LVN to BSN: How Vocational Nurses Can Advance Their Nursing Careers

Follow Our Guide to Earn Your BSN Degree in as Little as Two Years

The healthcare landscape seems to evolve every day. Now, a BSN degree has become essential for many nurses who aim to thrive in this field. This degree can unlock a variety of specialized and advanced nursing roles, which extend beyond the traditional scope of Registered Nurses (RNs). A BSN helps prepare nurses for roles in areas like research, public health, and specialized clinical settings, providing a platform for lifelong career growth.

If you are a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) with an associate degree, you might want to consider a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Some colleges even offer an advanced placement option for current nurses: the LVN to BSN pathway. At Unitek College, we offer an LVN-to-BSN option that helps LVNs transition into Registered Nursing roles.

Interested in nursing but not sure where to start? Read our guide on How to Become a Registered Nurse. You may also want to review our article on the Best Hospital Nursing Jobs.

What is an LVN to BSN Pathway?

An LVN-to-BSN pathway is an advanced placement option that allows Vocational Nurses to skip the first term of a BSN program. This pathway is designed to prepare aspiring Registered Nurses for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Think about it like this: The LVN-to-BSN pathway at Unitek College is designed for Licensed Vocational Nurses with an associate nursing degree or who have completed the required Gen Ed courses. Through advanced placement, you can skip the first three semesters of a traditional nursing program, allowing you to earn your BSN degree in as little as two years.

Why Advance from LVN to BSN?

1. Increased Career Opportunities

While Licensed Vocational Nurses provide basic medical care, Registered Nurses coordinate patient care, educate patients, and supervise LVNs. RNs can also perform more complex nursing tasks due to the extra years of schooling and rigorous testing.

Registered Nurses with a BSN degree may qualify for added responsibilities, specializations, and career opportunities. They can become specialized nurses in the fields of pediatrics, surgery, ICU, palliative care, or other focus areas. They can also pursue advanced roles as researchers, department supervisors, or nursing instructors.

The healthcare landscape is evolving, and a BSN degree is all but essential for nurses who aim to thrive in their field. This degree is the key to unlocking a variety of specialized and advanced nursing roles, extending well beyond the traditional scope of Registered Nurses. It positions nurses for roles in areas like research, public health, and specialized clinical settings, providing a platform for lifelong career growth.

2. Higher Salary Potential

On average, RNs earn more money than LVNs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LVNs earned an average salary of about $61,000, as of May 2023. Alternatively, RNs year. However, it’s important to keep in mind that salary can vary based on your location, education, and experience.

The financial incentives associated with a BSN degree are also significant. Nurses with a BSN typically enjoy higher salaries, reflecting the depth of their training and the breadth of their responsibilities. This financial advantage indicates the high demand for well-educated nurses capable of navigating the complexities of modern healthcare environments.

3. Improved Patient Outcomes

Numerous studies correlate higher education levels among nurses with better patient outcomes. Nurses with a BSN are better prepared to make accurate diagnoses, implement effective care plans, and contribute to lower mortality rates and improved health outcomes, underscoring the direct impact of advanced nursing education on patient care quality.

This is because BSN programs focus on core tenets like critical thinking, leadership, and evidence-based practice, which leads to better patient care and decision-making for the next generation of nurses.

4. Employer Preferences & Industry Standards

Many hospitals strive for excellence and recognition, such as those who seek the American Nurses Association’s “magnet ” status. It often requires a substantial proportion of the nursing staff to hold BSN degrees. This requirement reflects the growing emphasis on advanced education, which promotes high standards of nursing care and operational excellence in medical facilities.

In addition, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) recommends that nurses receive BSN degrees. Their report charts a path to achieve health equity and better outcomes for patients. A 2021 study from Nursing Outlook even found that greater numbers of BSN-trained nurses helped lead to lower patient mortality rates.

As nursing advances, the expectation for BSN-trained nurses will likely grow. If you proactively obtain a BSN degree, it can ensure that you remain competitive and relevant in the job market. Above all else, higher education will equip you with greater knowledge and skills to better society.

5. Pathway to Advanced Nursing Degrees

A BSN degree serves as a foundation for nurses seeking to specialize in specific healthcare areas or pursue advanced practice roles. Specializations in fields like oncology, cardiology, or neonatal care allow BSN-prepared nurses to focus their skills and knowledge on areas of passion and need, contributing to both personal fulfillment and the advancement of nursing practice.

With a BSN, nurses achieve greater autonomy in their practice, allowing them to make more independent clinical decisions, lead initiatives, and contribute to policy and procedure development within their organizations. This degree of professional autonomy enhances job satisfaction and fosters a proactive approach to patient care and healthcare innovation.

If you’d like to advance your career even further, a BSN degree is required for graduate degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs. No matter how you look at it, a BSN degree can transform both your life and your career.

Steps to Transition from LVN to BSN

Step 1: Meet Admission Requirements

This might sound obvious, but you should start by reviewing the admissions requirements for a BSN program. Some common requirements include an active LVN license; completion of prerequisite courses (e.g., anatomy, microbiology, and psychology); minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements, and clinical experience.

At Unitek College, we designed our admissions process to help you understand all the options surrounding your education. An admissions representative will guide you through every step of the enrollment process so that you feel confident and prepared to begin your first day of classes. Furthermore, you can complete the admissions process entirely online.

To give you a better idea, here are the admissions requirements for our LVN to BSN pathway:

• Complete a nursing-board-approved Vocational Nursing program.
• Submit proof of an active, nursing-board-approved Vocational Nursing license.
• Submit a copy of a government-issued photo ID.
• Provide proof of Basic Life Support certification by the American Heart Association.
• Submit proof of immunizations and titers.
• Complete your health history and a physical exam no more than three months before starting the BSN program.
• Clear a criminal background and drug screening.
• Score a minimum of 58.7% on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) within 24 months prior to enrollment in the BSN program.

Step 2: Enroll in an LVN to BSN Program

The next step is to enroll in an LVN to BSN pathway or program. The LVN to BSN at Unitek provides students with advanced placement in the BSN Program, hands-on clinical training, and flexible scheduling options.

As we stated earlier in the article, you can elevate your nursing career with an Advanced Placement Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. A BSN degree enhances your ability to provide high-quality patient care in diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and nursing homes.

Why Choose Our LVN-to-BSN Pathway?

• Advanced Placement: Fast-track your education by skipping the first three semesters of the BSN program. Earn your degree in as little as two years.
• Comprehensive Support: Benefit from our dedicated faculty and career coaching services in an environment that nurtures your professional growth.
• Dynamic Career Prospects: A BSN degree can help you open doors to higher earning potential and advanced career opportunities.

Step 3: Complete Coursework and Clinical Training

The curriculum of an LVN-to-BSN pathway will prepare you for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse. You should acquire vital healthcare skills and medical experience through traditional classroom instruction, virtual practice, and clinical nursing experiences. Your school’s facilities will likely feature skills labs and clinical practice rooms with stations that simulate real-world healthcare settings.

At Unitek College, LVN to BSN students must complete 60 credits of nursing core classes and up to 22 credits of general education classes. Some of our course subjects include nursing as a caring science, adult health human caring nursing, maternal/newborn family caring nursing, pediatric human caring nursing, and transition to practice. In addition, you will complete clinical rotations that offer hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. Graduates will be ready to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and pursue supervisory positions in the field.

Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

After completing the LVN to BSN pathway, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed Registered Nurses. Let’s break it down:

What Is the NCLEX-RN Exam?

The title NCLEX-RN stands for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. This exam uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology, creating a valid and reliable measurement of nursing competence.

The specialized format of the exam quizzes candidates on the decisions they would make as a nurse, and how they would prioritize those choices in real-world situations that could occur.

This exam is administered by an organization called the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN). NCSBN is a not-for-profit organization whose U.S. members include the nursing regulatory bodies in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories.

On April 1, 2023, NCSBN launched the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) project. With this launch, the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams were updated to reflect a more integrated process. You can learn more about the NGN and how it changed the NCLEX exams here.

What’s the Best Way to Study for the NCLEX-RN Exam?

The best way to study for the NCLEX-RN exam is to create your own plan, review the topics and categories the exam will cover, and avoid stressing yourself out. Although you know yourself best—and what kinds of study methods work for you—we’ve compiled some ideas to help you get started and prepare for the exam.

1. Prepare Early: Cramming may have worked in high school, but you don’t want to rely on a last-minute study “sprint” when your career is on the line. Instead, treat your studying and your test as more of a marathon—study early, study often, as far in advance as possible. “Even though you’ve done well in nursing school and you’ve had a great education, you must still prepare—and that means practicing,” says Jan Jones-Schenk (DHSc, RN, NE-BC). “Take 100 questions per day for two to three weeks leading up to your exam date.”

2. Take Your Test ASAP: While you need to study and prepare for the exam, it’s important to remember that the longer you wait after graduation, the more chances you have to forget things you’ve learned. Make sure to take the test while the knowledge is still fresh in your mind. “The sooner you take it, with good preparation, the better your odds are for a first-time pass,” advises Jones-Schenk. “Two to three weeks should be enough time to prepare.”

3. Know What You’re Getting Into: It’s natural to worry about a test like the NCLEX, but the more you know about the exam and exam requirements ahead of time, the more you can concentrate on actually taking the test (and remembering everything you studied). Check out https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm early for a good idea of what’s ahead.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to prepare for what’s ahead is to actually experience what’s ahead, and there are plenty of practice tests available to help you do just that. Take advantage of the NCSBN’s practice exams  to give yourself a head start on exam day.

5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Resist the urge to stay up cramming the night before the test and instead focus on getting seven to eight hours of sleep. Not only will the sleep be of greater benefit, but the cramming? Turns out it doesn’t work.

6. Don’t Let the Stress Get to You: Prepare diligently as you approach your test date, but don’t lose sleep or spend all your time studying. Balance is key, and staying healthy physically and mentally can do more for you than constantly cramming the week before your exam.

7. Stay Calm and Look for Logical Choices: When test day arrives, one of the best NCLEX-RN test strategies is to stay calm and focused. Remember, you have plenty of time to answer the questions, so don’t spend the whole time worrying if you’ll finish or second-guessing your answers. Focus on each question and solve it to the best of your ability. You’ve got this.

Bonus Tip: One recurring theme in the guide is to pay close attention to the wording of each question. For example, if a question uses absolute words like always, never, none, only, etc., pay extra attention to those answers. Just because an answer might apply to most situations, it doesn’t always mean all.

Step 5: Obtain RN Licensure and Start Your Career

For LVN to BSN graduates, obtaining licensure and certification involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure that new nurses are ready to provide safe, competent care. At institutions like Unitek College, the pathway to becoming a licensed RN includes:

1. Successful Program Completion: Graduates must complete their BSN program with a cumulative score that meets or exceeds the institution’s standard, a minimum of 75% at Unitek College. This ensures that students have a solid foundation of nursing knowledge and skills.
2. Application and Fees: Graduates must submit a completed application for licensure to the nursing regulatory body, accompanied by the required fee. This formal application process initiates the evaluation of the candidate’s eligibility for licensure.
3. Approval to Take the NCLEX-RN: The California Board of Registered Nursing () reviews the candidate’s credentials and, upon satisfactory evaluation, grants approval to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam comprehensively tests the knowledge and skills essential for entry-level nursing practice.
4. Background Check: Candidates must undergo a thorough background check, which includes Live Scan© fingerprinting for clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This step ensures the safety and integrity of the nursing profession by verifying the candidate’s suitability for licensure.

These requirements are designed to uphold the nursing profession’s standards and protect public health, ensuring that BSN graduates are thoroughly prepared and vetted before entering the workforce as licensed RNs.

Keep in mind that there are various potential opportunities for BSN-prepared nurses, such as specialization in acute care, pediatrics, critical care nursing, and nurse leadership roles. Speak with your instructors or career services to learn more about these options.

How Long Does an LVN to BSN Program Take?

The journey to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can vary based on several factors, including the educational institution and geographic location.

Generally, completing a BSN program requires three to four years of full-time study. However, for those already working in the nursing field as Registered Nurses or Licensed Vocational Nurses, the path to a BSN might be shortened through bridge programs designed to build on existing knowledge and experience, allowing for an accelerated progression toward the degree.

Job Outlook for BSN-Prepared Nurses

Strong Demand for BSN Nurses

As of August 2024, the BLS anticipates a 6% growth in employment for RNs from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations (4%). This is driven by an increased emphasis on preventive care and growing rates of chronic conditions among the aging population.

The aging population in the United States is contributing to a higher demand for healthcare services. As more individuals require medical care, the need for healthcare professionals continues to rise. Rural and underserved areas often face healthcare staff shortages. Seasonal fluctuations and unexpected events like the COVID-19 pandemic require a surge in healthcare staffing.

Career Growth & Advancement

We mentioned this before, but BSN-prepared nurses typically have better access to higher salaries, specialized nursing fields, and leadership or management roles.

Registered Nurses with a BSN degree may qualify for added responsibilities, specializations, and career opportunities. They can become specialized nurses in the fields of pediatrics, surgery, ICU, palliative care, or other focus areas. They can also pursue advanced roles as researchers, department supervisors, or nursing instructors.

In addition to all the standard duties of a regular RN, those equipped with a BSN might also qualify for added responsibilities, specializations, and opportunities. Some of these include the following areas:

• Management
• Department Supervisor
• Research Positions
• Teaching Positions
• Hospice Nurse
• Palliative Care Nurse
• OB/GYN Nurse
• Pediatrics Nurse
• Surgical Nurse
• ICU Nurse

Why Choose Unitek College’s LVN to BSN Program?

At Unitek College, our LVN to BSN pathway will build on your prior education and allow you to obtain a BSN degree faster than other students. You will acquire vital healthcare skills and medical experience through traditional classroom instruction, virtual practice, and clinical nursing experiences. Our facilities feature skills labs and clinical practice rooms with stations that simulate real-world healthcare settings.

Unitek College also offers services to support social and emotional student needs. The general education courses are supported by general tutoring as well as our faculty-staffed writing and math labs.

In addition, our students receive instruction from supportive faculty. They benefit from small class sizes for a student-focused experience. Perhaps most importantly, they focus on NCLEX-RN preparation to help graduates succeed with their licensing exam.

Learn more about our LVN to BSN pathway and our full BSN program.

Jumpstart Your Nursing Career

In conclusion, a BSN degree offers a comprehensive range of benefits that extend far beyond the immediate scope of clinical practice, encompassing enhanced career opportunities, professional development, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the evolving healthcare landscape. For those committed to excellence in nursing and patient care, a BSN represents a wise and forward-thinking investment in their professional future.

In general, nursing is a field that will give you many chances to continue evolving and honing your skills. A BSN degree can put you on a path to reaching your professional and personal milestones. Most importantly, it will allow you to serve your patients better.

As part of your exploration, be sure to read more about the nursing programs at Unitek College. We offer several nursing programs for aspiring nurses, including a BSN program and a VN program. Additionally, current LVNs can apply for our accelerated LVN to BSN pathway.

Take your first step toward a rewarding future in healthcare!