California, CA - LPN to BSN Nursing School Program

Working as an LPN in California can be a great career, but for those wanting more diverse workplace opportunities, an LPN to BSN program is an attractive option. As a full time student, it is possible for a practicing LPN to receive a Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BSN), in five semesters, or under three years—with part time study options also available—and access a plethora of career opportunities that are not available to Licensed Practical Nurses.

Just like an Associate Degree, Nursing (ADN), a BSN prepares students for the national Registered Nurse licensing examination, the NCLEX-RN. Unlike an ADN, a BSN offers further opportunities for targeted learning in areas that are of particular interest to a student. From rehabilitation to critical care to nurse management, typical RN occupations are available with a BSN—however, a BSN leads to opportunities outside of hospital and clinical settings as specialized research work in both public health and corporate settings typically recruit BSNs over ADNs. From Cancer and pharmaceutical research to the instruction of Certified Nursing Assistants, a BSN provides the opportunity to go beyond patient care and delve into any number of occupational streams—and an opportunity to make a good salary as well. Currently, the average pay for an RN in California is over $67,000 per year plus benefits, and with a BSN, the opportunities for work in the private sphere can lead to salaries into six figures.

An LPN to BSN program usually has general education requirements, such as statistics and English, science courses such as microbiology, nursing theory courses and clinical study. Most of the program is, however, dedicated to nursing-specific courses that provide a wide variety of options such as mental health nursing, adult care, maternity care, pediatrics, medication and assessment, legal issues in health care and more. Indeed, it is through the extra time allotted to a BSN that an LPN can pursue the areas of nursing that they find the most interesting towards an enjoyable and personally gratifying career path.