In Short
The LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program is designed to transition the traditional or military trained Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to the role of a baccalaureate prepared Registered Nurse.
- Synthesize knowledge from the liberal arts, sciences and nursing as a foundation for safe client-centered care
- Incorporate basic organizational and systems leadership to provide quality care and patient safety
- Incorporate evidence-based nursing practice including current research and critical thinking in the management of client care
- Analyze information using information technology to improve patient outcomes
- Examine the impact of health care policy, finance, and regulatory environments on nursing practice
- Integrate principles of effective communication in professional practice
- Synthesize knowledge of health promotion and disease/injury prevention in designing population focused care
- Integrate professional standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct into nursing practice
Preparing tomorrow's nurses
LPN to BS in Nursing Information Sessions
Virtual LPN to BS in Nursing Information Session
Thursday, Nov. 13 from 12 - 1 p.m.
Login to learn about the program and have your questions answered by the program chair and an admissions representative.
Register for the Virtual Information Session
In-Person LPN to BS in Nursing Information Session
Thursday, Nov. 13 from 5 - 6 p.m. in Antonucci Science Complex Room 381.
This is a great opportunity to meet face to face with the program chair and admissions to learn about the program and have questions answered.
Register for In-Person Information Session
Program Overview
The LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program is unique as it spans both School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education (SGOCE) and Day course schedules, creating an accelerated curriculum. This approach allows students to attain their goals as quickly as possible as well as stay on a schedule that works with their career demands. Courses offered or taken through the day division in fall and spring carry the undergraduate day tuition and fees. Courses offered in the evening, winter, or summer through SGOCE carry the undergraduate SGOCE tuition and fees.
Build on your training and experience to prepare for new levels of patient care.
Don't forget to register for your NACE Exam
NLN Exam Registration Information and Study Guide Links
Update: The NLN has created a review publication with practice questions for the NACE Foundations of Nursing exam. For $55, candidates have 90 day access to a PDF workbook with general information regarding the NACE exams and test taking strategies. There is also a comprehensive overview that summarizes the important facts and concepts. In addition to the workbook, the candidate has access to a practice item bank with retired questions from the NACE exam. This material can be purchased in your student account.
NLN NACE Exams can be done remotely or on campus.
Due to updates to the NLN testing platform, registration for on-site exams won’t be open until October 20. Applicants planning to take the exams on-site will need to log in to your NLN account on or after October 20 to register for the first in-person exam on October 29.. Registration stays open for each exam until 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
On Campus NACE Exam Dates Fall 2025
- Care of Family: Wednesday, October 29, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Foundations: Monday, November 10, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
- Care of Child: Monday, November 24, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Re-take exam date: Friday, December 5, 2 - 4:30 p.m.
To create an account for our institution go to the National League for Nursing (NLN) Testing Portal. (See also above document for test takers with more detailed information). If you have any concerns or issues with available computers for testing, please reach out to ndesche1@fitchburgstate.edu.
Additional Requirements When Enrolled in Nursing Courses
- Annual physical examination, tuberculosis screening, and current immunizations
- Current health insurance
- Current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR Certification
- Fitchburg State uniform, lab coat, name pin, watch, stethoscope, white sneakers
- Meet Department of Nursing Technical Standards
- Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
- Drug screening by clinical agencies as requested per agency requirements
- Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) testing within nursing courses
Students will receive a “Department of Nursing LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program Undergraduate Student Handbook” upon admission for current nursing policies and program details.
Watch this short information session to learn more about this program.
Career Opportunities
Once the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and the NCLEX-RN exams are completed, graduates are eligible to work as a professional Registered Nurse in various healthcare settings (e.g., acute care, primary and long-term care), seek nursing leadership roles, and apply to graduate programs in nursing.
Delivery
Face-to-face courses offered during the day with some evening courses. One summer semester with day courses.
Experiential Opportunities and a Look Inside the Courses
Internships
Study Abroad
Nursing Labs
Curriculum and Other Information
- BS, LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program - Program information from the University Catalog.
- Two-Year Course Rotation (PDF) - Required and elective courses for program completion.
Grade Requirements
Courses with an asterisk (*) have a minimum grade requirement of 2.5.
Course Sequence
Nursing courses must be completed in the outlined sequence. All liberal arts and science courses must be completed by the completion of the nursing courses.
Admissions Criteria
For full consideration of your application, apply now.
- Current LPN license in good standing
- Graduate of an accredited LPN Program with Cumulative Grade Point Average
≥ 77 / GPA ≥ 2.5 - Successful completion of three specified National League for Nursing - Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exams (NACE) I PN-RN at determined decision scores. NLN Testing is currently available online (see LPN to BS in Nursing webpage for details)
- Two letters of recommendation: one from a current employer and one from LPN program faculty on professional letterhead
- Applicants must also complete all Fitchburg State University Transfer Application Requirements - What you’ll need to apply
Additional Admissions Criteria for Military Applicants
- Current LPN license in good standing according to the Board of Nursing of state designated license
- Graduate of Practical Nurse Course (300-M6) with a cumulative grade point average of ≥ 76
- Two letters of recommendation: one from a current employer and one from a Company Commander or above on professional letterhead
- Rank of E5 and above must provide latest NCOER evaluation
NLN ‐ Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exams I PN‐RN
The NLN NACE I PN‐RN are national standardized tests administered to LPNs who graduated from an accredited Practical Nurse Program to provide college credit for nursing courses completed in their PN program. The successful completion of the NLNs is a requirement for admission to the LPN to BS in Nursing Program at Fitchburg State University Department of Nursing.
Exams to be Completed and Decision Scores
- Foundations of Nursing‐ Score of ≥ 66
- Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family ‐ Score of ≥ 62
- Nursing Care of the Child ‐ Score of ≥ 62
Exam scores are available immediately upon completion of the remotely proctored computerized exam. Results are available within 24 hours of an in-person exam.
University Credit for NLNs
Upon successful completion of all exams and admission and matriculation into the LPN to BS in Nursing Program at Fitchburg State University, the LPN will be awarded 18 transfer credits.
Policies for NLNs
- Each NLN exam may be taken a maximum of three times.
- If the LPN does not reach the Decision Score on any exam after two attempts in one admission cycle, the LPN may retake the exam one final time.
- NLN scores are applicable for admission requirements up to 18 months after completion.
NLN NACE I PN‐RN Schedule
**Currently exams are offered remote through the NLN portal: https://nln.assess.com/dashboard, and we will also offer each exam once in-person over the fall semester.
Registration for NLNs
- See the Student NACE Exam set up guide document posted on the university website for information on how the create an account and register for the NACE exams.
- LPNs must present their NLN "Confirmation" form and a valid picture ID (current driver's license or current passport) at the time of each exam.
- Special accommodations are available through NLN and the University for an examinee who has documented learning needs in a previous education program. Contact the LPN to BS in Nursing Coordinator at least four weeks in advance of the scheduled exam to complete required documentation and receive approval by the NLN.
- The three NLN exams are offered online/remote and new this FA we will offer one round of exams in person, here at FSU.
NLN NACE I PN‐RN Costs
*remote fees are not listed below please see NLN for new pricing
- Foundations of Nursing ‐ $86 remote, $70 in person
- Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family ‐ $63 remote, $47 in person
- Nursing Care of the Child ‐ $ 63 remote, $47 in person
NACE I PN‐RN Format
All exams are a computerized format.
- Foundations of Nursing ‐ 100 multiple choice questions ‐ 2.5 hour time limit.
- Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family ‐ 100 multiple choice questions ‐ 2 hour time limit.
- Nursing Care of the Child ‐ 100 multiple choice questions ‐ 2 hour time limit.
Preparation for NACE I
LPNs are highly encouraged to review exam specific theory within the NLN Information Bulletin ("Study Guide"/ Outline of content), PN textbooks, nursing exam preparation texts (NCLEX‐PN), or on-line nursing review sites (ATI). Bulletin is provided.
Registering for Exams
Sign into your Assess.ai account and go to "STORE", and choose either on-site options or remote.
- Foundations of Nursing/ passing score 66
- Nursing Care of Children/ Passing Score 62
- Nursing Care of Childbearing Family/ ps:62
The NLN has updated their testing platform to Assess.ai, a new platform where you can register for the NACE exams. FSU hosts 3 in-person exams each semester, or, test-takers may choose to sign up for remote testing, which is incredibly flexible and done using a remote proctor. Link for Sign Up/Log-in page: https://nln.assess.com/dashboard
If you have had an account with the old NLN testing site (Questionmark) you should have received an email from the NLN, prompting you to reset your password on the new site. If you’re setting up a new account, you can use the above link to navigate to the log-in page and register for a new account.
Other helpful links for additional resources once registered are:
NLN Support Information for exams.
- Call: 1.800.732.8656 ext. 2
- Email: studenthelp@nln.org
- Text: Monday - Thursday: 202.934.0801 and on Fridays at: 202.934.0818
- Support Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern and on Fridays 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
The three exams you need for admission into FSU LPN to BS program are:
- Foundations in Nursing (NACE) 2.5 hours/ passing score: 66 ($70 on-site/$91 virtual)
- Care of Children (NACE) 2 hours/ passing score: 62 ($48 on-site/ $68 virtual)
- Care of the Childbearing Family (NACE) 2 hours/ passing score: 62 ($48 on-site/ $68 virtual)
You are only allowed three attempts for each exam in total and once passed they can be used for admission for up to 18 months (2 admission cycles).
Additional questions that are program based? Please reach out to ndesche1@fitchburgstate.edu.
Transfer of Credits
Fitchburg State University has articulation agreements with many Massachusetts colleges for transfer of credits. Transfer of previous college credits is completed through the Registrar after admission to the program.
Transfer of Previous Science College Courses
Transfer of previously completed science courses (Anatomy and Physiology I, II, Microbiology, Chemistry) will be evaluated on an individual basis.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Some courses may be fulfilled through CLEP - Official transfer credit evaluations are conducted by the Registrar's Office when a student is admitted to the University.
Accuplacer Algebra Placement Test
Accuplacer is a Department of Higher Education (DHE) Requirement upon admission. Refer to Placement Testing for details. The Department of Nursing requires a score of ≥ 82 on the Accuplacer, or completion of Basic Math II with a final grade of "S" by the end of Year I - Spring Semester.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Fitchburg State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
To earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students are required to earn 120 credits in the LPN to BS in Nursing curriculum. Courses offered or taken through the day division in fall and spring carry the undergraduate day tuition and fees. Courses offered in the evening, winter, or summer through the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education (SGOCE) carry the undergraduate SGOCE tuition and fees.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
We know you're busy, so we've given you a few different options to conveniently get the answers you need. You can…
- Email an enrollment counselor gce@fitchburgstate.edu or call 978.665.3182
- Attend an information session
- Watch a webinar