# The Top LPN to RN Programs in Philadelphia, PA in 2026

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-top-lpn-to-rn-programs-in-philadelphia-pa-in-2024/
- Published: 2024-02-27
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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As a higher education reform expert, I analyze major issues around access, affordability and value to help students succeed. And few fields have greater importance right now than healthcare education.

Pennsylvania faces a massive nursing shortage. Over 41,000 new registered nursing roles must be filled by 2030 – the 6th highest need nationwide. Yet education barriers prevent filling these high-paying jobs.

Between costs spiraling over 340% since 1990 and confusing program options, insufficient nurses complete training. My mission is clearing obstacles to expand Philly nursing ranks through LPN to RN pathway programs.

This guide examines the **top LPN to RN programs in Philadelphia** while calling for reforms. It aims to help local current LPNs efficiently transition to meet our community’s dire healthcare personnel needs.

## Philadelphia Requires More Nurse Graduates

Greater Philadelphia holds over 25 top nursing schools churning out graduates. Yet regional healthcare systems remain understaffed, risking severe service disruptions without more RNs.

In fact, Pennsylvania must add over 41,000 new registered nurses by 2030 to meet growing patient demand as baby boomers age into Medicare. Unfortunately, not enough students currently progress through multi-year education programs required for RN licensure.

Here are some alarming statistics that showcase why more LPN to RN pathway programs are essential:

- New RN job openings in Pennsylvania are projected to outpace nearly all other occupations over the next decade at 16% growth
- Meanwhile, nursing school enrollment only expanded by 6-8% the past few years, adding less than 1,000 new prospective nurses
- At the same time, patients ages 65+ are expected to surge over 40% putting greater strain on understaffed hospitals and long term care facilities

LPN to RN bridge programs are crucial to filling this gap. These accelerated courses allow existing Licensed Practical Nurses to gain additional training required for RN licensure following 1-2 years of supplemental coursework.

Let’s analyze the top local programs helping add registered nurses plus necessary reforms ahead.

## Ranking the Top 10 LPN to RN Programs near Philadelphia

Selecting the right nursing school is challenging given variations in cost, training approaches, outcomes and more. I rank the top LPN to RN programs in the Philadelphia metro on the following criteria:

- Affordability of tuition
- Program flexibility for working students
- Licensing and certification exam pass rates
- Career support services
- Reputation with area healthcare employers
- Range of educational pathways offered

These factors help current LPNs make an informed decision when investing time and money to advance their career. Now let’s count down the top 10 programs meeting these standards around Philadelphia:

1. **[Rowan College]**([https://www.rcsj.edu/nursing](https://www.rcsj.edu/nursing))
2. [Community College of Philadelphia]
3. [Gwynedd Mercy University]
4. [Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences]
5. [Temple University]
6. [Thomas Jefferson University]
7. [La Salle University]
8. [Villanova University]
9. [Bloomsburg University]
10. [Drexel University]

I‘ll next overview examples showcasing why these LPN to RN programs rank highly across evaluation criteria.

### Rowan College – Affordability and Flexibility Leader

Rowan College offers one of the region’s most affordable LPN to ADN bridge programs at just $15,000 total including prerequisites. They enroll the second highest volume of nursing students statewide.

Beverly Blazejewski, Rowan VP of Lifelong Learning, states their ​“LPN to RN pathway provides flexible, affordable access to quality nursing education. By recognizing prior coursework, we expedite student completion so they quickly assist regional medical providers. Partnering with healthcare employers, we ensure graduate success.”

Rowan also offers self-paced course modules and asynchronous learning options catering to working LPNs. Their graduated block scheduling prevents delays by sequencing prerequisites before nursing classes begin.

### Community College of Philadelphia – Strong Employer Partnerships

At approximately $10,000 total, CCP also delivers budget-friendly LPN to RN education. But their primary differentiator is hospital program partnerships facilitating training.

Dr. Margo Morris, Dean of Nursing, shares that ​“CCP nursing students complete clinical rotations at the renowned Thomas Jefferson Hospital System. This exposure and resulting recommendation letters are invaluable securing graduate nursing roles.”

CCP meets frequently with other Philadelphia healthcare systems to align curriculum with workplace needs. New simulation labs jointly built with employers also help grads transition and deliver care confidently.

### Gwynedd Mercy University – Top Licensing Exam Scores

While costing more than community colleges, Gwynedd Mercy students pass RN licensing exams at the highest rates in Pennsylvania thanks to a rigorous program. Impressively, 100% of recent graduates passed the NCLEX RN exam to become registered nurses.

Dr. Wanda Thuma-McDermond, Nursing Chair, remarks ​“Our small class sizes, practitioner faculty and faith-based community support student success on RN exams and beyond. We emphasize understanding over cramming through mastery learning.”

Their new state-of-the-art nursing facility provides advanced simulation training explaining strong licensing outcomes. Students also receive individual support from dedicated career coaches around job placement or graduate program applications.

This sample demonstrates the types of program variability that current LPNs must consider in choosing the optimal pathway to become a registered nurse. Next this guide will overview key reforms needed to improve nursing education access.

## Recommended Reforms to Expand LPN to RN Training Capacity

While the above ranked schools provide quality training, systemic bottlenecks prevent filling Pennsylvania’s 41,000 nursing roles. As a higher education reform expert, I recommend the following solutions to increase LPN to RN graduation rates:

**1. Standardize Degree Pathways**

Consolidate redundant LPN to ASN and LPN to BSN tracks through statewide partnerships. This streamlines credit transfers while still providing job entry and further education options.

**2. Fund LPN Prerequisites**

CoveringGeneral education requirements like Anatomy or English for LPN license holders entering bridge programs encourages completion. These classes create the #1 roadblock slowing enrollment.

**3. Grow Simulation Labs**

Expanding realistic hospital replication facilities increases hands-on clinical training slots. This allows more students without overtaxing healthcare facilities reliant upon nursing trainees.

**4. Offer Evening Courses**

Provide more nontraditional class times catering to working LPNs. Many struggle meeting strict daytime requirements while managing family or jobs.

Municipal funding, public-private partnerships and nursing school fundraising could finance these solutions. Expanding LPN to RN slots remains imperative to delivering quality, affordable healthcare as demand grows.

Now that we’ve covered key program rankings and education system reforms, let’s conclude with final thoughts for current LPNs considering upskilling.

## Selecting the Best LPN to RN Program for You

I hope this guide outlined excellent LPN to RN options meeting different student needs with Philadelphia’s strong nursing education ecosystem. No matter your priorities around cost, flexibility or other factors, quality programs exist to progress your healthcare career.

As you evaluate options, make sure to connect with enrolled students and staff at any nursing school you remain interested in. They can provide further insights to inform major educational investments.

I wish everyone currently working hard as an LPN much success quickly earning RN licensure through these excellent local bridge programs. Supporting your professional growth will greatly benefit Philadelphia healthcare employers and the broader community!

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Source: [The Top LPN to RN Programs in Philadelphia, PA in 2026](https://33rdsquare.com/the-top-lpn-to-rn-programs-in-philadelphia-pa-in-2024/)