Licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses can enter the RN program with advanced standing – and bypass the first year of required classes.
If you’re an LPN hoping to become an RN, the Bridge Program at Johnson County Community College offers a streamlined process for you to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. When you’re accepted into the highly selective program, you'll be eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) after one year of classes (3 semesters) plus general education courses.
Selective admission programs are not eligible for the 60+ reduced tuition rate.
LPN-to-RN admission requirements
- 56-59 credit hours, which includes 21-24 prerequisite credits
- The program starts in June and finishes in May (summer, fall and spring sessions)
You must complete the prerequisite and general education courses as outlined for the two semesters of the Registered Nursing program before you can enroll in NURS 102 Health Assessment & Skills for Nursing Practice and NURS 155 Transitional Concept for the LPN to RN Role. Once you successfully complete these two courses, you’ll automatically receive credit for NURS 101 Foundational Concepts of Nursing I and NURS 105 Foundational Concepts of Nursing II.
How to Apply
New JCCC Students
Prospective LPN to RN students who have not attended JCCC before (or if it has been more than two years since you last attended) must complete a JCCC application for admission. The application is the first step in the enrollment process; select Non-Degree Seeking or Liberal Arts for your major.
After you receive your JCCC ID number, follow the steps below. It may take 5 business days for your application to be processed. Please email Teresa Leland at tleland@jccc.edu if you apply to the program within 10 days of the posted deadline.
To successfully progress through the nursing curriculum and function as a practicing nurse upon graduation, you must be able to perform certain physical and mental activities.
The following list is based largely upon the Functional Ability Categories and Representative Activities/Attributes as provided in Appendix A by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Inc.
Critical Thinking Ability
Your critical thinking skills must be sufficient for clinical judgment, including sufficient intellectual functioning and emotional stability to plan and implement care for clients, and critical thinking to identify cause-effect relationships, plan/control activities for others, synthesize knowledge and skills, and sequence information.
Analytical Thinking Ability
Your analytical thinking skills must be sufficient to transfer knowledge from one situation to another, process information, evaluate outcomes, problem solve, prioritize tasks, and use long- and short-term memory.
Interpersonal Skills
The candidate’s skills must be sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds; negotiate interpersonal conflict; respect differences in clients; and establish rapport with clients and co-workers.
Emotional Stability
You must be able to establish therapeutic boundaries, provide clients with emotional support, adapt to changing environment/stress, deal with the unexpected, focus attention on task, monitor own emotions, perform multiple responsibilities concurrently, and handle strong emotions (e.g., grief).
Gross Motor Skills
You must be able to move within confined spaces, sit and/or stand and maintain balance, reach above shoulders (e.g., IV poles), and reach below waist (e.g., plug electrical appliances into wall outlets).
Manual Dexterity
You must have the ability to handle small objects, pick up objects, grasp small objects (e.g., IV tubing, pencil), record information (e.g., pen, pencil, keyboard, typing), pinch, pick (e.g., manipulating a syringe), twist (e.g., turn objects/knobs), squeeze (e.g., eye dropper), and perceive texture.
Physical Endurance
You must have the ability to remain at client’s side during surgical or therapeutic procedure, sustain repetitive movements (e.g., CPR), and maintain physical tolerance (e.g., work entire shift).
Physical Strength/Mobility
You must have the ability to push and pull 25 pounds (e.g., position clients), support 25 pounds of weight (e.g., ambulate client), lift 25 pounds (e.g., pick up a child, transfer client), move light objects weighing up to 10 pounds (e.g., IV poles), move heavy objects weighing from 11 to 50 pounds and carry up to 25 pounds frequently, but occasionally may exceed these limits. You should have sufficient motor functions to be able to execute movements required to provide general care and treatment to patients in all health care settings. You are required to have the motor skills necessary for assessment and therapeutic procedures such as palpation, percussion, auscultation, and other diagnostic maneuvers and procedures. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional uses of the senses of touch, vision and hearing. You must be able to perform basic life support (including CPR), transfer and position patients, and position and reposition yourself around patients. You must also be able to operate equipment typically found in the health care environment (eg., IV pump, cardiac monitor, electric and manual blood pressure equipment, electric beds).
Sensory/Observation
You must be able to acquire information presented through demonstration and experience in the basic and nursing sciences. You must be able to observe and appreciate non-verbal communication when performing nursing assessment and intervention or administering medication. You must be capable of perceiving the signs of disease and infection and images of the body surfaces, palpable changes in various organs and tissues, and auditory information (e.g., patient’s voice, heart tones, bowel and lung sounds).
Reading Ability
You must be able to read and understand written documents (e.g., policies, protocols).
Cognitive Ability
You must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize information. You must be able to quickly read and comprehend extensive written materials. You must also be able to evaluate and apply information and engage in critical thinking in the classroom, lab and clinical setting. You must be able to read and understand columns of writing (flow sheet, charts), digital displays, graphic printouts (e.g., EKG), graphs (e.g., vital sign sheets) and measurement marks (e.g., measurement tapes, scales, etc.); calibrate equipment, convert numbers to and/or from the metric system, tell time, measure time (e.g., count duration of contractions, etc.), count rates (e.g., drips/minute, pulse), use measuring tools (e.g., thermometer), add, subtract, multiply and/or divide whole numbers, compute fractions (e.g., medication dosages), use a calculator, write numbers in records, and perform algebraic equations to calculate medication dosages.
Communication
You must have the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with other students, faculty, staff, patients, family and other professionals. You must be able to express ideas and feelings clearly and demonstrate a willingness and ability to give and receive feedback. You must be able to convey or exchange information at a level allowing development of a health history, identify problems presented, explain alternative solutions and give directions during treatment and post-treatment. You must be able to effectively communicate in English on oral, written and electronic forms, and to retrieve information from literature, computerized databases and lectures. You must be able to process and communicate information on the patient’s status with accuracy in a timely manner to members of the health care team. The appropriate communication may also rely on the candidate’s ability to make a correct judgment, seeking supervision and consultation in a timely manner.
Professional Conduct
You must possess the ability to reason morally and practice nursing in an ethical manner. You must be willing to learn and abide by professional standards of practice. You must have compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, honesty, responsibility and tolerance. You must be able to engage in patient care delivery in all settings and be able to deliver care to all patient populations, including but not limited to children, adolescents, adults, individuals with disabilities, medically compromised patients, and vulnerable adults.
Must be able to provide reliable transportation for clinicals.
Instead of CNA, LPN-RN Bridge students will be required to provide one of the following:
- Current LPN License
- License pending passing score on NCLEX-PN
- Proof of enrollment in final semester of LPN program with completion of coursework visualized on transcript by June 1
By the end of Summer 2025, Must have grade(s) of C or higher. (P will not meet this requirement) for the following courses:
- *BIOL 144 Human Anatomy & Physiology (5 credits) OR BIOL 140 Human Anatomy (4 credits)AND BIOL 225 Human Physiology (4 credits)
Note: Science courses must be current within 5 years of the application deadline
By the end of Fall 2025, Must have grade(s) of C or higher. (P will not meet this requirement) for the following courses:
- ENGL 121 Composition 1 OR ENGL 122 Composition II (3 credits)
- MATH 171 College Algebra or higher (3 credits)
- PSYC 130 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
The courses listed below will NOT be used to figure your RN GPA but must be completed by the end of Spring 2026.
- *BIOL 227 Human Pathophysiology (4 credits)
- PSYC 218 Human Development (3 credits)
The courses listed below will not be used to figure your RN GPA but must be completed to meet program degree requirements.
- Communications Elective**
- Humanities Elective**
*Must have been completed in Fall 2020 or after.
** See JCCC online catalog of courses for approved general education electives at www.jccc.edu/catalog.
The deadline for the Fall 2026 RN program will be Dec. 1, 2025.
|
|
Course name |
Credit |
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology |
5 |
|
|
Intro to Psychology |
3 |
|
|
Composition I |
3 |
|
|
College Algebra (or higher) |
3 |
|
|
BIOL 227 |
Human Pathophysiology |
4 |
|
PSYC 218 |
Human Development |
3 |
See the JCCC catalog for a sample course schedule and links to general education electives.
A grade(s) of C or higher must be earned and reflected on transcripts for all prerequisite courses. A grade of "P" will not meet this requirement.
Please see a JCCC counselor if you have questions.
GPA for Nursing Program Required Prerequisites Must Be 3.0 or Higher
- The LPN to RN GPA used for ranking will be figured using only these four classes with Grades of C or higher: BIOL 144 (or BIOL 140 and BIOL 225), MATH 171, ENGL 121, and PSYC 130.
- Applicants must complete BIOL 144 (or BIOL 140 AND BIOL 225) by the application deadline, Dec. 1. Applicant will be ineligible if taking this course in the Fall 2025 semester of the current application cycle as grades will not post until after the Dec. 1 deadline.
- You must have a minimum of 12 college credit hours, with grades of C or higher, toward the RN program to apply.
- College credits earned by JCCC students through prior learning credit, as designated by Testing Services, must be posted on your JCCC transcript by the Dec. 1 deadline. These credits will be acknowledged as fulfilling the nursing requirements; however, they will not be computed into the admission GPA.
- Date of the ATI TEAS must be current within 3 years of the application deadline.
- Only official scores submitted from ATI TEAS will be accepted. Request your scores to be sent to JCCC Testing.
- Please enter your JCCC ID number when taking the ATI TEAS test. Email tleland@jccc.edu after testing.
- ATI TEAS can be taken at the following locations:
- Cost ranges from $120-$147 depending on location to take the exam. Additional costs may apply if practice exams or study materials are purchased by the applicant.
- Registration is done online at the ATI website.
- Score reporting: exam results can take up to 72 hours to populate into your ATI account. The date on your score report will reflect the date the exam posts to your ATI account.
- For free study resources, check out the ATI Facebook page for live TEAS prep events, as well as previously recorded videos, and the ATI Student Blog for practice questions, TEAS tips and more.
- The ATI TEAS exam is comprised of 170 total questions, with 209 minutes in allocated testing time. Question types include multiple choice, multiple select (select all that apply), fill in the blank, ordered response and hot spots.
- All 4 sections — Reading, Math, Science, and English & Language Usage — of the exam are required.
- Minimum total score of 66% is required.
| Test Information | Reading | Mathematics | Science | English & Language Usage |
| Number of Questions | 45 | 38 | 50 | 37 |
| Number of Unscored Questions | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Time Limit | 55 minutes | 57 minutes | 60 minutes | 37 minutes |
| Specific Content Covered | • Key ideas and details (15) • Craft and structure (9) • Integration of knowledge & ideas (15) |
• Numbers and algebra (18) • Measurement and data (16) |
• Human anatomy & physiology (18) • Biology (9) • Chemistry (8) • Scientific reasoning (9) |
• Conventions of standard English (12) • Knowledge of language (11) • Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing (10) |
To transfer course work from another college, request official transcripts be sent to jcccadmissions@jccc.edu before the application deadline.
Previous Nursing coursework will only transfer as an elective, not a direct equate.
Current JCCC Students
The deadline to apply for Fall 2026 RN and Summer 2026 Bridge program is Dec. 1, 2025. The applications will be available in early August.
Note: You will receive an email to check your Personal Admission Plan after your application has been processed. Contact Teresa Leland, tleland@jccc.edu, if you do not have an RN Personal Admission Plan within 10 days of submitting your application.
If you have already completed the ATI TEAS test, go to www.atitesting.com and request your ATI TEAS transcript (Note: charges may apply.). ATI TEAS scores must be submitted before Feb. 1, 2025. Scores must be within three years of the Feb. 1, 2025 deadline.
Residency points are awarded to those who have submitted proof of residency in Johnson County or another county in Kansas. Residency is one of the criteria used in the selection process, accounting for 10% of both the pre-interview and the final ranking.
Please highlight your name, address, and the date on your proof before submitting. Proof sent must be dated six months prior to the application deadline. Acceptance examples of proof: Driver’s license, lease agreement (send only the first page), or utility statement. Contact Teresa Leland, tleland@jccc.edu, if you have questions.
The applicant earns one point per 12 months of verified work history up to a max of 5 points. Work history considered includes positions involving direct patient care in an acute care or long-term care setting. This includes a Patient Care Technician, Patient Care Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medication Aide, Home Health Aide, or Licensed Practical Nurse. This accounts for 20% of the final ranking.
If you have NO eligible work history, check the box “I have no eligible work history” on the work history form.
Work history must be submitted by the application deadline.
It is not necessary to request JCCC transcripts or transcripts already on file at JCCC. If you are a transfer student, please visit a JCCC Counselor to confirm transferability of your coursework.
See our Transcripts page for instructions on submitting official transcripts from other schools.
Your Personal Admission Checklist will be updated periodically as the Admissions office processes application materials. Access your Personal Admission Checklist and your JCCC email account through your MyJCCC account. Contact Teresa Leland, tleland@jccc.edu, if you have questions.
LPN-to-RN Ranking and Selection
After the Dec. 1 submission deadline, applications will be reviewed and ranked. Selected candidates will progress to an interview.
| Pre-Interview Ranking | Final Ranking |
|---|---|
| 40% GPA in program-required prerequisites | 50% Interview |
| 30% ATI TEAS score | 20% Work history |
| 20% Anatomy & Physiology grade | 10% Prior degree |
| 10% Residency | 10% Residency |
| 10% ATI TEAS score |
The Pre-Interview Ranking is completed by early February; you will be notified by email sent to your JCCC account if you have been invited for an interview.
If you need assistance in preparing for the interview, The JCCC Career Development Center offers workshops on interviewing for healthcare programs.
Once interviews are completed, scores are re-ranked using the Final Ranking criteria. Final Ranking decisions will be emailed to their JCCC accounts in early to mid-March. Approximately 8-15 students are invited after all the post-interview ranking is done.
A waitlist will be established AFTER Final Ranking. Should any of the candidates decline their position, the next candidate on the waitlist will be contacted BY EMAIL sent to your JCCC account. If you are not offered a position, please make an appointment with JCCC Counseling to assess your options.
Letters of reference are not accepted, nor will they be considered in the selection process.
Estimated Expenses for LPN to RN Bridge Program
The following items are estimated expenses incurred by students in nursing in addition to tuition. (Prices do not include tax.) See the tuition page for rates and student activity fees.
|
2025-2026 Estimated Expenses (Excluding Taxes) for LPN – RN Bridge Program |
Summer Semester |
2nd Year (Fall/Spring) |
Total Nursing Program |
|
Access and requirements issued from ClinicalStudent.com including:
|
$125.00 |
|
$125.00 |
|
Immunizations and Laboratory/Diagnostic Testing |
$400.00 |
$150.00 |
$550.00 |
|
Tuition Tuition costs are based on 9 credits for the summer semester and 24 credits for the fall and spring semesters at the Johnson County Resident rate. For more details about tuition rates go to: http://www.jccc.edu/admissions/tuition/rates.html |
$909.00 |
$2,424.00 |
$3,333.00 |
|
Books/Resources
|
$1,381.92 |
|
$1,381.92 |
|
NurseThink: Integrated Learning System for benchmarking. Includes Clinical Judgment Exams, and NCLEX-RN prep
|
$249.50 |
$300.00 |
$549.50 |
|
Supplies*:
*These are approximate costs. Costs may vary depending upon where purchased, style, etc. |
$145.00 |
|
$145.00 |
|
Uniforms if purchased through the JCCC Bookstore*:
*These are approximate costs. Costs may vary depending upon where purchased, style, etc. |
$325.00 |
|
$325.00 |
|
Graduation Expenses:
|
|
$50.00 |
$50.00 |
|
NCLEX-RN Exam/Licensure Fees*:
|
|
$402.00 |
$402.00 |
|
Total – Summer Semester |
$3,535.42 |
|
|
|
Total – Fall/Spring Semester |
|
$3,326.00 |
|
|
Total LPN – RN Bridge Program |
|
|
$6,861.42 |
All costs are approximate and are subject to change based upon the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Cabinet, and Board of Trustees review and approval. In addition to tuition, consider other costs related to attending college. Visit the JCCC Cost of Attendance page for more details.
All items above are required to be purchased by registered nursing students.
- All requirements in Clinical Student must remain current for the duration of the program.
- Costs for health care including insurance coverage are the responsibility of the individual student.
- Plans should be made for childcare costs.
- Transportation to and from class and to clinical agencies is the responsibility of the student.
Financial Aid
- Visit the financial aid page for general financial aid information.
- Specific nursing program scholarships are only awarded to students enrolled in and actively taking the nursing (NURS) courses. Students must complete the online scholarship application and complete the FAFSA to be considered for specific nursing scholarships. Log in to MyJCCC. Select "My Financial Aid" and complete the scholarship application for the aid year for which you are applying.
- Students anticipating difficulty in financing their education should contact the Financial Aid office, second floor of the Student Center, 913-469-3840, as soon as possible to request application information for student financial aid assistance.
- The Financial Aid Process Checklist page is a great reference on the process for receiving financial aid at JCCC.
- To check your financial aid requirements and status; log in to MyJCCC and select "My Financial Aid," then select "Requirements."
Contact info
For CNA, CMA, and HHA programs
Megan Bukaty, Administrative Assistant
913-469-8500, ext. 2350
Location: OHEC 221F
Email: pnhoc@jccc.edu
For Practical Nursing
Tristian Hughes, Administrative Assistant
913-469-8500, ext. 2350
Location: OHEC 221F
Email: pnhoc@jccc.edu
Carolyn Thomas, Administrative Assistant
913-469-8500, ext. 2350
Location: OHEC 221
Email: pnhoc@jccc.edu
Christina Rudacille, Director
913-469-8500, ext. 2350
Location: OHEC 225
Email: crudacil@jccc.edu
For RN and RN-LPN Bridge programs
Lori Shank, Director
913-469-8500, ext. 3157
Location: CLB 117
Email: registerednursing@jccc.edu
Heidi Stroop, Administrative Assistant
913-469-8500, ext. 3157
Location: CLB 115
Email: registerednursing@jccc.edu
