As an LPN, you’ve already built a strong foundation in patient care. You know how to comfort patients, work as part of a team, and handle daily nursing tasks with skill and compassion. Over time, you may reach a point where you want to grow in your role. You might want more responsibility, more independence, or more ways to make an impact.
Becoming an RN is a natural next step that can help you reach those goals.
The path from LPN to RN involves completing additional education, gaining more clinical experience, and passing the NCLEX-RN. Each step adds to the skills you already use every day. The process may feel big at first, but LPNs often find that their experience helps them move through the transition with more confidence.
The key is finding a path that works for you. Once you understand the differences between the roles and what each program requires, you can map out a timeline that feels realistic and manageable.
What is the Difference Between an LPN and an RN?
LPNs focus on direct and routine patient care, while RNs take on a wider scope that includes assessment, care planning, and clinical decision making.
As an LPN, you support patients through daily care. You take vital signs, provide treatments, help with comfort needs, and report changes in a patient’s condition. You play an important role on the care team, and your work helps keep patients safe and supported.
When you become an RN, your responsibilities grow. You learn how to perform full assessments and make decisions based on what you observe. You help create care plans, guide other team members, and communicate with families and providers. You become more involved in problem solving and understanding the bigger picture of a patient’s health.
Choosing to move from LPN to RN can also open the door to new opportunities. You may qualify for roles in hospitals, specialty units, home health leadership, case management, or community programs. You also build a path toward future advanced degrees. For many nurses, this step becomes an important part of long-term professional growth.
What Additional Education Do I Need to Become an RN?
You must complete an accredited RN program and meet all prerequisites before applying for RN licensure.
When you decide to become an RN, your first step is choosing the type of degree you want. There are typically two routes: you can earn an Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Both prepare you for the NCLEX-RN, and both help you build the knowledge and skills needed for safe practice. The right choice depends on your goals and the time you can commit to school.
If you want to move into RN practice sooner, an ADN may be a good fit. Many LPNs choose this option because it offers a shorter timeline. Some programs also give credit for your LPN experience, which can help you progress faster. In an ADN program, you study core nursing concepts and build strong clinical skills.
A BSN offers a more extensive education. You learn about leadership, research, public health, and communication, along with all the essential nursing coursework. A BSN may give you more opportunities in hospitals or specialty areas. It can also prepare you for graduate-level nursing programs later in your career.
Both options include clinical rotations. The supervised training allows you to care for real patients and apply what you learn in class. You may rotate through different settings, such as acute care, pediatrics, mental health, or community health.
These experiences help you develop confidence and prepare for your future role after graduation.
How Do I Become Licensed as an RN?
After completing your nursing program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to become a licensed RN and begin practicing.
After graduating, you still have one more step before you can practice as an RN: pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
As an LPN, you already understand what the NCLEX feels like, but the RN exam focuses more on higher-level thinking. It asks you to apply knowledge, analyze situations, and choose the safest option for each patient scenario.
The NCLEX-RN covers areas such as safety, infection control, pharmacology, patient teaching, teamwork, and care management. Many students prepare by practicing with sample questions, reviewing study guides, or using online tools that build confidence. Your experience as an LPN can help you understand clinical situations and make decisions during the exam.
When you finish your RN program, you will apply for permission to test through your state board of nursing. The board reviews your transcripts, background checks, and exam registration before approving your test date. Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, you can apply for your RN license and begin working in your new role.
Earning your RN license is a major achievement, and it marks the point where you can step into a broader clinical role with greater responsibility and independence.
Considering an LPN-to-RN Program at ECPI University
If you feel ready to take the next step in your nursing journey, ECPI University offers programs that support LPNs who want to become RNs. You can explore scheduling options, prerequisite planning, and financial resources with an advisor. Talking with the admissions team can help you build a path that fits your goals and your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete an RN program at ECPI University?
At ECPI University, you can earn your ADN in 1.5 years and your BSN in 2.5 years.
What kind of clinical experience will I get during my RN program?
During your program, you'll complete supervised clinical rotations in real-world healthcare settings. You’ll also use modern technology and resources similar to what you’ll see in your career.
Does ECPI University help me prepare for the NCLEX-RN?
Yes. The nursing programs include hands-on NCLEX-focused content throughout your coursework to prepare you for success when it comes time to take the exam.
What options does ECPI University have if I already have experience?
If you have an active LPN license, you can apply to the LPN-to-BSN program. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to enter nursing, you can apply to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program.