Goal and Impact

Nursing organizations and health care analysts project a significant shortage of registered nurses (RNs) in coming years due to factors ranging from an aging RN workforce to ongoing pressures such as the COVID-19 pandemic – all while our population ages. One solution is to develop pathways to assist interested licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in advancing their careers by becoming RNs. RNs bring a deeper level of knowledge and skills, which translates into better patient care and outcomes, as well as the ability to handle more complex health care situations. Pathway programs are crucial to bolstering the nursing workforce to meet current and future health care demands and are a critical component of the Campaign’s broader objective to strengthen and diversify the nursing workforce.

What is a Pathways Program?

LPN-to-RN pathway programs are educational tracks designed to help LPNs advance their careers by becoming RNs. These programs recognize the prior learning and experience of LPNs, allowing them to complete their RN education more quickly than those entering the nursing field without any background. These programs lead to an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), qualifying graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam required for RN licensure. Pathways also prepare RNs for continued professional development at the masters and doctoral levels.