Cali Nurses - Taking LVN test while still in ADN program

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I'm starting the ADN program in the Fall at our local community college here in Southern California. I am also working as a Nurse Tech on MBU. Here's what I'm wondering ...

How can I take the LVN test while still in school for my ADN? Don't tell me I'm crazy ... always have been an overachiever ... lots of time to my detriment. :D Just wondering if anyone does this, and if so, how? I've searched Californias state website and it gives some information but not enough for me to figure out if this is possible. I know a certain amount of hours and clinicals and pharmacology are needed ... I just don't know how to figure out when I could do this? After the first year? Third semester?

Thoughts? Ideas? Info?

Thanks! :kiss

Whether you can do this or not depends on your program. Talk to your school's nursing dept & ask them. They would be able to let you know. Good luck.

Try the licensing board:

http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/lic.htm

2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Ste. 205

Sacramento, CA 95833

(916) 263-7800

Specializes in Behavioral Health.

I don't think it would make you an overachiever. I'm an LVN graduating from an RN program in June. If anything, taking the NCLEX-VN will give you a great idea of the feel for the computerized testing process, etc.

Let us know what you find out!

As someone else has posted, the answer to your question depends on the school you are in.

If the RN program follows a certain pattern, there may be a point at which you have completed the equivalent of the LVN training, but the school has to be willing to subbmit the paperwork for you to the LVN board in order for you to be allowed to take the NCLEX-PN (CAT).

One other point, the thinking process taught for RN and LVN is different. You may need to make some special preparation to get yourself in the mind-set for LVN testing. Not sure what the advantages are for you - most RN programs are very busy without this added distraction.

I guess I feel that the advantage would be that I'd be a LVN ... and if I can do this after the second semester (during summer break), I could start working as a LVN rather than a Nurse Tech. The pay difference would help ease the financial strain of Nursing school. I want to work so why not work as a LVN and get paid more? And get more experience?

Thanks for all of the posts, I'm going to contact my school and see what they say. :)

+ Add a Comment