Hi everyone. I am an LVN currently working in a convalescent hospital. 15 years ago I was 2 weeks from graduating from my RN program when a prolonged family illness forced me to drop out. I have heard there is a law that says if you came that close to completing an RN program, you may be able to challenge the boards. Does anyone know anything about this or if there is a time limit on it? If not, can anyone refer me to the appropriate place to find out any answers? Thanks you.

The BRN would be the best place to ask, but don't be surprised if they tell you that you have to go back to school. 15 years is a long time and a lot of things have changed since then. New grads now are not being tested on the same things I was tested on 18 years ago.

Hi everyone. I am an LVN currently working in a convalescent hospital. 15 years ago I was 2 weeks from graduating from my RN program when a prolonged family illness forced me to drop out. I have heard there is a law that says if you came that close to completing an RN program, you may be able to challenge the boards. Does anyone know anything about this or if there is a time limit on it? If not, can anyone refer me to the appropriate place to find out any answers? Thanks you.

Sorry, but there is no law. If you did not complete the full program, then you do not meet the educational requirements to be able to sit for the RN Boards. Even one day shy of graduating, if the school does not give you transcripts that state that you completed the program, then you cannot.

Thank you for your reply Suzannne. Since it's been more than 7 years, is there any way around having to take all the prequisites again and go to RN school directly?

Most all nursing programs in california have a maximum 5 year limit on all science courses: biology, anatomy & physiology, microbiology, chemistry - meaning: if your credits are older than 5 years they will not accept them; so I would imagine you will have to repeat them...