Bridge Programs

LPN/LVN-to-BSN

Like LPN/LVN-to-RN programs, an LPN/LVN-to-BSN bridge program exists to help students advance in their careers, whether they choose to work at hospitals, home health agencies, doctor’s offices, or nursing homes. However, BSN degree programs can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced knowledge and careers beyond just the skills needed to become an RN. As a result, the curriculum of LPN/LVN-to-BSN programs is typically more challenging than that for LPN/LVN-to-RN programs, and they usually take three years to complete.

Coursework in these programs builds on the classes applicants may be required to complete to gain admission into the program, such as microbiology, psychology, public speaking and biostatistics. Examples of courses that frequently appear in these programs include nursing informatics, community health nursing, nursing leadership, and advanced assessment. Different programs may also have additional components, such as:

• Clinical experiences, which are almost always required in order to solidify the concepts learned in class.
• Licensure preparatory courses, which can help students prepare for the NCLEX-RN® exam.
• Career-related clinicals, in subjects such as mental health, pediatrics, women’s health or critical care nursing.

ADN-to-BSN

Those who have completed an associate’s degree in nursing can move forward with their education by enrolling in an ADN-to-BSN bridge program. In order to be admitted, nurses should have completed the specific program’s prerequisite courses — which may include chemistry, physiology, anatomy, and psychology — as well as have a current nursing license. These programs, which can usually be completed in two to three years, are built around two goals:

1. Deepening nurses’ understanding of the art and science of nursing.
2. Exposing nurses to general education classes to learn additional skills — like written and verbal communication — that can be applied to a nursing practice

In some cases, ADN-to-BSN programs may be based on a cohort model. This means that when a class is admitted into the program, the students take all of their courses together as a group until they graduate. There are several benefits to this kind of program — including the ability for nurses to form close ties with each other, which can provide much-needed emotional and educational support as they navigate their way through the program. This camaraderie can continue long after students have completed their degrees, so a cohort may also double as a networking opportunity.

RN-to-BSN

Professionals who have earned a nursing certificate can strengthen their career skills — including patient assessment and diagnostic testing abilities — in an RN-to-BSN bridge program. Since many employers give preference to job candidates who have earned bachelor’s degrees, completing such a program can go a long way toward accessing additional career paths, including school, charge, emergency room, addiction and public health nursing positions.

To reap these benefits, prospective students must meet programs’ admissions requirements. These can vary, but may include being currently licensed to practice nursing, as well as the completion of prerequisite courses like chemistry, microbiology, and human anatomy. Some schools may also expect RN-to-BSN applicants to have maintained a minimum 2.5 GPA during their RN program.

RN-to-BSN programs can make it possible for students to complete their BSN degrees in four semesters thanks to the credits they transfer from their RN programs, as well as classes that may be waived because of nurses’ work experience. In addition, students may be able to take their classes in eight- or sixteen-week sessions, which helps them balance their education around their work and personal responsibilities. The curriculum for these programs is typically based around developing competencies such as professional and social responsibility, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.