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State Board Regulations
Most states have moved away from allowing students to challenge the LPN exam without finishing a specific practical nursing program. The rules changed because RN and LPN curricula are structured differently, even if the clinical hours overlap. You should check the specific requirements through your State Nursing Boards to see if your state is one of the few exceptions left.
California and Virginia used to be the primary states that allowed this based on equivalent education, but even there, the paperwork is extensive. You usually have to prove you've completed a specific number of clinical hours and theory hours in fundamentals, pharmacology, and pediatrics. If your school is telling you to take the LPN course, it's likely because your current RN credits don't automatically satisfy the state's LPN licensing requirements.
It's incredibly frustrating to be that close to the finish line and hit a wall over a few points. If you can't find a way to challenge the exam, look into whether another local program will accept your transfer credits so you aren't starting from scratch. Some schools have bridge programs specifically designed for students in your exact situation.

The short answer is usually no. You can't typically get OPT (Optional Practical Training) for a license you earn in the middle of a degree program. OPT is tied to completing a specific level of study, like your Associate's or Bachelor's degree. Since you haven't graduated from the program your I-20 is issued for, you aren't eligible for post-completion OPT yet.
You might be thinking of CPT (Curricular Practical Training), but that has strict rules. CPT usually requires the work to be a mandatory part of your school's curriculum for credit. Working as an LPN just for extra experience or money doesn't often qualify. If you use OPT now for a lower level of certification, it could also eat into the time you have available to work as an RN later.
Steps to take next
Talk to your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately. They are the only ones who can verify how your specific visa status interacts with employment. Check with your Boards of Nursing to see if they have specific residency or social security requirements for LPN licensure that might affect international students. Ask your nursing department if they offer any work-study positions that don't require an OPT application. Rules for international students are rigid. If you work off-campus without the proper authorization on your I-20, you risk losing your visa entirely. Focus on finishing the RN program first to keep your future options clear.

The Evolution of Professional Appearance Standards
Professional appearance standards in healthcare have shifted significantly over the last decade. While historical standards often required all tattoos to be covered and piercings to be limited to simple earlobes, modern facility policies are increasingly inclusive of body art and diverse piercings.
Whether a nurse can display tattoos or piercings depends entirely on the specific policy of the employer or the nursing program. Most healthcare organizations now allow visible tattoos as long as the imagery is not offensive, profane, or graphic. However, some private or religious institutions may still require tattoos to be covered by long sleeves, scrub jackets, or specialized adhesive patches.
Regarding piercings, many facilities permit small nostril studs and multiple ear piercings, including industrials or cartilage. The primary concern for administrators is often safety and infection control rather than aesthetics. For example, hoops or dangling jewelry may be restricted in departments like behavioral health or pediatrics where they could be pulled or caught during patient care.
Key Considerations for Nurses
Policy Review: Always request the employee handbook or dress code policy during the hiring process to understand specific limitations. Clinical Rotations: Nursing schools often maintain stricter standards than hospitals. Students may be required to cover all body art while representing their institution. Placement: Tattoos on the face, neck, or hands are sometimes subject to more scrutiny than those on the arms or legs. If there is concern about how body art might affect career advancement or earnings, researching Nursing Salaries: Specialty Pay can provide insight into different regions and roles where standards may vary. Ultimately, clinical competency and patient safety remain the priority over physical appearance in the modern workforce.
Does your specific nursing program or place of employment have a written dress code policy available for you to review?