LPN to BSN

Turn experience into opportunity. Advance your nursing career without starting over.

Young confident nurse wearing blue scrubs Young confident nurse wearing blue scrubs

Advance your role. Expand your impact. Earn your BSN.

The LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at St. John's College of Nursing is designed for licensed practical nurses (LPN) ready to advance their education and expand their scope of practice. The program builds on prior learning and experience while providing strong clinical preparation and faculty membership. 

The LPN to BSN students complete clinical learning in hospital and community settings and graduate prepared for RN licensure and professional nursing practice within today's healthcare environments.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Embedded within Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) for direct access to real-world clinical learning.
  • 600 hours of hands-on clinical practice across hospitals, specialty units, and community settings.
  • Guaranteed clinical placements with priority access through HSHS partnerships.
  • Advanced simulation and skills lab with high-fidelity technology.
  • NCLEX-RN pass rates consistently above the national average.
  • NCLEX-RN–licensed graduates are workforce-ready and highly employable, many within HSHS.

Program Details

Students in the LPN to BSN program take the same upper-division nursing courses as those in the traditional BSN program, except for one class in the first semester. This integration ensures that all students graduate with equivalent clinical preparation and academic rigor.

The LPN to BSN program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person instruction with online coursework to offer both structure and flexibility.

It begins with a 4-credit bridge course (NSG 331 – LPN Pathway Transition), allowing LPNs to transition directly into upper-division nursing coursework. Students build on prior knowledge while developing the critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills required of professional nurses.

Our small classes, personal attention, and affiliation with HSHS—one of the largest healthcare providers in Illinois and Wisconsin—contribute to a rich educational experience that prepares students to assume the role of a professional nurse confidently.

Highlights

  • Patient-centered nursing practice that promotes compassionate and ethical care
  • Collaborative, interprofessional learning experiences that reflect contemporary healthcare environments
  • Integration of research and evidence-based practice across the curriculum


  • The LPN to BSN program is a four-semester (20 month) hybrid program.
To be considered for programs at St. John's College, applicants must meet certain admission requirements.

Learn More About Admission Criteria
  • Estimated Tuition: $47,000 for the nursing program
  • Additional costs may include books, clinical fees, uniforms, and technology
  • Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available
Learn More About Tuition & Fees
 
To be considered for the BSN program, applicants must meet specific general education requirements.
Semester 1
  • NSG 331 LPN Pathway Transition  
  • NSG 333 Adult Health Assessment 
  • NSG 358 Pathophysiology I 
Semester 2
  • NSG 344 Nursing Inquiry 
  • NSG 356 Adult Health I 
  • NSG 368 Pathophysiology II 
  • NSG 443 Community Health Nursing 
Semester 3
  • NSG 403 Mental Health 
  • NSG 418 Pharmacology 
  • NSG 426 Adult Health II 
  • NSG 434 Ethical Issues in Nursing Practice 
Semester 4
  • NSG 423 Maternal Child 
  • NSG 444 Transition to Practice 
  • NSG 446 Professional Practice Immersion
The St. John’s College of Nursing LPN to BSN program prepares graduates for entry-level professional nursing practice and provides a foundation for continued academic and career advancement. Graduates may continue their education at St. John’s College of Nursing through:
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – a generalist graduate degree with focused preparation in leadership and nursing education
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – preparing nurses for the highest level of innovative nursing practice and leadership

BSN graduates are prepared to begin professional practice in settings such as:
  • Acute inpatient care, including medical-surgical units and specialty care areas
  • Mental health and community-based nursing settings

Because the College is part of HSHS, graduates have direct access to employment opportunities across HSHS hospitals. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN® examination and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Explore Career Paths

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Academic accommodations are coordinated through the Dean of Students and must be renewed on a semester-by-semester basis.

Learn More About Accomodations
Yes. Students complete over 500 hours of hands-on clinical experience in hospital and community settings through our partnerships with HSHS and other regional healthcare providers.
Yes. Credits from your LPN program and prior college coursework may apply toward the 56 general education credits needed to meet the BSN degree requirements. Our team will assist you in evaluating transcripts.
Many students begin the program while working part-time or with flexible schedules, especially in the first semester. As the program progresses and clinical hours increase, students are encouraged to limit work hours to maintain academic performance.

Learn More About Working While Completing the Program
 
Yes. Scholarships, payment plans, and federal financial aid are available.

Learn More About Financial Aid
You may begin in the fall or spring semester.
 
Yes. Upon completion of the LPN to BSN program, you are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam and apply for licensure as a registered nurse in Illinois or other U.S. states.