Bachelor's Degree

LPN to BSN Option
Nursing Program - Madison, WI

CLASSES START
Jan 6th

28 Mo.

Program Length

120

Credits

On-campus

Format

MSN

Dual Credit

Waived Enrollment Fee

Apply Now Request Information

Bachelor's Degree

LPN to BSN Option
Nursing Program - Madison, WI

Go from LPN to RN-BSN with Herzing

Accreditation	CCNE accredited,¹ Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer credit	Up to 90 approved credits
Format	Core nursing courses at our campus in Madison, WI + online
Pathways	Earn dual credit towards a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
QuickPaths	Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

BSN Bridge Option - Practical Nurses (LPN) - Madison

BSN Bridge for Practical Nurses - Madison, WI

The BSN Bridge option for LPNs is a 120-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). The Madison campus bachelor's degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in the nursing process, health assessment, managing care, evidence-based practice, and much more.

Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

Flexible schedule

We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

Experienced faculty

Get face-to-face instruction from experienced and credentialed faculty with real-world success in the field.

Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start January 6th

Learn More Today

By submitting this form, I consent to Herzing University contacting me by phone for marketing messages (including mobile and manual/autodialed means) and email using the information I have provided. I understand that my consent is not a condition of enrollment.

Opt-In to Receive SMS Messages

By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

You may qualify for our online option

We now offer an online BSN Bridge option for LPNs featuring asynchronous didactic (lecture) courses, meaning you can complete all gen ed and core nursing courses online on your own schedule.ⁱ

The online bridge option includes practical, hands-on training including clinicals and intensives, which you must attend at a designated Herzing or partner site.

This can be a great choice if you are seeking maximum flexibility in completing your didactic coursework throughout the program.

Explore the online option

i. The online and on-campus programs have unique enrollment requirements. View our online LPN to BSN Bridge Option admission requirements.

Curriculum

Madison LPN to RN-BSN program curriculum details

Herzing University's LPN to BSN bridge program in Madison expands on your previous training with classes focusing on providing quality, evidence-based patient care.

On-campus. Complete core coursework on campus in Madison.
Online. You may complete your general education prerequisites online.
Clinicals. Clinical experience is vital to excel in your new career.

Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and meet the Wisconsin Board of Nursing requirements to obtain an RN license.

Program	Months^I	Credits
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Bridge Option	28	120

*Average number of months for students to complete program

Required Courses in Nursing

55.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NSG 120 - Nursing Pathophysiology 3.00

This course focuses on the basic understanding of pathophysiology related to human illness with an emphasis placed on cellular alterations in organ systems as they relate to selected disease states. Opportunities will be presented that provide for the use of critical thinking processes to analyze diverse patient presentations of selected illness for symptomatology, pathophysiology, and health care implications.

NSG 124 - Pharmacology 3.00

This course introduces the student to the role of pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of illness and in the promotion of wellness in patients throughout the lifespan. These concepts provide the basis for the study of drug actions, indications, side effects, nursing implications, and patient education.

NSG 126 - Transition to Professional Nursing 3.00

This course focuses on the transition into the role of a Registered Nurse, emphasizing the scope of practice and integration of professional competencies, clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, communication, collaboration, technology, cultural competence, quality, and safety. It aims to identify and strengthen existing competencies, enhance student knowledge, and prepare individuals to deliver quality nursing care that incorporates both prior proficiency and new concepts introduced in the course. Skills and concepts related to nursing assessment are integrated throughout the curriculum and validated in clinical and lab settings.

NSG 221 - Mental Health Nursing 4.00

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in caring for patients with alterations in mental health. Focus is placed on the nursing process framework with emphasis on assessment, therapeutic communication, neurobiological and psychosocial theories, pharmacology, and current practices related to the care of the mentally ill. Interventions focus on aspects of care to include professional communication, patient and family teaching, review of community resources, and practical application in various clinical settings.

NSG 222 - Family Nursing 6.00

This course introduces the student to family-centered care and the health needs of the childbearing family. Students review concepts, skills, and techniques needed to care for culturally diverse maternal, infant, and pediatric patients and their families. The nursing process is utilized to emphasize the concepts of family-centered care, collaboration, communication, cultural competence, and community. The clinical experiences focus on concepts and skills required to provide safe and evidence-based care in a variety of clinical settings.

NSG 223 - Medical-Surgical Nursing II 6.00

This course expands on previous nursing knowledge and skills to provide care to patients that have complex health alterations in a variety of clinical settings. Students will explore the concepts of professionalism, collaboration, communication, and cultural competency within the context of illness and their role as provider of care, educator, and patient advocate. In the clinical setting, students will care for selected patients in various settings, applying knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with medical and/or surgical problems.

NSG 233 - Medical-Surgical Nursing III 5.00

This comprehensive course expands on previously acquired knowledge and skills necessary to manage and plan care for complex patients. Focused on nursing care of complex patients, families, and groups in unstable situations with unpredictable outcomes. The course focuses on nursing practice that facilitates the wellbeing of individuals within the context of critical or complex illness and continues in preparing the student as a provider of care. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various settings, integrating knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with acute or complex medical and/or surgical problems.

NSG 321 - Advanced Leadership and Management 3.00

This course uses theoretical frameworks in critical thinking strategies to study the coordinating role of the profession nurse within the healthcare delivery system. Current theories of leadership and management in relation to nursing practice.

NSG 323 - Community and Public Health Nursing 5.00

This course focuses on the role and competencies of the nurse in the community setting, to promote whole-person health. The principles of professional nursing care are applied to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups and are integrated throughout the health-illness continuum. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various community-based settings, integrating knowledge of epidemiology and factors that influence population health.

NSG 324 - Evidence Based Practice in Nursing 3.00

This course explores the research process and its contributions to professional nursing practice. The skills related to reading published research findings and utilizing that evidence as a basis for professional nursing practice are developed.

NSG 421 - Nursing Informatics 3.00

This course focuses on the use of health information systems, communication devices, computer applications and explores the impact of these technologies on nursing practice.

NSG 423 - Policy, Trends, & Ethics in Nursing 3.00

The course focuses on current national and global trends, policies, and challenges which impact health and healthcare delivery. An overview of ethical and legal issues commonly presented to nurses and other health care providers is discussed with emphasis on the identification and analysis of legal and ethical principles underlying clinical judgment in nursing.

NSG 425 - BSN Practicum 5.00

This course provides a clinical practicum for the application of concepts learned throughout the program. Evidence-based practice, critical thinking, teaching/learning, professional behaviors, communication, collaboration, managing care, management/leadership, skills/technology, and professional development are embodied and exhibited. The clinical component is situated in either a precepted or advanced practicum setting.

NSG 426 - Review of Integrated Nursing Concepts 3.00

This course provides the student with the opportunity to evaluate his/her strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the NCLEX-RN® exam. Utilization of the nursing process and integration of all previous concepts will be emphasized through the use of case studies, integrated testing, and directed study.

Dual Credit Option for Taking Graduate Level Courses

Dual Credit Options are not available for New Orleans students. See Academic Information for full requirements under title Earning Graduate Credits as an Undergraduate Student. Undergraduate Course Graduate Course Equivalency NSG 321 Advanced Leadership and Management NU 730 Systems-Based Practice (Transferrable to MSN & DNP Programs) NSG 324 Evidence Based Practice in Nursing NU 602 Epidemiology, Research, and Theory (Transferrable to BSN to DNP Program Only) NSG 421 Nursing Informatics NU 725 Technology and Nursing Informatics in Advanced Practice (Transferrable to MSN & DNP Programs) NSG 423 Policy, Trends, & Ethics in Nursing HA 610 Health Policy and Management (Transferrable to MSN Program, except for MSNWHNP)

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in the BSN program must complete a minimum of 41.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. A minimum of 9.00 semester credit hours must be upper level (300- to 400-level courses). The Herzing University General Education offerings are listed below. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for additional information on general education requirements. 12.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications EN 104 English Composition I EN 111 Information Literacy EN 116 Speech EN 304 English Composition II 14.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses SC 166 Microbiology SC 186 Chemistry 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities HU 140 Cultural Diversity HU 340 Humanities and Contemporary Popular Culture 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics MA 109 College Algebra MA 320 Statistics 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science PS 101 Psychology Note: Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 41.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines. Science courses being transferred in from other institutions must meet the nursing program science requirements.

Special General Education Grading Requirements for Nursing Support Courses

The following science courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better. Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program. SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 The following general education courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to continue in the nursing program. SC 166 Microbiology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 109 College Algebra Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 320 Statistics Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 A student who is dropped from the nursing program for failing to achieve the minimum grade specified in the courses listed above, but who otherwise meets the academic standards of the University may transfer to another Herzing degree program and/or may appeal to reapply to the BSN nursing program in a future semester. Resuming students should refer to the section on re-entering for additional requirements.

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course Course Lecture Hours Lab Hours Clinical Hours Total Contact Hours Credits NSG 120 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 124 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 126 15.00 30.00 45.00 90.00 3.00 NSG 221 45.00 0.00 45.00 90.00 4.00 NSG 222 60.00 0.00 90.00 150.00 6.00 NSG 223 60.00 0.00 90.00 150.00 6.00 NSG 321 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 323 60.00 0.00 45.00 105.00 5.00 NSG 324 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 421 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 233 45.00 30.00 45.00 120.00 5.00 NSG 423 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 425 30.00 0.00 135.00 165.00 5.00 NSG 426 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 101 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 111 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 116 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 304 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HU 140 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HU 340 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 MA 109 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 MA 320 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 PS 101 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 SC 154 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 SC 254 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 SC 166 30.00 30.00 0.00 60.00 3.00 SC 186 30.00 30.00 0.00 60.00 3.00 Block Credit for License 24.00 Totals 1185.00 180.00 495.00 1860.00 120.00

Requirements

Enrollment requirements

To be considered for admission into the program, you must hold a high school diploma or equivalent (Diploma, HSED or GED) and meet the following criteria based on your cumulative GPA:

Cumulative GPAⁱ	Science Requirement	TEASⁱⁱ
3.50–4.00	None	None
3.00–3.49	3.00 GPA in college scienceⁱⁱⁱ	None
2.50 and higher	None	Composite TEAS of 58
i. Students with 18 or more transferable collegiate credits will be assessed on their collegiate cumulative GPA. Otherwise, the high school GPA will be used. ii. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) from the Assessment Technology Institute (ATI). iii. Based on your cumulative GPA in these college science courses: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Biology, Chemistry, and Microbiology. Two of these courses must be used to calculate science GPA. Any of these courses completed must be included in the calculation, and no others. If you do not meet this requirement, you must score a composite score of 58 or higher on the TEAS. A grade of "B" or better must be earned for transfer credit to be awarded for Anatomy & Physiology, regardless of whether it was included in the calculation.

Waived Enrollment Fee

Now Through Dec 31st

Apply Now Request Info

Your nursing career is possible

Join Emily and embark on a complete, holistic, career-focused education preparing you with the skills and knowledge to succeed as a registered nurse.

Job outlook and pay potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurse is expected to increase 6% from 2022-2032.*

Registered nurses earn an average salary of $94,480 per year ($45.42 per hour). That would represent a significant raise for the average LPN/LVN in the US ($60,790 per year, $29.23 per hour).

You can take a big step forward in your nursing career by becoming an RN.

Careers

Going from LPN to RN

As a registered nurse you’ll be the backbone of day-to-day operations in many healthcare settings. RNs help to:

Develop and direct treatment plans
Counsel patients and family members
Ensure patient comfort
Serve as the key connection between doctors and patients

Registered Nurse ranks as the #8 Best Healthcare Job for 2023 according to U.S. News & World Report.

Approved roles and responsibilities for both LPNs/LVNs and RNs vary by state. But generally speaking, RNs enjoy a significantly broader scope of practice than LPNs. Earn an undergraduate nursing degree and you can discover new levels of career mobility.

Transitioning from LPN to RN represents an expansion of your scope of practice, higher salary potential, and greater career prospects in the future.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The advantages of a BSN can include:

Increased autonomy in decision making while on the job
Open doors to more specialties in the nursing field
Become a more attractive candidate for hospitals seeking Magnet Recognition
Build a foundation to grow into education or leadership pathways
Positions you better for nursing jobs with higher pay
Qualify to enroll in an MSN program
Become more familiar and educated with evidence-based practice opportunities
Increase knowledge and understanding of RN specialties and skills
Transition from “technical” to “professional” RN
Gain a deeper knowledge of nursing theory and leadership theory

A 2022 study from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) indicates employers have the level of education at top of mind in the hiring process. Based on responses from nursing schools, the survey revealed 69.8% of employers show a strong preference for BSN graduates.

The ultimate benefit is bettering yourself, becoming the best nurse you can be and following the career path of your choosing.

The cost varies based on several factors, including credits you’re able to transfer, campus location, and financial aid for which you are eligible.

You can use our Tuition Wizard to estimate tuition, discover scholarship and grant possibilities, and find out how much transfer credit can lower the cost.

Regulation has been deliberated for many years. There is currently only one state which has taken concrete action to make BSNs effectively mandatory for nurses – New York. Their “BSN in 10” bill, passed in January 2017, requires registered nurses holding an associate degree to earn their BSN qualification within 10 years of their initial RN licensure.

Two primary competing factors cloud the issue:

Hospitals are incentivized to hire more BSN-prepared nurses. Organizations seeking Magnet Recognition must require all nurse managers to hold a BSN.
Nurses are in very high demand. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) calls it a shortage in nursing. Raising minimum education requirements may decrease the pool of eligible employable RNs.

Because of the high demand for nurses, sweeping legislation making bachelor’s degrees mandatory across the board seems unlikely. However, make sure to keep an eye on what’s happening in your state!

It’s a question of:

What your goals are
How quickly you want to reach them

If your goal is to go from LPN to RN quickly, the best choice may be an associate’s degree program since you may be able to become an RN in less than 2 years.

If your goal is to become an RN and potentially advance further by working towards a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), your best option is a bachelor’s degree in nursing program.

Read about the most basic differences between ADN vs. BSN and discover what's best for you.

There are many different nursing specialties to choose from. Depending on your personality, educational background and preferred working environment you can follow your own personalized path in the nursing profession.

Here are a few popular nursing specialties you may consider:

You can take our nursing personality quiz to get a better idea of what you might prefer in your nursing career.

While Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) often work together in collaboration in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, their roles and responsibilities are very different. Learn more about the biggest differences between practical nurses (LPN/LVN) and registered nurses (RN).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for registered nurses is $94,480 per year ($45.42 per hour)*. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree tend to fall on the upper side of that average due to their advanced education and their qualification to help hospitals earn Magnet Recognition.

The BLS projects a 6% increase in need for registered nurses from 2022-2032.* RNs are in demand, and earning a BSN can help your resume stand out and give you a better chance of getting the job you really want.

Our nursing programs are designed to be challenging, but not impossible. Your career as a registered nurse will be demanding, and our goal is to help you succeed and become the best healthcare provider you can be. We won’t do you any favors by making things too easy.

Learn more about how hard nursing school really is from Herzing graduates who have been through it. You will have support from Herzing University faculty, staff and other students every step of the way. Never be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

The length of the degree program roughly estimates a baseline for how long it would take for you to go from LPN to RN.

Earning a degree does not by itself make you eligible to practice. You’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN and meet the Board of Nursing requirements in your state. These additional steps don’t take too much extra time after graduation. How long you have to wait after graduation to take the NCLEX depends on state requirements, but you can generally expect to take the exam within 1-2 months.

You can potentially get an education and become an RN faster on the associate degree path. With prior LPN education and experience, you can earn an ASN in as few as 16 months through our program.

The LPN to BSN pathway takes longer (28 months through our program), but there are many benefits to taking the extra time to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Madison nursing students practice in simulation lab under supervision of nursing instructor

BSN Bridge Option - Respiratory Therapists (RT) - Madison

BSN Bridge Option - Paramedics - Madison

Stethoscope on US Flag in Madison Nursing School

BSN Bridge Option - Military Medics - Madison

Accreditations

Accreditations & Disclosures

1. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Herzing University Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

LPN to BSN Option
Nursing Program - Madison, WI

LPN to BSN Option
Nursing Program - Madison, WI

Go from LPN to RN-BSN with Herzing

A second home near you

Herzing University

Madison Campus

Call us

Visit us