Becoming an RN: RPN to RN Bridging Online and In-Person

While nursing and other healthcare-related professions may be fulfilling to pursue, there’s no doubt that these careers may require significant commitment in terms of time, resources, and determination.

Maybe right now, you’re a high school student contemplating on entering the healthcare field as a nurse and thinking about which entry to practice program you’ll be pursuing. Maybe you’re also thinking whether nursing is really for you or not. So, you might consider trying becoming a practical nurse first, then transitioning into becoming a registered nurse once you feel fully committed to the role.

Or maybe you’re already a registered practical nurse (RPN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) and are already considering taking the next step in your nursing career by becoming a registered nurse (RN). This transition can be a rewarding and challenging journey, as it requires additional education and training.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of completing your RPN/LPN program before pursuing an RN designation, as well as the availability of online and in-person bridging programs that can help you achieve your goals.

Will It Be a Good Idea to Finish RPN/LPN Programs First Before Becoming an RN?

The decision to complete your RPN/LPN program before pursuing an RN designation will depend on your personal goals, financial considerations, and the specific program options available in your area. Let’s take a closer look at the potential pros and cons of this approach.

A table summarizing the pros and cons of of becoming an RPN/LPN before becoming an RN

Pros of Becoming an RPN/LPN Before Becoming an RN

With the competitive nature of admissions in the BScN program, it might be an attractive option for aspiring nurses to first become an RPN/LPN before eventually transitioning into becoming an RN. True enough, becoming an RPN/LPN before pursuing an RN offers several advantages and considerations. Here are the pros of opting to become an RPN/LPN first:

Quick Entry into Workforce: RPN/LPN programs typically take only one to two years of study, offering a shorter time to completion compared to BSN programs, which generally take four years to complete. This enables individuals to gain practical experience early in their career by entering the workforce sooner.
Opportunity to Gain Career Stability: RPNs/LPNs are essential members of the healthcare team who are especially in-demand within long-term care facilities and mental health institutions, which readily hire them even without prior field experience. This allows RPNs/LPNs to more easily enter the nursing field upon successful completion of their education and certification exam.
Employment while Furthering Education: RPN/LPNs can work while furthering their education, often taking advantage of online courses and night classes to balance work and education.
Potential Tuition Assistance: Some employers may offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for RNs who have already completed their RPN/LPN training, making the transition more financially feasible.

Cons of Becoming an RPN/LPN Before Becoming an RN

Despite the advantages that pursuing a nursing career by becoming an RPN/LPN first before becoming an RN, there are also disadvantages that come with following this pathway. Here are some of the factors that should be carefully considered when weighing the decision of whether one should become an RPN/LPN first or directly become an RN:

Competitive Admissions: Bridging programs from RPN/LPN to RN are still competitive, with specific admission criteria that are applied to each applicant. Previous academic performance from the practical nursing program and good standing in with the regulatory authority for nursing can significantly impact an individual’s application and admission to the said program. With this in mind, some may suggest considering volunteering in healthcare settings instead if one sees themselves inevitably transitioning into becoming an RN.
Longer Timeline: Completing the RPN/LPN program and then transitioning to an RN program will require more time and resources compared to directly pursuing an RN designation.
Potential Redundancy: Some of the coursework and clinical hours from your RPN/LPN program may not be fully transferable to the RN program, leading to potential redundancy and additional time and cost.

Are There RPN/LPN to RN Bridging Programs Delivered Online?

Yes, there are RPN/LPN to RN bridging programs available that are delivered online, but most of them are done in a blended format, with the majority of the bridging courses coursework completed online and the clinical rotations conducted in-person. Here are some of the best choices for RPN/LPN to RN bridging programs in Canada:

Cambrian College: Cambrian College offers an experience-based bridging program that allows simulation activities and practical learning opportunities in various healthcare settings. The completion of this program will allow the student to enter the honours BScN within Cambrian College, which can be completed within 5 semesters.
Centennial College: Centennial College offers a student-centred bridging program that allows great flexibility in terms of program delivery, where they may be taken synchronously or asynchronously. They have full-time, flexible, and online hybrid options for their bridging program to university nursing.
George Brown College: George Brown College offers a two-semester bridging program delivered in a hybrid format, that is, with classes delivered both in-person and online. Those who complete this program may then enrol in the in-person BScN program in Trent University.
Humber College: Humber College offers a two-semester bridging program followed by Year 3 and Year 4 of their BscN pathway program where one may be conferred an honours degree upon completion.
Ontario Tech College: Ontario Tech offers a Nursing - Post RPN program that confers an honours baccalaureate degree upon completion. The college knows how competitive the admissions can be, so it also provides ways that an applicant can upgrade and improve their chances of getting accepted for the program, including completing post-diploma certificates and university courses.
Seneca College: Seneca College offers three options for their BscN program, all provided in their hybrid delivery format. Out of the three, the Honours Bachelor of Science–Nursing (Bridge) (BSNB) is the one best applicable for practical nurses wanting to transition to becoming RNs.
St. Lawrence College: St. Lawrence College offers two options for students as to how they want to work on their required coursework, either interactively via recorded lectures in Microsoft Teams then proceed for advanced entry to St. Lawrence College BScN degree program, or asynchronously and independently within their own schedule then proceed to a partner Ontario College institution as a Year 3 student.

Programs offered by these accredited post-secondary institutions are designed to build upon your existing RPN/LPN knowledge and skills through relevant pathway courses, allowing you to transition to an RN designation in a more efficient and streamlined manner.

The online component of these bridging programs typically includes lectures, assignments, and assessments that can be completed at your own pace, while the in-person clinical rotations provide the hands-on experience necessary to develop and demonstrate your nursing skills.

It’s important to note that while the online component of these programs offers flexibility and convenience, the in-person clinical rotations are an essential part of the curriculum and cannot be fully replaced by virtual experiences. These clinical placements are crucial for ensuring that you meet the necessary competencies and regulatory requirements to become a registered nurse.

Moreover, one should also take note of some specific limitations that these programs may have, in terms of continuing to the BScN or to employment. Some may require students to only take their BScN or get employed in their partner institutions, so it’s important to also look into the requirements of the post-secondary institution that you’ll be enrolling into for further information that will allow you to make an informed decision regarding this matter.

Steps that RPN/LPN Can Take to Become an RN

If you’re an RPN/LPN interested in becoming an RN, here are the typical steps you can take:

Complete the RPN/LPN Program and Licensure: Begin by successfully completing your RPN/LPN program and obtaining the necessary licensure or registration in your province or territory.
Complete a Bridging Program from an Accredited Institution: Research and enrol in an RPN/LPN to RN bridging program offered by an accredited educational institution. These programs are designed to build upon your existing knowledge and skills, allowing you to transition to an RN designation more efficiently.
Complete the BSN Program: Once you have completed the bridging program, you can then enrol in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program as a Year 3 student. These programs usually confer an honours degree and are typically offered through a partner institution of the bridging program. This will allow you to obtain your full RN designation.
Obtain the Necessary Certification from the Province’s Regulatory Authority: After successfully completing your BScN program, you will need to obtain the necessary certification or registration from the regulatory authority in your province or territory to practice as a registered nurse, such as in the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) for those wanting to practice in Ontario.

It’s important to research the specific requirements and program options available in your local area, as they may vary across different provinces and territories. Post-secondary institutions may also have different specificities as to their admissions requirement, which you may get to know by visiting their website or reaching out to them about your queries.

Scholarships and Grants for RPN/LPN Looking to Take Bridging Programs

As an RPN/LPN considering a bridging program to become an RN, there are several scholarship and grant opportunities that you can explore to help offset the costs of your education:

BEGIN Program from WeRPN: The BEGIN (Bridging Education Grant Initiative) program from the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) provides financial assistance to RPNs who are pursuing a bridging program to become an RN.
Nursing Scholarship from the Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF): The CNF offers various scholarship opportunities for nurses, including those pursuing bridging programs to transition from RPN/LPN to RN.
Entry Scholarships or Degree Transfer Scholarships: Many educational institutions that offer RPN/LPN to RN bridging programs also provide entry scholarships or degree transfer scholarships to help cover the costs of tuition and other expenses.

Make sure to research and apply for any relevant scholarships or grants that may be available in your area to help make your transition to an RN designation more financially feasible.

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Caring Support: Empowering Nurses for Their Career Advancement

Becoming an RN through an RPN/LPN to RN bridging program can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. While there are both pros and cons to consider in terms of completing your RPN/LPN program first, the availability of online and blended bridging programs can make the nursing transformation more accessible and convenient.

At Caring Support, we’re committed to empowering our nurses and other healthcare professionals to achieve their career goals. Our innovative, healthcare-focused platform is designed to provide our healthcare workers ready access to several resources to enrich their careers, such as an intuitive job search, resume builder, and networking opportunities, among others. Create your free account with us today and together. Let’s work towards advancing your nursing career and making a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.