Some LPNs become registered nurses, increasing their earning potentials.
While both LPNs and RNs care for patients in a variety of settings, many employers prefer to hire RNs because they have more education and can handle more responsibilities. RNs not only have more job opportunities, but they earn higher salaries as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in May 2008, LPNs earned a median annual salary of only $39,030 while RNs earned $62,450. LPNs in the Cleveland area can choose among several schools if they wish to train to become RNs.
ATS Institute of Technology
The ATS Institute of Technology, located in Highland Heights, Ohio, just outside of Cleveland, offers a bridge program for licensed practical nurses who wish to become registered nurses. LPNs entering the program must have at least one year of professional experience working in the nursing field. A student can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) in just three semesters.
Cuyahoga Community College
Cuyahoga Community College offers an educational program for licensed practical nurses who want to earn Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Nursing (ADN) and become registered nurses. LPNs must have at least one year of experience working in the field of nursing and must have current licenses to practice in order to enter the program. Students earn their degrees in just three semesters, provided they have already completed a few prerequisite courses.
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University offers a Bachelor's Degree in the Science of Nursing (BSN) program. Licensed practical nurses who wish to earn their bachelor's degrees and become registered nurses may be able to complete the program in just three years instead of the standard four years, provided they took certain courses like anatomy and physiology, chemistry, English and psychology when earning their LPN diplomas. LPNs will have to make up any missing prerequisite courses, however.
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
Case Western University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing also offers a Bachelor's Degree in the Science of Nursing (BSN) program. While this school does not offer a special program for LPNs who wish to become registered nurses, those that completed specific courses while earning their LPN diplomas may not have to repeat those classes, thereby graduating in less time than it takes other students.
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