Challenge the NCLEX?

smk1, LPN · Jun 28, 2007

Hi Guys,
I've heard rumors that if you have a medical degree in another country, for example, a physician's degree, and you've practiced there, you can challange the NCLEX here. Is it possible to take the NCLEX without having gone to nursing school here if you are more than qualified in another country? If it is possible, any information as to how to go about it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

I don't believe it is possible to challenge the RN nclex in any state. There may still be a provision for army medical corps to challenge the LVN boards in 1 or 2 states (not sure though). The best bet is to check with your state's board of nursing for more information.

suzanne4, RN · Jun 28, 2007

Medical degree from another country will not permit anyone to just challenge the NCLEX-RN exam. The person needs to complete an approved school of nursing program and complete the required hours. Minimum of a second courser program is required.

The focus of the training is actually quite different. Shortest program that I know of and that is 100% accredited in the US happens to be in St. Petersburg, Russia and they have students from all over the world for their one year program. There is a sticky about this program in the International Forum.

And attending nursing school in another country definitely does not make the person more qualified. They are two very different fields, and work together with one another. But they are not the same at all.

I am going to move this to the International Forum where it is more appropriate.

(And the above poster is correct. Even the only way that someone can challenge the PN exam for LPN/LVN licensure is if they were a military corpsmen and then they can challenge the exam and write it only for two states, and that license cannot be transferred to another state.)