In Short
The LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program is designed to transition the traditional or military trained Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to the role of a baccalaureate prepared Registered Nurse.
- Synthesize knowledge from the liberal arts, sciences and nursing as a foundation for safe client-centered care
- Incorporate basic organizational and systems leadership to provide quality care and patient safety
- Incorporate evidence-based nursing practice including current research and critical thinking in the management of client care
- Analyze information using information technology to improve patient outcomes
- Examine the impact of health care policy, finance, and regulatory environments on nursing practice
- Integrate principles of effective communication in professional practice
- Synthesize knowledge of health promotion and disease/injury prevention in designing population focused care
- Integrate professional standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct into nursing practice
Preparing tomorrow's nurses
Program Overview
The LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program is unique as it spans both School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education (SGOCE) and Day course schedules, creating an accelerated curriculum. This approach allows students to attain their goals as quickly as possible as well as stay on a schedule that works with their career demands. Courses offered or taken through the day division in fall and spring carry the undergraduate day tuition and fees. Courses offered in the evening, winter, or summer through SGOCE carry the undergraduate SGOCE tuition and fees.
Build on your training and experience to prepare for new levels of patient care.
Don't forget to register for your NACE Exam
NLN Exam Registration Information and Study Guide Links
- NLN NACE Document for Test Takers with sign up link (Word)
- NACE Student Bulletin (PDF)
- NACE Exam Information Sheet (PDF)
- How to Register for On Site/In Person NLN Exam (PDF)
- Guide to Testing with Proctor 360 (PDF)
Update: The NLN has created a review publication with practice questions for the NACE Foundations of Nursing exam. For $55, candidates have 90 day access to a PDF workbook with general information regarding the NACE exams and test taking strategies. There is also a comprehensive overview that summarizes the important facts and concepts. In addition to the workbook, the candidate has access to a practice item bank with retired questions from the NACE exam. This material can be purchased in your student account.
NLN NACE Exams can be done remotely or on campus.
On Campus NACE Exam Dates
Foundations: Tuesday, November 19 at 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday, December 17 at 4:30 p.m.
Care of the Child: Tuesday, November 19 at 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday, December 17 at 4:30 p.m.
Care of the Childbearing Family: Tuesday, November 19 at 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday, December 17 at 4:30 p.m.
Spring testing dates TBA
To create an account for our institution go to the National League for Nursing (NLN) Testing Portal. (See also above document for test takers with more detailed information). If you have any concerns or issues with available computers for testing, please reach out to ndesche1@fitchburgstate.edu.
Additional Requirements When Enrolled in Nursing Courses
- Annual physical examination, tuberculosis screening, and current immunizations
- Current health insurance
- Current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR Certification
- Fitchburg State uniform, lab coat, name pin, watch, stethoscope, white sneakers
- Meet Department of Nursing Technical Standards
- Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
- Drug screening by clinical agencies as requested per agency requirements
- Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) testing within nursing courses
Students will receive a “Department of Nursing LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program Undergraduate Student Handbook” upon admission for current nursing policies and program details.
Career Opportunities
Once the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and the NCLEX-RN exams are completed, graduates are eligible to work as a professional Registered Nurse in various healthcare settings (e.g., acute care, primary and long-term care), seek nursing leadership roles, and apply to graduate programs in nursing.
Delivery
Face-to-face courses offered during the day with some evening courses. One summer semester with day courses.
Experiential Opportunities and a Look Inside the Courses
Internships
Study Abroad
Nursing Labs
Curriculum and Other Information
- BS, LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program - Program information from the University Catalog.
- Two-Year Course Rotation (PDF) - Required and elective courses for program completion.
Grade Requirements
Courses with an asterisk (*) have a minimum grade requirement of 2.5.
Course Sequence
Nursing courses must be completed in the outlined sequence. All liberal arts and science courses must be completed by the completion of the nursing courses.
Admissions Criteria
For full consideration of your application, apply now.
- Current LPN license in good standing
- Graduate of an accredited LPN Program with Cumulative Grade Point Average
≥ 77 / GPA ≥ 2.5 - Successful completion of three specified National League for Nursing - Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exams (NACE) I PN-RN at determined decision scores. NLN Testing is currently available online (see LPN to BS in Nursing webpage for details)
- Two letters of recommendation: one from a current employer and one from LPN program faculty on professional letterhead
- Applicants must also complete all Fitchburg State University Transfer Application Requirements - What you’ll need to apply
Additional Admissions Criteria for Military Applicants
- Current LPN license in good standing according to the Board of Nursing of state designated license
- Graduate of Practical Nurse Course (300-M6) with a cumulative grade point average of ≥ 76
- Two letters of recommendation: one from a current employer and one from a Company Commander or above on professional letterhead
- Rank of E5 and above must provide latest NCOER evaluation
Transfer of Credits
Fitchburg State University has articulation agreements with many Massachusetts colleges for transfer of credits. Transfer of previous college credits is completed through the Registrar after admission to the program.
Transfer of Previous Science College Courses
Transfer of previously completed science courses (Anatomy and Physiology I, II, Microbiology, Chemistry) will be evaluated on an individual basis.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Some courses may be fulfilled through CLEP - Official transfer credit evaluations are conducted by the Registrar's Office when a student is admitted to the University.
Accuplacer Algebra Placement Test
Accuplacer is a Department of Higher Education (DHE) Requirement upon admission. Refer to Placement Testing for details. The Department of Nursing requires a score of ≥ 82 on the Accuplacer, or completion of Basic Math II with a final grade of "S" by the end of Year I - Spring Semester.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Fitchburg State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
To earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students are required to earn 120 credits in the LPN to BS in Nursing curriculum. Courses offered or taken through the day division in fall and spring carry the undergraduate day tuition and fees. Courses offered in the evening, winter, or summer through the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education (SGOCE) carry the undergraduate SGOCE tuition and fees.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
We know you're busy, so we've given you a few different options to conveniently get the answers you need. You can…
- Email an enrollment counselor gce@fitchburgstate.edu or call 978.665.3182
- Attend an information session
- Watch a webinar