Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

RN 30 unit option

Hello,

I am currently an LVN in California and have been planning to go back to get my RN. I have been curious about the RN 30 unit option. I understand that you would only be able to use your license in California and it would be on your license online but from what I understand is you can still get your AA or bachelors. So why is it so bad? Also I am curious if anyone has taken this course towards their RN and if they had regretted it or if they are working already with the 30 unit.

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    • Experts

    It is bad when you decide to move to another state and attempt to obtain a nursing license there and your application is rejected because you did not graduate from a nursing program. Once you obtain a 30 unit nursing license you can’t go back and change that fact with a degree.

  • Quote

    do you find work after rn 30 unit option. just curious

  • Quote
    • Author

    I am actually not an RN 30 unit, I am still an LVN. I was just looking into the options that the colleges offered and asked if anyone had ever done the RN 30 unit and if they are working but it sounds like no one has lol.

  • Quote

    yeah! well i am back in school again taking prerequisite for lvn to rn program. There are whole bunch of private colleges in the Sf bay area that offers adn programs. i think we need to have the prerequisite first before start applying to schools. Good luck

  • Quote

    I'm not doing this program but I find it interesting. If you were to do this 30 unit option, do you take the same NCLEX? Could you enroll in a traditional BSN program or a traditional ADN program as a nurse?

    I'm looking at schools and bridge programs are 1 year for the traditional lvn to RN. The 30 unit is also one year. Am I missing something?

  • Quote
    • Experts

    The NCLEX is the NCLEX. Same exam for all kinds of applicants. Have not heard of any BSN or ASN program that would not accept a 30 unit RN, however, remember that this individual is NOT a graduate of a nursing school. Schools/programs deny entry to these nurses based on that fact. I believe all states refuse to license these people so they are forced to apply for a CA license and states refuse to accept said license in reciprocity. You are biting off one situation for yourself should you choose to license in this manner.

  • Quote

    Yeah it doesn't sound very smart unless you have no other option.

  • Quote

    I am a 30 unit RN, I have licenses in FL, AL, OR, AZ, CA, WA, IL and NY.  I have never had issues transferring my license.  My specialties are mainly ER and ICU (PICU/NICU).  Once you pass your NCLEX, you will have an RN license like any other RN.  I am currently the clinical nurse manager and educator of a PICU and NICU in Seattle, WA.  Don´t let these misleading posts put you against the 30 unit option if you are an LVN/LPN seeking RN licensure.  

  • Quote
    19 hours ago, nursedt said:

    I am a 30 unit RN, I have licenses in FL, AL, OR, AZ, CA, WA, IL and NY.  I have never had issues transferring my license. 

    I am so curious. In what state did you take NCLEX? I thought every state required graduation from an approved RN program in order to sit for the NCLEX? Please fill me in.

  • Quote

    I was originally licensed in California; that is where I took the NCLEX as I attended a 30 unit option and was living at the time.  When I later applied for other states, I simply applied for reciprocity in the other states as I had already passed the NCLEX.  Was not a big deal like everyone seems to make it...

  • Quote

    According to the BRN...

    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.

    https://www.RN.ca.gov/careers/steps.shtml

  • Quote

    Once I took the NCLEX-RN, I was licensed as an RN, not an LVN anymore.  Once I had RN licensure, I simply transferred my license.  A lot of what is posted is to scare you.  Schools want to make money- they don’t want you to get an inexpensive way out.  Call any board of nursing and say “I have an active, unencumbered RN license in California, can I transfer my license to your state?”  The answer is always “yes.”  Don’t believe everything you read..... 

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.