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 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.
LPN-to-RN Application Process
Applying to the LPN-to-RN bridge courses is essentially the same as applying to our RN program. You will need to follow steps outlined on the RN Admission and Application Requirements page.
Note: 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
LPN-to-RN Ranking and Selection
After the Feb. 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 mid-March; 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 mid-April. 8-12 students are admitted each year (average number of applicants = 30)
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.
| 2020-2021 Estimated Expenses, Excluding Taxes, for LPN–RN Bridge Program |
Summer |
2nd Year (fall/spring) |
Total Nursing Program |
|
Criminal Background Checks ($47.00 each) & Drug Screen ($37.00 each) + $2.00 administrative fee after acceptance and for licensure after graduation. |
$100 | $48 | $148 |
| Clinicalstudent.com Access | $20 | $20 | |
| Physical exam and immunizations | $400 | $50 | $450 |
| Tuition costs are based on 9 credits for the summer semester and 31 credits for the fall and spring semesters at the Johnson County resident rate. See the tuition web page for more details. |
$846 | $2,914 | $3,760 |
| Books | $800 | $800 | |
| Supplies: Scissors: $6 Stethoscope: $90 Watch: $23 Hemostat: $5 |
$124 | $124 | |
| Uniforms: Scrubs (2 sets): $100 Lab Coat: $30 JCCC Patch: $5 Shoes: $75-$150 (not including $15 shipping fee) |
$285 | $285 | |
| Graduation Expenses: NCLEX-RN: $200 Kansas State Exam: $75 Gown, Hat, Tassel : $40 |
$315 | $315 | |
| Kaplan Integrated Learning System/iHuman | $520 | $520 | |
| Total - summer semester | $2,575 | ||
| Total - fall/spring semesters | $3,847 | ||
| Total – LPN-RN Bridge program | $6,422 |
All costs are approximate and are subject to change based upon Dean/EVPI (Executive Vice President of Instruction) Committee’s approval.
All items above are required to be purchased by registered nursing students.
- Physical examinations, including required immunizations, must be current each year.
- Costs for healthcare 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.
There are several things to consider when budgeting for college. Visit our Cost of Attendance page for detailed information.
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 (PDF) 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
Stephanie Belford, 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 115
Email: lshank@jccc.edu
