LPN & Allied Health to BSN (LPN to RN Bridge Program)

Program Overview

Where will you go with your BSN?

Kent State's LPN & Allied Health to BSN is a flexible Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) bridge program designed to meet the unique demands of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Respiratory Therapists, Paramedics, Field/Combat Medics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

Recognizing that many allied health professionals have the same desire as LPNs for a pathway to become BSN-prepared Registered Nurses (RNs), the LPN to BSN program was recently revised and expanded, making this only one of only a handful of BSN bridge programs in the nation for paramedics, medics, and EMTs, and perhaps the only BSN bridge program that admits other allied health professionals.

Built on the foundation of our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, the LPN & Allied Health to BSN is designed to prepare practitioners for professional nursing, help them understand their role in society and prepare them for graduate study. The program emphasizes professional knowledge, skills, and compassionate nursing practices.

Learning through a combination of classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical setting instruction, Kent State nursing students graduate with a solid foundation of nursing knowledge.

Why Kent State? We offer you:

A program created with health professionals in mind. We developed a program that can fit within the lifestyle and circumstances of most LPNs and Allied Health professionals.
Individualized advising. Our experienced professional advisors will assist you with program planning and provide guidance throughout the program.
Hands-on learning. Develop top-notch nursing skills and be immersed in realistic simulated patient care experiences in our state-of-the-art laboratories. A wide range of clinical experiences at facilities throughout Northeast Ohio will prepare you to care for pediatric, parent/newborn, adult, psychiatric, and seriously ill patients and to promote healthy living habits within the community.
High NCLEX-RN pass rates. About 95% of our 400+ graduates each year go on to pass the NCLEX-RN, a rate higher than the state and national averages.
Excellent graduate job placement. Be in demand! In a recent survey, almost 100% of our BSN graduates were employed within 6 months of graduation.

Proudly CCNE Accredited

CCNE Accredited

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Kent State is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education*. Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kent State: An NLN Center of Excellence

Kent State University is a three-time designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (2013-2017, 2017-2022, 2022-2026). We are recognized in the "Advancing the Science of Nursing Education" category for our dedication to innovative and evidence-based nursing education.

BSN Program Objectives

Meet educational eligibility requirements to take the registered nurse licensing examination (National Certification and Licensure Exam).
Acquire competencies based on professional standards to assume the role of the professional nurse and for career advancement, including graduate studies.
Apply the nursing process in providing evidence-based, culturally sensitive care to promote health and adaptation of individuals, families, groups and communities.

* The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

What Will Be Your Path to the BSN?

With job and family responsibilities, many certified healthcare professionals worry that going back to school to earn their BSN would not be possible.

Our program is different.

The LPN & Allied Health to BSN program at Kent State is divided into two segments: prerequisite/introductory nursing courses and BSN nursing sequence courses. This structure provides much greater flexibility for working professionals than a traditional BSN program.

Segment 1: Program Prerequisites

The first segment consists of the prerequisite coursework including prerequisite sciences, nursing major requirements, and Kent Core requirements. These courses can be completed part-time, providing flexibility to continue working in your current healthcare role, or in as few as four (4) semesters of full-time study for the student who has the resources and support to complete their BSN as quickly as possible.

Since these courses are also offered at Kent State Regional Campuses across Northeast Ohio, you have the option to complete them at a campus near your home and at a reduced tuition rate. Plus, nearly all of the courses are offered both in-person and online.

The prerequisite requirements in this segment can be satisfied by eligible transfer credits. Kent State accepts credits for previously completed college level coursework from regionally accredited institutions* (such as community/state colleges and universities), the military, advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Credit by Exam (CBE) and CLEP.

The prerequisite timeline depends upon individual circumstances, as minimum grades and GPAs must be satisfied. Additionally, admission to the professional nursing sequence is competitive.

Segment 2: Professional Nursing Sequence

The second segment consists of the LPN & Allied Health to BSN program itself - pure nursing coursework. Admission to the professional nursing sequence is competitive; meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission. Students admitted to the professional sequence complete their BSN in a full-time program over the span of 15 or 18 months (depending upon cohort). The professional sequence is an accelerated, pre-licensure program designed to develop students to become BSN-prepared nurses.

Cohort Options: Daytime or Evening & Weekend Cohorts

Kent State offers three cohort options to meet the needs of a wide range of students. Each cohort option is distinct with different start dates and duration.

Daytime Cohort (admits fall, spring, & summer)

The Daytime Cohort is a four (4) semester sequence.

This cohort will have traditional classroom hours (generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Clinical hours are generally 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Class and clinical will be any day Monday through Friday, but clinical may occur on Saturday or Sunday.
Clinical rotations will occur at any number of facilities in Northeastern Ohio, especially those facilities concentrated in Summit (Akron) and Cuyahoga (Cleveland) counties. Students may also have clinical in Mahoning (Youngstown), Stark (Alliance), Trumbull (Warren), or Portage (Ravenna) counties.
The Daytime Cohort accepts students for the Fall, Spring, and Summer* terms.
_{^{*Due to application trends and required enrollment minimums, Summer admission is currently under review. Whether or not the College will take on a Summer 2023 cohort and/or future summer cohorts is yet to be determined.}}

Evening & Weekend Cohort: Akron Cohort

The Akron Cohort is a five (5) semester sequence.

This cohort typically has class on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Kent campus. Clinical hours will primarily be on Saturdays or Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however, a weekday clinical may be required during the third, fourth, and fifth semesters.
Clinical rotations will typically take place at Summa Health Systems and Cleveland Clinic Akron General located in Akron. Three exceptions are NURS 30020, which will be held at Akron Children's Hospital; NURS 40020, which will be held at multiple locations throughout Summit County, and; NURS 40045, subject to preceptor location and shift availability.
The Akron Cohort accepts applicants every-other-Fall (even years). The Akron Cohort will next be offered in Fall 2022.

Evening & Weekend Cohort: Cleveland Cohort

The Evening & Weekend Cohort is a five (5) semester sequence.

This cohort typically has class on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Kent campus. Clinical hours will primarily be on Saturdays or Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however, a weekday clinical may be required during the third, fourth, and fifth semesters.
Clinical rotations will take place in the Cleveland area. The Weekend Cohort is available in partnership with University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic.
Admission to the Weekend Cohort is available every other Fall on an odd-year basis. The fall 2023 application is the next term one might apply for admission to the Weekend Cohort.

* Kent State will not accept transfer credits from non-regionally accredited schools or trade/vocational diploma programs. As a general rule, schools that offer LPN/EMT/Paramedic/Therapy Assistant programs are not regionally accredited, with the exception of community/state colleges and a small number of private and regional for-profit colleges. Prospective students are encouraged to check Kent State’s Transfer Credit Guide to get an idea of which credits may or may not transfer.

Program Curriculum

Become a well-rounded, professional registered nurse.

Segment 1 Courses

The prerequisite courses must be completed prior to beginning the professional nursing sequence.

Additional Nursing Major Prerequisites

NURS 10060 - Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice / 3 credits
BSCI 30050*† - Human Genetics / 3 credits
NURS 20950† - Human Growth and Development for Health Professionals / 3 credits
NUTR 23511 - Science of Human Nutrition / 3 credits
MATH 10041*† - Introductory Statistics / 4 credits
PSYC 11762 - General Psychology / 3 credits
SOC 12050 - Introduction to Sociology / 3 credits

* May be substituted for an equivalent course

† Minimum grade of "C"

Segment 2 Courses

The professional nursing sequence begins with courses that demonstrate the core foundations of the nursing profession and its historical roots. Then you will be introduced to numerous nursing specialties, including pediatrics, parents/newborns, adults, psychiatric, critical care, and community health. Near the end of the sequence, you will be paired with an experienced nurse for a capstone preceptorship that will expose you to research and professional-practice concepts that will ensure your ability to be a nurse leader and healthcare advocate.

Throughout the program, you will study lifespan and cultural diversity issues while applying evidence-based practice to the profession.

Sample Daytime Cohort Curriculum Plan

Below is the curriculum plan for students in the Daytime Cohort. The order in which the nursing courses are completed and the total number of semesters is dependent on cohort selection and the semester in which you begin.

Admissions Process & Criteria

Full admission to the LPN & Allied Health to BSN program is a three-step process:

1. Apply to Kent State University

First, complete the online application for admission to Kent State University as an undergraduate Transfer Student* with a major in Nursing†. The admission requirements for the Nursing major are as follows:

Completion of high school math, biology, and chemistry
One of the following:
- Minimum 2.7 overall high school grade point average (on a 4.0 scale); and a minimum 22 ACT composite or a minimum 1100 SAT.
- Minimum 3.0 overall high school grade point average (on a 4.0 scale).

Apply to Kent State

* Applicants who already hold a bachelors degree should apply as a post-undergraduate degree-seeking student to the Accelerated Second Degree BSN instead of the LPN & Allied Health to BSN. Applicants who have previously attended Kent State and have not attended any college or university since should submit the application for reenrollment.

† Prospective applicants who cannot meet the GPA/standardized test requirements for the Nursing major may contact our advising office to learn about an alternative admission pathway.

2. Complete/Transfer Segment 1 Courses

Next, complete and/or transfer the Segment 1 prerequisite courses. Nearly all Segment 1 courses may be completed online* or in-person. Many of the prerequisite courses are offered in-person at night or during the weekend.

Note that you must meet these requirements before you are eligible for the professional nursing sequence:

Overall 2.75 cumulative GPA
An overall average 2.75 GPA in the required science courses (BSCI 21010, BSCI 21020, BSCI 20021, and CHEM 10055)
A “C” or better in all science and math courses
Completion of all core and/or prerequisite coursework (Core Prerequisites, Additional Nursing Major Prerequisites, and Additional Kent Core Prerequisites)
Unrestricted professional license and/or certification

Credit Transfers

Credits from equivalent coursework completed at an undergraduate college level from regionally accredited institutions, such as community colleges and universities, can be transferred to meet the prerequisite requirements.

Additionally, Kent State accepts:

Eligible military credit recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) or from the DANTES Standardized Subject Test (DSST).
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits.
Credit by Exam (CBE) and CLEP credits.

Learn more about transferring college level credit to Kent State

* Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice (NURS 10060) and Anatomy and Physiology I & II (BSCI 21010 & 21020) cannot be completed online at Kent State University. Other regionally accredited institutions may offer equivalent Anatomy & Physiology courses online. Students who wish to complete those courses online at another institution should contact our advising office to verify that the credits will transfer properly prior to enrolling in those courses.

3. Apply to the Professional Nursing Sequence (Segment 2)

Then, once you have met the following requirements (or during the semester in which they will be met), apply for admission into the professional nursing sequence:

Overall 2.75 cumulative GPA
An overall average 2.75 GPA in the required science courses (BSCI 21010, BSCI 21020, BSCI 20021, and CHEM 10055)
A “C” or better in all science and math courses
Completion of all core and/or prerequisite coursework (Core Prerequisites, Additional Nursing Major Prerequisites, and Additional Kent Core Prerequisites)
Unrestricted professional license and/or certification

The LPN & Allied Health professional nursing sequence accepts applications three (3) times each year:

Start Semester	Application Window	Cohort(s)
Fall	Apr. 1 – Jun. 1	Daytime Evening & Weekend: Akron Cohort (even years) Evening & Weekend: Cleveland Cohort (odd years)
Spring	Jul. 1 – Sep. 1	Daytime
Summer	Dec. 1 – Feb. 1	Daytime

Apply to the Professional Nursing Sequence

Funding & Financial Aid

At Kent State University, we strive to make the financial aid process as simple as possible. Our financial aid services and scholarship programs help a wide range of students make their goals affordable. Financial aid options for LPN & Allied Health to BSN students include:

Tuition Reimbursement: Many employers will pay some or all of the cost of a BSN bridge program. Talk with your human resources department to find out if you qualify.
Scholarships: Kent State University, the College of Nursing, and many nursing and health care organizations provide scholarship support for nursing students. See our Financial Aid & Scholarships page for more information.
Loans and Grants: You may be eligible for federal and/or private loans and federal/state grants, including the Federal Nursing Loan. Contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000 for more information.
Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program: Repays up to 85% of unpaid loan debt for licensed registered nurses who work full-time in an eligible Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) in a high need area.

Payment Options

Tuition can be paid online using a credit card or check, by mail with a check, or in-person with a check.
Monthly payment plan options are available.* Tuition can be spread out over 3, 4, or 5 monthly payments.
Students who are receiving tuition reimbursement through their employer can apply to defer tuition payment to after the semester ends.*

* Fall and spring semester only

Learn more about payment options

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Evening & Weekend: Cleveland Cohort?

The College of Nursing has partnered with University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic to offer a five-semester, weekend sequence. The Cleveland Cohort typically admits 24 students every other Fall (odd years). Students admitted to this cohort typically meet for class on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00-9:00pm at the Kent Campus in addition to lab on Saturdays on campus. Clinical is generally held on Saturdays and/or Sundays at the partnering facilities in the greater Cleveland area. Weekday clinical assignments are possible, particularly during the final two semesters. The next Cleveland Cohort will begin in the Fall of 2023.

What is the Evening & Weekend: Akron Cohort?

Similar to the Cleveland Cohort, this cohort typically admits 24 students every other Fall (even years) for a five-semester sequence partnered with Summa Health Systems and Cleveland Clinic Akron General, both located in Akron, OH. Classes typically meet Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00-9:00pm, in addition to lab on Saturdays at the Kent Campus. Clinical is typically held on Saturdays or Sundays in the Akron area. Weekday clinical assignments are possible, particularly during the final two semesters. The next Akron Cohort will begin in the Fall of 2022.

At what hospitals will I be completing clinicals?

You will have hospital-based clinicals at various facilities throughout Northeast Ohio: University Hospitals Portage Medical Center (formerly Robinson Memorial), Cleveland Clinic Foundation, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, or Akron City Hospital to name a few. We also work with non-hospital agencies such as Jennings Center for Older Adults, Town Hall II, and Coleman Professional Services to name only a few.

Can I be enrolled in the prerequisite courses when I apply to Kent State/professional nursing sequence?

Yes, you can - as long as you will be finished with your prerequisites prior your intended sequence start date. Preference is given to students who have completed the prerequisites at the time of application, but all applicants who will have the prerequisites completed before classes begin and who have the appropriate GPA (2.75) will be considered. Please note that meeting the prerequisites for admission is not the same as being competitive for admission. Attend an Information Forum to learn how we determine admission.

How do I know what transfers?

Students must apply and be admitted to Kent State via undergraduate admissions to receive a full transcript evaluation.

Prospective students are encouraged to utilize the Transfer Credit Guide
Prospective applicants should apply to Kent State University as a transfer student in the Nursing major. You will need to send official transcripts to Kent State Admissions. The Transfer Center will conduct an official evaluation of all transfer credits.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Kent State University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) concentrations within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and APRN Certificates, along with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-to-DNP) program qualify graduates to sit for national APRN certification and APRN licensure in Ohio. States other than Ohio may have additional requirements to apply for or obtain an APRN license, including but not limited to specific state examinations, letters of recommendation, or proof of completion of an accredited nursing program. The College of Nursing is in the process of collecting information from all states and has not yet made a determination whether graduates from the Kent State University College of Nursing MSN, Certificate, and BSN-to-DNP programs meet the requirements for APRN licensure outside the state of Ohio.

Reach Your Next Step

Advisors can be reached at 330-672-7911.

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