LVN-RN "30 unit challenge"

[Deliverence]

I know there has been a couple of threads concerning this subject but what concerns me is not about the pros and cons of this program. I am barely a graduating CNA and plan to go to an RN program, but I always dreaded the long waitlist program. Then a friend of mine told me about the LVN-RN "30 unit challenge" program. He told me all the pros and cons about it. What I want to know is this. After you've completed your 30 unit program, I was told you're only certified without a degree and could only work in California. So my question is this : are you able to continue on to a BSN degree after you've completed the 30 unit challenge?? So after you've become an RN with no degree, you can still continue on to become a BSN?? No?

[nursel56]

Out of curiosity I decided to check the California BON on that subject and after wading through about 45 ads for schools I found this:

LVN 30 Unit Option - Designed as a career ladder for California Licensed Vocational Nurses wishing to become registered nurses. Takes approximately 18-24 months. No degree is granted upon completion. Most other states do not recognize California's LVN 30 Unit Option and will not issue RN licenses to these LVNs. Some LVNs prefer to complete an ADN program in order to obtain a degree and to have the flexibility to get an RN license in other states. Most ADN programs will give LVNs credit for some of the coursework they completed to become an LVN.

I believe what they're saying is that other states will not let you get your RN license that way, and not that they don't recognize your RN as valid once you earn it that way.

Nurses who've gone to diploma schools (no degree) regularly go back and earn their BSN so I see no reason why you couldn't.

The two most important sources for information are the board of registered nursing in the state you plan to work in and your research into the many bridge programs out there, both online and in-campus. Best wishes!