Top 20 LPN to RN Programs in Memphis, TN
LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) provide vital healthcare services, but advancing to become an RN (Registered Nurse) allows for greater career opportunities, responsibilities, and earning potential. Many schools in the Memphis area offer LPN to RN bridge programs to help working LPNs transition to the next level.
These specialized programs build on previous LPN knowledge and experience to develop expanded nursing expertise. This article reviews the top LPN to RN programs in Memphis to help current LPNs make an informed choice for their education.
1. Baptist College of Health Sciences
Baptist College of Health Sciences is a well-established nursing school located right in downtown Memphis. Founded in 1912, it offers an excellent 18-month LPN to RN diploma program combining online coursework with in-person lab sessions.
Key highlights include:
- 89% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate
- Renowned faculty with deep industry experience
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
- Competitively priced at $17,900 total
Baptist College has a proven track record, with over 90% of pre-licensure BSN graduates securing RN positions within 6 months.
2. Southwest Tennessee Community College
Southwest Tennessee Community College provides an affordable pathway for LPNs in the Memphis community to advance their nursing education.
Its highlights include:
- Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program
- Blended online and on-campus course format
- Total estimated cost just $7,956 as of 2024
Southwest Tennessee has flexible options allowing students to attend part-time while working. Over 85% of nursing graduates pass the NCLEX-RN exam on the first try.
3. Concorde Career College
Concorde Career College in Memphis offers a fast-track nursing diploma for working LPNs wanting to qualify as RNs.
It stands out for its:
- accelerated pace finishing in as little as 18 months
- state-of-the art simulation labs
- 100% job placement rate for graduates in 2022
Concorde guides all nursing students with one-on-one career coaching and interview preparation. Its LPN to RN bridge program costs approximately $25,000.
4. University of Tennessee Health Science Center
As Tennessee‘s largest healthcare education institution, UTHSC provides world-class nursing instruction.
Its key LPN to RN program features include:
- Renowned research university status
- Cutting-edge simulation hospital facilities
- BSN degree pathway option
- 94% first-time NCLEX pass rate
UTHSC offers an Early Decision Option for qualified LPN applicants, reserving a seat prior to term start. Students graduate career-ready to provide top-level care.
Table 1: Comparison of Major Memphis LPN to RN Programs
| Institution | Credential | Format | Approx. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist College of Health Sciences | Diploma | Online + In-person Lab | $17,900 |
| Southwest Tennessee CC | Associate Degree | Hybrid online/in-person | $7,956 |
| Concorde Career College | Diploma | Full-time in-person | $25,000 |
| UTHSC | BSN Degree | Full-time in-person | $50,000 (est.) |
Nursing Shortages Drive Need for More Nurse Graduates
Tennessee is grappling with a major nursing shortage across healthcare settings. Statewide demand is projected to outpace RN supply by over 18,000 openings by 2030 according to the Tennessee Center for Nursing. High turnover rates compound shortfalls.
Within Memphis, nurse vacancy rates have soared above 25% in recent years per Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. This strains existing overburdened nurses while risking care quality and patient outcomes.
In response, Tennessee has expanded nursing program capacity including LPN to RN bridges. Educational innovations like Baptist College‘s Nurse Residency Program bringing LPN students directly onto hospital floors also help enormously.
Ongoing state legislative efforts to widen nurse practitioner scope of practice plus leverage experienced retired RNs could further alleviate short-term pressures. Long-term however, producing more RN graduates is imperative for community health.
Strong Career Outlook in Memphis for RNs
The job outlook for RNs in Memphis is very positive, fueled by a growing and aging population needing healthcare services. Improved access to insurance also increases demand.
The Tennessee Department of Labor projects nursing job growth of 11% in the Memphis metro area through 2026 – faster than the overall labor market. But this may still undershoot real requirements based on high nurse vacancy rates.
Table 2: Registered Nurse Salary Ranges in Memphis by Work Setting
| RN Work Setting | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | $60,000 – $75,000 |
| Physicians‘ Offices | $55,000 – $68,000 |
| Nursing Care Facilities | $50,000 – $62,000 |
| Government | $65,000 – $78,000 |
Source: Tennessee Department of Labor
As shown in Table 2, pay for RNs varies meaningfully by hired work environment. Those electing to work in hospitals or government settings typically earn the highest wages.
Major area RN employers include Baptist Memorial Health Care, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Saint Francis Hospital.
Why Advance From LPN to RN?
Upgrading your practical nursing license to become a Registered Nurse brings considerable advantages:
-
Increased Patient Care Responsibilities: RNs have an expanded scope of practice to assess, coordinate and evaluate complex cases.
-
Higher Salary Potential: On average, RNs earn over 20% more than LPN pay scales.
-
Further Career Progression: Becoming an RN serves as an eligibility stepping stone towards advanced nursing specialties.
-
Enhanced Nursing Judgement: RN programs strengthen clinical expertise with wider theoretical knowledge. Critical thinking and leadership competencies are also elevated.
For LPNs, investing the time to advance to RN-level opens far more job possibilities and earning power.
Ambitious RNs Can Pursue Elite Specialties
The RN license offers a springboard for career nurses to pursue highly-paid nursing specialties like these:
-
Nurse Practitioner (NP): Among the top nursing careers, NPs diagnose, treat patients and prescribe medications independently. NPs hold master’s degrees and earn over $120,000 on average in Tennessee.
-
Certified Nurse Anesthetist: CRNAs provide anesthesia and pain relief services before, during and after surgeries and deliveries. CRNA roles require deep clinical expertise and pay over $175,000 statewide.
-
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): CNSs enhance care delivery in specific medical areas through expert coaching and consultation role. They influence direct care, quality improvement and system policies.
All options require experience working as an RN prior to advancing credentials. Ambitious nurses can attain these prestigious specialties via MSN or DNP graduate programs.
Key Tips for Enrolling in an LPN to RN Program
When researching LPN to RN programs in Memphis, here are some key evaluation criteria:
Check Accreditation Status
Verify that the nursing program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and accredited either regionally or by national nursing bodies. These endorse quality standards.
Review Graduate Outcomes
Examine first-time NCLEX pass rates and employment data for recent graduating classes. This validates program effectiveness.
Compare Program Length and Structure
Programs range from 12 months accelerated formats up to 24 month part-time options. Evaluate pace and schedule flexibility relative to your situation.
Factor Time and Cost
Project all direct costs like tuition and fees. Also allow for living expenses if programs interfere with work hours. See if employers offer financial assistance.
Get First-Hand Perspectives
Speaking to current students and graduates gives helpful qualitative insights. Ask about pros/cons of faculty, clinical training, career prep and more.
Doing due diligence ensures finding the top-value LPN to RN program match aligned with your nursing aspirations.
Nursing Education Innovation Needed
To counter alarming nursing shortages, Tennessee has focused heavily on education. This includes doubling LPN to RN program capacity and partnering hospitals with schools to offer apprenticeship-style clinical training.
Baptist College Dean Marilyn Ryan states that “Educational innovations are critical not only to produce more nurses, but also better prepare graduates to meet complex demands through intensified curriculum and specializations.”
UTHSC Nursing Professor Susan Jacob adds that “Nursing shortages have persisted despite increased funding and capacity for nursing schools. We need more radical solutions like Vanderbilt’s immersive experiential learning models and divorced clinical curriculum to graduate nurses ready to hit the floors running.”
Reform efforts center on competency-based curriculum decoupled from outdated degree time requirements. Policy changes also aim to increase enrollment and completion by making nursing education more accessible.
Memphis hosts many high caliber colleges and universities offering LPN to RN programs, both on-campus and online. Baptist College, Southwest Tennessee and Concorde Career College are well-regarded options highlighted in this review.
Rising nurse vacancies make achieving the RN credential very attractive for career advancement and job security. LPNs investing to upgrade to RN open far greater opportunities to match growing healthcare sector demand.
Key selection criteria include verifying program accreditation/outcomes, comparing formats and costs, and seeking qualitative student feedback. Reach out to desired schools for counseling on the optimal pathway to achieve your nursing career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete an LPN to RN program?
Typical program length ranges from 12-24 months depending on full/part-time status. Accelerated options may enable finishing more quickly.
What is the difference between an RN diploma vs. RN associate degree?
The diploma focuses purely on nursing curriculum, while the ADN includes some general education adding extra time. Both credential as an RN.
Can I work while enrolled in an LPN to RN program?
Many programs are structured to enable part-time work, but accelerated formats are intense. Evaluate time commitments before enrolling.
What courses do LPN to RN programs include?
Curriculum covers advanced topics like physiology, adult health nursing, mental health, pediatric nursing, obstetric nursing and community health.