Nurse with patient

LPN to RN Nursing Bridge

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Program Information

Degree Type
Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code
10-543-1

Time to Degree
More than 2 years

Start Date
January

How You'll Learn

Hybrid
Daytime
Full-Time

If you are already working as a Licensed Professional Nurse (LPN) and are interested in becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), this bridge program can help you reach your goal sooner.

By completing specific bridge courses, you are able to enter the Nursing - Associate Degree program at the third semester based on past education and experience. This personalized progression pathway will help you become an RN with minimal repetition of the skills and knowledge you’ve already learned.

Please note: To be eligible for testing and/or licensing in the state of Wisconsin, you may be required to obtain a social security number.

How To Apply

Complete and pass the ATI TEAS Exam.
- If you took the TEAS exam elsewhere and passed with a 70% or higher overall score, request official scores to be sent to WCTC.
Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
Submit Verification of Employment form. You must have completed 2,000 hours of work experience as a LPN to participate in this program.
Submit a copy of your current (non-expired) State LPN license by email to the Admissions Office.
Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading and writing skills:
- High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
- ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
- Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
- If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.

Steps to Complete the LPN to Nursing Program

Apply and Become Admitted to the Nursing Program

Follow the "How to Apply" steps outlined above. Be sure to complete these steps by the date listed in the "Application Deadlines" tab.
Admission to the Nursing program does not guarantee seats in our core or clinical courses.

Complete General Studies Courses

Complete your General Studies courses. This program also requires valid BLS Provider certification from the American Heart Association. WCTC also offers a BLS Provider Renewal course. You will be required to provide this documentation during the permit process.

You will be required to provide this documentation during the petitioning process. Have transfer credit? Check out Credit for Prior Learning.

Petition to the Program

After successfully completing your General Studies courses, you will need to:

Petition to the Nursing program (Use this link during the petition window to complete the form and upload your required documents). The next petition window for spring is November 1-14, 2023.
Complete a background check as part of the mandatory new student orientation. If you are accepted into core courses, you will find directions to access this course in an acceptance letter.

Explore frequently asked questions about the Nursing petition process, and review the health and safety requirements and Nursing student handbook for students in core Nursing courses.

Complete Bridge Courses

Once awarded a seat through the petitioning process, you will receive an acceptance letter and a permit to register for the LPN to Nursing bridge courses:

After the Program

Upon graduating, you will be prepared to take the national licensing exam (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse. View the current WCTC NCLEX pass rates.

Program Details

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

Financial Aid

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

Financial aid loans
Scholarships
Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

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