LPN wants to challenge NCLEX

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Hi I have been an lpn for over 20 years with lots of nursing experience in different types of nursing .do you know if state of PA allows a challenge exam for the NCLEX? and if so how would I proceed

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6 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Even with extensive LPN experience like yours,  Pennsylvania (PA) does not offer a challenge exam for the NCLEX.

To be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN in Pennsylvania (PA), you must graduate from an accredited nursing program, either:

  • an LPN-to-RN bridge program  or
  • a regular RN program.

I know this might be disappointing, but I encourage you to look into a transition program. An LPN-to-RN bridge program usually takes 12 months to 2 years, depending on the program.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Correction:   PA requires GRADUATION from an RN program to obtain RN license.

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

NRSKarenRN is correct, and some employers allow nursing students who have passed first semester to work as CNAs.

In California, the law states that skilled nursing facilities must hire Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). However, acute care hospitals, such as general hospitals, ICU, and emergency rooms, are not legally required to hire CNAs.

Pennsylvania, Missouri, Hawaii, Georgia, and Florida... these are the only states that allow board challenges... HOWEVER the school you attended must be willing to vouch for you. That's the catch. The school you attended must send transcripts and you must have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA. Just as a 2nd semester LPN student with no prior healthcare experience can become a CNA without attending a certified program as long as they passed "foundations of nursing" with an "B" or higher. The best way to find out for sure is to call the board! They will help you to navigate! 

Sigh... I challenged the board for a CNA license because I was told "you can't do that”… I was even told that by the company that registers you for the exam... I called the board. It took time BUT I was able to register. Today I did the same, and guess what... I was told that I in fact could sit. As I was told by the board, yes it is possible, not easy but very possible!! 

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

CNA license only available in a few states with different requirements than an RN license.  

Nursing school students often can take CNA/Home Health Aide exam and practice at CNA level prior to graduation from a nursing program. 

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