🌟 Less Than a Year to RN: 9 Month LPN to RN Program With Hands-On Experience
Are you an LPN aged 45 or older who is looking to upgrade your skills but doesn't want to spend years learning?The 9 Month LPN to RN Program helps you become an RN faster, with hybrid learning and clinical training designed for working nurses. Unlike most Online LPN to RN Programs, this pathway gives you both speed and real hands-on experience—so you’re NCLEX-RN ready in less than a year.
🎓 FMTC 9 Month LPN to RN Program Overview
| Feature / Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| One-Year Accelerated Bridge | Complete the LPN→RN program in approximately 9 months |
| Hybrid Learning | Classroom, online/simulation, plus clinical training at approved local sites |
| Work-Compatible Schedule | Daytime classes and flexible clinical hours, including evenings/weekends |
| Licensure Preparation | Graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become Registered Nurses |
| Accreditation & Approval | Approved by Florida Dept. of Education & Florida Board of Nursing |
| Financial Efficiency | Tuition is typically lower than many Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, making it a more affordable bridge option |
| Financial Aid Options | Eligible students may apply for federal/state financial aid, scholarships, and veteran benefits |
📊 Why Choose a 9 Month LPN to RN Program Instead of Longer Routes
• Faster RN Licensure – Graduate in months, not years.
• Work-Friendly Design – Flexible hybrid model for working LPNs.
• Affordable & Accredited – Approved by Florida Board of Nursing with financial aid available.
• Bridge to Higher Degrees – Provides a strong foundation for BSN and MSN pathways.
While many Online LPN to RN Programs offer flexibility, FMTC’s 9 Month LPN to RN Program combines speed, affordability, and guaranteed practical training, ensuring you're prepared for real-world RN duties from day one.
👩⚕ What Students Can Expect
The 9 Month LPN to RN Program is structured for working professionals who want a fast, career-focused pathway. Expect a mix of in-class theory, simulation labs, and clinical experiences at local health facilities throughout Lee County. Instruction spans medical-surgical, pediatric, obstetric, geriatric, psychiatric nursing, and practical NCLEX-RN preparation. While the pace is fast, FMTC provides support services to help you balance study, clinical work, and job commitments.
📚 Curriculum Highlights
• Medical-surgical nursing in acute and long-term care
• OB, pediatric, geriatric, and psychiatric nursing
• Pharmacology and medication administration
• Clinical simulation and real-world hospital rotations
• Professional nursing roles, patient assessment, and safety
Together, these areas give graduates the skills and knowledge to pass the NCLEX-RN and succeed as Registered Nurses.
📈 LPN vs. RN Career Outlook
Even though FMTC’s bridge program leads to a diploma rather than an ADN, graduates sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam as ADN or BSN candidates, ultimately earning the title of RN.
💰 Salary Comparison
| Role | 10th Percentile | Median Salary | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $45,670 | $59,730 | $77,870 |
| RN | $66,030 | $93,600 | $135,320+ |
On average, RNs earn 50% more than LPNs, with top salaries surpassing $135K.
📊 Job Growth Outlook (2022–2032)
| Role | Current Jobs | Projected Jobs | New Jobs | Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.3% | 54,400 |
| RN | 3,172,500 | 3,364,500 | 192,000 | 6.0% | 193,100 |
RN positions not only pay more but also grow faster, with nearly four times as many openings as LPN roles.
⚖️ Recognized Institutions Offering LPN to RN Programs
Several accredited U.S. colleges offer LPN to RN bridge programs, designed to help Licensed Practical Nurses advance to Registered Nurse status through flexible study formats.
▪ Herzing University – Herzing LPN to RN Online Program, flexible and career-focused with NCLEX-RN prep.
▪ Rasmussen University – Hybrid LPN to RN Bridge completed in as little as 12-18 months.
▪ Excelsior University – Self-paced LPN to RN Online Program with national recognition.
▪ Indiana State University – Online LPN/LVN to BSN Track combining theory and local clinicals.
▪ Purdue Global – LPN to RN Pathway with credit transfer options and online access.
Most programs offer online or hybrid learning, allowing nurses to balance work and study. The Herzing LPN to RN Online program stands out for its flexibility, accreditation, and strong career outcomes.
🔍 Summary
• LPN: Faster entry, solid pay, good step into nursing.
• RN: Higher earnings, broader responsibilities, and stronger long-term demand.
• Moving from LPN → RN can significantly boost income and career flexibility.
Completing the ASN degree through this Program can open doors to higher-paying roles and increased responsibilities. It also provides a strong foundation for BSN and MSN pathways. 💡
👤 Suggested Age & Profile
| Age | Suggested Profile | Main Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 45–54 | Active working adults | Boost career growth and secure higher-paying opportunities |
| 55–64 | Experienced workers starting to feel job strain | Update skills, reduce physical workload, and prepare for retirement security |
| 65–74 | Seniors transitioning toward retirement | Fulfill personal goals, stay engaged, and continue contributing with less stress |
| 75+ | Retired adults with new interests | Personal fulfillment, motivation, and lifelong learning |
📌 Applying to the Program
To enroll in FMTC’s LPN-RN program:
• Hold a valid, unencumbered Florida LPN license
• Complete any prerequisite requirements
• Apply during enrollment window
• Submit application materials, complete interview stages, and attend orientation sessions
This article describes the general process, which depends on the actual situation.
🎓 Take the Next Step Toward RN Licensure
The 9 Month LPN to RN Program at Fort Myers Technical College is the fastest, most practical way for LPNs to become RNs. With accelerated pacing, affordable tuition, and hybrid flexibility, this bridge program helps you move forward in your nursing career—while preparing for the NCLEX-RN and unlocking higher-paying, in-demand roles. 🚀