LPN to RN Bridge Options

The LPN to RN Bridge Option is an articulation plan for the licensed practical nurse (LPN). Qualified LPNs enter into the second semester of the nursing program and can complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing requirements in three semesters of full-time nursing study. LPNs are admitted on a space available basis.

Admission Requirements 

In addition to the admission requirements for the Major in Nursing, licensed practical nurses seeking admission through the Career Mobility Ladder Option A must meet the following admission requirements.

  1. Meet all College general requirements for admission as a degree-seeking student as stated in the catalog.
  2. Successfully pass the Foundations of Nursing challenge examination for nursing within three (3) years prior to the semester seeking entry.
  3. Complete prerequisite course requirements prior to the semester requesting entry.
  4. Earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale for academic subjects.

Admission Process

  1. Apply to Columbia State.
  2. Submit the following to the Admissions office:
    • official college transcripts
    • high school transcripts or GED
  1. Submit a completed Nursing Program LPN Mobility Application (with a copy of a driver's license and copy of the TN LPN license) as attachments to NursingLPNApp@ColumbiaState.edu.

To be eligible for entry into the nursing program at Columbia State, the exam must be taken with Columbia State. The Nursing Program does not accept exam results taken with other institutions. The challenge examination may be repeated once. Examination results are valid for a three year period. To register, the applicant will:

  • Contact the Nursing Department at 931.540.2599 or 931.540.2600 so that the Nursing Department officials can:
    • Verify that the applicant is qualified to take the LPN Challenge Exam.
    • Obtain the applicant’s name, A#, phone# and email address.
    • Forward the applicant’s name, A#, phone# and email address to the Business Office.
  • Await a return phone call from the Business Office at 931.540.2530 and pay the examination fee. 
  • Email the LPN Mobility application, a copy of LPN license and a copy of a driver’s license to NursingLPNApp@ColumbiaState.edu.
  • Note that payment for LPN Challenge Exam is non-refundable or transferable to an alternate test date.

Note: This is a national exam developed by the National League of Nursing (NLN). Results of this can be used at nursing schools nationwide (contact specific schools for admission policies). Success on one or both parts of the Challenge Exam does not guarantee entrance into the nursing program. LPNs are admitted on a space available basis. 

Continuation Requirements
The same continuation requirements apply to all students in Nursing. These are stated under “Continuation Requirements” section.

Required Courses

Prerequisites - 11 credit hours

  • COLS 101 - College success (1 credit)
  • BIOL 2010 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits )
  • MATH 1530 - Statistics (3 credits)
  • PSY 1030 - Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)

Credit for NRSG 1710 will be awarded upon successfully passing the Foundations of Nursing Challenge Exam and NRSG 1340, NRSG 1360 and NRSG 1620.

Second Semester - 16 credit hours

  • BIOL 2020 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
  • NRSG 1360 - Pharmacology (3 credits)
  • NRSG 1620 - Medical-Surgical I (6 credits)
  • NRSG 1340 - Mental Health Nursing (3 credits)
Third Semester - 16 credit hours
  • BIOL 2230 – Microbiology (4 credits)
  • PSY 2130 - Lifespan Psychology (3 credits)  
  • NRSG 2630 - Medical-Surgical II (6 credits)
  • NRSG 1320 - OB (3 credits)
Fourth Semester - 17 credit hours
  • Humanities/Fine Arts Elective (3 credits)
  • ENGL 1010 - Composition I (3 credits)
  • NRSG 2240 - Professional Practice (2 credits)
  • NRSG 2640 - Medical-Surgical III (6 credits)
  • NRSG 1330 - Pediatrics (3 credits)

Total Credit Hours: 67

LPN Challenge Examination Information:

challenge examination information

Test Date

Application/Payment will be accepted starting:

Deadline for receipt of payment and application:

Tuesday of Spring Break*

 Second Monday in December

 30 days prior to testing date**

Tuesday of Fall Break*

 Second Monday in July

 30 days prior to testing date**

*For specific date, see Academic Calendar.
**Seating is limited.  When the limit is reached, no more applications will be taken.

To be eligible for entry into the nursing program at Columbia State, the exam must be taken with Columbia State. We do not accept exam results taken with other institutions. The challenge examination may be repeated once. Examination results are valid for a three year period. To register, the student will:

  • Pay the examination fees at the Columbia Campus business office (this is the only location that can accept fee payment).
  • Bring or mail: payment receipt, LPN Mobility application, copy of LPN license and copy of driver's license to the Health Sciences/Nursing office on the Columbia Campus or mail to:

Nursing Program
Columbia State Community College
1665 Hampshire Pike
Columbia TN 38401

  • Payment for LPN Challenge Exam is non-refundable or transferable to an alternate test date.

Note: This is a national exam developed by the National League of Nursing (NLN). Results of this can be used at nursing schools nationwide (contact specific schools for admission policies).  Success on one or both parts of the Challenge Exam does not guarantee entrance into the nursing program.  LPNs are admitted on a space available basis.