Everything You Need to Know About CEI’s LPN to RN Bridge Program

Many licensed practical nurses (LPNs) choose to advance their careers by becoming registered nurses (RNs). Completing an RN program opens up a world of career opportunities, with the potential to work in a wide range of roles in various healthcare settings.

Students who already work as LPNs understand the importance of gaining experience and establishing seniority within their organization. Luckily, there are program options available that can help LPNs accomplish these things while advancing their nursing career at the same time.

About the Program

The LPN to RN Bridge Program at the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) can help students who currently work as LPNs to take the next step in their career at an accelerated pace. By completing this program, students can fast-track the path to becoming a registered nurse in as little as nine months, continuing to gain professional experience throughout the program.

Though LPNs are a crucial part of healthcare settings, becoming an RN can open the door for more career opportunities and higher earning potential. Upon completion of the LPN to RN Bridge Program, you will be able to work in almost any medical specialty that you choose. 

RNs also have more opportunities for leadership positions and can even choose to further their career by pursuing a more advanced degree, like becoming a Licensed Nurse Practitioner. 

The Bridge Program will help expand your nursing skills, teaching you technical information and more advanced skills. It incorporates evidence-based practice, nursing theory, and clinical experience. 

The program lasts between nine months and two years, and the last 12 weeks consist of shadowing nurses in the field so that you will be equipped to handle the real-world responsibilities and situations that RNs face. When the program is complete, you will be able to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam in the state of Idaho.

The Benefits of CEI Nursing

At Idaho Healthcare Institute (IH), we partner with the College of Eastern Idaho in order to support students throughout their nursing careers. IHI provides resources and funding to help students during every step of their CEI journey. 

At CEI, the nursing programs hold many benefits, including:

• A cost-effective program

• An Associate of Applied Science degree

• Formal agreements with 4-year institutions to easily transition to a Bachelor’s degree

• High NCLEX pass rates

• Low costs compared to other schools in the state

• Proven student success

• Secured jobs upon graduation

• The ability to sit for the NCLEX-RN in the state of Idaho

Meeting the Requirements

Students who are interested in the LPN to RN Bridge Program must meet the requirements and follow all necessary steps before they can start work as an RN. There are several crucial aspects of this process that must be completed before students can begin their RN career.

Prerequisites 

Each applicant must be admitted to CEI by February 1st as a certificate/degree-seeking student, with all prerequisite courses finished and transferred from any outside institutions. 

Before starting the program, students are required to complete these courses:

• BIOL 227/BIOL 227L*

• BIOL 228/BIOL 228L*

• COMM 101

• ENGL 10*

• ENGL 102

• ENGL 175 or equivalent humanities

• MATH 143 or MATH 153*

• MICR 111/MICR 111L

• PSYC 101 or SOC 101 

*Please note that some classes may have already been completed, depending on LPN courses taken.

*TEAS testing is a requirement.

Students must have a cumulative GBA of 3.0 or higher for all core prerequisite courses and a grade of C+ or higher for all prerequisite courses. Prerequisite courses must be in progress or completed at the time of application, and any in-progress courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester with a C+ or higher. 

Applicants who are currently enrolled in CEI courses must have a grade of C+ or higher at mid-term to remain eligible, and mid-term grades will be used to calculate the core prerequisite GPA. Further, an approved petition must be submitted with the application for students completing prerequisites from another institution.

Scholarships (when applicable)

Financial obstacles should never stop you from pursuing the healthcare career that you are passionate about. If money is something that is standing in your way of pursuing your RN career, you can apply for an IHI scholarship. This can relieve financial burdens and allow you to focus your energy on your studies and clinicals. 

Application

Students must apply for the program, which involves completing the application packet and enrolling in the LPN to RN Bridge Program on the CEI nursing webpage. 

Carefully following the application guide is crucial, as it outlines important instructions. This guide outlines all steps of submission, including required supplemental documentation such as background check information, letters of recommendation, certifications, transcripts, verified LPN work hours, and more. Applications and all documents must be received by March 1st. 

Up-to-date Immunization

Because nursing students will be participating in clinical experiences at healthcare facilities, it is imperative that students meet immunization requirements for the health and safety of patients, staff, and other students.

The following immunizations are required:

• COVID-19: Immunization requirements are based on recent CDC guidelines.

• Flu: This must be for the current flu season. Annual flu shots are required by October 1st annually.

• Hepatitis B Immunizations: A 2-dose series or 3-dose series must be completed. 

• Hepatitis B Titer: In addition to the Hepatitis B series, a positive/reactive titer is required. 

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Immunizations: A 2-dose series or positive/reactive titers for all three components is mandatory. 

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap): This is valid for 10 years from the date of administration. 

• Varicella (Chickenpox) Immunizations: A 2-dose series of positive/reactive titer is required. 

Program completion

Upon acceptance, students must complete all post-acceptance paperwork and start the program in either the spring or the fall. They will gain real-world experience, shadow nurses in healthcare settings, partake in classroom instruction, and continue to expand their nursing skills.

Exams

Once the program is successfully completed, students can sit for the NCLEX in the state of Idaho. Due to the extensive training, education, and experience that students receive throughout their time in the program, CEI programs have high CLEX pass rates. 

Work 

Once students have completed the program and passed the NCELX, they can officially work as an RN. Due to the flexibility of the LPN to RN Bridge program, many students already have their foot in the door at a healthcare institution.

Idaho Healthcare Institute Scholarship Opportunities 

At Idaho Healthcare Institute, we are here for you every step of the way as you advance your nursing career. Our partnership with the College of Eastern Idaho allows students facing financial hurdles to receive the resources they need to succeed.

Our RN Bridge Scholarship Program is designed specifically for students in the LPN to RN Bridge Program who want to take the next step. Scholarships can help students who are currently working as LPNS as they further their medical career while still gaining experience in healthcare settings.

LPN to RN Bridge Program Support  

The process of transitioning from an LPN to an RN requires a great deal of dedication, and IHI is here to support you through the entire process. 

Contact us today to learn more about our scholarships and how we can support you as you make your way through CEI’s LPN to RN Bridge Program.