Both licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants have a vital role in healthcare. If you’re a certified and practicing nurse aide, a CNA to LPN bridge program will prepare you to provide basic nursing functions such as administering medications, updating patient records, inserting catheter, and assisting registered nurses with patient care plans. Your duties as an LPN may also include some of the duties you typically perform as a nurse aide, including attending to patients’ comfort, assisting with the activities of daily living, wound care, and changing bedpans. Also, duties may overlap, practical nursing is a definite step up from nurse assisting. For one, your will have a broader range of job opportunities and you can expect a salary increase of 45 percent or more by transitioning from a nurse assistant to practical nurse.
Jersey College
Certified nursing assistants may apply for admission to Jersey College’s practical nursing program and use their experience to gain an advantage in the selection process. The state approved practical nursing program takes a holistic approach to the nursing education process. Students will learn how to address patients’ physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs in the complex society. The curriculum includes both classroom work and clinical education in the school’s training labs and at offsite practicum partners. It covers a total of 1,501 clock hours – 837 hours theory and 664 clinical labs. Course topics include introduction to health care, human anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, adult nursing, maternal and newborn nursing, pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, and practicum. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX to become a licensed practical nurse. Full-time and part-time schedules are offered. Full-time students will complete the program in four terms.
Admission criteria:
- Complete the application for admission
- Must meet the minimum requirements including a high school education or its equivalent and proof of US citizenship or permanent resident card
- Must participate in an interview with administration or faculty members ad obtain a recommendation for admission
- Must complete the Enrollment Agreement after receiving a letter of acceptance
- Must satisfactorily pass a background check
- Determine the sequence of courses
- Present evidence of good physical health including physical exam and documentation of fitness to work
- Provide proof of immunization – Mantoux test, Tetanus, Hepatitis B (or waiver), MMR, varicella and other immunization
- Provide proof of Basic Life Saving for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association
The program cost of $24,625 includes tuition, books, application fee, uniform fee, technology fee, uniform, nursing kit, and supplies. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.jerseycollege.edu/
- Address: 3625 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619
- Phone: (813) 344-4020
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 97.30-%
Rasmussen University – Tampa/Brandon Campus
The practical nursing program at Rasmussen College equips certified nursing assistants with the knowledge and skills to take their healthcare career to the next level. The program is delivered in hybrid format to giving CNAs the opportunity to balance work with study. The curriculum covers 56 credit hours of theory and practical instruction – 8 hours general education and 44 hours of nursing coursework – to achieve the Practical Nursing Diploma. Course topics include introduction to nursing, practical nursing skills, client centered care, principles of gerontological nursing principles of maternal child health nursing, principles of mental health nursing, and practical nursing diploma capstone. Students will also receive extensive preparation for the NCLEX practical nursing exam. The program is designed to be completed in 12 months of full-time attendance. Graduates have the option to transition to the registered nursing program.
Admission criteria:
- Must achieve an acceptable score on the School of Nursing Entrance Exam for admission to the School of Nursing
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Complete a health physical and immunizations in accordance with the School of Nursing Handbook
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background screen
- Must have current Basic Life Saving and CPR certification with defibrillator
- Complete the School of Nursing Orientation
- Complete transcript evaluation if transferring credits into the program
The estimated total program cost of $23,555 includes tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.rasmussen.edu/
- Address: 330 Brandon Town Center Dr, Brandon, FL 33511
- Phone: 813-246-7600
- Fax: 813-246-7697
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 70.00%
Erwin Vocational Technical Center
The practical nursing program at Erwin Vocational Technical Center does not award credit for certified nursing assistants; however, CNAs can use their certification and experience to gain an advantage in the competitive admissions process. The curriculum is designed to students in essential areas such as nursing skills, nutrition, life span, anatomy and physiology, medical nursing, pediatric nursing, personal and community health, geriatric nursing, pharmacology, leadership, employability skills, and human relations skills. It covers a total of 1,350 contact hours. Fifty percent of the training will be spent in the clinical areas that cover maternal and newborn nursing, pediatrics, medical/surgical, and experience in extended care facilities. Clinical sessions may begin as early as 6:30 am. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX for licensure in Florida. Day and evening schedules are available. Morning classes meet Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm for 15 months. Evening classes meet Monday through Thursday from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm for 18 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED from a school accredited by an approved accrediting association
- Take and pass the TEAS-V tests with a score of 60% or higher – the cost is $100 if taken at Erwin
- Complete a physical exam and required immunization
- Complete the required criminal background check – students will not be permitted to attend the clinical portion of the program if problems arise with the results of the background check or drug screen
- Must consent to random drug screenings
Tuition and fees cost $5,903. Expenses for books, supplies, background check, uniforms, and state licensure must be covered by the student.
- Website: http://www.erwin.edu/default.aspx
- Address: 2010 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610
- Phone: (813) 769-5180
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 82.93%
ATA College
Certified nursing assistants have the opportunity to earn an Associate’s Degree in Practical Nursing by enrolling the practical nursing program at ATA College. The online hybrid program is designed to give students the flexibility of online classes balanced with hands-on training in the on-campus labs. The program is taught by experienced and caring faculty who are committed to students’ success. The curriculum will cover 1658 contact hours including 287 outside hours. Students will earn 84.5 credit hours upon completion of the program. Core courses include fundamentals of practical nursing, nutrition, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, microbiology, psychiatric nursing, maternal newborn nursing, long term care /geriatric nursing, and integrated practicum. Students will also participate in extensive preparation for the NCLEX exam. The duration of the program is 15 months. Morning and evening schedules are available.
Admission criteria:
- Must have completed high school or equivalency
- Must schedule and attend interview with an admissions representative
- Submit an application to the nursing program
- Attend an interview with the Program Director
- Submit high school transcripts and any post-secondary transcripts
- Complete an enrollment agreement and schedule a new student orientation
- Must be able to communicate (verbal and written) effectively in English
- Pass a level II criminal background check by the end of the first week of class
- Must pass a 9-panel drug screen test
- Must provide proof of immunization and good physical health – MMR, varicella, Tdap, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19
The program cost of $35,172 includes tuition, registration fee, general gee, nursing fee, and book charges.
- Website: https://www.ata.edu/
- Address: 7351 Spring Hill Dr #11, Spring Hill, FL 34606
- Phone: 866-438-2432
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 76.41%
Galen College of Nursing
There’s no requirement for nursing assistant certification to enter the practical nursing program at Galen College of Nursing, but CNAs may submit evidence of their health care experience and certification to improve their chances of selection in the competitive admissions process. The curriculum covers a total of 1440 clock hours including 576 theory hours and 864 clinical and lab hours. Course modules include integrated human sciences, nursing and healthcare, fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, mental health concepts, medical surgical nursing, geriatric nursing, and maternal child nursing. Students will participate in clinical experiences to apply the skills learned in the classroom. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The full-time program is designed to be completed in 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalency
- Must take and pass the school’s entrance exam
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Must consent to criminal background screening and release to the school documentation of the background screening results
- Provide a signed complete Galen physical examination form as verification of a physical examination performed by a licensed primary care provider within 12 months prior to admission
- Must successfully complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) course administered by the American Heart Association
- Must submit to the drug screening requirements based on the policy of the clinical agency
- Provide evidence of current, private health insurance annually
- Provide proof of immunization – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB test, Varicella, and Influenza
The program cost of $22,000 includes tuition, required immunization, books, clinical supplies, uniforms, and CPR certification. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://galencollege.edu/
- Address: 10200 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St N, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33716
- Phone: (727) 722-9292
- Main: (727) 577-1497
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 92.90%
Pasco-Hernando State College
The Practical Nursing Career Certificate program at Pasco-Hernando State College provides an extensive preparation for certified nursing assistants to succeed on the practical nursing licensure exam and qualify for employment as practical nurses. Students will acquire the skills to provide nursing care to clients in hospitals and other health agencies. The curriculum covers a total of 1350 clock hours or 45 credit hours. Course topics include fundamentals of nursing, fundamentals of nursing clinical, body structure and function, medication administration/pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, gerontology nursing, and maternal child nursing. Students must earn a grade B or higher on each course to successfully complete the program. Computer literacy is required for students enrolled in the program. The limited access program requires applicants to meet all the admission requirements in order to be considered. The duration of the program is 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed PHSC application with the non-refundable application fee of $25. Incomplete applications will not be processed
- Submit a separate application to the Practical Nursing Program
- Provide a clear, enlarged copy of current driver’s license indicating physical address. IDs without a Pasco or Hernando County residence will be processed as out-of-county application
- Provide copy of TEAS test scores with a Proficient or Higher in the ATI Academic Preparedness Category – applicants may only submit one valid set of scores taken within the past two years of application submission
- Submit official high school transcript indicating graduation date and receipt of high school diploma or an official transcript of GED scores indicating receipt of high school equivalency diploma
- Complete a physical examination form as verification of a physical examination performed by a licensed primary care provider within 12 months prior to admission
- Must have and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) course administered by the American Heart Association throughout the program
- Must submit to the drug screening requirements based on the policy of the clinical agency
- Must have and maintain current, private health insurance throughout the program
- Must have current immunization – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB test, Varicella, and Influenza
In-state tuition costs $3,964 and out-of-state tuition is $15,854. Other fees include lab fee ($345), textbooks ($1112), and miscellaneous fees ($1469). Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://phsc.edu/
- Address: 10230 Ridge Road New Port Richey, FL 34654
- Phone: 727-847-2727
- 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.