Ready to Advance Your Career as a Registered Nurse?
If you are a licensed practical nurse (LPN) looking to become a registered nurse (RN), Southside College of Health Sciences offers a streamlined LPN-RN track to help you achieve your goals. This program provides an accelerated pathway for LPNs to build on their current knowledge and gain the necessary competencies to transition into the RN role.
Program Overview
The LPN-RN program begins in the second 8-week semester and allows students to earn credit for prior learning. Upon successful completion of the NUR 105 and NUR 105L courses, students are awarded seven credits. The curriculum covers key nursing competencies and prepares you for real-world practice through a combination of coursework, labs, and clinical practicums.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the LPN-RN program:
- Current and valid LPN licensure
- A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all prerequisite coursework
- Completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher (listed below)
- Submission of official transcripts from all schools attended, including high school or GED
- Foreign college transcripts must be officially translated and evaluated through approved agencies
Applicants with a bachelor's degree from an approved Virginia college or an associate degree from Richard Bland College or any Virginia community college, and a GPA of 2.5 or higher with a “B” or better in required prerequisites, are guaranteed admission based on space availability.
Application Process
- Submit Online Application and Fee: Apply online and pay the associated application fee.
- Provide LPN Licensure: Submit a copy of your current LPN license.
- Submit Transcripts: Send official transcripts from all previous educational institutions, including high school or GED documentation. Foreign transcripts must be translated and evaluated.
- Complete Prerequisites: Ensure completion of the 17 required credits in prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- Stay Updated: For any additional documents or questions, you can reach out to our Admissions team via email at admissions@bshsi.org or call 804-765-5800.
Prerequisite Courses (17 Total Credits)
| Course | Credits |
| English Composition I | 3 |
| College Math | 3 |
| Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| Microbiology | 4 |
| Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| Total | 17 |
Corequisite Courses (7 Total Credits)
| Course | Completed By | Credits |
| Anatomy & Physiology II | Prior to third 8-week term | 3 |
| English Composition II | Prior to seventh 8-week term | 3 |
| Total | 7 |
Curriculum Overview
| Term | Course | Credits |
| First 8 Weeks | Not required for LPN-RN track | 0 |
| Second 8 Weeks | NUR 105: LPN-RN Transition (C) | 5 |
| NUR 105L: LPN-RN Competencies Lab (L) | 1 | |
| Credit for Prior Learning | 7 | |
| Third 8 Weeks | NUR 111: Adult Nursing Science I (C) | 3 |
| NUR 111P: Adult Nursing Science I Practicum (P) | 2 | |
| PHR 105: Pathopharmacology I (C) | 2 | |
| Fourth 8 Weeks | NUR 212: Adult Nursing Science II (C) | 3 |
| NUR 212P: Adult Nursing Science II Practicum (P) | 2 | |
| PHR 205: Pathopharmacology II (C) | 2 | |
| Fifth 8 Weeks | NUR 218: Behavioral Health Nursing (C) | 2 |
| NUR 218P: Behavioral Health Nursing Practicum (P) | 2 | |
| NUR 221: Advanced Professional Concepts (C) | 2 | |
| Sixth 8 Weeks | NUR 219: Nursing Care of Families (C) | 4 |
| NUR 219P: Nursing Care of Families Practicum (P) | 2 | |
| Seventh 8 Weeks | NUR 222: Transition to Practice (C) | 3 |
| NUR 225P: Clinical Immersion for LPN-RN Track (P) | 3 | |
| Total Nursing Credits | 45 | |
| Total Program Credits | 69 |
(C) = Course | (L) = Lab | (P) = Practicum
The LPN-RN program is structured over several 8-week terms, with the track beginning in the second term. Below is a detailed breakdown of the curriculum:
Next Steps
- Attend an information session to learn more about the program
- Review your application checklist to ensure all documents are submitted by the application deadlines
- June 1 for October term
- December 15 for March term
- Start your journey by completing the online application at Apply Now.
For more information, contact the Admissions team at admissions@bshsi.org or call 804-765-5800.
Incentives for Bon Secours Employees
Bon Secours’ Human Resources Department currently offers 100% paid tuition and fees for Bon Secours employees (full-time, part-time and PRN status) who agree to work as a Registered Nurse for a minimum of 18 months after successful completion of the program. For more information visit this page: Bon Secours Mercy Health employees.
