Nursing Bridge Programs

Bridge, Direct-Entry, and Accelerated Nursing Degrees

Amanda Gamboa, RN, BSN

Updated

Reviewed by NursingEducation Staff

Nursing bridge programs enable professionals to build on their previously earned degrees and skills and complete educational programs faster than the traditional path. Similarly, direct-entry and accelerated nursing degree programs invite graduates to enter the field of nursing more quickly. By exploring these education options, you can help ensure that you are making the most of your commitment to nursing school.

CMA-to-LPN Bridge Programs

Certified medical assistants (CMAs) support providers by performing clinical and clerical duties. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). LPNs provide direct patient care that includes assessing patients, monitoring vital signs, and administering medications. A bridge program for current CMAs to earn their LPN license can take less than a year, whereas LPN programs are usually one to two years long. CMA-to-LPN bridge programs are often available at community colleges and may have the following prerequisites:

The limited time commitment of a CMA-to-LPN bridge program quickly creates more career options and higher earning potential for graduates. Learn more about the roles of LPNs and LVNs here.

LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have a smaller scope of practice and less earning potential than registered nurses (RNs). LPNs are also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in Texas and California. An LPN can become an RN by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). LPN-to-ADN bridge programs are one to two years long, while LPN-to-BSN bridge programs are usually two to three years long. Traditional ADN programs last two years, and traditional BSN programs can take four years to complete.

These nursing bridge programs can be completed online or in person but most require at least some in-person responsibilities. However, LPNs are often able to continue working while enrolled. Prerequisites for LPN-to-RN programs can include:
LPN license in good standing

Many LPN-to-RN bridge programs offer the opportunity to earn “credits by exam.” A student can take tests to demonstrate their knowledge in certain areas and reduce the number of classes and time required to earn their degree. Upon completion of ADN and BSN programs, graduates are able to take the national RN certification exam called the NCLEX-RN. You can read more about how to become an RN and about their income and responsibilities here.

ADN-to-BSN Bridge Programs

RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) have learned the fundamentals and skills of nursing practice and have passed the NCLEX-RN exam. However, it is becoming the industry standard for RNs to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). BSN RNs are considered to be more competitive applicants, especially in areas of acute and critical care. Employers seek RNs with their BSN degrees for positions in leadership, such as charge nurses and nurse educators. BSN RNs often earn more than RNs with an ADN as they have more education, experience, and responsibilities.

An ADN-to-BSN program can be completed by a full-time student in just over a year. Part-time students can complete their ADN-to-BSN in three or more years while they continue to work and gain experience. Applications for ADN-to-BSN bridge programs often include a minimum GPA requirement in ADN courses, ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and an interview. ADN RNs are able to start working as a nurse after completing a two-year ADN program and can then pursue a BSN while working. A traditional four-year BSN program requires full-time enrollment. Learn more about ADN program requirements and length here.

Accelerated BSN Programs

An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 15 to 18 month program for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Prerequisite courses may include:

Students with previous degrees in health sciences or other related fields may find that many of their prerequisites are already complete. Most schools require that prerequisite courses be completed within three to five years before the programs start year. Graduates from this type of BSN program have the same employment eligibility as traditional BSN students, and must also take the NCLEX-RN examination to become certified as RNs. Read more about the wide variety of roles that RNs hold here.

RN-to-MSN Bridge Programs

RNs with their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may pursue a master’s degree to transition into advanced practice, leadership roles, education, research, or other nursing roles requiring a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). RN-to-MSN programs are designed for ADN graduates with experience and allow students to enter a master’s curriculum without first completing a bachelor’s degree.

RN-to-MSN programs generally last two to three years. The prerequisites for RN-to-MSN programs may include a minimum GPA requirement in ADN coursework and years of experience in a nursing specialty. MSN programs have a wide range of focus areas, including curriculums designed for those interested in advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certification. Explore the variety of careers and range of income for MSN RNs here.

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

Similar to accelerated BSN programs, direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is designed for students who hold non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. Direct-entry MSN programs are usually three years long and include preparation for NCLEX testing. Like traditional MSN programs, direct-entry students select a specialty or focus area prior to admission. Focus areas include clinical leadership, public health, nursing education, and more.

Additionally, some direct-entry MSN programs offer advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) curriculums. APRNs include nurse practitioners (NPs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). Prerequisite courses will vary by specialty and may include:

Learn more about the advanced practice, leadership, educational, and research roles that MSN graduates hold here.

BSN-to-DNP Bridge Programs

Typically, an RN with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) would advance their education in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and then a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. RNs with a DNP degree serve as executives, researchers, and educators and can earn the highest income of all nursing career options. BSN-to-DNP programs have created a faster path for RNs interested in this terminal (highest degree possible) nursing degree. BSN-to-DNP programs are usually three to five years long.

The advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) positions of nurse practitioner (NP) and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) previously required an MSN. However, by 2025, new NPs and CRNAs will be required to have their DNPs. As nursing education trends continue to show a preference for higher degrees, a BSN-to-DNP bridge may be the best choice for nurses considering leadership and advanced practice roles.

Requirements for admission to a BSN-to-DNP program may include:

Read more here about DNP program options, careers, and pay differences to consider if a PhD in Nursing might be a better fit for your career goals.

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