RN Certificate Program???Please Help Me!

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I am currently a California LVN who is considering going back to school for RN. My school offers a Certificate program which I feel would be best for me at this time instead of ADN. My question is, which states if any will accept my license if I only have a certificate? The counselor at school says that I will be able to work in Ca, but not in ALL US States. Problem is she doesn't know which ones. Can anybody give me this information? I will most likely be moving out of California within the next 5yrs. I can't find any information about this subject on ANY state nursing boards!:(

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Specializes in behavioral health.

I thought all of the states accepted diploma RNs?

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Specializes in ICU/trauma/med-surg.

I have never heard of a certificate RN...I live in CA, which I have heard is the hardest state for the boards. I've been in nursing 32 years...there used to be the 3 year RN (diploma RN?), but there hasn't been a program like that in years from what I've heard...I suggest you go through a "fast track" program.

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Specializes in Med/Surgical; Critical Care; Geriatric.

Hello Nevada,

I'm a diploma RN but I have to be honest with you, I've never heard of a certificate program. It's been a challenge for me to continue my education with a diploma because I'm missing many of the liberal arts (gen ed) classes. I would suggest to get your ADN so you can easily get your BSN.

Rhonda

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Hi!

I'm from CT and am contemplating going to an accelerated certificate program here. From my understanding, as long as you pass the NCLEX you are are certified to work in any state in the US. My only concern is if you ultimately want to pursue APRN, you need a BSN.

All the best!

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

hi i wish you luck in your schooling... RN isn't a certificate program... RN is a degree program... LPN is a certificate ...

yes if you want your APN you need to get into a BSN program..

keep us posted on how you are doing.. we can always use more nurses

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Specializes in geriatrics,clinics.

L.P.N. certificate? We are licensed in Pa. I know C.N.A.'s have certificates, Is it different in every state? Also; does anyone know the best online college for L.P.N.to R.N.? I have 23 credits so far, but would like to continue online. Any feedback will be appriciated.

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.
L.P.N. certificate? We are licensed in Pa. I know C.N.A.'s have certificates, Is it different in every state? Also; does anyone know the best online college for L.P.N.to R.N.? I have 23 credits so far, but would like to continue online. Any feedback will be appriciated.

when i graduated from LPN school 23 years ago .. instead of a diploma you recieve a certificate , when you take boards you are licensed... LPN ...

CNA's are a certificate and stay with a certificate...

i'm sorry i hope that clears things up

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
i am currently a california lvn who is considering going back to school for rn. my school offers a certificate program which i feel would be best for me at this time instead of adn. my question is, which states if any will accept my license if i only have a certificate? the counselor at school says that i will be able to work in ca, but not in all us states. problem is she doesn't know which ones. can anybody give me this information? i will most likely be moving out of california within the next 5yrs. i can't find any information about this subject on any state nursing boards!:(

are you referring to the 30 unit option for lvns in california? see the following website:

http://www.rn.ca.gov/careers/steps.shtml#step2

lvn 30 unit option - designed 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.

if this is what you are researching, please be aware that other states are unlikely to recognize your rn education.

good luck!

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I am getting my RN certificate in CA. If I want to get my BSN I have to take 5-6 classes at a four year university. I don't know which if any syates besides CA recognize the CA RN certificate, but it isn't much more schooling to get the degree, which I believe is accepted everywhere. I already have my AS in General Ed and I am taking the nursing program at a community college. Hope this helps.

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An RN certificate program enables you to take the NCLEX for your RN boards, however, whatever state you take those boards in is the only state you are allowed to practice in. I am not sure how an RN certificate works as far as how successful you will be at getting a job. I would suggest a LVN bridge to RN program. They would be the same amount of time, just about one year. If you plan on just obtaining your RN license and do not want to move or move up in the nursing field then it would be a good plan. But, you cannot reach a BSN from an RN certificate.

Best of luck :)

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