Online LVN to ADN Programs
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN), known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in some states, are in high demand, even in this tough economy. There are several online LVN to ADN programs that will help you achieve your career goals. If you’re a Licensed Vocational Nurse, chances are you live in Texas or California. These are currently the only two states where the profession goes by LVN.
There are several schools in these states where you can obtain your nursing associates degree online, as well as some community colleges in other states that allow online distance learning for LVNs.
LVNs in Other States
If you’re an LVN, you may be concerned about your license translating to LPN. Will colleges honor your LPN? If you should ever move, will you have trouble getting licensed as an LPN without taking additional classes?
State licensing boards, as well as colleges, treat LVNs as they would LPNs from another state, with the same rules applying. If you switch states mid-career, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement, which will allow your license from another state to be recognized. Each state board has its own requirements for transferring a license, but generally you should be able to transfer without problem if you’ve never had action against you.
What to Expect from an ADN School
Whether you’re preparing for the NCLEX or planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing, it is important to choose a school that has the accreditation you’ll need to further yourself in the medical field. Check with your state licensing board to see what accreditations are accepted. Some states even have a list of accepted schools available online. If you tackle your school choice from that direction, you can’t go wrong.
If you’re already practicing as an LVN, you’ll likely want to find a school that offers a transition program. Many of these schools allow you to get your associate’s degree in a year, rather than the two years it would take if you didn’t have your LVN. This can save you time and money.
Good Online Colleges for LVNs
Through the California Virtual Campus, several schools offer online LVN to ADN programs. Fresno City College has both a nursing school and online courses, although online offerings can vary by semester. Based in Fresno, California, Fresno City College was California’s first community colleges.
Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California has a one year step-up program that allows LVNs to transition to ADN. In addition to giving you credit for work already performed, the school also offers many of its courses online. Applications are now being accepted, assuming you meet the criteria.
For Texans, check into North Central Texas College’s Internet Courses. The school has an Associate’s Degree in Nursing program that allows LVNs to take transitional courses.
Alvin Community College in Texas has online learning through its ACC Ed2Go program. With a one year LVN to ADN transition program, you’ll be on your way to your Associate’s Degree quickly and conveniently. ACC accepts applications for its program in January.
Galveston College in Galveston offers distance learning, as well as a LVN to ADN transition program. While in-person clinicals will still be required, you may be able to get some of your basics online. Check with the college to find out.
Online Distance Learning
While obtaining your ADN may not be able to be done entirely online due to the hands-on nature of nursing programs, there are some online schools that will help you transition to ADN online from anywhere. The College Network can help you get your ADN and, eventually, your RN online through a variety of schools that offer online degrees.
If you’re willing to do a hybrid program, you’ll be more likely to find a good nursing program that allows you to complete some classes online. You’ll still be required to do clinicals in these programs, as well as some hands-on experience in classrooms, but if you’re currently working in a medical facility, you may be able to get credit for the work you’re doing there. Narrow down your top choices and check with the faculty to see if it has online LVN to ADN programs that fit with your schedule.