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Programs & Courses > Nursing > LPN to RN Progression Guidelines

LPN to RN Bridge Progression

This list outlines the steps to complete as a prospective LPN Bridge Student. This process is for students who currently hold an LPN license and are interested in completing their RN.

Step 1: Submit Application

Apply to Blackhawk Technical College for the Nursing Completion LPN to ADN (LPN License Required).

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Step 2: Submit Transcripts

Send all official high school and college transcripts (including LPN coursework) to the Admissions Office.

Go to Transcripts

Step 3: Watch for Acceptance Email from Admissions

Once admitted to the Nursing program, Admissions will notify you via email.

Acceptance to the Nursing program at Blackhawk Technical College does not guarantee placement into the LPN Bridge course or other core Nursing courses. Separate approval, completion of prerequisite coursework, and testing is required.

Step 4: Submit LPN Documentation

Submit the following documentation to NursingAP@blackhawk.edu:

  • Letter of Intent: a personal statement that includes personal goals, clinical experience, and your contact information, such as address, phone number and email address
  • Copy of your LPN License
  • Documentation demonstrating at least 1,000 hours of LPN work experience on official employer letterhead
  • Letter of Recommendation from your direct nursing supervisor on employer letterhead including attendance, punctuality, and skill in providing patient care (including safety, communication, and ability to function effectively in a team)

Step 5: Committee Review

The Nursing Admissions & Promotions (A&P) Committee will review your documentation after all documentation is submitted:

  • If approved, you’ll continue with onboarding and may join the LPN Bridge course when eligible. Committee approval is conditional on a student’s ability to meet all other program prerequisite requirements.
  • If not approved, an Academic Advisor will guide you on how to enroll in the full RN program instead.

Step 6: Decide on Onboarding Timing

You may:

  • Begin the Blackhawk new student Advising, Registration, Onboarding (ARO) process after step 3

OR

  • Wait for full committee approval – your choice.

LPN Bridge Progression Prerequisites

Required before registering for LPN Bridge course:

Course Name Credits Pre-requisite required Minimum grade
English Composition I
(801-136)		 3 None C
General Anatomy & Physiology
(806-177)		 4 None B
Intro to Psychology
(809-198)		 3 None C

Chemistry: Either 1 year of high school chemistry with a C or better or a college level chemistry course with a C grade or better.

Completion of the HESI Admission Assessment

Additional information on the HESI Admission Assessment and associated fees can be found on our Placement Testing page.

HESI Test Minimum score
Composite 75%
A&P 75%
Math 75%
Reading Comprehension 75%
Critical Thinking 800

General Education Courses

Required before registering for LPN Bridge course:

Course Name Credits Pre-requisite required Minimum grade
Developmental Psychology
(809-188)		 3 Introduction to Psychology C
Advanced Anatomy & Physiology
(806-179)		 4 General A&P and a chemistry class B
Speech
(801-198)		 3 None C

General Education Courses (Required for Graduation)

Students are strongly encouraged to complete these courses before enrolling in Bridge course:

Course Name Credits Pre-requisite required Minimum grade
Microbiology
(806-197)		 4 General A&P B
Introduction to Sociology
(809-196)		 3 None C

Bridge Course

8-week course that reviews content and skills from the first two semesters of the Nursing program to ensure students meet program requirements for entry to Semester 3.

To pass the course, you must:

  • Achieve at least a Level 2 on the ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam (the Bridge Course will review this content)
  • Meet all course competencies
  • Eligibility for admission into third semester nursing core courses will depend upon successful completion of the LPN Bridge course
  • Third semester courses must be started within one year of completing the Bridge Course

Questions?

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Tracey Wren at twren@blackhawk.edu.