LPN to RN Bridge Program

Overview of the LPN to RN Bridge Program:
Northshore Technical Community College’s (NTCC’s) LPN-to-RN Bridge Program is an accelerated educational pathway designed to enable Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) to advance their education and obtain Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. The curriculum leads to an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree and prepares graduates for entry-level professional nursing practice. This bridge program utilizes a comprehensive instructional model that integrates classroom-based theory, campus laboratory instruction, and supervised clinical experiences. The program is scheduled to launch in Summer 2026 at the Hammond Area Campus, with a new bridge cohort admitted each summer thereafter.

Program Description:
The LPN-to-RN Bridge Program is a 68-credit hour curriculum designed to build on the knowledge and hands-on experience Licensed Practical Nurses already possess. This accelerated pathway allows qualified LPNs to transition into the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program and prepare for Registered Nurse licensure.

After completing all required general education pre-requisites course work, and successfully completing all challenge exams and interviews, students' progress through the nursing curriculum over three consecutive semesters (approximately 12 months). Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN® licensing examination.

Accelerated nursing courses are scheduled to be three days per week, with one day dedicated to classroom instruction and two days to clinical experiences. This structure provides some flexibility for LPNs/LVNs who may be balancing employment while enrolled. Currently, all classes are offered in person and during daytime hours only; evening or online options are not available at this time.

Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:

• Hold a current, unencumbered LPN/LVN license
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in ASN nursing prerequisite courses and a 2.0 NTCC GPA
• Complete all required general education coursework
• Successfully complete an interview and clinical skills assessment
• Earn a Level I or higher on the ATI Fundamentals exam
• Score 80% or higher on a Dosage Calculation exam
• Score 80% or higher on a Fundamentals and Health Assessment Skills Competency exam.

Qualified applicants are reviewed and selected through a competitive admissions process.

Please note: Applicants meeting all admission requirements and have successfully completed ALL general education preand-co-requisites will be given priority for admission.

Progression and Graduation Requirements:
To remain in good standing and graduate from the program, students must:

• Earn a grade of “C” or higher in all nursing and general education courses
• Meet all clinical competency and performance standards
• Comply with NTCC Nursing Program policies, professional conduct expectations, and Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) regulations

LPN-to-RN Bridge Program

Prerequisite Curriculum Plan

NTCC’s ASN traditional and LPN-to-RN Bridge programs do not accept StraighterLine courses for admission or degree credit.

Note: MATH 1015/1005, BIOL 2200 (lecture), BIOL 2300 (lecture), and BIOL 2400 are required to be within 10 years.

Pre-Bridge Testing and Performance Requirements:

• Interview
• ATI Exam – Level I or higher (Fundamentals)
• Dosage Exam – 80% or higher
• Skills tests for Fundamentals and Health Assessment – Pass of 80% or higher

*Upon completion of all requirements and acceptance into the program, each student will be granted credit hours for NURS 1105, NURS 1115, NURS 1120, NURS 1130, and NURS 1150, with a given total of 8 credit hours.

LPN-to-RN Bridge Curriculum

Students who enter the bridge program will begin in Semester three of the curriculum.

Semester 3 (14 Credits):

Semester 4 (13 Credits):

Semester 5 (13 Credits):

Advanced Standing Credit for LPNs (8 Credits)
Upon successful completion of Semester 3:

Total ASN Degree Requirements:

• General Education: 20 credits
• Granted credit-for-prior-learning Hours: 8 ASN course credits
• Bridge Nursing Courses: 40 credits
• Total ASN Degree: 68 credits

For more information, you can email our nursing department or call us at 985-545-1620.