CNA to LPN Programs Charlotte, NC

Many CNAs are quite happy operating and continuing in their role, while others take the opportunity to progress to other roles in nursing. Becoming a CNA is the fastest and easiest path to participating with the health care team in the care of patients. It will open the doors and help you decide the role you’d like to have in healthcare. It is one way to figure out if patient care is right for you. Once you’ve decided to stay in the field, becoming a licensed practical nurse is another simple pathway to move up the career ladder. The educational requirements for becoming a licensed practical nurse require less time than the requirements for registered nursing. Through CNA to LPN bridge programs, you can transfer credits earned in the nurse aide program and achieve your goal of becoming an LPN in much less time.

ECPI University

Certified nursing assistants who hold an active and unencumbered license to practice will receive priority in the admissions process at ECPI University. Those looking to prepare for licensure as a practical nurse will participate in classroom lectures, hands-on skills lab, and clinical rotations to develop knowledge and skills to provide patient care in their new capacity as a registered nurse. The Practical Nursing Diploma requires completion of 48.5 credit hours or 1,736 contact hours. Course topics include concepts of nursing, medical surgical nursing, acute care nursing, role transition, dosage calculations, anatomy and physiology, freshman orientation, study skills, pharmacology, introduction to psychology, normal life span, and study skills. Graduates will be eligible to apply for the NCLEX-PN to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. The duration of the program is 60 weeks. Day and evening classes are available.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete a campus tour and admission interview
  • Take and pass the TEAS V with minimum scores – reading 58.3, math 55. The provisional score requirements are reading 55.3 and math 55
  • Submit record of high school graduation or high school equivalent
  • Must meet the minimal level of essential functional abilities required to practice as a nurse
  • Must demonstrate physical and emotional health to indicate the ability to provide safe nursing care
  • Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Provide record of immunization as required by the clinical agencies.

Tuition for the program is $9,720 per semester. The cost of books and supplies are is not included.

  • Website: https://www.ecpi.edu/
  • Address: 4800 Airport Center Parkway #100, Charlotte NC 28208
  • Phone: 704-751-4558
  • Toll Free: 844-611-0624
  • Fax: 704-399-9144
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 89.19%

Davidson and Davie Community College

The Practical Nurse Education program at Davidson-Davie Community College provides nurse aides with knowledge and skills to provide safe and quality care to patients in acute and long-term care facilities. The curriculum builds on the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Experienced instructors will emphasize safe, individualized nursing care and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team while making use of evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. Course modules are General Psychology, Practical Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology, Developmental Psychology, and Writing and Inquiry. Students must complete 44 credit hours to obtain the Practical Nursing Diploma. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. The duration of the program is 12 months.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the process for admission to DDCC
  • Complete the Residency Determination and New Student Orientation
  • Submit evidence of high school completion
  • Demonstrate English and mathematics “college readiness” level through the completion of college-level English/math courses or completion of waiver credit for co-requisite courses
  • Schedule and take the ATI TEAS test at DCCC or another site and achieve a minimum score of 62
  • Provide documentation that verifies relevant life experience – EMT, MLT, CMT, etc.
  • Meet with an admission representative to complete a nursing admissions review
  • Must have current CPR Basic Life Support Certification for Healthcare Provider
  • Must have current Nurse Aide I certification and be listed on the NA I Registry
  • Complete a satisfactory background check and drug screen
  • Submit a physical exam report. Documents must be submitted to Complio and signed by the licensed medical provider. It must include immunization records for MMR, Varicella, Tdap, TB screening, Seasonal Influenza, and Hepatitis B

The program costs $3,572 for tuition plus $386.25 for student fees. Additional costs for books and supplies must be covered by the student.

Gaston College

Certified nursing assistants who are listed on the Nurse Aide I or Nurse Aide II Registry will qualify for the competitive admission criteria in the selection process for the licensed practical nursing program at Gaston College. They will acquire additional knowledge and skills to provide safe and quality nursing care to meet the needs of the holistic individual. The curriculum builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Clinical rotations will be conducted at Caromont Regional Medical Center, Carolinas Medical Center, Carolina Care Center, and other facilities. Rotations may be scheduled afternoons, evenings, or weekends.  Course topics include writing and inquiry, anatomy and physiology, practical nursing, and general psychology. The diploma requires completion of 44 credit hours. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses.

Admission criteria:

  • Meet all the requirements for general admission to Gaston College
  • Complete Residency Determination for in-state tuition
  • Attend an information session
  • Submit official transcripts
  • Demonstrate readiness for college level reading and math through a High School GPA or 2.8 or higher, an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or satisfactory scores on ACT, SAT, GED, COMPASS, ASSET, or ACCUPLACER
  • Attend a Practical Nursing information session
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS exam with a minimum composite score of 65
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher on completed general education courses listed in the Practical Nursing Degree Curriculum Map
  • Must have current NC Nursing Assistant I (CNA) certification – must have passed the state written and skills exam after completing a state-approved program
  • Submit a completed Health and Human Services Student Medical form demonstrating satisfactory physical and emotional health
  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and urine drug screen

Tuition costs $76 per semester credit hour for resident students and $268 for out-of-state residents. Other expenses for textbooks, uniforms, background check, ATI TEAS, liability insurance, immunization, and CPR certification must be covered by the student.

  • Website: https://www.gaston.edu/
  • Address: 7220 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont, NC 28012
  • Phone: 704-825-3737
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 97.73%

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

The Practical Nursing program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is open only to persons who have met the requirements for Nurse Aide I in North Carolina. Current nurse aides will build on their knowledge and skills to provide safe, competent, and individualized care as they work alongside the interdisciplinary team. Coursework includes theory and hands-on experiences in anatomy and physiology, mental health nursing, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, geriatric nursing, maternal child nursing, and transition to practice. The program leads to a Practical Nursing Diploma that will confirm graduates’ eligibility to sit for the NCLEX for Practical Nurses.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the requirements for admission to RCCC College – an online application, official high school transcript or GED scores, and official college transcripts (where applicable)
  • Place into college level Math (Tier 1 & 2) and English (Tier 1 & 2) or have completed college level coursework in Math and English
  • Attend an individual appointment with an assigned health programs advisor
  • Create a Health Programs Admissions System profile
  • Meet the biology and chemistry competencies – completion of high school or college biology and chemistry course with a grade C or higher
  • Provide documentation of completing NC state-approved CNA I course or equivalent and have a current listing on the NC Nurse Aide I Registry
  • Provide satisfactory ATI TEAS or Kaplan test scores
  • Must have current CPR/AED Certification – BLS Healthcare Provider level preferable taken at RCCC
  • Attend Orientation Day/Readiness for Nursing
  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
  • Provide documentation of physical exam and immunization status

Tuition costs $912 per semester for resident students completing 12 credits and $3,484 for out-of-state students. Additional costs for fees, books, supplies, liability insurance, CPR, and admission exams must be covered by the student.

 South Piedmont Community College

The Practical Nursing Diploma Program at South Piedmont Community College requires a Nurse Aide Certificate for admission. The practical nursing curriculum includes theory and practical instruction that builds on the knowledge and experience of the nurse aide. Instructors will provide opportunities for students to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care that they will make a smooth transition from the classroom to the real world. Course modules are Expository Writing, General Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I, and Practical Nursing I, II, and III. Completing the general education courses before commencing the nursing courses is recommended. Graduates of the accredited program will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The duration of the program is 12 months – three semesters. Admission to the practical nursing program is competitive and involves a two-step process.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the requirements for general admission to SPCC
  • Complete documentation for the North Carolina Residency Determination Service
  • Take the MAP: Embark Assessment
  • Submit official high school and college transcripts
  • Must have a 2.8 unweighted high school GPA, have SAT or ACT scores, or other placement test scores
  • Complete an online information session
  • Must have current NC Nurse Assistant I certification
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS with a minimum score of 65
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher upon application
  • Must be CPR certified by the American Heart Association with a Basic Life Support Provider certification
  • Submit an application to the Practical Nursing Program
  • Submit documentation of previous work experience (minimum 6 months, 1040 hours) in the health field
  • Complete a background check and drug screen
  • Provide proof of immunizations

The estimated total cost of the program is $5,941 for resident students and $13,813 for out-of-state students. It includes tuition, textbooks, uniforms, certified background check, technology fee, lab fee, malpractice insurance, student fee, and electronic resource.

  • Website: https://spcc.edu/
  • Address: 3509 Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe, NC 28110
  • Phone: 704-290-5100
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 92.31%

Crystal G

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.

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