Take LPN board halfway through nursing school?

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A classmate of mine (we're in an ASN nursing school program) said that to make more money he was going to take the LPN boards, hopefully become an LPN and then work throughout the school year as an LPN instead of what he does now (he's not specific, but I suspect he does transport).

By this summer we will have completed one year of nursing school, and I was wondering if he understands the process correctly? Can we really take the LPN boards in the middle of nursing school? I'm not just interested in the salary (which is comparable to what I'm currently making) but his hospital does educational reimbursement (which is one of the major reasons he is going to school) and I feel my resume would be better off after I become a rookie RN if I had *some* work experience as an LPN.

The courses we will have completed are Nursing Essentials and Medical Surgical Nursing. We are in NJ.

Forgive me, I tried to figure this out myself but it looks like my Google-Fu is weak today.

Thanks in advance,

Ramon

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I honestly dont see how that would work out. Might be a good idea to give your State BON a call and ask on that.

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The local ADN program here lets you sit for your LPN boards after the first 2 semesters. After that it is your choice if you want to continue with your RN or stop after you've earned your LPN.

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First of all this must be acceptable in your state. Contact your board. Once you have found out the Board allows this, approach your school. Not all schools sign off on the application paperwork for their students.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

It's up to your program director as to whether they'll sign off for you to take the PN boards. Your state BON may allow it, but ultimately, it's up to your program director since they are required to sign the paperwork.

The program I graduated from used to allow students to take the PN boards after three semesters, but they were finding that those who took the boards, passed, and became employed as LPNs became extremely overwhelmed (with a majority ending up failing and having to repeat semesters) with trying to adjust to working as a LPN and still continuing on in the program.

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Specializes in Psych,Peds,MedSurg,Tele,OB,Subacute.

It is definately possible. I live in Utah and that is an option here after your 2nd semester of the ADN program. Actually you take a bridge class which prepares you for the LVN/LPN boards. Now I dont know your state specifics but it is done. I would contact your nursing program advisor or BON. Good luck to you :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I may be wrong, but my guess is no in NJ. NY used to allow it, but no longer does.

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we had to have psych and L&D...couldn't sit for LPN until AFTER 3rd semester. depends on BON & program

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which state are you located?

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