[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What is a Nursing Bridge Program?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing bridge programs are educational programs designed for working professionals. They build on your previous education and your experience to advance you to the next level of professional education and nursing roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing bridge programs follow accelerated schedules designed for working professionals, helping you advance your nursing career. Discover the different types of nursing bridge programs for different nursing career goals and backgrounds. Explore whether a nursing bridge program can help you fulfill your professional goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing bridge programs can take you from a paramedic or licensed practical nurse (LPN) role to an [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/” target=”_blank”]registered nurse (RN) role[/hen-ui-link]. You can also advance to another degree level, such as from a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to a master of science in nursing (MSN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing bridge programs often follow an accelerated pace, so you can [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//fastest-paths-to-becoming-a-nurse/” target=”_blank”]finish your degree faster[/hen-ui-link] than a traditional degree program. Other benefits include:[/hen-ui-text]

• Accelerated pathway to another degree and potential professional advancement
• Course schedules designed for working professionals
• Potential for employer tuition reimbursement, often in exchange for a work commitment after graduation
• Networking opportunities with other nursing professionals and professors

[hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Types of Nursing Bridge Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of the most common nursing bridge programs include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/best-paramedic-to-rn-bridge-programs-online/”]Paramedic-to-RN Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These nursing bridge programs take advantage of your background as a paramedic to prepare you for a career as a registered nurse (RN). These programs typically take nine months to two years, depending on whether you are pursuing an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN). Either degree will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN examination and become an RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who is it for?[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Paramedics who want to become a registered nurse.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Estimated increase in average salary[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]+66%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/best-online-lpn-to-rn-programs/”]LPN-to-RN Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An LPN-to-RN bridge program prepares you to transition from a licensed practical nurse (LPN) position to an RN position. Like the paramedic-to-RN nursing bridge program, it can lead to either an ADN or a BSN degree. The ADN option typically takes one to two years and a BSN option typically takes two years, depending on the pace. Students must complete the NCLEX-RN certification exam to obtain licensure. Typically, RNs earn much more and have more professional autonomy than LPNs, one reason why this nursing bridge program is so popular.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who is it for?[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]LPN/LVNs who want to become a registered nurse with an ADN or BSN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Estimated increase in average salary[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]+60%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-lpn-to-bsn-programs/”]LPN-to-BSN Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPN-to-BSN nursing bridge programs take you to the equivalent of a four-year nursing degree, typically within 1-2 years. While you can become an RN with an ADN degree, having a BSN can make you more competitive in the job market. It also prepares you to enter a master’s or doctoral program and become an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN). As with an LPN-to-RN program, students must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who is it for?[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]LPN/LVNs who want to become a registered nurse with a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Estimated increase in average salary[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]+60%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-BSN Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN-to-BSN nursing bridge program, also known as a nursing completion program, does not take you to another license level, unlike other bridge programs. Instead, it takes you from an ADN to a BSN and prepares you to earn a master’s or doctoral degree. This is [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/reasons-why-rns-should-pursue-their-bsn-degree//”]one of the most popular nursing bridge programs[/hen-ui-link], and is available at a range of schools. These programs typically take approximately one year to complete, depending on the pace. Because students will already have their RN licensure, there is no need to complete an additional certification exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who is it for?[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]RNs with an ADN who want to earn their BSN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Estimated increase in average salary[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]+21%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-adn-to-msn-bridge-programs/”]RN-to-MSN Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN-to-MSN nursing bridge program prepares graduates to [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]become APRNs[/hen-ui-link], nurse administrators, or other higher-level roles in nursing. [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]With an MSN[/hen-ui-link], you can become a nurse educator, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or clinical nurse specialist. These nursing bridge programs can take 1-2 years to complete, depending on the pace. Students should expect to complete a specialty certification exam to obtain their APRN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who is it for?[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]RNs with an ADN or BSN who want to earn their MSN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Estimated increase in average salary[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]+40%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//best-online-bsn-to-dnp-programs/”]BSN-to-DNP Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]The doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP) is the terminal degree in practical nursing, meaning that it is the highest degree that you can complete. A DNP can prepare you to become a nurse anesthetist, the highest-paid nursing specialty, teach in a college or university, or lead a team or department. A BSN-to-DNP nursing bridge program typically takes four years. Students can expect to complete a specialty certification exam to obtain their APRN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who is it for?[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]RNs with their BSN who want to earn a DNP.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Estimated increase in average salary[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]+22%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-accelerated-bsn-programs-online/”]Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While not technically a nursing bridge program, an accelerated BSN is an excellent option for anyone looking to enter nursing as a second career. Accelerated BSN programs leverage your non-nursing bachelor’s degree [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//accelerated-nursing-programs/”]towards a BSN in less time[/hen-ui-link] compared to a traditional BSN. Programs can take between 12-18 months to complete and students will conclude the program by taking the NCLEX-RN to earn their RN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who is it for?[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Individuals who have earned a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field who want to earn a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Estimated increase in average salary[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Varies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Careers With a Degree from a Nursing Bridge Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nursing bridge program can dramatically increase your earnings and career options. Many nursing bridge programs can also help you advance professionally by increasing your [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]scope of practice[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, in many states, APRNs can own and manage their own practices, something that RNs and paramedics are not authorized to do. A nursing bridge program can also help you pursue a higher salary or more autonomy without significantly interrupting your career.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Nursing Careers and Salaries With a Nursing Bridge Program[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bridge Program[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nursing Role[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary [/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Bridge Program”]Paramedic-to-RN[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Role”]Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$120,828[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Bridge Program”]LPN-to-RN Program[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Role”]Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$62,140[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Bridge Program”]RN-to-BSN Program[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Role”]Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$102,263[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Bridge Program”]RN-to-MSN[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Role”]Advanced Practice Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_in_Nursing_(MSN)/Salary”]$108,000[/hen-ui-link]<[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title="Bridge Program"]BSN-to-DNP[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title="Nursing Role"]Advanced Practice Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title="Average Annual Salary"]$117,859[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Online Nursing Bridge Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online nursing bridge programs deliver coursework online, either synchronously (all students attend live classes and discussions at the same time) or asynchronously (students view recorded lectures on their own schedules). You must [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]complete your required clinical hours in person[/hen-ui-link]. Nursing bridge programs may provide a clinical placement, support for finding one, or require you to arrange your own.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some online nursing bridge programs may have required on-campus onboarding or lab sessions. These are typically brief, but be sure to find out if your program has any in-person requirements that would be difficult for you to attend.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Bridge Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to complete a BSN or an MSN bridge program?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The pace of the program and your current degree determine how long it takes to complete a BSN or MSN nursing bridge program. An RN-to-BSN program may take 1-2 years, while an RN-to-MSN program may take 2-3 years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a BSN required for admission to an MSN program?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN is not required for admission to an RN-to-MSN nursing bridge program, though it is required for a traditional MSN program. An RN-to-MSN nursing bridge program allows you to go directly from an ADN to an MSN degree by completing BSN coursework while pursuing your advanced degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I transfer credit hours from another university into a BSN or an MSN bridge program?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each nursing bridge program has its own credit transfer policies. But in general, most universities allow you to transfer some credits into a BSN or MSN bridge program. Check with the program you are interested in to see what credits will transfer and if there are any transfer limits.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many nursing bridge programs are available?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the AACN Member Program Directory, there are:[/hen-ui-text]

• 135 LPN-to-BSN programs
• 670 RN-to-BSN programs
• 185 RN-to-MSN programs
• 296 BSN-to-DNP programs

[/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Page last reviewed on October 10, 2023[/hen-ui-text]