Troy adds new LPN to RN bridge program

Troy University’s School of Nursing added a new Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) bridge program on the Montgomery campus. Graduates of this program will receive an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam . 

This program is an institutional collaboration with Baptist Health, a chain of hospitals across the River Region. 

“The Baptist Health and Troy partnership provides an opportunity to provide a path for LPNs in the River Region to become Registered Nurses,” said Dr. Judi Miller, vice president of Baptist Health. “We need these experienced nurses providing quality care to our patients in this expanded role.” 

According to Troy University ASN Program Coordinator Dr. Amanda Dunagan, any LPN with an unencumbered Alabama LPN license may apply, and those who work for Baptist Health can apply for the Last Dollar Scholarship to cover tuition and fees.  

“The first step a prospective student should take is to apply to the university,” Dr. Dunagan said. “Students must be unconditionally admitted to the university before applying to the Nursing program. 

“Students entering the LPN-ASN Bridge Program will be awarded 15 credit hours of transfer credit from their LPN program. We have a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75/4.0 scale. 

“There is no entrance exam required.” 

Dr. Dunagan explained this program is four semesters of nursing courses once all prerequisites are met. All theory courses will be taught online, while all laboratory experiences, clinical rotations and testing will take place in-person, limiting in-person campus commitment to one to two days per week in most cases.  

“There is a stand-alone course taught in the first semester titled ‘Transition to RN Practice,’” Dunagan said. “This begins the foundation of understanding the added dimension of RN practice..  

“In the LPN-ASN curriculum, the student has more exposure to specialties such as Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Maternal Infant Nursing, Pediatric Nursing and Critical Care Nursing than they had in an LPN program.” 

Students will complete 600 hours of clinical rotations, laboratory experiences and simulation to prepare for their careers as an RN..  

“I expect this program to increase the number of registered nurses at the bedside with a focus on nurses who want to live and work in this area,” Miller said.  

Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. LaGary Carter spoke on the School of Nursing joining forces. 

“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting nurses and investing in the future of healthcare in Alabama,” Carter said, in an interview with Troy Today. 

Miller followed suit with her advice on applications for students interested in the new program. 

“I would encourage LPNs to get started on completing any pre-requisite requirements and position themselves to apply for the program,” Miller said. “LPNs have experience as successful nursing students and have passed the LPN board exam, that coupled with hands-on nursing experience, makes them ideal candidates for advancing their education.” 

The LPN to RN program admits students twice each year in the fall and spring and is accepting applications until May 30 to begin in August for the fall semester. Those with any questions are encouraged to reach out to the Montgomery Campus Admissions Office at 334-241-9506.