Can an RN student work as an LPN?

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Hi! Im in my first year of an RN program and I was wondering if after my first year I qualify to work as an LPN or at least take the NCLEX for it? The school offers an LPN to RN transition and they only complete the second year, so Im assuming we learn everything as LPN learn in classes. THanks!!!!

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Would need to check with your school program and state BON.. some states will allow RN students to challenge the LPN boards after their 1st year of education and some will not.

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Specializes in Peds Homecare.

Not in New York State

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Specializes in Pedi.

Only if you get an LPN license.

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Specializes in ER / Critical Care.

Not in Texas anymore.

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Agreed that it depends on your state BON guidelines and your schools program. In AZ the MCCCD nursing programs offer the ability to take the NCLEX PN after your first year of nursing school. BUT, you have to take a specific 3 credit course after your second block that has something that isn't taught in the first 2 blocks in the RN program. Im not sure what that is since its not my path, but just know its available. The CAC nursing program has the LPN curriculum combined in with the RN program (they don't offer a separate LPN program so this is an option available to those who only want an LPN), so you are immediately eligible for NCLEX PN after block 2 without any ectra courses. Point is that both of these programs are in the same state, but have different ways to get LPN out of block 2. Check with your school and they will have info if this is an option for you.

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Specializes in LTC, Rural, OB.

My school has the option of doing summer quarter after the first year in order to get your LPN. It is entirely dependent on the school and your state's BON.

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Specializes in Hospice + Palliative.

in many states, you can challenge the nclex-pn after your first year of nursing school. But....the exam is expensive, so really consider if it's worth it for just 1 year of the license essentially. In PA (and I assume in many other states) you can also become a CNA after your first year, you have to take a (much cheaper) state exam.

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Specializes in ER.

Not in my state because they have so many hours in peds and ob that RN students do not get till the 2nd year.

In CA, you can challenge it as a nursing assistant but you have to prove you have experience in a wide range of clinical settings. I don't think you'd be able to normally challenge the test unless you're in a float pool for several years. I barely looked into it because I didn't believe it, but it was true. I just don't think anyone actually can gain the experience.

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

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.
Not in Texas anymore.
My program allows you to sit for the VN NCLEX after the first year of classes if you take an extra summer's worth of clinicals. In Texas :)

It doesn't really seem worth it to me. By the time you sit for the NCLEX and get your results and all that, you're insanely close to being an RN. Most of the people who take the course do it as a backup I'm case they fail 2nd year.

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I think you have to pass a test then you can work as an lpn as you finish school as a RN

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I am a CNA, is the LPN work much different? Do yo think the experience would be qworth it?

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