Anyone successfully challenge the boards?

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I have a degree in respiratory therapy, yet am having a hard time finding a job. I am working as a cna, going on my 7th year and I was hoping rt would be my next step up....unfortunately it's not working that way and I am considering challenging the boards via method 3.

Has anyone successfully done this? What tips do you have?

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Specializes in Hospice.

Don't you have to graduate from a nursing program before you can get your ATT (Authorization to Test)?

Not sure how being a respiratory therapist and working as a CNA qualifies as nursing training.

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

What is method three? In most states you have to complete and graduate from an accredited nursing program you can not challenge NCLEX for RN.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The California BVNPT allows CNAs with 54 months of a specified experiential background to challenge the board to become an LVN. Therefore, one does not need to graduate from an approved program to become an LVN in California. I wrote about the process several years ago:

https://allnurses.com/california-nursing/challenging-the-boards-763569.html

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Have you thought of relocating as an RT? There are jobs in Indiana.

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I have two small children that I share custody of so no, relocation is not an option. This is why I am very disappointed that I am having a hard time using my degree here.

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A cna with certain experience or education background can qualify to test in California. It's called method 3. It's on the board website with all the information.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
The California BVNPT allows CNAs with 54 months of a specified experiential background to challenge the board to become an LVN. Therefore, one does not need to graduate from an approved program to become an LVN in California. I wrote about the process several years ago:

https://allnurses.com/california-nursing/challenging-the-boards-763569.html

That's actually really scary.

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Not when you consider situations like mine where I have a degree in Healthcare and have worked in it for years, taken many extremely (if not identical) courses, and have met requirements set by the state. It's not a brand new cna sitting to try their luck at the test....

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

A "degree in healthcare" is not a nursing degree! Me thinks there are many things about being a nurse that you did not learn while obtaining your rt degree

Not when you consider situations like mine where I have a degree in Healthcare and have worked in it for years, taken many extremely (if not identical) courses, and have met requirements set by the state. It's not a brand new cna sitting to try their luck at the test....
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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Not when you consider situations like mine where I have a degree in Healthcare and have worked in it for years, taken many extremely (if not identical) courses, and have met requirements set by the state. It's not a brand new cna sitting to try their luck at the test....

How is working as a RT & a CNA anywhere near replacement for what you would learn in class or clinicals? Honestly, it's a slap in the face to me. I busted my ass in school & now because you worked as a CNA you can take the NCLEX?!

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In Florida, you can challenge the NCLEX

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