Can you test for LPN when in RN school?

mitchsmom · May 30, 2004

This has been asked before, if you search you may find more info.

At my school you can test for CNA after the first semester but they don't do the LPN testing at my school because we don't do some of the components needed for it until the second year and by then you are almost done anyway.

I understand that many programs DO though, so I would ask at your particular school.

PCGrad06 · May 30, 2004

I have not heard of it. I would say you have certain classes you must complete for each program. Good question though. :)

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · May 30, 2004

At my school in Fl, after the first semester - hospitals & nursing homes will hire nursing students. You don't need to take any CNA test, just show a transcript that proves you passed first semester (fundamentals). At the hospital I work at currently, they pay you $4 more an hour simply because you are nursing student rather than a CNA. They call the position "nurse tech." I'm not sure what it is like at other hospitals though. After the third semester we are eligible to test to become an LPN.

rnmi2004 · May 31, 2004

It depends on your program. I'm in an ADN program, and after the first semester I was eligible to be a CNA. After the 2nd semester, I was able to take the NCLEX-PN. Most of my classmates continue on to get their RN after becoming LPNs so they could work & get experience while finishing school.

suzanne4, RN · May 31, 2004

It also depends on which state that you live in, some states permit it, and others don't.

mjbsn2006 · May 31, 2004

At the University of Texas universities, you can work as a CNA/PCT after the 1st semester of clinicals(don't have to take a test or anything), then take the lpn boards after 2nd semester in the actual nursing program. Most colleges in Texas work this way.

It also depends on which state that you live in, some states permit it, and others don't.

malenurse1 · May 31, 2004

Hi, Everybody. I have a question for all of you wise people:)
I am starting an RN program in August and I was wondering if an RN program prepares you for the CNA and or LPN tests? What I mean is, can I take the CNA test after a certain number of RN classes? Can I take the LPN exam after a certain number of RN classes?
I have read that some people become a CNA while in nursing school. Is this a separate program, or are the RN students allowed to test for CNA or LPN after a certain amount of schooling has been completed?
Thank you for your answers!
Jill

The ADN program that I am in requires that we be CNA's prior to starting the clinical phase. We just went through the LPN business at the end of this semester. Legally after we complete two semesters in our ADN program we can try to do the LPN thing. It requires that we have an additional 120 hrs of clinical and one additional course to meet the state of Wisconsins' requirements to sit for the LPN boards. We can then continue our ADN Program. However...the faculty is not at all fond of this. They think we should simply press forward for the ADN and not settle for the LPN.

I personnally considered this route simply so I could work at utilizing the skills I was learning in school. I ended up getting a Nurse Intern postion after my first semester of clinical and did not need to follow that plan. I also figured, why pay money to take the state LPN exam to only need the liscense for a year, (then I will be done with the ADN). As an Intern I cannot push any meds without direct RN supervision. I cannot do any official careplanning or primary assessments. The RN's that I work with are great though and always willing to teach.

Good luck with your decision.

Jill1215 · May 31, 2004

Thanks everybody for all of your input. I am so glad I found this board BEFORE I start nursing school.

Happy Memorial day!

Stay safe and be happy.

Jill

wonderbee, BSN, RN · May 31, 2004

I had this very same conversation with my charge a couple of nights ago. I told her of my plan to sit for my LPN boards following my second semester. She told me that while it's true we can take the exam and become LPNs after second semester, our hospital won't hire LPNs that don't go through an approved LPN program. There are one or two that got in that way but they required extremely long meticulous orientations. I'm rethinking my plan now.

purplemania, BSN, RN · May 31, 2004

Check with your board of nursing, but in Texas this is possible.

http://www.ncsbn.org

Achoo!, LPN · May 31, 2004

They just changed our cirriculum, and after your first year, you can now sit for the LPN exam. They do require the CNA as a prerequisite now also.