Can an RN student apply to take the state boards for LPN after first year of school

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 26, 2015

Just a quick question...
Can an RN student apply to take the state boards for LPN after first year of school? I only ask because I was thinking about the possibility to be able to work as an LPN during the second year.
Any help would be great. I'm not trying to upset people, so if this question seems dumb just spare me please. I get enough insults already on forums.
:)
Z

That depends upon your state's rules and (probably) if your school thinks you're ready to take the LPN boards.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 26, 2015

You would have to check with your state's BON. I believe CA has this option; not sure if any other states do as well. One caution is that an LPN license granted by challenging the NCLEX-PN may not be recognized for endorsement to another state.

AlleycatLady, BSN, MSN, NP · Jul 26, 2015

Thanks, I just wasn't sure if it was even doable at all. This is good info!

AlleycatLady, BSN, MSN, NP · Jul 26, 2015

Thanks, I'll check

caliotter3 · Jul 26, 2015

Check with your state BRN. If they allow it, then check with your school. Just because it is allowed in your state does not mean that your school cooperates with students who want to do this. You can probably save time just by asking in the nursing department office. Chances are that they have done this before for other students.

mzrainydayz, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2015

Depends on your school. Check with the dean and see if they allow it so they can send your info to your state BON. My school did not participate in that, only if you failed out the RN program then the only option you had was to take the LPN NCLEX.

Other schools in my area did allow RN nursing students after the first year to take the LPN NCLEX. Others have said it was helpful because they were able to get a part time or PRN LPN job. When they graduated they basically had nursing experience and was able to move into a RN position fast.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 27, 2015

As you've seen, the answer to this question is "yes", "no" and "maybe" depending on where you are located and your standing in the program.

At one time, my State allowed RN students in good standing (NOT those who have failed out of the program) to take the NCLEX-PN only after they had completed 3 semesters of the RN program. IOW, taking the PN exam during the last few months of the RN program, which made almost no sense since you could take the RN exam just a matter of months later.

Why only allowing in the 4th semester? Because ALL of the material that is on the NCLEX-PN must first have been covered by the school program, and this didn't happen for three full semesters because of how the programs were set up.

At any rate, that possibility vanished some years ago; at this time only those who have completed a recognized PN program can sit for the PN exam.

Only way to know for sure is to ask your academic advisor: he or she will know the answer, as it's asked every single year