by mpoole22

Okay maybe someone one can help clarify. My BSN RN program in California ends in a year.. we are almost finished with all of our core classes and many students are taking the NCLEX before we actually are awarded our degree. There has been mixed information as to whether doing so would result in a license that does not say degreed which would reflect negatively when potentials employeers want to see we have a degree. Others say your license does not indicate degreed vs. non-degreed as it is. Help! I'm trying to decied what I should do as I'd of course like to take it while the information is still fresh in my mind.. but since I will be moving out of state to OKlahoma sortly after gradutaion It means alot to me to have my license say degreed if it does in fact state that at all and if taking the NCLEX early would matter in the long run. Thanks.

Re: Taking the NCLEX before degree program ends.. ??

My thought was that you couldn't even take the NCLEX before you had proof you completed the nursing program. Anyone else know if this is possible? My BON wouldn't issue an ATT until my school sent final transcripts.

Re: Taking the NCLEX before degree program ends.. ??

I couldn't even think about the NCLEX til my school sent a paper that said I had completed the program.

Re: Taking the NCLEX before degree program ends.. ??

that's what I would think too... but I'm understanding that students after we have finished med-surg II can take the test... but you have to submit your own paper work.... In our program I heard that our cohort is the last that has the setup to make that possble. Like I said I feel like there is very mixed information flying aorund.

Re: Taking the NCLEX before degree program ends.. ??

Contact your BON. I'd be very surprised if it's possible.

Re: Taking the NCLEX before degree program ends.. ??

In that case I would wait til your done. If you don't have your degree a potential employer might pass you over for one who does. The job market is getting better slowly so after you graduate it might be easier to get a job.

Re: Taking the NCLEX before degree program ends.. ??

My BSN program in CA allowed sitting for the NCLEX when 75% of the program had been completed. While I was a student, they changed the curriculum and then changed this policy so that one could only sit for the NCLEX PN prior to graduation. At this time there is a policy with the BRN where nongraduates can sit for the boards (adhering to whatever criteria are set forth), but in this circumstance the license is only good in CA. It is similar to the LVN 30 unit option. Your problem, as I see it, would arise if you get the license, then fail to graduate. This was what most of the people in this category used to do when I was in school many centuries ago.

Re: Taking the NCLEX before degree program ends.. ??

I'm In National University's program 2 yr BSN. I plain to finish the program even if I were to sit for the boards early. Many students say they are.. simply since we have about reached that 75% mark and their rational is that everything will be much more fresh in our minds. My only concern is when I apply for a lic. by endorsment in OKlahoma, which is where I will be moving after graduation will it some how make a difference if i were to take the boards before I have the degree. But I also then have heard that it does not even indicate on the lic itself that it's degreed or non degreed.

Re: Taking the NCLEX before degree program ends.. ??

No, the license says nothing about your degree. Frankly, I would just fill out the paperwork for the transfer and put in the necessary information. They might not even notice that, for instance, you received your license in March and graduated in May. If you really want to know what the deal is, call the Oklahoma Board of Registered Nursing and ask. See what answer they give you and make your plans accordingly.