LPN To MSN Bridge Program
Olivia Chen, NP
August 19, 2025
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who are willing to continue education and take career advancement prefer a Master of Science in Nursing Degree in order to grab the advanced positions and broaden their knowledge in the field of nursing. The job forecast for LPN is fulfilling and promising, by adding one more degree in their resume, the professionals shall get exposed to better opportunities. Practically, there is no direct LPN to MSN bridge program. The LPNs must become Registered Nurses in order to qualify for the MSN program. Some schools allow the students with Bachelor’s degree (BSN) to pursue Masters program in nursing. The Bridge program is a versatile path for the LPNs who wish to earn MSN degree through the right channel.
Getting Into an MSN Program
Once LPNs complete an RN or BSN bridge, they can move on to an MSN program, which usually takes 2–3 years. Admission requirements vary but generally include a GPA of at least 2.5–3.0, transcripts, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional supervisors. Many schools also value prior nursing or volunteer experience. MSN programs build on advanced nursing science and leadership skills, allowing students to specialize in areas like Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric NP, Women’s Health NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Adult Acute Care NP, or even Nursing Entrepreneurship. A strong academic record and professional references can improve acceptance chances.
Entrance Exams
Some MSN programs require graduate entrance exams as part of the admissions process. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative ability, and analytical writing. The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) measures problem-solving and analytical thinking through analogy-based questions. While not every school requires these tests, maintaining a solid GPA and gaining work or volunteer experience helps strengthen an application. Applicants with both academic achievement and practical nursing experience tend to be the most competitive.
Online Programs
Admission Requirements
- Valid state nursing license
- ADN from an accredited nursing school
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Three or more letters of recommendation
- Successful phone and in-person interview
- GRE scores (if required by the school)
Prerequisite Courses
- Physical Assessment
- English Composition
- Statistics
- General Psychology
Bridge Program Courses
- Physical Assessment
- Communication
- Statistics
- Nursing Theory
- Community Health
- Leadership
| School | Campus | Type | Accreditation | Programs Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences | Online | Private, For-Profit | CCNE | RN to MSN, MSN, DNP |
| Chamberlain College of Nursing | Online | Private, For-Profit | North Central Association of Colleges and Schools | RN to MSN Online, MSN, MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, Nursing Informatics, Healthcare Policy |
| Capella University | Online | Private, For-Profit | North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, CCNE | MSN – RN-to-MSN Nursing (General), MSN – Nursing Informatics |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati & Online | Public, Non-Profit | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | MSN – Nursing Administration, Adult-Gero Primary Care NP, Nurse-Midwifery |
Pros and Cons
Benefits of Getting an MSN
- Opens doors to advanced roles, leadership positions, and specialties that require a master’s degree
- Higher earning potential, with MSN-prepared nurses earning significantly more than RNs
- Flexible options, including online and part-time programs that allow continued work
- In-depth knowledge and expertise through specialized tracks such as pediatrics, mental health, or midwifery
Challenges of Getting an MSN
- Rigorous coursework and demanding curriculum that requires full commitment
- High tuition costs compared to undergraduate nursing programs
- Time-intensive, with years of study and required clinical hours
- Can feel overwhelming, requires strong dedication and careful planning to succeed
Job Prospect
Job prospects for LPN-to-MSN bridge graduates remain very strong. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, are expected to see employment growth of around 40 percent from 2023 to 2033, far faster than the average for all occupations. Nurse practitioners alone are projected to grow by more than 45 percent, making them one of the fastest-growing healthcare roles in the country. This demand is driven by an aging population, expanded access to healthcare, and a greater focus on preventive care. MSN-prepared nurses are increasingly filling gaps in primary and specialty care, with many states expanding their scope of practice. Each year, thousands of new openings are expected, both from new positions and from retirements, ensuring that advanced nursing graduates have excellent opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
Employment Outlook for Advanced Nursing Roles
| Career Role | Employment 2023 | Projected Employment 2033 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 323,000 | 441,000 |
| Nurse Midwives | 7,000 | 9,000 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | 47,000 | 52,000 |