Becoming A LPN While In RN Program

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Is this possible.

I'm hoping it it. I know to take the CNA exam, all that was required was a signature from the dean saying that the classes taken are in accord with the same ones in a CNA program.

So, after this next year, I'm hoping I can sit for the LPN exam. By the spring, I will have one round of Med-surg, Peds/OB, pharmacology, and pathophysiology behind me.

Anyone with experience?

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It is possible and exists at my program. I think we have to take it before our 2nd year...or something and have to have the chairperson's approval. I'm in an ADN program and just started so I haven't really looked into it. You might ask your current program and see.

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Specializes in None.

A friend of mine went through an ADN program and she was eligible to get an LPN license after the first year. I asked the chair of my ADN program and she said that we're eligible after the 1st semester of our 2nd year which to me I guess would be kind of a waste of money since in May or June of that year we'll be testing for the NCLEX-RN.

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That's interesting, I've never heard of that before. I'm going to ask my instructor on Monday. I know that after we finish our first round of clinicals we can work as CNAs, but I'd much rather start work as an LPN. More money, and more hands-on experience. :)

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I know some hospitals hire 2nd year students as "Nurse Externs", and they do pretty much all that an LPN does and get paid the same.

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Specializes in LTC.

My program had the same thing. After a year we can sit for lpn boards and work as lpns while finishing RN school. Im basically doing the same thing but I had to take off to finish my prereqs. I finish my last two semesters of RN school starting in January. ( Gods willing).

I love that I'm getting experience as a nurse and making 23.50 an hr while in school.

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Doesn't it depend on the state? I heard in NY that I can't take the LPN boards even though I finished one year of RN classes....but I may have been mistaken...

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Specializes in Telemetry.
Doesn't it depend on the state? I heard in NY that I can't take the LPN boards even though I finished one year of RN classes....but I may have been mistaken...

It does depend on the state.

Does anyone know about California?

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Doesn't it depend on the state? I heard in NY that I can't take the LPN boards even though I finished one year of RN classes....but I may have been mistaken...

That is correct. I'm in NY as well, and I have looked into it.

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Best bet is to contact your state BON. They can tell you if it's possible in your state, and if your institution is set up to do it.

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First you have to find out if your state allows this. If it does, then you have to find out if your school will sign off on your paperwork. Some schools do not do this for their students. The state of CA allows sitting for the LVN licensing exam with sufficient RN education, so it is up to the individual school to cooperate. The state of NY stopped this practice a few years ago.

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This is very interesting and something I've never thought of. Wonder if it's possible for a person attending a bachelor's level program. Thanks for this post :)

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