How soon can I get my RN?

DennRN · Nov 3, 2011

Hmmn, I'm not sure about this.

In order to take the NCLEX-RN you need to get an ATT (authorization to test) from your state Board of Nursing. One of the requirements from my state is that you can provide documentaion from an approved school of nursing that you have graduated. Doing an online search for your BON, it appears they have the same requirement.

The only way you can be sure is to call your BON and ask.

Hope this helps,

-Dennis

TXNurse77 · Nov 14, 2011

A sure way to know is ask yourself, "Why after going to an LPN technical college for 18 months would I be able to just study from a book to get my RN which is more advanced?" and there's your answer.

For me to bridge in TX from LVN to RN I had to have 8 prerequisite classes, sit for a skills refresher course and a class for transitioning from LVN to RN before starting the RN program and that was this year, not a long time ago.

Cuddleswithpuddles · Nov 14, 2011

The answer will always be with your state's board of registered nursing but I doubt a state allow such an arrangement.

RN programs have to provide their students a specific number of lecture and clinical hours. RN students learn skills that are outside a LPN's scope of practice too. How can a student operating outside a formal school fulfill all of these requirements?

Also, what turns you off about big colleges?

JDougRN, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2011

Your friend is "partly" correct. Having your LPN allows you to enroll in a program like Excelsior College. This college has several nursing tests that the student must study for on their own. The student ALSO has to fufill the basic college credits required for an associates degree- ie. Microbiology, Anatomy/physiology, Englishes, Mathmatics, and Humanaties. Once you get all of the general education reqs done, take and pass most of the Nursing tests, then you have to apply to take a 3 day MONSTER clinical test in lieu of regular types of clinicals. This exam (CPE) is based on the assumption that the LPN or Paramedic has extensive clinical experience. It is a great program, but very difficult- I wouldn't recommend it to a new LPN. If getting your RN is something you really want, I would encourage you to actually speak with an admissions officer for your local college. There are many different options now, inclding online core corses, that you could consider instead of a traditional class. Good luck.

agldragonRN · Nov 16, 2011

i am going to school to become an lpn. a friend of mine said that when you get your lpn you can just take the nclex for rn without any additional schooling, but you will have to study from a book. does anyone know if this is true? i live in a small town in pa and would love to eventually get my rn but i am absolutely not a college/dorm person, hence why i am going to a technical institute for nursing for 18 months. i am top in my senior class but just cannot see myself going to a big college. can anyone give me tips or personal experiences! thanks so much!!
:heartbeatjacey

it is not true. you have to graduate from an rn school in order to take the nclex-rn.

there are lpn-rn bridge programs and when you finished this program, you will be eligible to take the nclex-rn.

both lpn and rn schools are hard so get ready!

good luck with lpn school.

studentmom77 · Nov 16, 2011

Everyone above is correct, you must complete an RN program to sit for the RN NCLEX. I did my LPN last year and bridged right into an RN program since I had already completed my prereqs, and I will graduate in May 2012. If you want your RN you should do it as soon as possible before you start forgetting stuff. IMO there is no new information in the 2nd year of the RN program that I didn't learn last year. (I bet the top 25% of any LPN class could sit for the RN NCLEX and pass) There is however a TON more care plans, papers, and overall time commitment. Be prepared.

heathert_kc · Nov 18, 2011

Think everyone above is spot on, if you did not need more education than there would not be any difference between LPN and RN. I always recommend that you not limit yourself by saying you can't do something (like go to a large university), but if you feel that is not for you, check out the closest community colleges. They are usually your cheapest option, you do have to have some general education classes done, but you can get your RN as soon as you complete a lpn-rn bridge course. I was an LPN about 2 years when I got into a bridge program, I just started at the beginning of the year and am all set to finish up in december. Check with your board of nursing education division to see what programs are out there.

AZMOMO2 · Nov 29, 2011

BTW.. you don't have to go to a big college and live in a dorm to get your RN. They offer the RN at most community colleges. 2 Year Degrees... I assume you are still in highschool, so take a look at that level, you may even want to bypass the LPN and go straight to RN, and can still l not have to go to a big college or live in a dorm :-)