam) can be especially strict. If you’re interested in bypassing some of your RN coursework with exam credit, look elsewhere.

4.      The Secret Society LPN to RN Bridge

Have you stumbled onto one of these super-secret programs? Finding a graduate is harder than trying to find an anesthesiologist in a rural hospital at 3AM. Sure, nurses understand the importance of patient confidentiality. But nursing schools don’t need to be quite so tight-lipped.  In fact, when an RN bridge program is secretive or evasive about the kinds of students who enter their programs, it’s time to reconsider.

Great bridge programs are excited to share their pass rates, academic statistics, and their student body information—including alumni contact info. Meet some real LPN to RN bridge students, and get their true life perspectives.

The Credit-by-Exam RN Bridge

Admittedly, we’re a little biased when it comes to credit-by-exam programs.  We think nursing exams that allow students to bypass traditional, semester-long courses are a more cost-effective and convenient way to prepare great nurses. Further, bridge programs that are designed around exams may help students prepare better for the NCLEX. Because who couldn’t use more exam practice?

Curious how many of your previous credits will count toward your desired degree?  Contact us for a free evaluation. 

So tell us which RN bridge programs you’re considering… There are a lot of quality offerings among nursing schools and colleges. But you should compare options based on your needs and preferences.  

For more information, contact Acheive Test Prep, or visit http://www.achievetestprep.com/blog.