The 7 Best LPN to RN Programs in Jacksonville, FL
Choosing to advance your career from a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN) is an excellent decision. RNs have a larger scope of practice, increased autonomy, and substantially higher earning potential. While LPN to RN programs do require an investment of time and money, with hard work and dedication these programs can be a stepping stone to an incredibly rewarding long-term career.
Jacksonville offers many quality options when it comes to LPN to RN education. This guide provides an overview of seven highly-rated programs available in the Jacksonville metro area. We will look at key details like cost, admission requirements, and program structure to help you determine the best choice to achieve your nursing career goals.
Overview of LPN to RN Programs
LPN to RN programs build upon previous practical nurse training to expand your nursing knowledge and prepare you for registered nursing practice. These "bridge" programs allow current LPNs to earn an Associate‘s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor‘s of Science in Nursing (BSN) to qualify to sit for the national nursing licensure exam (NCLEX-RN).
The additional coursework focuses on topics like:
- Advanced health assessment
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Leadership and management
- Public and community health
Most full-time LPN to RN programs take 2-3 years to complete. Graduates can then apply for RN licensure which offers increased career opportunities and earning power over practical nursing alone.
Key Benefits of Advancing from LPN to RN
- More responsibility and autonomy – RNs can work independently in a wider variety of healthcare settings
- Ability to specialize – RNs can pursue advanced certifications in areas like oncology, emergency medicine, pediatrics and more
- Higher salary – The average national salary for RNs is over $75,000 annually, about $25,000 more per year than the average LPN salary
- More advancement potential – Additional education options are available to RNs, including Master‘s degrees and Doctorate level programs
LPN to RN Programs in Jacksonville, FL
The following programs have been selected as top LPN to RN options in the Jacksonville metro based on cost, admissions selectivity, reputation, and graduate outcomes. These bridge programs allow LPNs to leverage existing nursing education to be able to sit for RN licensure after completion.
1. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is the most affordable option for LPNs looking to transition to registered nursing. This public state college charges in-state tuition rates under $3,500 annually.
Highlights:
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Full-time 2 year track for LPNs
- Selective admissions – competitive entry requirements
- Over 90% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate
- Total estimated cost under $9,000 for in-state students
FSCJ has an excellent reputation in the region for nursing education and has agreements that allow graduates to easily transfer to complete Bachelor‘s level RN training as well. Clinical rotations are performed across a wide variety of health systems and facilities in the Jacksonville metro area.
Admissions requirements:
- Current unencumbered Florida LPN license
- Minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- TEAS test score of 65% or higher
2. Keiser University
Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university with an accredited LPN to RN bridge program at its Jacksonville campus. This program allows students to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing in just 12 months by taking accelerated courses year-round.
Highlights:
- 1 year ADN program
- Small classes and personalized attention
- State-of-the-art simulation training
- NCLEX pass rates over 90%
- Career placement assistance after graduation
The admissions process at Keiser is not as competitive as other RN programs. Qualified LPN applicants will be accepted on a first-qualified, first-accepted basis. The accelerated curriculum covers the essential content needed for registered nursing practice through intense full-time study. Previous LPN training allows students to focus less on fundamentals and more on higher level RN responsibilities and skills.
The total cost of the 1 year program is approximately $35,000. Keiser University offers scholarships, grants and financial aid options to help offset tuition.
Admissions requirements:
- Active unrestricted LPN license
- High school graduation/GED
- Clear criminal background check
3. Concorde Career Institute
The Concorde Career Institute in Jacksonville provides an LPN to RN diploma program that can be completed part-time in approximately 18-24 months. Graduates earn a diploma and are eligible to sit for the state‘s RN licensing examination.
Highlights
- Flexible part-time options
- Small class sizes
- Hands-on clinical experiences
- NCLEX-RN prep coursework
- Total cost under $20,000
Concorde Career Institute has over 20 years of experience in health education and works closely with area employers to ensure graduates have relevant nursing skills. Their LPN to RN program includes direct focused instruction in advanced medical-surgical nursing, mental health, gerontology, and management.
Admissions requirements:
- Current, unrestricted Florida LPN license
- High school diploma or GED equivalency
- Complete application with essay
- Pass a background check
4. Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University (JU) offers a 2.5 year RN completion program for licensed LPNs through their School of Nursing. This program confers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree which offers the highest level of nursing education. Having a BSN allows for more leadership, management and research opportunities in nursing practice.
Highlights:
- BSN program completion for LPNs
- Advanced standing credit provided for prior LPN credits/experience
- Small class sizes and low faculty to student ratio
- Exceeds national averages for RN licensure pass rates
- Total cost approximately $48,000+
JU‘s nursing school has been continually accredited since 1958. Their LPN to BSN program provides advanced education in areas like public health, acute care, pharmacology, pathophysiology, research, and much more. Graduates are prepared to provide exceptional nursing care while also leading quality improvement initiatives and influencing health policies.
Admissions Requirements:
- Hold an active, unrestricted Florida LPN license
- Minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- Complete Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
- Letters of recommendation
- Admissions essay
5. Rasmussen University
For working LPNs in the Jacksonville area, Rasmussen University offers flexibility through their fully online LPN to ADN program pathway. This program allows students to take courses 100% online on a schedule that works for them. Qualified students can complete the RN degree in as little as 18 months while continuing to work.
Highlights:
- Fully online coursework and access
- Accelerated semesters – finish quicker
- Hands-on preceptorship opportunities
- Dedicated nursing faculty advisor
- Estimated total cost $34,200
Rasmussen provides credit for qualified prior learning and licenses which helps reduce overall credits. Their online platform utilizes cutting-edge simulation options for scenario-based learning. Small class cohorts and one-on-one nursing faculty mentoring provides support needed for online students to be successful in this program.
Admissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered, current state LPN license
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completed application with entrance exam
6. Galen College of Nursing
The Galen College of Nursing has a large modern campus in Jacksonville offering an accredited 12 month LPN to ADN bridge program. This accelerated program is designed specifically for LPNs by building upon existing knowledge to add RN-level skills and responsibilities.
Highlights
- 12 month full-time program
- High-fidelity simulation learning
- Hands-on clinical rotations
- NCLEX-RN prep course
- Selective admission process
Galen Cares is program that provides personalized support focused specifically on helping nursing students succeed. Resources like tutoring, counseling, community networking and more are offered to current students.
The total estimated cost for the year-long program is approximately $38,000. Galen offers competitive scholarships and financial aid assistance to those who qualify.
Admissions Requirements
- Hold an active, unrestricted LPN license
- Complete admissions entrance exam
- Pass background screening
- Minimum 2.5 GPA in prerequisite courses
7. Baptist Health Schools
The Baptist Health Schools on the Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville campus provides an excellent option for an evening/weekend LPN to RN program. This program structure allows students to continue working while completing the two-year ADN program to become a registered nurse.
Highlights
- Accelerated Evening/Weekend Track
- Taught at state-of-the-art medical facilities
- Hands-on simulations and clinicals
- Specialized curriculum for working LPNs
- Total program cost: $28,000+
This program provides working LPNs a direct path to becoming registered nurses while balancing current work and life commitments through blended evening and weekend course scheduling. Small classes of less than 30 students provide highly personalized instruction from experienced nursing faculty.
Admissions Requirements
- Active unrestricted Florida LPN license
- Complete TEAS entrance exam
- Minimum 2.80 prerequisite GPA
- Clear drug screening and background check
How Much Does an LPN to RN Program Cost?
The total cost of an LPN to RN program can range quite a bit depending on whether you attend a public state college or private university and also the overall length of the program. Most programs range from $10,000 – $50,000 or more for tuition, textbooks, uniforms, and other fees.
Many schools provide financial assistance through student loans, scholarships and other resources. Be sure to discuss all available options with your school‘s financial aid office. Investing in furthering your nursing education can pay off exponentially over the course of your career.
Can I Work While Enrolled in an LPN to RN Bridge Program?
Many schools design bridge programs specifically to allow students to continue working while enrolled. Attending part-time, evening and weekend course offerings are great options for current LPNs. Some even provideJob placement support can also help students secure part-time nurse work that fits with their school schedule.
For accelerated LPN to RN programs that require full-time day attendance, working can be very challenging but still possible in some cases depending on your individual situation. Speak to your admissions counselor about your work status when applying to discuss options.
How Much More Do RN‘s Earn Compared to LPN‘s?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average national salary for Licensed Practical Nurses is $48,500 compared to $75,330 for Registered Nurses. This represents over a $25,000 positive difference in earning potential per year. Lifetime earnings compound yearly as well.
Actual nursing salaries can vary widely based on your location, work setting, certifications, experience level and more. However, across all states and specialties, registered nursing salaries outpace LPN pay significantly. Becoming an RN provides excellent return on investment over the course of your career.
Next Steps: Choosing the Best LPN to RN Program
If advancing your nursing career by transitioning from LPN to RN feels like the right move for you, congratulations on taking that next step! With this overview of high-quality LPN to RN program options in the Jacksonville metro area, the next step is to thoroughly research each school and conduct interviews, tours and information sessions at your top choices.
Comparing factors like cost, admission requirements, program structure, clinical opportunity, graduate outcomes and more can help you determine the very best program for your individual needs and professional goals. The rewarding investment of time, effort and resources now can pay dividends for your entire nursing career.