Best Medical Assistant to RN Online Bridge Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from a medical assistant to RN online bridge program?

These programs typically offer flexibility through fully online coursework paired with local clinical placements. Expect an accelerated—but rigorous—curriculum that builds on your medical assistant background. You'll gain RN-level pharmacology, patient care, and leadership courses. Support often includes academic advising, NCLEX‑prep, financial aid, and career services to help transition from MA to entry-level RN roles.

Where can I work with a medical assistant to RN online bridge program?

Graduates become eligible for RN roles across healthcare settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long‑term care facilities, home health agencies, and public health organizations. Here are the top industries employing RNs:

• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: 1,729,200 employed
• Offices of Physicians:  192,300 employed
• Home Health Care Services: 169,630 employed
• Outpatient Care Centers: 150,380 employed
• Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities): 143,250 employed

Geographically, the highest-paying states for registered nurses—making these bridge grads especially competitive—include:

• California: 307,060 employed
• Texas: 219,330 employed
• Florida: 183,130 employed
• New York: 178,550 employed
• Pennsylvania: 146,640 employed

How much can I make with a medical assistant to RN online bridge program?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024, with about 194,500 job openings annually projected through 2033.

Current platforms report similar figures:

• Zippia: $73,349/year average for RNs
• Salary.com: $66,100–$117,430/year range, with average ~$91,770 (as of July 2025)
• ZipRecruiter: average RN pay $42/hour (~$87,868/year)
• Indeed: average RN hourly pay $43.93 (~$93,747/year)
• Payscale: average RN hourly rate $35.83 (~$76,700/year)
• Glassdoor: average RN salary ~$99,000/year; range $83K - $119K

These estimates show most RN graduates from an MA-to-RN bridge program can expect salaries between $75,000 and $100,000 per year, with regional and experience-based variation.

Best Medical Assistant to RN Online Bridge Programs for 2025

1. Allegany College of Maryland – CMA to Nursing (RN) Program

Allegany College of Maryland is a public community college founded in 1961 in Cumberland, Maryland. Serving Western Maryland and surrounding areas, it is known for its strong healthcare programs and personalized education. The college offers two-year degrees and certificates, and its nursing department provides a pathway for certified medical assistants to transition into registered nursing roles.

• Program cost: $136/credit (in-state); $392/credit (out-of-state)
• Program duration: 12–18 months
• Total credits needed: 70 credits
• Accreditation: ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing)

2. Herzing University – Medical Assistant to RN Program

Herzing University is a private university founded in 1965 with multiple campuses across 8 states and an online division. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Herzing is known for career-focused education, especially in nursing and healthcare fields. The university offers various nursing pathways, and this bridge program is structured to help medical assistants advance into the nursing profession with flexibility and support.

• Program cost: $515/credit
• Program duration: ~2 years 4 months
• Total credits needed: 120 credits
• Accreditation: ACEN

3. L.E. Fletcher Technical Community College – MA to LPN Bridge Program

Fletcher Technical Community College (Schriever, Louisiana) is a public technical college established in 1948. Part of Louisiana’s community and technical college system, Fletcher serves the bayou region with programs in nursing, allied health, and skilled trades. Its Medical Assistant to LPN bridge program provides an accelerated route for certified MAs to become Licensed Practical Nurses, building on their existing skills as a foundation for nursing practice.

• Program cost: $83/credit (LA resident); $139/credit (non-resident)
• Program duration: 2 years
• Total credits needed: 62 credits
• Accreditation: ACEN

4. Lakeshore Technical College – Medical Assistant Bridge to Practical Nursing Pathway

Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wisconsin is a public community college founded in 1967 and part of the Wisconsin Technical College System. LTC is known for hands-on technical and healthcare programs. The Medical Assistant Bridge to PN pathway offers an expedited curriculum for certified MAs to earn a Practical Nursing diploma, capitalizing on prior clinical experience to meet the demand for nurses in the region.

• Program cost: $185/credit
• Program duration: ~1 year
• Total credits needed: 33 credits
• Accreditation: ACEN

5. Green River College – MA-C to PN (Medical Assistant–Certified to Practical Nursing) Pathway

Green River College is a public community college in Auburn, Washington, established in 1963. It serves over 13,000 students and is recognized for its professional and technical programs. Green River’s MA-C to PN pathway is a streamlined program for Washington State certified medical assistants to become Licensed Practical Nurses. It even offers a credit-for-prior-learning exam, allowing experienced MAs to earn credit for existing competencies.

• Program cost: $88/credit
• Program duration: 17 months
• Total credits needed: 90 credits
• Accreditation: ACEN

6. Ivy Tech Community College – Medical Assistant to ASN Transition Track

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s public community college system, founded in 1963 and now the largest singly accredited statewide community college in the U.S.en.wikipedia.org. Renowned for its nursing programs, Ivy Tech offers a Medical Assistant to Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) transition track. This program grants credit for prior CMA (AAMA) certification and fast-tracks students toward an ASN, preparing graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

• Program cost: $149.55/credit (in-state); $292.57/credit (out-of-state)
• Program duration: ~2 years
• Total credits needed: 61 credits
• Accreditation: ACEN

7. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Medical Assistant to Practical Nursing Bridge (Technical Diploma)

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (Green Bay, Wisconsin) is a public two-year technical college founded in 1912. Part of the Wisconsin Technical College System, NWTC serves nine counties and tens of thousands of students annually. Its MA to Practical Nursing bridge diploma allows experienced medical assistants to transition into practical nursing, with a focus on pharmacology and hands-on clinical skills. Admission is selective, requiring documented work experience as an MA.

• Program cost: $236.83/credit
• Program duration: ~1 year
• Total credits needed: 24 credits
• Accreditation: ACEN

8. Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson: CMA to LPN Bridge Program

TCAT Jackson is a public technical college in Jackson, Tennessee, operating under the Tennessee Board of Regents. Founded in 1965 as a state vocational school, it provides workforce development programs in various fields. The Certified Medical Assistant to Licensed Practical Nursing bridge program at TCAT Jackson grants credit for prior medical assisting knowledge and offers an intensive, hands-on curriculum. This fast-track model helps fill in-demand practical nursing positions across West Tennessee.

• Program cost: $5,725 total program cost
• Program duration: 10 months
• Total credits needed: N/A (1,080 clock hours)
• Accreditation: COE (Council on Occupational Education)

9. Grand Canyon University – Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Program

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona, founded in 1949. Known as one of Arizona’s premier institutions, GCU offers extensive online and campus-based programs, including nursing degrees. The Accelerated BSN program is designed for students with prior college credits or degrees (such as medical assistants who have completed prerequisites). It blends online coursework with hands-on labs and clinical rotations in 16 months, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

• Program cost: $340/credit (approximate; $40,800 total tuition / 120 credits)
• Program duration: 16 months
• Total credits needed: 120 credits (includes transferred credits)
• Accreditation: HLC (Higher Learning Commission)

10. University of Texas at Arlington – Accelerated Online BSN Program

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is a major public research university in Arlington, Texas, established in 1895. Home to one of the largest nursing schools in the nation, UTA is known for innovative nursing education and high NCLEX pass rates. UTA’s Accelerated Online BSN is an intensive program that delivers all didactic coursework online in a 15-month sequence, coupled with supervised clinical rotations at partner hospitals. This CCNE-accredited program is highly competitive and enables students to earn a BSN and become RN-licensure eligible efficiently.

• Program cost: ~$425/credit (estimated from $21,675 total tuition/51 credits)
• Program duration: 15 months
• Total credits needed: 51 credits (nursing curriculum only)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

How long does it take to complete a medical assistant to RN online bridge program?

Completion time varies depending on the pathway you choose and how many credits you can transfer from your medical assistant certification. Much like students comparing timelines in the best online biotechnology graduate certificate programs, aspiring RNs should consider how transfer credits, prior coursework, and program format affect their total duration. Most bridge pathways fall into two categories:

1. MA-to-LPN/LVN bridge, which typically takes 12 to 18 months. After licensing as an LPN, some students continue to RN via LPN-to-RN bridge.
2. MA-to-ADN/ASN bridge, for certified medical assistants with eligible coursework and experience. This path generally ranges from 18 to 24 months, depending on transfer credits and prerequisite completion. ADN degrees normally require 2–3 years if started from scratch, but MA-to-ADN bridges speed it up significantly by applying existing credits and clinical experience

If you go directly to a BSN program, duration is longer—usually 3 to 4 years, though accelerated formats can reduce it to 12–18 months for students with prior college credits. Overall, MA-to-RN online bridge programs allow working medical assistants to reduce their total time to licensure compared to full programs, depending on individual academic and clinical credit evaluations.

The time it takes to complete a medical assistant to RN program often depends on the degree type you pursue. As shown in the chart below, bachelor's and associate degrees are the most commonly awarded RN credentials, giving insight into the most popular and practical routes for aspiring registered nurses.

How does a medical assistant to RN online bridge compare to an on-campus program?

Online bridge programs deliver theoretical coursework digitally while requiring in-person clinical rotations at local approved healthcare sites, much like traditional programs. According to Drexel’s insights on online vs traditional learning, online formats are just as credible as long as they come from regionally accredited institutions with a physical campus and established reputation. Employers increasingly view online degrees on par with traditional ones under those criteria, similar to how students evaluate the best online direct entry MSN programs for non-nurses when comparing flexible pathways into nursing.

Online bridge formats offer flexibility superior to on-campus nursing tracks—students can complete lectures and assignments asynchronously around work schedules, cutting commuting time and reducing costs like housing and transportation. Clinical hours are arranged locally at healthcare facilities, so you still receive hands-on training supervised by instructors. 

However, online learners should expect challenges like less in-person peer interaction, potential distractions, and the need for strong self-discipline and tech proficiency. In sum, if you need flexibility and already juggle employment or caregiving, a bridge program can deliver nursing education as effectively as on-campus study, with fewer lifestyle disruptions.

What is the average cost of a medical assistant to RN online bridge program?

Medical Assistant to RN bridge programs typically culminate in an associate or bachelor’s degree. According to national estimates, ADN bridge programs cost roughly $10,000–$30,000, while accelerated BSN tracks often exceed $40,000 in tuition only; public institutions fall on the lower end, private ones on the higher.

The average tuition and fees for undergraduate nursing programs are $9,235 for in-state students and $26,401 for out-of-state students.

IPEDS data show the average net price (after grants/scholarships) for full-time undergraduates at public 2‑year schools is around $8,000–$10,000 annually, while private nonprofit institutions often average $20,000–$25,000.

In practical terms, expect total tuition (for bridge credit-bearing study) to run $15,000–$25,000 at community colleges and $30,000–$45,000+ at private or four‑year accelerated programs. These figures do not include supplies, exam fees, or living costs, but reflect published tuition ranges for comparable nursing pathways.

To put these estimates into perspective, the chart below shows the average tuition and fees for registered nursing programs in 2024–2025. It highlights the cost differences across vocational, undergraduate, and graduate levels, and between in-state and out-of-state rates—helpful benchmarks for evaluating bridge program affordability.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in a medical assistant to RN online bridge program?

Students moving from Medical Assistant to RN bridge programs often qualify for multiple layers of financial support, especially if attending Title IV-eligible institutions. Just as students compare costs when searching for the best online early childhood development degree programs, prospective RNs should explore every available option to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Here are common aid options:

• Federal Pell Grants and other need‑based grants, as reported in IPEDS for undergraduates at public and nonprofit schools
• Federal student loans, such as Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, with annual borrowing limits up to $12,500 for undergrad students
• Institutional scholarships awarded by the college or specific to nursing students, including renewable merit- or need‑based awards
• State grants and workforce development funds, particularly in states facing nursing shortages or offering support to allied health professionals
• Employer tuition reimbursement plans or partnerships for employees advancing to RN roles
• Federal work-study to offset costs through on‑campus jobs aligned with studies

Students seeking cheap online nursing programs may consult programs highlighted by Research.com, which often list schools with low tuition plus strong support services. These bridge students are frequently eligible to combine federal aid, grants, and institutional awards to manage costs effectively.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a medical assistant to RN online bridge program?

Before applying to an MA‑to‑RN bridge program, applicants must meet essential academic and professional requirements. These necessities for nursing school generally include:

Here’s what you typically need:

• A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA/RMA) credential or equivalent state certification
• A high school diploma or GED and minimum cumulative GPA (commonly around 2.5–3.0)
• Completion of foundational courses such as Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs, Microbiology, and Chemistry (college‑level)
• Successful completion scores on nursing entrance exams such as TEAS or HESI A2
• Admission materials: application, fee, essay or personal statement, possible healthcare-related volunteer/work experience, recommendation letters, and background check if required

These prerequisites ensure students are academically prepared and meet regulatory and institutional requirements. For many MA‑to‑RN programs, having prior certification and lab science credits accelerates admission into advanced standing nursing coursework. 

Reviewing the program’s prerequisites pages alongside “necessities for nursing school” guidance helps clarify specific institutional expectations.

What courses are typically in a medical assistant to RN online bridge program?

Once admitted, students tackle coursework designed to build upon their clinical foundation and meet RN licensure standards. Drawing from data on nursing majors, bridge programs normally include:

• Transition to Nursing/MA‑to‑RN Bridge Course: Orients students to RN-level competencies like clinical decision‑making and the nursing process
• Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs): In-depth human body systems study with lab components
• Microbiology (lab component): Focused on infection control and clinical relevance
• Pharmacology for Nursing: Medication administration and drug safety in clinical settings
• Nursing Fundamentals / Health Assessment: Core patient care skills and assessment methodologies
• Medical-Surgical Nursing (Complex Care): Acute and chronic care principles in adult populations
• Mental Health Nursing: Psychiatric‑mental health care concepts, including theory and practicum
• Pediatric & Maternal Nursing: Care of childbearing, rearing families, and newborns (clinical)
• Practice Issues / Nursing Ethics & Law: Regulation, scope of practice, ethics, and professional standards
• General Education / Electives: English composition, psychology, statistics, humanities or communications required for degree completion

These courses follow standard RN degree requirements and are found across ADN or ASN tracks with an MA-to‑RN bridge focus. Always cross-check your institution’s specific curriculum to confirm lab hours, credit totals, and sequencing.

What types of specializations are available in a medical assistant to RN online bridge programs?

After completing an MA-to-RN bridge program, graduates typically qualify as registered nurses and can pursue additional specialization. Just as professionals in IT seek the best online CISM training bootcamps to advance into cybersecurity leadership roles, nurses often continue their education with specialized training to expand career opportunities. These programs often pave the way into specialized RN tracks or graduate-level nursing fields.

• Medical‑Surgical Nursing / Critical Care: Acute hospital care, ICU, surgical units—standard RN setting.
• Pediatric Nursing: Specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents.
• Mental Health / Psychiatric Nursing: Focus on behavioral health and psychiatric patient care.
• Geriatric Nursing: Caring for elderly patients, chronic illness management, dementia care.
• Obstetric and Neonatal Nursing: Labor/delivery support, prenatal and nursery care.
• Community and Public Health Nursing: Population health, health promotion, preventive care.

These foundational areas mirror those available through RN‑to‑MSN tracks and early RN specialization steps. Eventually, many graduates choose advanced tracks such as Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nursing Leadership. 

Specialty selection often hinges on clinical placement opportunities, state demand, and individual interests. Focusing early on a niche helps during clinical rotations and future career planning, aligning with goals you can pursue after RN licensure.

The chart below reinforces why specializations matter—some healthcare sectors hire far more RNs than others. For instance, hospitals dominate RN employment, while settings like outpatient care or home health services offer alternate paths. Choosing a specialization aligned with these high-demand sectors can boost job prospects and long-term career growth.

How to choose the best medical assistant to RN online bridge program?

Picking the right program can make a huge career difference. Start by identifying top priorities that match your needs for a balanced academic and professional transition.

Here’s a decision framework:

1. Check accreditation: Only consider programs accredited by recognized agencies (e.g. ACEN, CCNE, regional); required for licensure and employer recognition.
2. Confirm institutional reputation: Choose an online nursing school with a known campus presence, high NCLEX‑RN pass rates, and verified outcomes.
3. Evaluate flexibility & format: Look for fully online coursework with local clinical placements, self-paced modules, and rolling admissions.
4. Examine support services: Prefer programs offering financial aid, career coaching, NCLEX prep, academic advising, and employer partnerships.
5. Assess cost & ROI: Review per‑credit tuition, total cost, transfer credit policies, and compare job‑placement outcomes post‑graduation.
6. Understand prerequisites & credit transfer: Ensure your MA certification, prior coursework, and experience can be properly credited.

Choosing a program that checks these boxes will give you a smoother transition from MA to RN, stronger post‑graduation outcomes, and a clear path to specialization or further education.

This popularity of nursing degrees is no coincidence—registered nursing remains one of the most pursued and respected healthcare careers in the U.S. To give you a sense of scale, the image below shows that nearly 263,000 RN degrees were awarded in 2022 alone, highlighting the growing appeal and robust enrollment in nursing programs nationwide.

What career paths are available for graduates of a medical assistant to RN online bridge programs?

Graduates start at entry‑level RN roles and can build upward through increasing responsibility and specialization. Many progress further through continuing education and leadership pathways.

Here’s a typical progression:

• Registered Nurse (entry‑level): hospital floor, clinic or long‑term care
• Charge Nurse / Team Lead: overseeing small RN teams or shifts
• Specialty RN (e.g. Med‑Surg, Pediatrics, Psychiatric): certification-based clinical roles
• RN Preceptor / Clinical Educator: mentoring new nurses in clinical skills
• Nurse Manager / Supervisor: administrative oversight in units or departments
• Advanced Practice Roles (via RN-to-MSN): Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, etc.

This pathway mirrors other transitional routes—such as LPN to RN online—where practical experience supports progressive nursing career growth. Those who begin as MA‑to‑RN can eventually continue into leadership or advanced practice roles as education and certification allow.

What is the job market like for graduates of medical assistant to RN online bridge programs?

The RN job market is solid and expanding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. There will be about 194,500 annual openings projected over that decade due to growth and replacement needs.

Overall healthcare occupations are expected to add roughly 1.9 million openings per year through 2033, driven by aging populations, chronic disease, and retirement of current workers. With over 3.17 million RNs employed nationwide as of 2023 — median income around $86,070–$93,600/year— bridge graduates are entering a stable, in‑demand profession.

RN shortages remain widespread, intensifying in eldercare and long-term care settings, especially in states with aging demographics and immigration constraints. This demand creates opportunities especially for bridge-trained nurses willing to relocate or specialize.

Graduates of MA-to-RN bridge programs can expect competitive earnings in a growing field. The image below illustrates the national average salary for registered nurses in 2025, highlighting a wide earning range based on experience, specialization, and location, with top earners exceeding $130,000 annually.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Medical Assistant to RN Online Bridge Program

How do online MA‑to‑RN bridge programs compare with accelerated BSN nursing programs?

Online MA‑to‑RN bridge programs capitalize on your existing clinical experience by granting advanced standing, reducing redundant coursework, and offering flexible clinical placements. In contrast, accelerated BSN nursing programs target degree holders seeking an intensive pathway to RN licensure that integrates rigorous academic content with focused clinical training. Key differences include eligibility criteria, credit transfer policies, and curriculum structure—bridge programs streamline the transition for experienced medical assistants, while accelerated BSN tracks deliver a comprehensive education for candidates shifting from other career fields. Both pathways emphasize NCLEX preparation and hands‑on clinical competencies, demanding a strategic evaluation based on your professional background and long‑term career objectives.

Other Things You Should Know About the Best Medical Assistant to RN Online Bridge Programs

Can I complete the entire program fully online?

No. While all coursework is completed online (often asynchronously), you must complete in‑person clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities to meet state licensure requirements. RN bridge programs cannot be 100% online as clinical hands-on training is mandated by boards of nursing in all jurisdictions.

Does my MA certification count toward credit or placement?

Yes. Many bridge programs offer transfer credit or advanced standing for accredited MA certification and completed clinical coursework. This can reduce remaining coursework, shorten program duration, and enhance admission competitiveness for nursing programs.

Are there GPA, age, or experience requirements for admission?

Programs typically require a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA around 2.5–3.0, and often one to two years of MA work experience. Many also require TEAS or HESI exam scores and proof of certification submission. Age is rarely restricted if academic prerequisites are met.

Can I pursue further advancement after RN licensure?

Absolutely. Many graduates move into LPN to RN online or RN-to-BSN/MSN tracks to gain advanced practice roles like nurse educator, manager, or family nurse practitioner. This bridge pathway serves as a launching point for continued growth in nursing.