can i take the lpn exam

Jules A, MSN · Jan 20, 2007

I think it depends on the school telling the BON that you are eligible to sit for the LPN boards. Good luck.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2007

hi, gemini525!

what you are asking is if the nj board of nursing will allow you to take the lpn exam because you have equivalent education.

http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/nursing/nurse_app.pdf - nj application and instructions to apply for nclex for both rn and lpn. it states on the bottom of page 7, "the nursing program is required to send a letter, stamped with the official school seal, which indicates that the applicant has met all of the requirements for graduation. as an alternative, the nursing program's administrators may send an official school transcript stamped with the official school seal." this is probably to accommodate those who never graduated and might qualify by equivalent education. section 45:11-27 of the nj nurse practice act which is in regard to practical nursing states that to qualify to take the licensure examination you must have "completed a course of study in a school of practical nursing approved by the board and holds a diploma therefrom, or holds a diploma from a school of practical nursing operated by a board of education in this state and is certified by the department of education as having completed the number of hours of instruction in the subjects in the curriculum prescribed by the board of nursing laws and an approved course of affiliation or has equivalent qualifications as determined by the board."

this would most likely mean that the board would review a case like yours on an individual basis. having researched your question in other states i will tell you that some states will outright refuse to allow rn students to sit for lpn licensing--period, end of story. often deans of nursing schools will refuse to allow their students to do it. other states will permit it if the person has either dropped out of rn school or had a number of failed attempts at the nclex-rn. in some cases, it requires an official letter from the dean of the nursing program that specifically details what the applicant learned in their coursework so the board can determine if the rn classes that were completed are equivalent to the lpn curriculum they require in their state.

hope that answers your question for you.

Diahni · Mar 12, 2007

hi everyone. i was wondering if any knows if i can take the lpn exam in new jersey after i my first year of an rn program... i am currently in a school that i really can not stand.. i would like to transfer but if i don't transfer in as an lpn i need to start over and that is something i can't do...
i will have completed all fundamentals , med surg and psych..please can someone give me the answer..

Just saw your post today - I'm in a similar position. I went to a school for three semesters for RN - it was really gross. I dropped out before I would be nudged out. So I'm finishing at the online Excelsior College and found out you can take the NCLEX-PN in NY state after three semesters, I believe. Not sure if you could do it in two. Thing is, this really varies from state to state. I live very close to New York state, so I'm going to test there for the NCLEX-PN. Hope this helps.

Diahni

CHATSDALE · Mar 12, 2007

need to check with bon or nursing school what is required in each state usually requires a lot of clinical weigh your options

good luck

amedgre · Jan 7, 2008

I too would like to know if I am eligible to take the NJ NCLEX-PN .

Here's my situation:

I graduated in 1985 from an LPN program. I took my boards and did not pass them and found out a week later that I was pregnant. I then married and went on to have 3 more children. My children are now in college and 1 about to enroll and I can now move forward with my dream. Do you know if NJ will allow me to take a refresher course and then sit for my boards after 21 years? I have kept up with a great deal of nursing and reading through the years especially since my mother is an ADON in another state. I have tried to get in touch with someone from NJSBON and can not reach a live person at 973-504-6430.

oldfashionedlove · Mar 30, 2009

I'm in the same situation. I left after a year

Prettyladie · Mar 30, 2009

i know you can in texas. but thats not helping you in NJ. but im saying this because it is clearly stated on the BON website with an application so im sure NJ will have something posted on its BON website.

oldfashionedlove · Mar 30, 2009

I'm in the same exact boat. I want to take the test in NJ and immediately apply to a bsn program so I do not have to deal with the waiting list of the accelerated program. I also do not want to repeat classes. Please let me know as I will as soon as I hear.

kcochrane · Mar 30, 2009

Most states have discontinued allowing students to sit for the LPN after a certain number of semesters because of error issues. NYS stopped this practice recently. That being said, some people could be grandfathered. That is why I would try and speak to someone about you specific case and see what they say.

tbone641 · Apr 2, 2009

Sorry to tell you but NY State will not allow you to sit for the LPN exam they did away with that last year. You have to be in a LPN program.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Apr 2, 2009

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