I went to a school in Iowa that required us to take our LPN boards after the first year. It was actually a new policy with our incoming class they didn't always do it that way. A lot of us complained about having to do it, but now after graduating with my RN degree I am thankful I did it because I have failed my RN NCLEX so I have something to fall back on until I get my RN boards passed. There were a lot of people who worked as an LPN in my class, also there were students who didn't pass the semester so they had their LPN license to fall back on as well. Also someone stated needing 1-2yrs exp. for home health and I have ran into that problem while looking for jobs the home health require the exp. Good luck with whatever you decide.