Canadian RPN wanting to take the nclex pn.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Hi there! I'm just wondering if anyone can help me out! I live in Ontario and I'm wanting to write the nclex pn exam, and then bridge to RN in the US. I'm just wondering where do I start??!!! Help!!!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Likely to do a bridging program in the US you would need to have a US PN license which would require a SSN.PN wouldn't qualify for a US work visa. TN visas are only available to RNs.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Thank you, I'm just wondering where to start to write for my nclex pn. Like who do I contact, where do I write ect. Then I'll worry about my bridging!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You start with the state that you would like to live, work, and go to school (to bridge you must have a local license). There are very few LPN to BSN programs and a U.S. ASN is not sufficient to work in Canada.

You choose your state then go to the BoN website and apply for an LPN license by examination as an internationally educated nurse. Many states require a valid SSN for application or issuing license. Note only citizens, legal permanent residents, or those with a valid work visa are entitled to a SSN

Just like you cannot take the crpne without authorization from a provincial college of nurses you cannot take the NCLEX-PN without authorization from a state board of nursing.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Thanks so much! I live close to the Detroit border, so I will contact Michigan BON and see where to go from there.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to Nurse Registration

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You won't be able to get a US LPN license because you will not be able to get a US SSN since you don't qualify for a visa as a PN. You would have to bridge in Canada.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Oh boy! I definetly don't want to bridge in Canada, as I would like to be states side in the upcoming years! It takes so long to bridge here! So I wouldn't be able to write my nclex pn and go to school for RN

States side?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I would assume that you would need a US PN license which would require aSSN, which would require a visa.Check into the requirements of the US bridge programs.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Thanks so much for the info! I will definetly look into this!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Once you become a student you can apply for permission to work which can result in applying for a US SSN but the catch is getting a LPN license so I would suggest checking some of the states Bon out and see if any will issue a license without a SSN especially state you plan studying in

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