RN student - can I challenge the LVN/LPN NCLEX?

allthingsbright · Mar 24, 2006

I think you can challenge after 2 semesters, but you need to ask the California Board of Nursing.

Here is the link:

http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/factvn.htm

From the CA BON:

Requirements for vocational nurse licensure are specified in the Vocational Nursing Practice Act. There are four (4) methods by which one may qualify for the licensure examination. Each method is designed to provide an individual access into the job market as an entry-level practitioner.

Method #1: Graduation from a California "accredited" Vocational Nursing Program.

Method #2: Graduation from an Out-of-State "accredited" Practical/Vocational Nursing Program.

Method #3: Completion of equivalent education and experience.

Pharmacology - 54 Hours

Paid Bedside Nursing Experience - 51 Months

Verification of Skill Proficiency.

Method #4: Completion of education and experience as a corpsman in the United States military.

Twelve (12) months active duty rendering direct bedside patient care.

Completion of the basic course in nursing in a branch of the armed forces.

General honorable discharge from the military.

You're welcome! LOL!

allthingsbright · Mar 24, 2006

Oh and here is some more info from that same site:

Method 3: Qualification Based on Equivalent Education and/or Experience Authority per section 2873 of the Vocational Nursing Practice Act and section 2516(b) of the California Code of Regulations

[Note: This method does not apply to those individuals who are seeking credit for military experience. Please refer to Method 4: Nursing Service in the Medical Corps of any Branch of the Armed Forces of the United States]

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION

Applicants who have acquired additional formal nursing education from an approved/accredited vocational nursing, practical nursing or registered nursing program may submit official transcripts for evaluation for possible credit in lieu of paid bedside nursing experience. The transcripts must be submitted to the Board directly from the school where the courses were taken and must show theory and clinical hours completed, as well as the grades for each course. Applicants must achieve a C or better in the course in order to be given equivalency credit for the course. Education credit will only be granted for those courses taken in approved/accredited vocational nursing, practical nursing or registered nursing programs.

Jusrovin · Mar 24, 2006

Thanks for the info...

I checked out the website and called the BON.

They're sending me a packet so I can send them my transcripts and other info.

It'll arrive in about a week as well as my transcripts so we'll see how it goes.

Do you know how long it takes for them to review my application?

Thanks for the info!

allthingsbright · Mar 25, 2006

You're welcome...

No, I dont know anything else...I had some free time so I looked that stuff up for you but I am not from Cali!

:)

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Mar 25, 2006

Do all states allow this?

I went to my BON but, I could not find out anything.

I live in TN BTW.

suzanne4, RN · Mar 26, 2006

It is after one year of a two year program, but usually three years of the BSN program because of the way that the clinical curriculum is designed. They are quite different as to when you complete your different areas.

With the BSN program, you actually have very little in the way of clinicals the first year. And you would not have gotten your OB or Peds rotations done then, and they are definitely needed. The first year of the BEN program is usually spent getting completed what are pre-reqs in a two year program, plus maybe a basic med-surg clinical at the most. It definitely will not give you the requires hours is each of the areas that are needed for licensure an an LPN/LVN.