RN 30 unit options

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 8, 2014

My understanding is that all, or nearly all, schools that provide RN education must also provide the 30-unit option for LVNs. How often they offer that program is probably up to the school, but they're supposed to offer one. Here's the thing about being a 30-unit option RN: when you're done with the program, you're NOT a graduate because you won't be awarded a degree. Even if you attended a school with multiple accreditations, you will not be able to state on your applications that you graduated from an accredited program. It is possible that other states may not accept your license as a 30-unit option nurse.

I do know that the school I graduated from has an LVN to RN "Career Mobility" program that does result in a degree being awarded and you do graduate from the program. Their program is basically that you complete all of their prerequisite coursework for the traditional program as well as all other coursework to graduate from the college. You then go through a transition course and enter the 3rd Semester and upon successful completion of 3rd and 4th Semesters, you graduate from the program and the degree awarded is the same as the traditional student degree.

I attended Sacramento City College and I believe that American River College also offers this type of program. Both colleges are in the Los Rios Community College District and are in the Sacramento area. Their application period for this type of program is in the Spring. The Universities that offer the 30-unit option program will NOT award you a BSN for completing that program. To get a BSN, you must attend their traditional program. I highly suggest that you contact colleges that offer RN education and ask them if they offer an LVN to RN upgrade program that results in getting a degree instead of doing just a 30-unit option program that does not result in a degree.

ae1021 · Sep 8, 2014

Thank you akulahawkRn for your insight and helpful information, i really appreciate it

ShondaJ · Sep 8, 2014

I agree with akulahawkRN

Please Don't Do It!

I would not want to do a 30 Unit option. Unless you are not planning to use it to further your education and you won't mind having the statement "30 Unit Option" on your license. It will be hard to get a degree or something higher because your license will show you opted for the 30 Unit Option. You can not use it towards a degree because you are just 30 Units to get the license.

I learned about that option from my God mother who is a Dean of Nursing. Her school offers it here in So Cal but she said she will not recommend it to any LVN because today hospitals and medical employers want BSN grads or higher and having the 30 Unit option will prevent you getting a degree with a 30 Unit Option License. Again Your License will show you are a 30 Unit Option RN, you are not a graduate of a degree program. You will just hold a 30 Unit Option License. Not accepted by some employers who are looking for Degree holding graduates. You may get some like a clinic or nursing home type position.

I would never recommend it. I am going to just do BSN.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 9, 2014

Small point of clarification... getting a 30-unit option license doesn't prevent you from getting a degree. You can certainly go get a BSN from many different sources. Here's the problem: once you have a 30-unit option as your initial route to licensing, your license will always be noted as such. You can't get rid of it... even if you went back through and completed an initial "traditional" program because your 30-unit option was how you got initially licensed.

A "Career Mobility" program may also be 30 units, but they're set up to award a degree when you finish the program. With those programs you'll have exactly the same entry requirements as a traditional student. They'll put you through a transition program and passing that will "earn" you credit for your LVN license to be used toward your RN program.

If at all possible, always choose an initial license course/path that results in a degree being awarded. Although it will "just" be an ADN, you want the degree. If you do that, you'll always be able to state you graduated from an accredited program.

ShondaJ · Sep 9, 2014

That is true. I agree. It just wont change the 30 Unit Option statement on your license. True.

Thank you for clarifying. Was typing fast getting ready for class.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2014

Furthermore, RN licensure that was obtained via the 30-unit method is only valid in California and usually will not be accepted by other state boards of nursing if you ever wished to obtained RN licensing in another state by endorsement.

Other states require graduation from an accredited school of nursing as a stipulation for RN licensure. As a nongraduate, this might be problematic. Many people have said they'll work in CA forever and this issue won't be a concern, but no one really knows what the future shall hold.

ae1021 · Sep 11, 2014

Thanks ladies for the tips, I am at the point where sometimes i get eager to hurry up and start and program to get my RN quicker, even if it means a 30 unit option. But after reading your post Im going to reconsider. Thank you.

caliotter3 · Sep 11, 2014

And getting the 30 unit option education may not be as easy as it is made to appear. At my school the option was written up with all the caveats, so it was "available". But in reality only "available" on the paperwork. They were very clear about stating in writing and verbally, that 30 unit option students were accommodated on a 'space available' basis only. And guess what space was never available!

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 11, 2014

Thanks ladies for the tips, I am at the point where sometimes i get eager to hurry up and start and program to get my RN quicker, even if it means a 30 unit option. But after reading your post Im going to reconsider. Thank you.

As far as I'm concerned, you're welcome. As I said above, there are programs that are fast and similar to a 30 unit option, but you really do want to earn a degree. It will save you much aggravation later. Preserve your options.

ShondaJ · Sep 11, 2014

I agree with the ladies. Don't do it. It limits you and your license will always be plagued with that 30 Unit Option on it. Plus your ability to move up and progress in your career will not be great.

A degree is your best way to go. Trust Me. You will need the degree. Most healthcare agencies are seeking BSN higher. You can get away with ADN as a starter but companies are having the ADN graduates go back and get their BSN. I have nurse in my family and friend circle and those I have met are being required to get BSNs now.

ShondaJ · Sep 11, 2014

I was looking at Samuel Merritt University. I am originally from Northern Cal but currently living in So Cal. If I had moved back I would go to Samuel Merritt Univeristy. If you have a bachelor degree in anything plus the science classes, they have a 12 month program where you can get your BSN. It is a full time program.