How To Challenge The Board From LVN To RN

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Hi All! One of the wonderful and truly generous nurses that mentored me during my rotations while I was in nursing school told me that it was possible to challenge the Board of Registered Nurses to allow me to take the NCLEX-RN after having completed two years of nursing working experience plus the educational requirements that an RN would need. I have now completed the two years working experience as LVN / Charge Nurse in an acute setting and have my Associates Degree. I am hoping for some insight as to how to proceed from here, your imput, thoughts, suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! And THANK YOU in advance!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

13,952 Posts

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

No. You need at least 30 nursing credits and you can get an LVN+ 30 RN credential (just shy of a ASN but no degree) and your license will be branded as a 30 credit option even if you go on to earn a BSN or MSN. There is no challenge by experience option for the RN/CABRN. (LVN + 30 RN licenses are not eligible for endorsement to other states.

Most nurses recommend doing a LVN to RN/ASN bridge as it will be a

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

13,952 Posts

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Do you have an associates in Nursing?

nurse_suzie

4 Posts

I have a AA degree from Emory with a major in pre-nursing courses.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

13,952 Posts

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I have a AA degree from Emory with a major in pre-nursing courses.
It's not sufficient. You need an Associates with a nursing major including concurrent in clinical and theory or a diploma from a BRN approved nursing school or BSN. There is no "challenge" option for the CABRN like there is for CA BVNPT. The only schools that offer the LVN + 30 courses are in CA and approved by CABRN.

These are the educational pathways to become an RN in CA as of May 2014 per the CABRN

In California, there are three types of pre-licensure nursing programs, and two alternative routes to become a registered nurse:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Takes 2-3 years. Offered at many community colleges. Prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Takes 4 years. Also referred to as Baccalaureate degree. Offered at many California State Universities and some private colleges. Prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings and to move to administrative and leadership positions.
  • Entry Level Masters Program in Nursing (ELM) - Designed for adults who have a baccalaureate degree in another field and wish to become registered nurses. Takes 1-2 years depending on how many nursing course prerequisites you have already completed. Graduate receives a masters degree.
  • 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.
  • Military Corpsmen - California law permits military corpsmen to take the national exam for RN licensure if they have completed RN level education and clinical experience.

Source: Board of Registered Nursing - Steps to Become a CA RN
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