Newly Grad LPN From Philippines

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Sep 16, 2011

I didn't think the Philippine government recognized LPN's/LPN training therefore there is no such license as an LPN in the Philippines. Since the Philippine government doesn't recognize the education, the education may not be considered "equivalent" in the US. LPN is not a position that qualifies for a work visa in the US so an alternative visa would be necessary (apparently you know that since you state that you will petition her)

An Internationally educated practical nurse is not eligible for licensure as a LVN in CA as it is not listed as an acceptable education option per the CA BVNPT: http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/summary_vn.shtml (which I think may be the case in most states)

I'm sorry. It doesn't seem a practical nursing education from overseas qualifies one for license as a LVN or LPN in the US. You can also check in the international nursing forums here on All Nurses. https://allnurses.com/international-nursing/ but I suspect the answer will be the same.

curve · Sep 16, 2011

2011 info...https://www.ncsbn.org/2011_PN_TestPlan.pdf

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Sep 17, 2011

That is just the structure of the NCLEX-PN examination. The document you posted details the cognitive and educational requirements assessed during the computer based assessment. It also discusses the breakdown of the types of questions/knowledge assessed in the exam that have been determined to meet the minimum standards to practice as an entry level LPN/LVN in the United States. It has nothing to do with eligibility for licensing as an LPN/LVN with the state board of nursing.

Your question was how your wife could gain eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN in California. You don't apply for the NCLEX, you apply for a license. Eligibility is determined by the individual state boards of nursing.

In California for licensure as an LVN by examination, requirements include:

Graduate of a California Accredited School of Vocational Nursing.
Successful completion of a California Accredited Vocational Nursing Program. Contact your program director for application forms and instructions.
Graduate of an Out-Of-State School of Practical/Vocational Nursing.
The school of practical/vocational nursing from which you graduated must have been accredited by the Board of Nursing in the State in which it is located.

(as detailed in the link above) There is not an option for someone who obtained their practical nursing education outside the United States or it's territories. The other two options for eligibility as a LVN are 51 months of work in a board approved acute care facility in California plus classroom education or documented 12 months of nursing/medical corps work in the US Military with an honorable discharge.

The licensing agency for LVN's in California can be found here: http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov

agldragonRN · Sep 20, 2011

search this site thoroughly because if i remembered correctly, i've read here a long time ago that someone was able to take the nclex-pn with lpn education in the philippines. since you will be sponsoring her, there would be no visa problems.

agldragonRN · Sep 20, 2011

try this:

https://allnurses.com/philippine-nursing-forum/pn-in-philippines-191760.html

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Sep 20, 2011

There may be other states that recognize an international practical nurse education, but it seems at this time CA does not (the thread above is from 2006).

However, some states require license in country of residence/education prior to issuing a license in the state (in other words require a PN license in Philippines in order to be eligible to sit for NCLEX-PN & be licensed in that state).

Other states the requirements are a practical nursing education (as opposed to a registered/professional nursing education) to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN/gain a LPN license. So that may be an option, gain a LPN license in another state and endorse to California.

You could always email the BVNPT in CA to query about your wife's particular circumstance.