LVN 30 Unit Option?

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  1. would you do the 30 unit opt?

    • 0
      No 30 unit opt
    • 0
      after a 10 year wait, i'd consider the 30 unit opt
    • 1
      yes, 30 unit opt
    • 0
      BSN/MSN or nothing
    • 1
      if they had a 30 unit opt in my state i'd do it

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i truly need some insight on this. so as nurses we take prerequisites "for the actual class we do need". after that we're placed on a wait list......lets not get into the discouraging time frame of these wait list, life changing events that DO occur while on these entry list, the re-apply process to get back on these list-they change the requirements on us or that our courses expire :(. my co-worker miss the teas by ONE point. she has to wait till next year to apply. she has more then enough courses, i suggested the 30 opt. she freaked out. how bad is it? the treatment nurse said if she did that no matter how far in her nursing education it would remain on her license. its late, the board is closed does anyone know if that's true? how bad is the 30 unit opt though? this is what state board has listed on site about it. thank you.

LVN 30 Unit OptionDesigned as a career ladder for California Licensed Vocational Nurses wishing to become registered nurses. Takes approximately 18-24 months. No degree is granted upon completion. Most other states do not recognize California's LVN 30 Unit Option and will not issue RN licenses to these LVNs. Some LVNs prefer to complete an ADN program in order to obtain a degree and to have the flexibility to get an RN license in other states. Most ADN programs will give LVNs credit for some of the coursework they completed to become an LVN.

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There are a bunch of existing threads here about the 30 unit option, which is unique to California. You can find them with the "search" button in the upper right corner of the page. Yes, the 30 unit option designation will remain on your license for the rest of your career, regardless of whatever further nursing education you may complete in the future (because that's the program you completed for initial licensure, and nothing changes that). No other state recognizes the California 30 unit option, and people licensed via that route are unable to endorse their license into any other US state.

It's fairly common for people to post here that it's okay with them that they wouldn't be able to get licensed in other states because they know they'll never want to live in any other state. I always respond that I'm currently living in the third state that I never thought I'd live or practice in -- until the day when that was what made the most sense for my life and career. You never know what the future will bring. It would be a shame to not have the flexibility to move among states and continue your career because of licensure issues.

I wouldn't do it.

Best wishes for your journey!

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As long as you never leave the state of CA, you're good to go, but who can ever guarantee that eventuality? Better to attend a school out of state, even get a license in said state, then endorse that license to CA, or just apply outright for a CA license based on graduation from an out of state school. That way one never has to worry about the future of that "watered down" CA 30 unit option license.

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