If you are thinking of upgrading your LVN to RN online, there are some very simple things you can do to make it possible. In fact, those who already work as a licensed vocation nurse have a great advantage when it comes to upgrading their education and training to becoming an RN. There are many LVN to RN programs that you can take via the internet that can help you become an RN in a very short time, as little as two years in some cases.

A registered nurse (RN) has a lot more responsibility than an LPN, or LVN as it is called in California. An RN can work in a variety of clinical settings and perform basic and more advanced patient care as well as supervise others. RNs can give medications that LPNs cannot and are often responsible for supervising a group of LPNs who work under them. They generally work directly under the supervision of doctors. RNs also make more money than LPNs in most cases which is another great reason to consider an online bridge program to become an RN.

The first step to upgrading is to investigate the online programs that are accredited in your particular state. All states have education requirements that must be met and only specific school’s programs are accepted. It is very important to thoroughly investigate what is acceptable in your state so that you select a program that will lead to certification.

Using internet resources can make it easy to find online bridge programs. A simple search using your favorite search engine can quickly show which programs are available to you and how to go about applying and being accepted. You should also thoroughly read your state’s official web site which lists nursing certification requirements.
It is a great advantage to already be an LPN in most online RN programs because the school realizes that you already have the basic clinical knowledge to be successful.

Another great advantage to taking an online bridge program is that you can often use your current work as an LPN to satisfy the requirements for clinic hours. All LVN to RN online programs, as well as traditional classroom based RN programs, require that students spend a certain number of hours practicing what they have learned in real settings. As an LPN you can continue your work and get paid for your clinical hours if you use your employment to meet this requirement.

What do you learn in an LVN to RN online program? The program focuses on building on the knowledge you already possess as an LVN to help you make the transition to RN. Like any RN program, the goal is to give students the skills and knowledge to become great RNs, but it also focuses on passing the RN exam, called the NCLEX exam. The National Council Licensure Examination tests the essential skills that all RNs need to be successful and is required for state licensing.