Your Path to Becoming an RN Online: An LPN to RN Guide

Are you a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) looking to advance your nursing career and become a Registered Nurse (RN)? The online LPN-to-RN bridge program offers a flexible and accessible route to achieve your professional goals. This comprehensive guide answers frequently asked questions and outlines the steps to enroll in an online LPN-to-RN program, specifically designed for working nurses like you.

Understanding the LPN to RN Online Pathway

For LPNs seeking career advancement, an online RN program provides a convenient educational format without disrupting your current employment. These programs are structured to build upon your existing nursing knowledge and experience, accelerating your path to becoming an RN. Let’s explore the key aspects of this educational journey.

Is an Online LPN to RN Program Right for You?

Distance learning offers significant advantages, particularly for working professionals. Online programs provide:

Flexibility: Study at your own pace and schedule, fitting coursework around your work and personal life.
Accessibility: Eliminate geographical barriers, allowing you to attend programs regardless of location.
Affordability: Online programs can sometimes be more cost-effective due to reduced overhead and commuting expenses.

However, online learning requires self-discipline, strong time management skills, and comfort with technology. Consider if you are a self-motivated learner who can thrive in a virtual environment.

Authorized States and Program Approval

It’s crucial to ensure the online LPN-to-RN program you choose is authorized and accredited. Accreditation ensures the program meets quality standards and that your degree will be recognized. Many reputable online programs, like the one offered by Allegany College of Maryland, hold approvals such as the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

We are authorized in seventeen states:

Applicants must be a permanent resident of the authorized states and remain a resident of an authorized state throughout the program.

Approved to operate by the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

*South Carolina residents must score a 900 or greater on the HESI entrance exam to be considered for acceptance into the online program, per South Carolina’s Nurse Practice Act and related preceptor requirements.

Contact Information and Further Assistance

For personalized guidance and answers to specific questions about the LPN-to-RN online program at Allegany College of Maryland, you can reach out to their dedicated advisor:

For additional information, please contact:

Lindsay Miller, M.S.Virtual Success & Retention CoachLPN-RN Online AdvisingEmail: [email protected]Phone: 301-784-5651

Is Distance Learning Right for Me?

Technical Requirements

Step-by-Step Admission Process for the Online LPN-RN Program

Navigating the admission process can seem daunting. This checklist breaks down the steps to apply for the online LPN-to-RN program, ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements and deadlines. Remember, completing each step thoroughly and submitting all required documents on time is crucial for your application to be considered.

Checklist – Admission Step Process for LPN-RN OnlineProgram

The application and all supporting documents must be received by the application due date to be evaluated for admission. This includes any official transcripts, professional letter of reference, work verification form, and copies of nursing and driver’s licenses.

Step 1: General College Admission

The first step is to apply for general admission to the college offering the online LPN-to-RN program. This establishes you as a student of the institution before program-specific admission.

Step 1: GENERAL ADMISSION

Apply for general admission to the college using the General College Admission Form
Select Pre-Online LPN-RN as the program of study. Applicants are automatically listed as ‘pre-LPN-RN’ until offered admission into the program.
Submit Official Transcripts as directed on the Admission Website to:
- ALLEGANY COLLEGE OF MARYLANDATTN: ADMISSION OFFICE/REGISTRAR12401 WILLOW BROOK ROAD SECUMBERLAND, MD 21502
- Transcripts may also be submitted electronically to [email protected]

Remember – to be official, transcripts must be sent directly from one institution to another. Transcripts from EACH institution attended must be submitted.

You may expect to receive an acceptance letter from the college as a ‘General Student’ within two to three weeks of submitting your application. Your unique Student ID number and Student e-mail will be located in the letter. Keep this letter in a safe and convenient location as you will need this information frequently. Be sure to check your student e-mail on a regular basis for correspondence from the college and the online program.

Please review the Checklist for all LPN-RN Applicants. Please review the Reverse Transfer Process for sending transcripts to ACM. PLEASE NOTE: This letter of admission to the ‘COLLEGE’ does not automatically enroll you or guarantee you a seat in the Nursing Program.

Allegany College of Maryland ranks as a best educational value, and our low tuition and fees make us one of the most affordable colleges in the nation. Please see Tuition and Fees for more information.

Key actions for Step 1:

Complete the General College Admission Form: Select “Pre-Online LPN-RN” as your program.
Submit Official Transcripts: Request transcripts from all previously attended institutions and send them to the college either physically or electronically.

Upon successful completion of this step, you’ll receive a general student acceptance letter containing your student ID and email, essential for future communication.

Step 2: Placement Testing and Academic Advising

For applicants without prior college credits, placement testing helps assess your academic readiness for college-level coursework. Advising ensures you enroll in the appropriate prerequisite courses.

Step 2: PLACEMENT TESTING AND ADVISING

(This step is for students who have NO Prior College Credits)

Participate in placement (Accuplacer) testing, if necessary. **NOTE – Applicants may complete the reading/writing/math portions of the placement test online if technical requirements are met. Applicants wishing to complete the optional Science placement exam must complete the exam in person at a location near you. You do NOT need to come to our campus to take the exams. Please notify the Learning Commons Testing Services that you are out of town when contacting them, so they can assist you with arrangements at 301-784-5554.
After completing placement testing, you must speak with your academic advisor prior to enrolling in courses. Your advisor will be listed in the letter you receive from the Admission Office. The purpose of talking with your advisor is to assist you in registering for the appropriate courses and help answer any questions you may have.
Complete any developmental courses as required by Accuplacer assessment testing results and ALL pre-requisite courses.
Reminder when registering for courses:
- The minimum acceptable college GPA for the program pre-requisite classes for admission consideration is 2.50.
- All general education courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
- Anatomy and Physiology 1 and Anatomy and Physiology 2 (4 credit courses) If they were both completed more than 10 years ago, we highly recommend you repeat the science courses, but we will accept them in transfer*.
- Microbiology 4 credits will be accepted in transfer, if applicable, at any time. There is no time limit on the credits for Microbiology. (Biology 204)
- If you only had Anatomy and Physiology 1 more than 10 years ago, you will need to repeat Anatomy and Physiology 1 before enrolling in Anatomy and Physiology 2
- Currently working LPN’s who took science courses more than 10 years ago will be given credit for those courses.
- BECAUSE OF THE RIGOROUS NATURE OF THE NURSING PROGRAM, THE NURSING FACULTY STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT ALL GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES BE COMPLETED BEFORE BEGINNING THE NURSING PROGRAM.
Basic functional computer ability is an expectation of the LPN-RN Online nursing program.

*Transfer of credit will occur if the courses meet our current science requirements. It may be necessary to submit the syllabi for the courses in question. The 4 credit hours are based on semester hours, not quarter hours.

Key actions for Step 2 (if applicable):

Placement Testing (Accuplacer): Complete reading, writing, and math portions online. Science portion may require in-person testing.
Academic Advising: Consult with your assigned advisor to plan your prerequisite coursework.
Prerequisite Courses: Complete any required developmental courses and all program prerequisites, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.50 in prerequisite classes and a “C” or better in general education courses.

Meeting the prerequisite course requirements, especially in sciences like Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology, is vital for a strong application.

Step 3: Online Nursing Program Application

Once you’ve addressed general admission and prerequisites, you can proceed with the specific application for the online LPN-to-RN program.

Step 3: ONLINE NURSING APPLICATION

**Seven of the Pre-requisites must be COMPLETED prior to the semester you are submitting your application for consideration to the online nursing program or mid-term and final grades must be submitted by the due dates for consideration to the online nursing program.**

Pre-requisite courses for the LPN-RN Online program, a “C” grade or higher is required in all general education courses:

English 101
Psychology 101
Psychology 203 (Human Growth and Development)
Math 102 or Math 109 (College Algebra or Probability and Statistics)
Biological Science 207 – Anatomy and Physiology 1 (4 credit science with a lab)
Biological Science 208 – Anatomy and Physiology 2 (4 credit science with a lab)
Biological Science 204 – Microbiology (4 credit science with a lab)
These 3 general education requirements must be completed to be eligible for graduation and can be completed after acceptance into the online program:
- Sociology 101
- Humanities electives 2 courses or 6 credits (Includes Art, Music, Philosophy, Literature, Foreign Language, Speech, Leadership) only one course from a discipline

Admission to LPN-RN Online

APPLICATION

You will need your Student ID and Student Email account to complete the LPN-RN Online Program Application.
Applications must be submitted by the deadline date for the semester you are applying for to be considered for the “LPN Advanced Transitions Course”.
Applicants must be proficient in English and must clear Federal Background checks before being offered formal admission.
Drug screening is required prior to entering clinical nursing courses.
You will receive a postcard verifying your application was received in the Nursing Department.

Admission to the online nursing program is a selective and competitive process. Acceptance will be offered to students ranking with the highest points based on pre-requisite class grades and the admission exam.

Applicants will be ranked using the following factors:

Scores on a standardized entrance exam (weighted 1/2)
A point system awarding points for each required course completed and grade earned.(weighted 1/2)

For Biological Science 207; Biological Science 208; Biological Science 204; and College Algebra:

Each “A” will be worth 10 points
Each “B” will be worth 8 points
Each “C” will be worth 6 points
No points will be awarded for a “D” or an “F”

For English 101, Psychology 101 and 203, Sociology 101, and Humanities elective:

Each “A” will be worth 5 points
Each “B” will be worth 3 points
Each “C” will be worth 1 point
No points will be awarded for a “D” or an “F”

Current enrollment and mid-term grades will be utilized along with final grades earned in previous semesters in determining a student’s final points. Transcripts and mid-term grades for students transferring from another college must be in the nursing office by due dates to be considered for the ranking process.

NOTE: You will be notified via your student email account if you are eligible to register for the entrance exam. The Entrance Exam emails will be sent 1-2 weeks prior to the Entrance Exam Testing Period. A separate letter from the Department of Nursing will be mailed upon evaluation of completed prerequisite criteria, including Entrance Exam Scores, to make an offer of conditional acceptance into the LPN-RN Online program. Please make sure your correct mailing address is listed in the college system and that you are checking your college email regularly. Not checking your college email will not warrant a deadline extension. Formal admission into the Nursing Program and clinical courses will be offered upon successful completion of Advanced Transition course NURS295.

Key actions for Step 3:

Complete the Online LPN-RN Program Application: Use your student ID and email to access the application portal and meet the specified deadlines.
Review Prerequisite Requirements: Ensure you have completed at least seven prerequisites before applying and understand the grading criteria and point system used for admission ranking.

Admission to the online nursing program is competitive, factoring in both entrance exam scores and prerequisite course performance.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

A comprehensive application includes supporting documents that verify your LPN licensure, work experience, and professional references.

Step 4: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Submit all ‘Supporting Documents’ listed below by the application deadline of the semester you are applying for admission to the Online Nursing program. Failure to submit these documents may adversely affect your application process.

SUBMIT :

One [1] Clinical Experience/Professional Reference (To be completed even if you have no clinical experience)
The Employer Verification Letter completed by Human Resources Dept. from one or more places of employment. Applicants for the program must have 1 year and 2000 hours of work experience by the application deadline for the class they are applying for.
An official transcript from the LPN school you attended.
A valid copy of your current unencumbered LPN license OR a copy of a current unencumbered licensee verification from the Board of Nursing website that includes an expiration date
Provide a legible copy of current / valid PHOTO U.S. Driver’s license
A letter of recommendation from the Program Director of a previously attended RN program – if indicated (refer to Nursing Information Book and Prior Program Attendance Letter )
In some cases, proof of Permanent Residence in a state may be required
Documentation may be mailed, e-mailed, or faxed to:
- ALLEGANY COLLEGE OF MARYLANDATTN: NURSING DEPT. ONLINE PROGRAM12401 WILLOW BROOK ROAD SECUMBERLAND, MD 21502
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: 301-784-5106 (please note: some documents do not fax well and may have to be sent using an alternative method)

Required Supporting Documents:

Clinical Experience/Professional Reference: Obtain a reference using the provided form, even if you lack formal clinical experience.
Employer Verification Letter: Have your HR department complete the form verifying at least one year and 2000 hours of LPN work experience.
LPN School Transcript: Submit an official transcript from your LPN program.
LPN License Verification: Provide a copy of your valid, unencumbered LPN license or online verification.
Driver’s License Copy: Include a legible copy of your current U.S. driver’s license.
RN Program Director Letter (if applicable): If you previously attended an RN program, submit a letter of recommendation from the Program Director.
Proof of Residency (if applicable): Provide proof of permanent residency in an authorized state if required.

Gathering and submitting these documents accurately and by the deadline is essential for a complete application.

Step 5: Entrance Exam

The final step in the application process is to take the HESI LPN-ADN Entrance Exam.

Step 5: ENTRANCE EXAM TESTING

HESI LPN ADN Entrance Exam – 85 questions, questions are all nursing related.

Participate in Entrance Exam testing. The exam will be open for the following dates for each admission cycle:
2/15 – 4/15 for April 15th deadline
7/1 – 9/1 for September 1st deadline
10/1 – 12/1 for December 1st deadline
Applicants for the Online LPN RN Program must complete the entrance exam during the dates listed above.
There is a 2 step payment process: Elsevier and Proctor U.
Applicants will first sign up with Proctor U – this company monitors your test as you are taking the exam – there is a fee. Testing times will open at 12 AM EST on the first day of testing through 9 PM EST on the final day of testing. Proctor U reservations are open 24 hours a day in between the dates and times listed above. Follow the directions provided to schedule an exam time and pay the fee.
Elsevier is the company that provides the exam – there is a fee. Follow the directions provided to purchase the exam.
Exam scores will not be considered if both payments were not completed.
Testing dates and times will not be extended. Please do not wait until the last day to take the exam for each application cycle. If you have technical difficulties, you will not be able to reschedule outside of the exam window and you will need to reapply for the next application deadline.
You will have 120 minutes to complete the exam and then the exam will automatically complete. Please reach out to the nursing department if you would like to request an exam accommodation.
Retaking the Entrance Exam is not required if completed successfully on the first attempt. Applicants who do not receive the required score (minimum score of 700) or feel they could improve their score during the next application cycle may retake the exam. Applicants to the online program may only take the entrance exam a total of three (3) times, and only once per testing cycle.

HESI LPN ADN Exam Registration Instructions

Key actions for Step 5:

HESI LPN-ADN Entrance Exam Registration: Register and pay fees for both ProctorU and Elsevier within the specified testing windows.
Exam Completion: Take the 85-question nursing-related exam, allowing 120 minutes for completion. Aim for a competitive score, especially if you are a South Carolina resident or wish to improve your ranking.

Admission Notification

Admission decisions are generally made after mid-term grades are due. Status letters will be mailed to all applicants at that time.
All nursing program acceptances are provisional, contingent upon securing approved clinical sites and preceptors, successful completion of the LPN Transitions Bridge course, submission and clearance of background checks, and completion of a physical examination form that includes serum titers or vaccinations for communicable diseases and drug screening.
Applications are not automatically rolled over to the next semester. If the applicant is not accepted, the applicant is required to submit a new application for the next application cycle if eligible. Refer to Nursing Information Booklet for eligibility criteria.

Admission to LPN-RN Online

APPLICATION

Clinical Preceptor

INFORMATION

LPN-RN

DOCUMENTS

Conclusion: Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career

An online LPN-to-RN program is a valuable investment in your nursing career. By understanding the admission requirements and diligently following each step, you can confidently apply and embark on your journey to becoming a Registered Nurse. This flexible online format empowers you to balance your education with your professional and personal commitments, opening doors to advanced nursing opportunities and increased earning potential. Start your application today and take control of your nursing future!

Alt text: RN logo representing Registered Nurse career advancement for LPNs through online programs.