Challenging the LVN Board

Are you in a state where the BON allows this (they are few and far between)? One thing to consider though- if you are in a state where you can do this, if you try to endorse the license to another state, you likely will be denied as completing an LPN/LVN program is mandatory for licensure.

You do not say what state you are in. Go to the website and read the criteria. Apply even if you do not think you have met the requirements. They look at each application on a case by case basis. In CA you need a pharmacology course. Look for that course if you have not already taken it, while you are checking this out.

Sorry I'm in CA. I do have the 51 hours of pharm from the LVN course I took.

Application for Vocational Nurse Licensure by Examination - Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians

You would fall under #3, so look here for the details:

Method 3: Qualification Based on Equivalent Education and/or Experience - Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians

Read though to see if you qualify with your experience. If you have questions, drop the BVNPT a note to ask as their word is what matters, not mine or anyone else's here.

The downside to challenging for licensure is that it's fairly certain you won't be able to work outside of California with it. Almost all states require LVN/LPN applicants to have graduated from a practical nursing program, which you have not. That leaves you ineligible to endorse into these states. You may possibly be able to work in other states through the VA as they will accept any state license...however, I never applied to the VA as a LVN--they may also require their job applicants to have graduated from an accredited practical nursing program. Which...again...you have not.

So there's pros and cons to licensure by challenge. If you're planning to work solely in CA, then this may be a viable option. But if you have your heart set on traveling or relocating elsewhere down the road, this option will box you in--you'd be better completing a practical nursing program instead.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

I have no intentions on moving out of state.

I see people say this all the time here, and I'll just point out that we never know what's going to happen. So far in my career, I've ended up living and working in three states I had "no intention" of moving to. Things happen in life.

I agree things do happen in life, I'm a breast cancer survivor so I understand about things happening. I really have no reason to leave California right now, born and raised, all of my family is here also. I appreciate the advice and suggestions, with that I'm going to try to challenge the board. Much love and respect to you all. ������

Best of luck in your attempt!

One thing though...you may want to glance at the hiring requirements that employers in your area have for their LVN jobs. If they require applicants to have graduated from an accredited nursing program, you would not meet that requirement even if you hold a license by challenge. So if most employers in your area want LVNs to have graduated from a program, you may want to rethink challenging as it'll be hard for you to get hired.