If you’re already a Certified Nurse Assistant but your heart longs for a wider scope of practice in patient care, then a CNA to LPN transition course may be right for you. CNA to LPN transition programs give certified nursing assistants a leg up in their pursuit of education. LPN programs may award credit to nurse aides for their training and experience or at the very least recognize their healthcare experience in the selection process for limited admission programs. You can complete the requirements for practice as a licensed practical nurse in 10 to 12 months of full-time attendance or 16 months part time. At the program’s completion, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam to carry the LPN credential.
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology – Nashville
Certified nursing assistants may be eligible to enter the practical nursing program at TCAT-Nashville in the second semester. The option is available to students who have completed an approved nurse assistant program in Tennessee and hold a current and unencumbered license to practice. The practical nursing program covers 1,296 instructional hours including classroom theory, lab skills, and clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. Some of the coursework may be delivered online. Course topics include mental health, pharmacology, pediatrics, basic nursing fundamentals, worker characteristics, nursing fundamentals clinical, medical surgical nursing, administration of meds and basic IV therapy, and advanced PVR. Graduates will receive a Practical Nursing Diploma and be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nursing. The program is offered on a full-time schedule only. The duration is 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Attend a mandatory orientation session – schedule is available on the school’s website
- Take and pass the prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology and Dosage Calculations
- Submit a completed application for enrollment online
- Submit sealed, official high school transcript/diploma and any college transcript
- Must have and maintain health insurance throughout the program
- Complete the immunization requirements and physical screening
- Pass a urine drug test
- Complete a satisfactory background check
- Must have a current CPR for Healthcare Providers card
The cost of tuition and fees is $6,544. Books and supplies cost an additional $2,608.
- Website: https://tcatnashville.edu/
- Address: 100 White Bridge Road, Nashville, TN 37209
- Phone: (615) 425-5500
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 92%
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology – Shelbyville
Certified nursing assistants may enroll in the Practical Nursing Program at TCAT-Shelbyville to gain knowledge and abilities to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Faculty will focus on the role of the practical nurse on the nursing team, safe nursing practice, patient care and advocacy, and meeting the needs of the patient, individual, and community. The curriculum will cover 1,296 hours of theory and clinical training. Course topics include mental health, pharmacology, pediatrics, basic nursing fundamentals, worker characteristics, nursing fundamentals clinical, medical surgical nursing, administration of meds and basic IV therapy, and advanced PVR. Students will understand the need for continued education for personal and vocational growth to provide competent care to patients. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The program is available on a part-time schedule only. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (until clinical practice begins). The duration of the part-time program is 16 months.
Admission criteria:
- Select and complete the Special Industry/Supplemental Application Type for application to the Anatomy & Physiology and Math for Meds prerequisite courses – taking the courses in separate trimesters recommended
- Select and complete the New College Application for application to the Practical Nursing program
- Submit proof of high school completion or Equivalent/GED (in person to the Admissions office) – official transcript required
- Provide proof of two MMR and Varicella vaccinations from a Tennessee County Health Department
- Complete the prerequisite courses Anatomy and Physiology and Math for Meds with a minimum grade of 80
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Pass a drug screen
- Complete a satisfactory background check
- Must have current CPR for Healthcare Providers
- Take and pass the HESI exam
The cost of tuition and fees is $4,724. Books and supplies cost an additional $2,964.47.
- Website: https://tcatshelbyville.edu/
- Address: 925 Dinah Shore Blvd, Winchester, TN 37398
- Phone: 931-685-5013
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 86.1%
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology McMinnville Campus
The practical nursing diploma program at TCAT – McMinnville does not have a bridge for certified nursing assistants but will give preference to CNAs in the selective admissions process. The program is delivered in a hybrid format with up to 49 percent of the coursework available online. Students will complete the simulation lab experiences on campus and the clinical rotations a local healthcare facilities. The curriculum requires the completion of 1,296 instructional hours. Course topics include Orientation/PVR, Nursing Principles and Skills, Medical Administration, Medical Surgical Nursing, Obstetrical Nursing, Advanced PVR, Pediatric Nursing, Nutrition, Mental Health Nursing, and Related Clinicals. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN. The program is offered on a full-time schedule. The duration is 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Select and complete the Special Industry/Supplemental Application Type for application to the Anatomy & Physiology and Math for Meds prerequisite courses – taking the courses in separate trimesters recommended
- Select and complete the New College Application for application to the Practical Nursing program
- Submit proof of high school completion or Equivalent/GED (in person to the Admissions office) – official transcript required
- Provide proof of two MMR and Varicella vaccinations from a Tennessee County Health Department
- Complete the prerequisite courses Anatomy and Physiology and Math for Meds with a minimum grade of 80
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Pass a drug screen
- Complete a satisfactory background check
- Must have current CPR for Healthcare Providers
- Take and pass the HESI exam
The cost of tuition and fees is $4,236. Books and supplies cost an additional $2,935.
- Website: https://tcatmcminnville.edu/
- Address: 241 Vo-Tech Drive, McMinnville, TN 37110
- Phone: 931-473-5587
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
South College
The Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at South College admits certified nursing assistants as well as persons with no prior healthcare experience. Students will receive academic and clinical practice opportunities to develop skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the fast-paced healthcare environment. The comprehensive curriculum supports learning, the application of knowledge, critical thinking, and effective communication. Students will learn how to college and organize healthcare data, coordinate with other nurses and healthcare providers to provide quality care, and identify and understand common health problems in diverse patients. They will value confidentiality, respect, accountability, and diversity to ensure safe practice. Course topics include Human Body in Health and Disease, Vocational Relations I, Fundamental Concepts & Skills for Practical Nurses I, Pharmacology, Geriatric Nursing & Issues at End of Life, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health & Pediatric Simulation, and Maternal Infant Nursing. Graduates will receive a Practical Nursing Certificate and be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX-PN.
Admission criteria:
- Meet the requirements for general admission to South College – this does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing Program
- Submit an application to the School of Nursing by the published deadline
- Take and pass the ATI TEAS Assessment with the academic preparedness level of BASIC – applicants will be ranked according to GPA and TEAS scores
- Take the required drug test before the first day of class
- Complete the background check application before the first day of class – a minimum of past 15 years required
- Attend the nursing orientation on the scheduled date
- Provide proof of ability to perform the duties of a practical nurse
- Submit health history and physical exam report
- Provide proof of immunization – MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Hepatitis B, annual flu
- Complete an acceptable drug screen
- Complete annual screening for TB
- Must provide proof of health insurance coverage – must be maintained throughout the program
- Complete annual training on blood-borne pathogens
- Must have valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers Course
Tuition costs $5,500 per quarter for students completing10-20 credit hours. Other costs for fees, books, uniforms, and supplies are not included.
- Website: https://www.south.edu/
- Address: 616 Marriott Dr., Nashville, TN 37214
- Phone: (629) 802-3000
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 96%
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.