Able To Take NCLEX-PN While In School For RN?

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Specializes in PCT, RN.

Hi,

I have (what may be) a silly question.

I plan on being accepted into the RN program at my school (still waiting for my acceptance, but I have a feeling). While I was talking to one of my friends from another state and another school, she told me that her school allowed their RN students to take the NCLEX-PN earlier in their school careers. So basically they would be allowed to get their PN license during school and then when they complete their RN classes, they would take the NCLEX-RN and then their title would change from "LPN" to "RN".

Is this something that's commonly done?

I was under the impression that they were separate programs and without taking the LPN courses, you were not able to take the NCLEX-PN, regardless of your progress in the RN program.

It would be pretty cooool to have that "halfway" mark where we could get our PN first, but that was the first and only time I've heard of that.

Anyone have something similar?

Of course I know I can ask my program advisor, but since I feel this is a silly question, I don't want to bother her with it unless it is something that's pretty common :wacky:

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There are some states that permit this, others don't. It depends on what state you're in, and, if your state BON does permit this, whether your specific nursing program meets the requirements for you to be eligible for PN licensure part-way through your program.

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Specializes in ICU.

In my state you must graduate from a PN program to take it. The LPNs take their classes quicker than we do. Like in my program, they are doing ob right now, whereas the RNs don't take it until the fall. They will have finished their final capstone class in the summer, ours is not until next spring. The programs are not the same so it wouldn't really make any sense to take it.

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Specializes in PCT, RN.
There are some states that permit this, others don't. It depends on what state you're in, and, if your state BON does permit this, whether your specific nursing program meets the requirements for you to be eligible for PN licensure part-way through your program.

Do you know if this is something that would be posted on the BON website by chance or is that something I'm better off speaking to someone about?

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Specializes in PCT, RN.
The programs are not the same so it wouldn't really make any sense to take it.

I knew they were a little different, but I figured if I were already in the RN program and had a chance to get my LPN (without straying from my current RN course) then I probably would just to get a jump start on nursing while I was still in school (I will have to work full time throughout school).

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Do you know if this is something that would be posted on the BON website by chance or is that something I'm better off speaking to someone about?

It might be -- I suggest you check your state BON website for the qualifications for LPN licensure, and go from there.

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Specializes in TCU, Post-surgical, Infection Prevention.

In California - I believe you can take the LVN nclex (as we call it here) after Maternity nursing - which for me, is this summer. However, I'll be attending an online RN-BSN, so I have decided not to.

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It's not very common, but some States permit it. Others used to, but kaboshed it after awhile.

There is a thread currently running in the LVN/LPN forum, posted by someone who didn't finish her RN program, but was allowed to take the NCLEX-PN in NYS; it was permitted because she had completed three semesters of the RN program. She was able to get licensed in NYS, but was not granted a license in Pennsylvania years later, when she wanted to work there. That was because the State BoN does not grant licenses to those who have not completed the educational requirements, that being completion of a PN program.

Give very careful consideration if you wish to go this route, assuming your State allows it. If you know, with 100% certainty, that you will not stop your RN program because of it, no harm done. But if studying for the NCLEX-PN throws off your game in RN school....might not be worth it.

And if they do allow it, you might consider whether the time spent looking for employment as an LPN while studying in your RN program, then actually WORKING as an LPN while studying for the NCLEX-RN is in your best interests.

Good luck!

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Specializes in PCT, RN.
Give very careful consideration if you wish to go this route, assuming your State allows it. If you know, with 100% certainty, that you will not stop your RN program because of it, no harm done. But if studying for the NCLEX-PN throws off your game in RN school....might not be worth it.

And if they do allow it, you might consider whether the time spent looking for employment as an LPN while studying in your RN program, then actually WORKING as an LPN while studying for the NCLEX-RN is in your best interests.

Good luck!

That's really great advice actually. I hadn't even thought of it.

Really the only reason why I am considering it is because I work business hours Mon-Fri 8-4 right now and once I start nursing school, I'll need to find a new job with different hours (unless I can work something out with my bosses). I was considering bartending in the meantime since it's good money but it's not always guaranteed money and thought it would be beneficial for me to transition to working as an LPN with guaranteed pay if I had the opportunity to.

Although, as far as searching for a job as an LPN goes, I would have a pretty decent chance of getting in at my old place of employment; they hire LPN's and I was one of their best CNA's.

I will definitely keep what you said in mind though. I don't want to put my RN studies to the side to focus on the NCLEX-PN.

Thank you for your insight!

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