Build on your LPN experience. Complete your BSN in as few as two years. No TEAS test required.
About the Program
Northern State University's LPN to BSN Pathway provides Licensed Practical Nurses with a streamlined route to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This pathway recognizes your existing knowledge and clinical experience by awarding credit for foundational nursing courses — so you're not starting over.
Complete your nursing major in as few as two years through a hybrid format that combines online coursework with hands-on clinical and simulation experience. With no TEAS test, no waitlist, and a total program cost of approximately $25,000, Northern makes the path to becoming a BSN-prepared registered nurse clear and achievable.
At a Glance
- Format: Hybrid — HyFlex or online coursework; lab, simulation, and clinicals are in person
- Time to Complete: As few as two years
- Schedule: Average three days per week including clinical, simulation, and lab
- Total Cost: Approximately $25,000
- Next Start Date: Fall 2026
Program Highlights
- No TEAS Test Required — NSU does not require entrance exam testing
- Fast Track to BSN — Complete your nursing major in as few as two years
- No Waitlist — Start your program without delay
- State-of-the-Art Simulation Center — Train with virtual reality, real hospital medication systems, advanced patient simulators, and six specialized simulation suites
- Affordable and Transparent — Total program cost approximately $25,000 with transfer scholarships available for qualified students
- Work While You Learn — Many students successfully continue working as LPNs during the program
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for up to 14 transfer credits toward the LPN to BSN Pathway, you must have:
- Active, unencumbered LPN license
- 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA
- 1,000+ hours of direct patient care as an LPN within the previous two years
- Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C
- NURS 391 — Independent course with a minimum grade of B
- No entrance exam required
Clinical and Simulation Experience
LPN to BSN students complete advanced nursing coursework in evidence-based practice, population health, leadership, patient-centered care, and clinical decision-making — building on your LPN foundation to provide comprehensive care across the lifespan and in a variety of settings.
Clinical rotations take place throughout the Aberdeen area and regional facilities in Medical/Surgical, ICU/Emergency, OB/Pediatrics, Community Health, and Mental Health settings. Faculty remain active in clinical practice, bringing real-world expertise to the classroom.
Northern's state-of-the-art simulation center features advanced patient simulators, virtual reality technology, real hospital medication systems (BD Pyxis MedStation), and six specialized simulation suites including OB/Pediatrics, ICU/Emergency, and a Home Health apartment.
Financial Aid
- Nursing-specific scholarships
- Maroon and Gold Scholarship for transfer students
- Federal grants and loans — complete your FAFSA at StudentAid.gov
- Many healthcare employers offer tuition assistance and reimbursement programs