As a CNA, you can take the next to become an LPN by enrolling in a CNA to-LPN program and passing a national licensing exam for practical nurses. The CNA to LPN bridge program builds on your existing education as a nurse aide and supplies the additional training needed to function in the role of a professional nurse. The program will combine classroom learning with hands-on practice in a real-world setting. The completion time for the program is 8 months to 12 months. Transitioning from a CNA to LPN offers an abundance of benefits including increased pay, a wider scope of practice, and greater employment opportunities. Licensed practical nurses earn up to 59 percent more than CNAs annually. With added experience, you can increase your earnings. You can also enroll in an LPN to RN bridge program to prepare for practice as a registered nurse.
Hondros College of Nursing
The practical nursing program at Hondros College is open to Certified Nursing Assistants seeking to take their careers to the next level. The program will build on their foundational knowledge of nursing and equip them with the capabilities to function in the role of an entry-level practical nurse. The curriculum covers 670 clock hours or 48 quarter credits. Students will learn how to provide safe, quality, evidence-based, patient-centered care to diverse patients, engage in clinical judgment to make patient-centered care decisions within the scope of practice of the practical nurse, incorporate quality improvement activities to improve patient care, collaborate with the interprofessional team, use information technology to support and communicate the provision of patient care, incorporate management, legal and ethical guidelines within the scope of practice of a practical nurse, and promote a culture of caring to provide support, compassion and culturally-competent care. Course topics include strategies for successful nursing professionals, introduction to anatomy and physiology, basic math and dosage calculations, fundamental concepts of practical nursing, critical thinking for the practical nurse, concepts of practical nursing in the care of elderly patients, English composition, concepts of family-centered nursing for the practical nurse, intravenous therapy for the practical nurse, concepts of adult health nursing for the practical nurse, transition to practical nursing, and application of clinical judgment for the practical nurse. Upon successful completion of a two-week module and four eleven-week quarters (46 weeks), and meeting all graduation requirements, the graduate will be awarded a diploma and be certified to the Ohio Board of Nursing, which will determine the student’s eligibility to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available. The duration is 44 weeks. The program is open for enrollment in January, April, July, and October.
Admission criteria:
- Must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Submit official un-expired government-issued proof of citizenship
- Must be at least 18 years of age or older before the start of the program
- Submit a completed application and non-refundable application fee
- Take and pass the Student Online Readiness Survey
- Must be a high school graduate or have a recognized equivalent
- Complete and sign the Enrollment Agreement and pay any applicable fees
- Take the HESI Admission Assessment Exam and obtain a cumulative score of 70% or higher
- Attend an interview with an Admissions Representative
- Complete a satisfactory background check via electronic fingerprint check with NBC
- Submit evidence of certification as a state registered nursing assistant
The program cost of $23,369.69 incldues tuition, textbooks, fees, technology package, NCLEX review, and uniforms. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.hondros.edu/
- Address: 7600 Tylers Pl Blvd, West Chester OH 45069
- Phone: 855-906-8773
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 77.86%
Butler Tech
Although an STNA license is no longer required to enroll in the practical nursing program at Butler Tech., current STNAs may still apply to prepare for a career as a professional nurse. The program combines classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for rewarding and challenging opportunities in nursing. The curriculum will cover 1400 clock hours of theory and hands-on instruction. Areas of study include adult and child health, mother and baby care, mental health concepts, gerontological nursing, and transition to practical nursing. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) through the Ohio Board of Nursing to become credentialed as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Students will also be CPR certified. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Admission to the program is limited.
Admission criteria:
- Attend an information session. A link will be provided
- Schedule and pass Workkeys Assessment – the cost is $78
- Fill out the FAFSA form
- Provide high school transcript or high school equivalency
- Complete a background check. The cost is $50
- Return the completed green enrollment form – provided after passing the Workkeys Assessments and pay the $200 enrollment deposit
- Pass a drug screen at orientation
- Complete a medical exam with required immunizations.
The program cost of $18,664 includes the cost of tuition, books, and supplies. It does not include the cost for prerequisites.
- Website: https://www.butlertech.org/
- Address: 3605 Hamilton Middletown Rd, Fairfield Township, OH 45011
- Phone: 513-868-1911
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 86.96%
Cincinnati State
The Cincinnati State Practical Nursing Certificate program is open to STNAs seeking to advance their careers. They will acquire knowledge and skills to share in the responsibility for patient in the role of a practical nurse. Students will learn via concurrent classroom education and clinical practice in the areas of basic nursing skills, maternal and infant care, adult and child health, gerontological nursing, mental health concepts, and community health. Course topics include practical nursing concepts, introduction to psychology, health care informatics, English composition, practical nursing role transition, college success strategies, human body in health and disease, and anatomy and physiology. Graduates are eligible to take the national standardized NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as a Practical Nurse. Interested persons must complete the Selective Admission requirements. The duration of the program is one year.
Admission criteria
- Submit written proof of current registration as a State Tested Nurse Aide prior to applying for Selective Admission. Students may complete the Nurse Aide Certificate course (MCH 130) to prepare for the state test.
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
- Submit a statement of health form
- Must have a total grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher, and a GPA of 2.00 or higher in math and science courses.
- Complete TEAS testing
- Attend a Practical Nursing Information Session
- Submit a completed PNC Application
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and maintain a GPA for Math & Science courses of 2.0 or higher
- Provide documentation of health care work history on company letterhead
- Provide CPR certification – Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer
- Provide PNC Statement of Health with current immunizations
- Provide proof of health insurance, active the first day of semester
The program cost of $18,324.56 includes tuition, fees, uniforms, CPR certification, FBI and background checks, and physical and immunization costs. Financial aid is available for eligible students
- Website: https://www.cincinnatistate.edu/
- Address: 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223
- Phone: (513) 569-1500
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%
Fortis College
Ohio’s STNAs may enroll in the practical nursing program at Fortis College and prepare for a new career as a practical nurse. The program will build on their knowledge of patient care and equip them with the skills to function as a part of the interdisciplinary health care team. The curriculum will cover 1289 clock hours (82 quarter credits) of theory in the classroom and hands-on activities in the school’s lab and off-site medical facilities. Some of the coursework may be delivered online. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, introduction to informatics, quality and safety in nursing practice, pharmacology, foundations of nursing, gerontological nursing, mental health nursing, medical surgical nursing, intravenous therapy, maternal-newborn nursing, concepts of leadership, transition to PN practice, community-based nursing, and human growth and development. Graduates will receive a practical nursing diploma and be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. They will be prepared to provide safe patient-centered care, understand the scope of practice of a licensed practical nurse, contribute to the plan of nursing care, demonstrate an understanding of the nursing process and apply critical thinking to solve problems, use verbal and non-verbal methods of communication, promote health and wellness, and collaborate with other health care professionals in the best interest of the patient. The duration of the program is 62 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Be a high school graduate or possess the recognized equivalent of the diploma
- Be 17 years or older
- Complete the applicant information form
- Interview with an admissions representative
- Take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) and obtain a minimum score of 16
- Provide proof of immunizations
- Submit to and pass a criminal background check
- Submit to and pass a drug screen
- Have current BLS certification by the American Heart Association
- Submit documentation of current STNA registration
The program cost of $25,072 includes the cost for tuition, books, fees, scrubs, laptop, licensure exam, background check, drug screen, and reference books.
- Website: https://www.fortis.edu/
- Address: 11499 Chester Road, Suite 200 Cincinnati, OH 45246
- Phone: (513) 771-2795
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%
Ross Education
The practical nursing program at Ross Education is designed for students with and without prior education and experience in healthcare. Applicants holding a current state registration to practice as a nurse aide may have an advantage in the competitive admissions process. The curriculum emphasizes the science of nursing and behavioral sciences. The clinical experiences cover a total of 398 clock hours of training at local health care facilities. The sessions will give students the opportunity to obtain real-world patient experience with other healthcare professionals. Topics covered include pharmacology with dosage calculations, foundations of nursing, care of older adults for the practical nurse, care of childbearing families and children for the practical nurse, leadership and transition to nursing practice, and professional development. Students must earn a total of 58 quarter credits to graduate from the program and become eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for state licensure. The duration of the program is 48 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age at the start of the program
- Must have graduated from a valid high school or completed GED
- Take and pass the Wonderlic SLE with a score of 20
- Must obtain a clear criminal background check
- Obtain a clear drug screen
The program cost of $24,488 and includes books, technology, lab fees, and supplies.
- Website: https://rosseducation.edu/
- Address: 4300 Munson St NW, Canton, OH 44718-3674
- Phone: 330.494.1214
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100.00
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.