Licensure and Work Question

ArtClassRN, ADN, RN · Dec 23, 2013

This is a silly question but is it at all possible to take your NCLEX exam prior to graduation? ....And is it at all possible to start working or training sooner? (say if you got a job offer prior to graduation and the NCLEX, can you immediately start orientation/training?)

If your school gives you an Authorization To Test prior to graduation, you can certainly take the test early. (A school would have to be run out of someone's garage to even try this.)

As far as working or training sooner - YES!! Get a job in healthcare providing direct care to patients. Fantastic training for prospective nurses.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Dec 23, 2013

The school does not issue authorization to test the board of nursing does. Graduation of an approved nursing school is one criteria.

You can apply before graduation. Some states issue GN/GPN (graduate nurse) temporary practice permits (PA and TX are 2 such states) but not until school submits verification of graduation and you can work as a GN under supervision of a licensed RN while waiting to take the NCLEX and license to be issued (GN permit expires if you fail the NCLEX, 6 months post graduation or issued a permanent license whichever comes first)

Dranger · Dec 23, 2013

It would be kind of a waste of time and money for an employer considering that without your license you can't pass meds or do anything on your own...Why the rush?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2013

The Board of Nursing will want your transcript, which your registrar will not issue until your final grades are in and all your fees paid.

You can schedule it for the day after graduation if you want to, though.

RN9742 · Dec 24, 2013

Do you mean before graduation, or before completion of all of the required courses?! I only ask because I don't see how you would be allowed to sit for boards if you have not even completed your required coursework, what would be the point in completing it if you were allowed to sit for the board exam before you did? However completion of all coursework, and walking in a graduation ceremony are totally different, actually going through the graduation ceremony is not typically required to be deemed a graduate. I know some schools have really late graduation ceremonies, or sometimes only do them in the spring even if you finish in the winter. In this case I would imagine if all the required coursework is completed, and your school submits the information tot h board, you would be able to sit for the nclex prior to the actual ceremony as long as you received your authorization to test.

kimmie24 · Dec 24, 2013

Thank you all for your responses! :)