LPN RN Tru or False

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2009

There is no way to become an RN after having completed only the LPN coursework requirements. There is no available way for LPNs to challenge the RN boards in order to become an RN. To become an RN, the student must complete an approved program of nursing, either generic or an LPN-to-RN bridge, and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN.

abbyann · Jun 15, 2009

It depends on the program. Some schools structure their LVN/LPN programs to be a fast-track to the RN exam. The school I was planning to go to (Goldenwest College, here in Orange County) does that.

baglady215 · Jun 15, 2009

It depends on the program. Some schools structure their LVN/LPN programs to be a fast-track to the RN exam. The school I was planning to go to (Goldenwest College, here in Orange County) does that.

Yes, but you still have to complete the RN portion of the program, right? You can't sit for the RN exam after only completing the LPN portion of the program.

sunray12 · Jun 15, 2009

I think CA may allow challenges based on a lower level license + work experience. I am not 100% sure of this and I don't think many other states have similar provisions. Search your state code and inquire with your BON to find out if there are any such waivers in your state.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2009

I think CA may allow challenges based on a lower level license + work experience. I am not 100% sure of this and I don't think many other states have similar provisions. Search your state code and inquire with your BON to find out if there are any such waivers in your state.

California allows CNAs, army medics, and other similarly experienced people to challenge the boards for licensure as an LVN.

However, no state in the United States allows LPNs/LVNs to challenge the boards for licensure as an RN.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Jun 15, 2009

I'm not sure, I've never heard of this. I personally don't think anyone should be elgible to sit for nclex unless they have completed an accredited program.

abbyann · Jun 16, 2009

Yes, but you still have to complete the RN portion of the program, right? You can't sit for the RN exam after only completing the LPN portion of the program.

I would assume so. I think Goldenwest has been doing it this way for a long time. I know that to get into the program, you have to complete Anatomy, Physiology AND Microbiology as well. I wanted to go that route, but at 35 with two dependent children I didn't have the luxury of waiting 3 0r 4 years to finish school.

elkpark · Jun 16, 2009

I have heard (although I have no first-hand knowledge of this) that CA (only CA) allows LVNs with a certain number of years (5?) experience to complete a course or two (pharmacology, I think) and be eligible to write the NCLEX-RN. However, those licenses are only recognized in CA; RNs licensed through that process cannot endorse into other states because their nursing education doesn't meet the requirements of the other 49 states.

CA has a number of "weird" education/licensure mechanisms for different occupations that are unique to CA and not recognized by other states ...

(If I'm mistaken about this, I'm happy to be corrected. :))

abbyann · Jun 17, 2009

I'm not really sure, but I know that my college (ACC) has a separate RN program. If you go straight into the RN program it takes 3 years to complete. but if you become an LVN first you can complete their RN program in 18 months. So I think it is a matter of California having some unique educational/trade/occupational programs. I don't know about an LVN being able to write the NCLEX-RN exam with just a few extra classes. That's something I will look into for the future.

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Jun 17, 2009

i have heard calif has something like that, but you can't leave the state and work as a RN. the rest of thst states you must pass a RN course to sit for RN boards.

abbyann · Jun 17, 2009

That doesn't bother me, though. I would never live anywhere else.