4 year BSN program: When can I take the NCLEX?

I am doing a four year BSN program because I eventually want to go to the graduate level to become a nurse practitioner. However, I'm confused as to when I can take the RN exam. Am I able to take the exam while still in the program and begin working as an RN while I complete my BSN? Or do I have to wait four years until I've completed the program?

If the later is the case, are there any alternatives that I can take in order to begin working and gaining nurse experience while completing my degree?

like everyone said, depends on the state. I live in MA, and in my school we have to complete our degree, and receive a stamped paper from our school, that we then send to the state board to begin the application process. There is absolutely no working as an RN until you have your license in this state. I know some places allow you to work as a new grad, with just your degree and not your license, but it really varies.

Thank you so much for the replies. Greatly appreciated.

So then was I better off doing a two year program first, getting my RN license, and then doing my BSN? I was very undecided between this and now I'm starting to think I should have done the two year RN program first. But I feared that working as an RN would make it take longer in getting my BSN. I don't want it to take years for me to achieve my BSN because my ultimate goal is a NP. Any thoughts on this?

Again, are there any alternatives? I know I can work as a nurse's tech until I graduate but I'm not sure how much real "nursing" experience I'll get out of that. Also, do the requirements stand the same for the LPN exam as well?

Does the four years include pre reqs? I am starting my BSN program this fall, but it will only be 5 semesters before I'm finished. Not much longer than if I'd done the two year ASN instead.

Oh, and working as a tech is very good! You will get a lot of hands on experience in many aspects of nursing, plus you get to watch the other nurses do things you will be doing!

No, it doesn't include pre-reqs. It's an 8 semester program and we start nursing courses freshman year. Clinicals begin sophomore year. It's a full 4 year nursing program.

Is working as a tech the same work/experience as a nursing intern? Would being a tech benefit me at all in terms of getting a job once I get my RN license?

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is nurse tech considered "nursing experience" and will it be look upon positively when I apply for graduate/NP programs?

Also, how soon into nursing school can I actually begin working as a tech? Are there a certain amount of courses/credits that need to be completed or can I just begin at any time?

Ok, I will look into that and ask around. Thank you so much!

Thank you so much for the replies. Greatly appreciated.

So then was I better off doing a two year program first, getting my RN license, and then doing my BSN? I was very undecided between this and now I'm starting to think I should have done the two year RN program first. But I feared that working as an RN would make it take longer in getting my BSN. I don't want it to take years for me to achieve my BSN because my ultimate goal is a NP. Any thoughts on this?

Again, are there any alternatives? I know I can work as a nurse's tech until I graduate but I'm not sure how much real "nursing" experience I'll get out of that. Also, do the requirements stand the same for the LPN exam as well?

Many people have done ADN first, then worked as an RN while earning a BSN. That is not what I did, but I think that route makes a lot of sense and I kind of wish I would have done it that way. You might get tuition reimbursement from your employer, and also the theory and leadership components of the BSN would make more sense in context. After reading more about Florence Nightingale and her philosophy of continuing education, I believe this even more strongly.

Some also do the LPN to ADN route.