LPN to RN Program (1 Year Program)
The Nursing Programs offered by the OBC School of Nursing are four quarters that span over 44 weeks in length offering theory, nursing simulation lab, skills lab and clinical experiences. Each quarter is ten weeks of instruction with week 10 serving as final exam week. Week 11 is make-up week. Graduates of the LPN to PN program will be fully qualified to take the NCLEX-RN Exam to become licensed as an PN in Ohio and 38 additional states as part of the Multi-State Compact License.
Admission to the OBC LPN to RN Program
If you intend to enroll in the LPN to RN program at OBC, you must meet several requirements. For example, you must pass a criminal record check and drug screen, have at least a 2.0 grade average in any previous academic work, and complete an essay question. A few other initial steps you will take to get enrolled include:
- Apply for admission to OBC School of Nursing
- Visit our Lorain County Campus
- Complete your application and submit the registration fee
- Submit a copy of official Practical Nurse Transcript for evaluation/review
- Must have an active, valid unencumbered Ohio Practical Nursing License or an Unencumbered Multi-State Practical Nursing License issued by the state Board of Nursing in which the student permanently resides. Licensure will be verified by Director of Nursing Education
- Provide OBC with high-school transcripts, GED certification, and prior PN college transcripts
- Meet with a representative from admissions at OBC
- Meet with a financial aid administrator
- Complete your entrance assessment essay
- Complete health screenings and submit records
- Schedule classes, order textbooks, and attend orientation
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What Does a Registered Nurse (RN) Do?
OBC's School of Nursing offers an LPN to RN diploma and the skills needed to pass your National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) to obtain your RN license. RNs work under the direction of a licensed physician, a lead physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. As an RN, you will be capable of performing essential nursing skills within a healthcare setting including:
- Monitoring patient health by checking vital signs and symptoms
- Giving medications and treatments as ordered by doctors
- Working with doctors and other healthcare staff to plan care
- Educating patients and families about conditions and care
- Keeping detailed records of patient care and progress
- Helping with tests, procedures, and exams
- Responding to emergencies and provides life-saving care when needed
Skills and Essential Abilities Required in RN School
Much like when you arrive in your eventual career, your time spent in RN School will require specific cognitive, academic, and physical abilities. Having these abilities can make it easier for you to complete the LPN to RN program but would also make it easier for you upon graduation once you enter a career role. A few of the abilities a prospective nursing student should possess include:
- Collaborating with healthcare staff to make smart choices, even in high-pressure situations
- Handling difficult patients and working safely under stress
- Staying active on your feet for extended periods of time
- Tolerant of strong odors and visibly unpleasant situations
- Delivering personal and caring support to people from a diverse patient population
- Speaking clearly and professionally with coworkers and patients
Registered Nursing Curriculum
The LPN to RN Program at OBC is 1012 full credits with 81 credit hours*, 700 clock hours in Theory**, 120 clock hours in Clinical***, and 192 clock hours in Skills and Simulation Lab****. Each quarter in the 4-quarter program is 10 weeks long with an 11th week reserved for make-up learning and final exams. Below is a brief overview of the RN courses required to obtain your LPN to RN diploma.
Quarter 1
NRS 100 LPN-RN Transitions
NRS 101 Pharmacology
NRS 102 Adult Nursing-I
Quarter 2
NRS 200 Adult Nursing-II
NRS 201 Nutrition for Nursing
NRS 202 Pediatric Nursing
Quarter 3
NRS 300 Community Health Nursing
NRS 301 Maternal Newborn Nursing
NRS 302 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Quarter 4
NRS 400 Capstone: NCLEX Preparation
NRS 401 Adult Nursing-III
NRS 402 Leadership and Management of Nursing Practice
Each of the RN courses will expose you to a specific fundamental aspect of providing care as a registered nurse. For example:
- Foundations of Nursing Practice: You will learn more in depth of patient care, including hygiene, mobility, safety, and infection control. These are the building blocks of all nursing duties.
- Pharmacology and Medication Administration: This course teaches you how different drugs work, how to give medications safely, and how to watch for side effects or drug interactions. You will also learn how to administer blood transfusions.
- Nursing Care for Specific Populations: You will explore how to care for different groups, like children, the elderly, or patients with mental health needs. Each group has unique challenges and needs.
Every new LPN to RN course offers a unique opportunity to hone your knowledge base and skills that you will apply later in your career.
*Credit hours are quarter hours. Quarters are 10 weeks including the final exam, with an 11th week reserved to accommodate make-up of any learning experiences.
**Theory clock hours are 1 clock hour per week per credit hour.
***Clinical clock hours are 3 clock hours per week per credit hour.
****Lab clock hours are 2 clock hours per week per credit hour.
Pay Expectations for Registered Nurse (RN) Jobs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for Registered Nurses is about $81,220 per year. Entry-level nurses may start lower, but earnings increase with experience and role. RNs at the lower end earn around $61,250, while those at the higher end can earn more than $129,400. Moving from LPN to RN can lead to higher pay and more options.
Future Outlook of the RN Career
Once you train to be a nurse with an RN training program at the OBC, you are equipped to step into a career in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook, a growth of 5 percent is expected between 2024 and 2034, which equates to adding around 166,100 new jobs in addition to the 3,391,000 already available. Some of that demand is expected to be driven by RNs who retire or otherwise leave their positions.
Changing demographics signals a need for more RNs to care for the aging population. At the same time, more RNs are stepping into leadership, education, and case management roles. While hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities continue to hire RNs to meet the demand for direct patient care.
Career Opportunities with a LPN to RN Program
Upon completion of the LPN to RN Program and successfully passing your NCLEX-RN, you can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Assisted-living facilities
- Public school systems
- Correctional facilities
- General and Specialty Clinics
- Home Health
- Hospice Programs
Many registered nurses enjoy the vast career opportunities their licenses afford them and take advantage of exploring multiple roles and healthcare settings throughout their careers.
Ready to get started on your path toward an LPN to RN diploma? Let us help you prepare for your future career! Request more info here to help you get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does the LPN to RN program at OBC actually cost?
The number from the net price calculator can look high because it includes living costs like rent and food, not just tuition. The LPN to RN program itself is lower than that total, and many students use financial aid to bring down what they pay. To see your real cost, use OBC’s calculator and then ask for your monthly estimate: https://obc.edu/net-price-calculator/
When do classes start at OBC School of Nursing?
The start dates at OBC for the LPN to RN classes are offered 4 times per year. For more information, contact admissions.
Is the LPN to RN program at OBC approved or accredited?
Yes. The LPN to RN program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
Does OBC help LPN to RN students move into better roles?
Yes. LPN to RN students often use career services to move up in their current job or find new RN roles. Support includes resume updates, interview prep, and job leads in hospitals and clinics.
Where Can I Train for the LPN program?
You can train to become an RN at our Lorain County campus. The program includes hands-on labs where you work with real patients and take part in patient rounds. This gives you direct care experience and builds skills you will use on the job.