OnlineNursingClasses.netNursing Bridge Programs
Since nursing is such a growing occupation, it’s really no surprise that people are interested in switching professions to begin a nursing career. Many online colleges offer degree programs tailored to these individuals, who have previous healthcare experience or degrees in other field.
Bridge Program Overview
There’s no point in taking courses in subjects you already know, and that’s the basis of bridge programs. The way bridge programs work can vary, but the basic premise is this: students can prove their previous knowledge and experience, in order to make a “bridge” into the advanced degree program.
This bridge may consist of passing an exam or taking a short, intensive refresher course. After completing the bridge, the student can then enter the new program in advanced standing, and complete the course work in an accelerated time frame (BLS).
LPN to RN
The LPN to RN bridge program lets licensed practical nurses with professional experience enter a better-paying career as a registered nurse. Students are allowed to use the courses they took in their LPN program and the skills they used on the job to accelerate their degree process by as much as a year.
This means that LPNs can earn an associate’s degree in nursing and take the NCLEX-RN in as quickly as one year, or about half the usual time frame. Many programs require applicants to have at least six months of work as an LPN, before they can apply to the bridge program.
RN to BSN
The RN to BSN online program is for registered nurses who have an associate’s degree in nursing, but are ready to go back and school to complete their bachelor’s degree. This is an especially attractive option, because in many cases these programs have no on-site clinical requirements, since registered nurses already have plenty of professional experience.
Students in this program simply take online courses in liberal arts topics and advanced nursing theory. These programs may allow RNs to earn their BSN in as little as one to one and a half years.
Second Degree BSN
Individuals who already have an accredited undergraduate degree may enter nursing by enrolling in a second degree BSN program. Second degree BSN programs do not include any basic liberal arts courses, since students have already completed these in their previous degree program. Instead, students begin taking clinicals and nursing online classes right away. These programs can generally be completed in 12-24 months, depending on the school and its requirements.