LPN to BSN Program

If you’re an LPN, we assume your prior learning and work experience is pertinent to the curriculum, but you need additional learning to earn your RN.

At EMU, LPNs work closely with faculty mentors to navigate the program throughout their four semesters. LPNs initially enroll in two bridge courses that focus on the transition to the RN roles, such as planning care for patients, using research in practice and facilitating patient learning. Later courses build on the nursing role in relation to complexity of care, the number of patients, and the inclusion of families and communities as clients.

Clinical learning experiences and clinical hours

In their first semester, LPNs are required to validate their clinical skills through a minimum of a four day clinical experience.

LPNS are required to complete 350 direct care clinical hours which must “encompass the attainment and maintenance of physical and mental health and the prevention of illness for individuals and groups throughout the life cycle in a variety of clinical settings” [18VAC90-20-120.B.1, Code of Virginia], which shall include registered nursing clinical experiences in Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Mental Health, and Medical/Surgical nursing (Virginia Board of Nursing Guidance Document), all which are central to the Level 2 curriculum.

Because Levels 2 and 3 include more than the 350 required hours across the life span, an LPN may master the direct client care of three adult patients in the Adult Health practicum courses in less time than the traditional student. This is usually based on the LPN having significant medical/surgical experience as an LPN.

Nursing Student Handbook

Admission requirements
Students are eligible to apply to the clinical level of the nursing program when they have met the following admission requirements:
- current license to practice as a practical nurse
- cumulative GPA of 2.8 at the time of application
- completion of 58 semester hours of college credit at time of enrollment in level 1
Prerequisite courses:
- Anatomy/physiology I and II (both must be taken at the same institution)
- One chemistry course (intro, general, inorganic, or organic)
- One developmental psychology course
- One sociology course (must have a SOC prefix, other courses by approval only; minimum 3 credit hours)
- One microbiology course (must include a lab)
- One nutrition course (minimum 2 credit hours)
- One statistics course
All prerequisite courses must be passed with a C or higher.

Prerequisite courses may still be in progress at the time of application, but must be completed prior to beginning the clinical level of the program.

Prerequisite courses taken more than ten (10) years ago will not be accepted.

You must first be admitted to the university before the nursing program will consider your application.

Students entering EMU directly after high school graduation with significant college credit (e.g. prerequisite courses completed) may apply for the nursing program prior to entering EMU. Their admission would be dependent on meeting all admission requirements plus the following:
- be 18 years of age
- have successfully completed one semester at EMU
Laptop Requirement

A newer laptop (i.e. purchased within the last 3-4 years) with a Mac, Windows, or iPad operating system is required. Chromebook, Android, or Linux operating systems are not supported by the testing application used in the nursing program.
Criminal Background Check

Admitted students will be required to complete a criminal background check prior to beginning the clinical level of the nursing program. Students should be aware that certain crimes may prohibit them from participating in clinical experiences that are required for the program and/or may affect their ability to take the NCLEX-RN.

For more information, please refer to Guidance Document 90-55 from the Virginia Department of Health and Department of Health Professions. Note that regulations may vary among states.
TOEFL and international students

For students whose first language is not English, we require a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 (does not include speaking section) on the written test, 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) that includes a speaking section, or a 213 on the computer-based test. Students who take the IELTS must obtain a score of 6.5 or higher. EMU’s Intensive English Program is available helps students with certain TOEFL scores achieve the level of English skill required to succeed in a degree program. Upon successful completion of the IEP, up to 15 credits may be applied to a degree program.

Also, a NACES member credential evaluation is required for all foreign university transcripts. Incoming EMU students often use World Education Services. Learn more by reading our admissions checklist for international students.
Application process and materials
Application deadline for fall semester is February 15 for submission of all application materials with final decision of admissions by March 30.

Application deadline for spring semester is June 15 for submission of all application materials with final decision of admissions by July 30.
- University application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcript – from each college attended. (A NACES member credential evaluation is required for foreign university transcripts.) Transcript should be mailed to Eastern Mennonite University, Admissions Office, 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg VA 22802

Curriculum Plans

LPN-BSN Curriculum Plan

Credits for LPN education

Upon successful completion of NURS 301 Holistic Health Inquiry, NURS 302 Pathophysiology-Pharmacology for Nursing, NURS 311 Conceptual Framework Bridge, and presentation of LPN transcript to the Eastern Mennonite University Department of Nursing, LPNs will be awarded 7 credit hours of portfolio credit towards graduation.

Additional course information for LPNs is available in the nursing program course catalog.

The nursing department reserves the right to adjust the current admission criteria when outcome assessment data demonstrates the need for such changes.