# The Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Kansas City, Missouri

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- Published: 2024-03-12
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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Earning a Registered Nursing (RN) credential can open up expanded career opportunities and much higher earning potential compared to Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) roles. LPN to RN bridge programs provide the fastest and most affordable path for licensed LPNs to achieve their RN license.

Kansas City and the surrounding metro area features a robust healthcare sector with numerous hospitals, clinics and other providers needing highly trained nurses. This high job demand, combined with excellent nursing programs at area colleges and universities, makes Kansas City an ideal location to complete an LPN to RN education.

This guide profiles the top LPN to RN bridge programs in Kansas City, MO based on curriculum quality, graduation and NCLEX-RN exam pass rates, clinical experience opportunities, student resources, and graduate career support.

## Why Become a Registered Nurse?

The Registered Nursing (RN) role offers tremendous career opportunities as well as strong salary and job growth potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for registered nurses to grow 9% nationally from 2020-2030 – translating to an increase of 221,900 jobs.

RNs in Missouri earn a strong average annual salary of $69,130 according to BLS data. Those working in the Kansas City metro on the Kansas side also do quite well with mean RN wages near $75,000 per year (Kansas DOL).

Beyond increased compensation potential, transitioning from LPN to RN opens up greater career advancement possibilities and access to more specialized nursing roles. These factors make investing the time to complete an LPN to RN bridge program very worthwhile.

### Key Benefits of LPN to RN Bridge Programs

LPN to RN bridge programs build on students‘ existing practical nursing knowledge and clinical experience to accelerate training. Key advantages include:

- Shorter program length – Can be completed in as little as 12-18 months
- Learn advanced nursing skills and theory through classroom and lab courses
- Hands-on clinical rotations across various care settings
- Eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam upon graduation and earn an RN license
- Higher RN nursing salaries – The BLS reports a national average wage of $77,600 per year for RNs

| Nursing Title | National Mean Salary |
| --- | --- |
| Nurse Practitioner | $117,670 |
| Nursing Manager | $101,730 |
| Registered Nurse | $77,600 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $48,820 |

_*Salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics_

When researching programs, accreditation status should be among the top considerations. All featured Kansas City LPN to RN bridge programs hold accreditation from either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring curriculum quality.

## Featured LPN to RN Programs in Kansas City, MO

The Kansas City metro area offers several excellent LPN to RN programs through its many reputable nursing schools. We compiled an overview of highly-ranked area schools and programs below for easy comparison.

### Comparison of Top Kansas City LPN to RN Programs

| Nursing School | Program | Program Length | Format | Tuition | Accreditation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Research College of Nursing (Rockhurst University) | LPN to BSN | 15 months | Hybrid | ~$14,700 total | CCNE |
| Kansas City Kansas CC | LPN to RN Transition | 12 months | Hybrid | $4,278 total | ACEN |
| University of Missouri – Kansas City | LPN to BSN | 12 months | In-person | $9,000 total | CCNE, ACEN |
| Park University | LPN to RN | 20 months | Online | ~$9,523 total | ACEN |
| Ranken Technical College | LPN to RN | 20 months | In-person | $17,400 total | ACEN |

### Research College of Nursing (Rockhurst University)

[Rockhurst University](https://www.rockhurst.edu/) offers both a traditional BSN program as well as an accelerated LPN to BSN pathway through its Research College of Nursing. The private Jesuit university provides over 90 undergraduate and graduate degree options on its attractive Kansas City campus.

The LPN to BSN program admits students twice per year with start dates in January and August. Rockhurst maintains a selective admission process with a focus on past academic performance for selecting qualified candidates most likely to succeed.

**Program Highlights:**

- 15-month hybrid curriculum blending online and traditional courses
- Includes 650+ hours of clinical rotations and simulations
- 95%+ NCLEX pass rate over past decade
- Experienced faculty and small class sizes

Theoretical nursing coursework covers advanced topics like Patient-Centered Care, Evidence-Based Practice, Healthcare Policy, Case Management, and more. Students also complete general education courses on ethics, statistics, religion, and microbiology.

Rockhurst charges an affordable per-credit tuition rate under $500 for nursing courses in its LPN to RN program. Students receive one-on-one guidance from advisors on managing course sequencing and developing a graduation plan.

Multiple [scholarships](https://www.rockhurst.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/) up to $2,500 per year are also available to help offset tuition costs. Prospective students can [schedule a meeting](https://www.rockhurst.edu/admissions/visit/) with an admissions counselor to learn more and receive personalized program guidance.

### Kansas City Kansas Community College Nursing

Students wanting to minimize tuition expenses for their LPN to RN education may prefer [Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC)](https://www.kckcc.edu/). The affordable public college provides an RN pathway through its [LPN to RN Transition program](https://www.kckcc.edu/academics/academic-divisions/health-care/nursing/lpn-to-rn-transition/).

**Key Details:**

- Can be completed in just 1 year (3 semesters)
- Blended online and on-campus coursework
- 660 hours of clinical rotations across regional providers
- 88% first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate

KCKCC holds accreditation through ACEN to confirm its nursing curriculum meets high standards. Applicants must hold an active LPN license as well as a cumulative 2.5 GPA across seven prerequisite courses to qualify for admission.

The college charges one of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the state at just $114 per credit hour. Total program cost generally runs less than $5,000 including prerequisites – making it very affordable compared to other RN options.

### Accelerated LPN to BSN at University of Missouri – Kansas City

The [University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC)](https://med.umkc.edu/) provides one of the fastest LPN to RN programs available through its School of Nursing & Health Studies. Qualified Licensed Practical Nurses can complete this rigorous BSN bridge pathway in just 12 months of full-time study.

**Why Choose UMKC‘s Program?**

- Cutting-edge simulation labs and facilities
- 760+ hours spent training across Kansas City medical facilities
- Highly qualified PhD and DNP-prepared faculty
- 94% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate over past decade

UMKC holds accreditation from both the CCNE and ACEN to confirm compliance with strict educational standards. The accelerated LPN to BSN pathway comprises an intense 50 credit-hour curriculum. Courses blend traditional classroom and online learning with in-depth clinical experiences.

Total program cost is approximately $9,000 for in-state students. UMKC also offers $2,500 scholarships and emergency loans to assist with direct educational expenses.

### Fully Online LPN to RN Bridge at Park University

[Park University](https://www.park.edu/) developed its online [LPN to RN bridge program](https://www.park.edu/academics/school-of-natural-applied-sciences/nursing-program.html) to provide flexibility for working nurses through 100% online course delivery. No campus visits are required for the program‘s five-semester plan which culminates in an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree.

**Key Program Benefits:**

- Accommodates students who must continue working while enrolled
- Dedicated online library resources and advising staff
- More affordable cost at ~$371 per credit hour
- Option to complete clinicals locally after prerequisites

Park University has operated its main campus in Parkville, MO since 1875. The private non-profit institution holds accreditation through ACEN and offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate degrees fully online.

The LPN to RN bridge program provides asynchronous coursework students can complete at their own pace combined with real-time learning activities. Applicants must first finish eight prerequisite courses in topics like Nutrition, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Growth & Development.

### Accelerated Option: Ranken Technical College

Students interested in an accelerated intensive LPN to RN pathway may prefer [Ranken Technical College](https://www.ranken.edu/) located in St. Louis, MO. The private non-profit college provides a 20-month program blend including classroom immersive simulation training.

**Why Students Choose Ranken:**

- Hands-on high-tech simulation lab experience
- Clinical rotations arranged at top St. Louis hospitals
- 93% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate
- Strong job placement support services for graduates

The program admits new cohorts each June and January. All graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (RN AAS) after meeting testing requirements.

Ranken prides itself on small class sizes to ensure individualized attention. The college enrolls no more than 36 students into each LPN to RN cohort. Total tuition comes out to approximately $17,400 for completion of the 67.5 credit-hour curriculum.

## Important Considerations for Prospective LPN to RN Students

Joan Smith, Nursing Faculty at Research College of Nursing – Rockhurst University, explained that prospective students evaluating LPN to RN programs should focus on three key areas:

> "When comparing schools and picking an LPN to RN bridge program, it‘s essential to review the curriculum and clinical training, understand time and cost commitments, and evaluate student support resources offered. Finding the right balance across these areas based on your individual needs and learning style can help set you up for success."

We fully agree with Professor Smith‘s advice. All featured programs provide an excellent accelerated pathway to earn an RN credential. We encourage prospective students to closely compare total program costs, curriculum design, clinical training locations, and overall fit.

Additional factors to weigh when choosing an LPN to RN bridge program include:

- Hold either ACEN or CCNE accreditation
- Strong graduate NCLEX-RN exam pass rate history
- Availability of financial aid including scholarships and loans
- Sufficient clinical rotation hours across multiple care settings
- Reasonable tuition cost balanced with program quality
- Format flexibility: online, in-person, or hybrid options
- High graduate nursing job placement rates after completion

Prospective students wishing to practice as a registered nurse in Missouri must pass the NCLEX-RN exam after graduation and apply for state licensure through the Missouri Board of Nursing. Candidates will also need to complete a criminal background check and submit fingerprints as part of the license approval process.

BSN-educated RNs tend to see better career advancement trajectories into nursing leadership roles or specialties like public health nursing. However, both ADN and BSN pathways allow licensing to practice bedside nursing care with the RN credential. We recommend all prospective students visit campus, attend information sessions, and speak with admissions counselors to find the best LPN to RN program fit based on their career goals and needs.

## Financing Your LPN to RN Education

Completing an LPN to RN bridge program represents a significant financial investment for career advancement. However, you have options beyond taking on heavy student loan debt or paying completely out-of-pocket.

Many schools like Rockhurst University and UMKC offer competitive scholarships up to several thousand dollars annually for nursing students. Additional financing strategies include:

- Applying for federal or private student loans
- Crowdfunding tuition through friends/family or sites like GoFundMe
- Asking your employer about tuition reimbursement opportunities
- Securing local community organization or nursing association scholarships

Brenda Kowalski, President of the Missouri Nurses Association Kansas City Chapter, advocates for reducing barriers to nursing education access through improved funding:

> "Transitioning from LPN to RN can bring tremendous career growth opportunities and better compensation. We support policy changes that would make bridge programs more affordable through expanding Pell grants, tuition reimbursement incentives, loan forgiveness programs and needs-based assistance."

Prospective students should fully explore all possible funding avenues when budgeting for an LPN to RN program. Most schools also have dedicated financial aid staff available to help students submit forms, apply for aid, and develop reasonable funding plans to complete their studies.

Several hospitals and long-term care facilities offer bonuses or tuition reimbursement incentives to existing LPN staff who pursue RN credentials. Be sure to talk to your human resources department about assistance opportunities or contract requirements post-graduation.

## The Outlook for LPN to RN Bridge Program Graduates

Given extensive nursing job growth projections both nationally and regionally, LPN to RN bridge program graduates enter a very promising career landscape.

They stand well prepared upon passing the NCLEX exam to provide advanced skilled bedside care with higher compensation levels. Further opportunities beyond hospital floor nursing also open up such as public health, school nursing, ambulance services and home health roles.

Synthea Nina, Director of Nursing Education Policy at Missouri Nurses Association, sees strong demand ahead for graduates of LPN to RN bridge programs:

> "With over 50,000 Baby Boomer nurses in Missouri approaching retirement soon, we desperately need the next generation of registered nurses. I absolutely encourage LPNs to strongly consider completing an accredited LPN to RN bridge program to help fill expected RN workforce shortages."

In addition to bedside and direct care nursing positions, those holding RN degrees can eventually pursue roles in administration, leadership, advanced practice, consulting, academics and more with additional experience.

LPNs ready to expand their competencies through intensive study and clinical training should strongly consider applying to one of the exceptional LPN to RN bridge programs available in Kansas City and Missouri.

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Source: [The Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Kansas City, Missouri](https://33rdsquare.com/the-top-lpn-to-rn-bridge-programs-in-kansas-city-missouri/)