LPNs, if you missed our webinar, no worries. We've got you covered! Here's the video of the recorded webinar and a list of all the questions asked. And if you still have questions, just click on the "Speak to an advisor" button at the end of this post and get all of your questions answered.

Watch our video recording of the webinar.

How much time will it take to graduate?
The LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program is a three year undergraduate program, with courses offered during the fall, spring and summer semesters. This program begins every fall.

The first year curriculum of liberal arts and sciences (LA&S) must be completed in the first year of study.

Please visit our website for registration and exam preparation information.

• Career counseling
• Resume critique
• Cover letter critique
• Job search strategies
• Interview skills
• Mock interviews
• Transitional/Career counseling

• Writing I and II
• Anatomy and Physiology I and II
• General Psychology
• Intro to Sociology
• Statistics
• U.S. History or World History
• Literature
• Chemistry for Health Sciences (not General Chemistry). We recommend consulting with Admissions prior to enrolling in a similar course.**

I want to start classes in Spring 2020. What courses may I take?
We offer a lot of LA&S courses and Electives that may be taken in the spring, including Writing II, Lifespan Development, and Introduction to Sociology, World Religions, Applied Statistics, and Chemistry for the Health Sciences, Nutrition, and courses in Art, Music, History and Literature.

When is the application priority deadline?
Admission into this program is competitive. January 1 is the priority deadline. Applications will be reviewed after this date on a space available basis. 

What is considered a full time schedule for the second and third years of the program?
Students will complete a minimum of seven to 12 credits during each semester, including fall, spring and summer sessions.

May I work while I'm enrolled in the program?
At certain times during the program you may work, but it is not recommended once you enter into the advanced level nursing courses. We always suggest speaking with the program advisor if this is a concern.

I have already met the year one prerequisites. May I start at the year two point with nursing courses?
Absolutely, but this will depend on whether there are seats available for these classes.  This information will not be known until May.

After graduation from LPN school, do I have to work for a year prior to applying for the BS in Nursing program?
A student must be a licensed PN (LPN) at the time of application review. Professional experience as a LPN is not required, although, it is recommended.

I've been an LPN for a while and I don't have the LPN faculty to write a recommendation letter. Is there someone else I may ask for a recommendation?
Although we would prefer a faculty member to submit your reference, we will accept another professional reference as a replacement.

Is there a timeline for acceptance of transfer science credits?
We do not necessarily have an expiration date for transfer credit eligibility. Courses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis upon admission into a program.

Does your University offer academic assistance and accommodations for students?
Yes, Fitchburg State has a large network of services for students, including the Career Counseling and Advising Center, Tutor Center and Disabilities Services.

Regardless of courses taken at previous community colleges, do I still have to complete 120 credits at Fitchburg?
Students must complete a total of 120 credits between transfer and institutional (Fitchburg State) coursework. Students may apply to transfer up to 57 credits from a regionally accredited two year institution, or 72 credits from a regionally accredited four year institution, however these credits or courses must match the LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge program course requirements.

Are prerequisites mixed in with nursing core classes?
Students must complete all non-nursing courses in their first year of study in the cohort prior to starting the nursing (NURS) courses in the second and third year of the program. Please contact the GCE Office for more information.

Do you offer evening classes?
First year (non-nursing) courses can be completed at night or online. The second and third year nursing (NURS) courses are only offered during the day on campus. Please visit our website fitchburgstate.edu/courses for a complete course schedule.

What does a typical program schedule look like and what time are classes normally?
The first year is very flexible as the non-nursing general education courses can be completed on campus in the evening or online. The final two years are stricter as these courses will all be held during the day.  You can plan to be on campus at least two full days (8am – 3pm) in your second year, at least two full days and clinical in your summer semester, and have a full time day schedule in your third and final year.

Are any credits given to anyone who works in the field?
Students may be eligible to take a CLEP exam for non-nursing course requirements such as ENGL 1100 Writing I. Students may also complete the Life Experience Credit Award Program (LECAP) for non-nursing coursework. At this time students may not receive life or employment experience credit for nursing coursework.

May we come to campus and meet with someone to learn about the program?
If you are interested in coming to campus to learn more about the program, please feel free to contact the Graduate and Continuing Education office at 978-665-3182 or gce@fitchburgstate.edu. If you are interested in help with the application process and talking about credit transfers and transcript evaluations please feel free to reach out to the admissions office at 9789-665-3144 or admissions@fitchburgstate.edu

*All transfer credit decisions are made upon admission to the University by the Registrar.
**Completing coursework at Fitchburg State or another regionally accredited institution prior to applying does not guarantee admission into the bridge program.

Still have questions?
Take the next step and email, call, or make an appointment to speak to one of our advisors.