How long to wait to take the NCLEX???

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So I'm going to be starting my clinicals here in a week. I am already thinking that I will be relocating to TN when I finish school. I was told that I can take the NCLEX at a PA testing center and my license would come from TN.

I'm just trying to gauge how long after everyone finishes their program until they take the NCLEX? I know that I want to take it as soon as possible just to get it out of the way. How long did it take to get the ATT in order to register for the NCLEX?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

Take it Immediately! As soon as they'll let you (I believe it 2-3 weeks after graduation).

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

The time it takes to get the ATT depends on the state. I went to school in Maine and it took about a week from the time you sent in the application until you got your ATT. However, I moved and took the test in NJ and it took 2 months before I got my ATT. You can ask on the Tennessee Nursing forum and might get some better responses.

Statistics show that the longer you wait to take the NCLEX, the lower your chance of passing. So the sooner you can take it, the better your chances. I would try to take it within a month of graduating, if you can.

You can take the NCLEX at any testing center, as long as you apply in the correct state.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

No longer than 45 days. It has proven out in studies that the fail rate goes up astronomically if you wait longer than that.

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