LPNs Can Become a Registered Nurse in Just One Year
Posted On June 17,2025
If you want a stable career with job security, you can’t go wrong with a career in healthcare. The healthcare industry has been growing steadily for years, and that growth is anticipated to accelerate in the coming years. As the population ages, healthcare facilities need strong nurses to keep providing necessary care.
No matter what role you initially begin with in healthcare, you will have plenty of opportunities to advance with the right training and investment in your career. Many of those who are interested in nursing choose to start with a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program. While there is plenty of opportunity for growth as an LPN, it is possible to further advance your career by becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
Starting as an LPN Gets You Working
Why start as an LPN instead of just going through an RN program to begin with? For many LPNs, this was a practical choice. When following a traditional path, becoming an RN requires a degree from a four-year university. Some LPNs opted for their path because they weren’t financially able to commit to a traditional path, and some simply needed a break from full-time education and wanted to develop practical skills that would allow them to get into the field more quickly.
As an LPN, you can finish the coursework and begin working in as little as two years. You’ll have a strong foundation in medical care and a good head start on what you’ll need to become an RN, and therefore, when you’re ready to advance, you can do so much more quickly than if you’d entered a nursing program at a four-year university right after high school.
Benefits of Becoming a Registered Nurse
If you can have a good career as an LPN, is there any need to make the transition to becoming an RN? While LPNs have plenty of responsibilities and job security, there are definite benefits.
- Higher Pay
Even new RNs have higher earnings than LPNs on average and can transition into even higher paying roles as they gain experience. If you are interested in increased earning potential, transitioning from an LPN to an RN is a smart financial move.
- More Responsibilities
RNs can do more than LPNs can. As an RN, you can administer medication, develop care plans, and collaborate with physicians. RNs can specialize in different areas and have many opportunities to do more in their day-to-day job. You can deepen your knowledge and take on leadership roles.
- Ability to Specialize
While there is some ability for LPNs to work in specialty offices and facilities, in general, they’ll have the same role. Yet as an RN, you’ll have the ability to specialize in different and challenging areas of healthcare, such as oncology, critical care, pediatrics, and even surgery.
- Job Stability
LPNs and RNs are both in-demand careers. However, because there are things that RNs are legally allowed to do that LPNs are not, RNs are often in higher demand and will have more control over their careers.
If you are planning to stay in the healthcare field, making the transition from an LPN to an RN makes sense.
Can I Keep Working While Training to be an RN?
The transition from an LPN to an RN usually requires some additional classes and training to ensure you meet all the licensing requirements for RNs. You will also need to take and pass the NCLEX exam before you can begin working as an RN, and the classes you will take during your training will prepare you for the test. You will definitely need to invest time and focus for this transition. A one-year transition program for LPN-RN students will be rigorous, and juggling everything can be challenging. Many bridge programs that accelerate the transition to one year require students to be full-time.
However, there are ways to keep working during the transition. Many programs offer hybrid classes and flexible schedules to meet the needs of working professionals. When you are choosing your program, talk to the staff about options for classes that will allow you to take classes while balancing your current responsibilities.
Finding a Bridge Program to Fast Track Your Career
Bridge programs are specifically designed to transition LPNs to the next phase of their nursing careers. They understand that you have some of the foundational medical knowledge as well as practical experience, and they focus on covering the deficits between the two programs, usually focusing on nursing science, nursing theory, nursing pharmacology, and advanced patient care.
Many career academies have a one-year program for motivated LPNs who are ready to advance. When you are choosing the program, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure it’s accredited. Graduating from an accredited school is critical for working in healthcare. Second, look for a program that offers mentorship. Even if you’ve been working in healthcare, you will benefit from connections to help guide and encourage you through the process. Finally, look for a program that will prepare you for the NCLEX. This exam can be intimidating to many new nurses, but with the right program and preparation, you will be ready.
Making the transition from an LPN to an RN can be challenging, but it’s well worth the investment. In as little as one year in a bridge program, you can make a huge advancement in your career. When you are ready, look for the right program to get you there. We can help. Contact Athena Career Academy to learn more about how to enroll.