Can I Take the LPN Exam While in Nursing School?

If you’re a nursing student wondering whether you can take the LPN exam while in nursing school, the answer is—it depends. Eligibility to sit for the LPN exam varies by state and nursing program.

While some states allow students enrolled in RN programs to take the LPN exam before completing their degree, others have strict requirements about when and how you can sit for the test.

This article breaks down everything you need to know to decide if taking the LPN exam during nursing school is the right choice for you.

An Overview of the LPN Exam

The LPN exam is a key step in becoming a licensed practical nurse. Known as the NCLEX-PN, this exam is designed to test entry-level nursing competence. The LPN exam assesses a wide range of skills, from patient care to pharmacology, ensuring that licensed practical nurses are prepared to handle basic nursing duties in a variety of healthcare settings.

Nursing Test Bank

Subscribe For Premium Questions And Answers

What Is NCLEX-PN?

The NCLEX-PN is the licensing exam for practical nurses, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). This exam tests the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the safe and effective practice of nursing at an entry level.

It’s the final step for students who have completed an accredited LPN program and wish to begin working as a licensed practical nurse.

Typical Eligibility Requirements

Before sitting for the LPN exam, you must meet several eligibility requirements, which ensure that you’re adequately prepared to become a licensed practical nurse. These requirements are typically set by both the nursing programs you are enrolled in and your state’s Board of Nursing.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common eligibility criteria:

Complete Required Coursework

To sit for the LPN exam, you must have completed specific nursing courses. These courses typically cover foundational nursing concepts such as:

Basic nursing skills: Including patient care, hygiene, and daily activities.
Anatomy and physiology: Understanding the human body and its functions is crucial for diagnosing and treating patients.
Pharmacology: Knowing how different medications affect the body and how to safely administer them.

In addition to theoretical coursework, nursing programs often include clinical hours—hands-on learning where you gain real-world experience under the supervision of licensed professionals.

These clinical hours are just as important as your classroom instruction, as they help you apply what you’ve learned in a controlled setting.

>>>Check out Hesi Patho Pharmacology<<<

Gain Sufficient Clinical Experience

While classroom work provides the theoretical foundation, clinical experience is where you develop practical nursing skills. Many nursing programs require you to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours before you’re eligible for the LPN exam.

These hours are spent in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics, where you’ll be working directly with patients. The purpose of these clinical hours is to ensure that you:

Can perform essential nursing skills like taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing basic care.
Gain experience in different areas of patient care, including emergency, maternity, or geriatric nursing.
Learn to interact with patients and work as part of a healthcare team.

The required clinical hours vary by program and state, but they typically range from 500 to 1,000 hours. Make sure to check with your nursing program to find out how many clinical hours are required to sit for the LPN exam.

Meet State Requirements

Eligibility for the LPN exam can vary significantly from state to state. Each state’s Board of Nursing sets its own regulations, which may include additional coursework or clinical hours that you must complete to qualify.

Some states may also have specific requirements for the types of clinical settings in which you gain experience.

For example:

In California, you might need to complete specific clinical hours in certain areas like pediatrics or psychiatric nursing.
In New York, you may need to pass additional state exams or meet extra requirements related to your nursing program’s accreditation.

It’s essential to research the Board of Nursing requirements for your specific state before applying for the LPN exam. State rules can change, so keeping up-to-date is critical. This is also a good time to reach out to your school’s academic advisor for guidance on meeting these state-specific requirements.

By meeting these three eligibility criteria, completing the required coursework, gaining sufficient clinical experience, and meeting state requirements, you’ll be on track to take the LPN exam and begin your journey as a licensed practical nurse.

State-Specific Regulations

While the general eligibility for the LPN exam includes completing nursing coursework and clinical hours, each state’s Board of Nursing establishes its own specific requirements for sitting for the exam. These state-specific regulations can vary widely, affecting when and how a student can sit for the exam.

In some states, additional criteria such as completing specific classes or obtaining a particular number of supervised clinical hours are required before you can apply. Because of these differences, it’s important to fully understand the regulations in your state to avoid any surprises during your exam preparation process.

Examples of State Policies

Each state has its own set of rules for LPN exam eligibility, and these can vary depending on local laws, nursing program requirements, and other factors. Here’s a quick look at a few examples:

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, nursing students who have completed specific coursework and clinical hours can apply for the LPN exam. The state’s requirements are relatively straightforward, but it’s still important to verify that your program aligns with these state guidelines.

New York

In New York, you may be required to complete all core components of your nursing program, including specific clinical hours and coursework, before being allowed to take the LPN exam. This means that students cannot take the exam until they’ve fully met all educational criteria set by the state’s Board of Nursing.

North Carolina

North Carolina requires nursing students to meet educational and clinical hour requirements and ensures that students are prepared by their accredited programs before sitting for the LPN exam.

These examples show how requirements can vary, so it’s essential to do your research on your state’s rules.

Can an RN Student Take the LPN Exam in Florida?

In Florida, an RN student may apply to take the LPN exam under certain conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

Completed Coursework: You’ll need to have finished specific nursing courses, including fundamentals and clinical courses.
Clinical Hours: You must complete the required number of clinical hours to qualify for the exam. These hours must meet the state’s standards for hands-on patient care.

While the process is more flexible in Florida than in some other states, you must still meet all of the Florida Board of Nursing‘s requirements before you can sit for the LPN exam. It’s a good idea to double-check with your school’s academic advisor and the state board to confirm that you’re meeting all necessary requirements before applying.

State-specific regulations can be confusing, but they’re crucial to understand to ensure you’re on track to take the LPN exam. Always verify your state’s Board of Nursing guidelines and consult with your nursing program to ensure you’re meeting the proper criteria.

Advantages of Taking the LPN Exam While in Nursing School

Taking the LPN exam while still in nursing school comes with a number of valuable advantages. From hands-on experience to financial perks, it can significantly enhance your education and career prospects as you pursue your RN degree.

Gaining Practical Experience

Becoming an LPN during your RN program provides an incredible opportunity to gain practical experience in a healthcare setting. As an LPN, you’ll be involved in patient care, where you can:

Refine Skills: Practice key nursing skills such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing direct patient care.
Build Confidence: The hands-on experience will help you gain confidence in your clinical abilities, making the transition to an RN role easier.
Enhance Your Learning: Working as an LPN allows you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios, deepening your understanding of nursing concepts.

This experience will prepare you for your NCLEX-RN exam and make you more comfortable in clinical environments.

Financial Benefits

Becoming an LPN while still in nursing school can help ease the financial burden of your education. Here’s how:

Earn a Salary: As an LPN, you can start working in various healthcare settings, earning a salary that helps cover your tuition and other expenses.
Reduce Student Debt: The income you earn can significantly reduce your reliance on student loans, lowering the amount of debt you accumulate during your nursing education.
Flexible Hours: Many healthcare jobs offer flexible scheduling, allowing you to work around your nursing school commitments.

With these financial benefits, you can focus more on your education and less on the financial pressures of school.

Enhanced Employability

Holding an LPN license while pursuing your RN degree gives you a competitive edge in the job market. Here’s how it helps:

Attractive to Employers: Many employers value candidates who are already licensed and have clinical experience, making you a more attractive hire.
Job Flexibility: Having an LPN license opens doors to part-time or full-time work opportunities, which you can balance alongside your RN program.
Career Progression: Gaining your LPN early can set you on a faster career trajectory, as you’ll have hands-on experience that’s valuable to employers.

This added qualification can help you stand out in a competitive job market, even as you finish your RN degree.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits of taking the LPN exam during nursing school are clear, there are also challenges to consider. These include additional coursework, clinical hours, and the potential lack of support from your nursing program.

Additional Coursework and Clinical Hours

Becoming an LPN during nursing school may require more coursework and clinical hours, which can add to your already full schedule. You’ll need to consider:

Time Management: Balancing both LPN requirements and RN coursework could lead to a heavier workload. It’s crucial to assess whether you can handle the extra time commitment.
Program Requirements: Some programs might require additional clinical rotations or specific coursework to qualify for the LPN exam.

While this may seem overwhelming, if managed properly, it’s possible to meet both the RN and LPN licensure requirements.

Program Policies and Support

Not all nursing programs support students who want to sit for the LPN exam during their RN studies. Some things to consider are:

Program Restrictions: Some nursing programs might have policies that restrict students from applying for LPN licensure until after certain RN courses or clinical hours have been completed.
Lack of Support: Even if your program allows students to become LPNs, there may be limited resources to help you balance both paths.

Make sure to check with your academic advisor about your program’s specific policies and ensure that you have the support you need to succeed.

In conclusion, while taking the LPN exam during nursing school provides valuable experience, financial benefits, and enhanced employability, it’s crucial to weigh the challenges, such as additional coursework and the policies of your nursing program.

By evaluating your situation and consulting with your advisor, you can make a well-informed decision about whether this path is right for you.

Steps to Take the LPN Exam While in Nursing School

If you’ve made the decision to pursue the LPN exam while still in nursing school, you’re likely eager to gain licensure and start practicing as a LPN while continuing your journey to becoming an RN.

However, it’s important to navigate this process carefully to ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you get through the process with ease:

Consult Your Nursing Program

Before jumping into preparing for the LPN exam, the first and most important step is to consult with your nursing program. Each program has its own policies about whether students are allowed to sit for the LPN exam while still enrolled in their RN program. Here’s what to consider:

Program Policies

Some nursing programs have strict rules about when you can take the LPN exam, and may require you to complete certain core courses or clinical hours before you’re eligible. Others might allow students to apply for LPN licensure after completing foundational courses. It’s important to know exactly where your program stands on this issue.

Academic Advisor

Your academic advisor will be a great resource for understanding the LPN licensure pathway. They can clarify any program-specific guidelines, help you navigate through the additional requirements, and ensure that taking the LPN exam won’t interfere with your RN program schedule.

By having this conversation early, you can avoid any surprises down the line and ensure you’re on the right track toward becoming both an LPN and an RN.

Review State Board of Nursing Requirements

The Board of Nursing in your state plays a critical role in determining your eligibility to take the LPN exam. Every state has its own set of rules regarding LPN licensure, and these rules can vary significantly. Here’s how to go about reviewing these requirements:

Eligibility Criteria

Your state’s Board of Nursing will provide specific guidelines on what’s required to take the LPN exam. This typically includes completion of certain coursework, clinical hours, and sometimes even specific requirements regarding the type of clinical settings you’ve worked in.

Some states have additional testing or evaluation requirements, so it’s essential to know exactly what’s needed for your location.

Understand Local Rules

While most states follow a general pattern for LPN licensure, states like California or New York may have stricter or unique requirements. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your state’s specific regulations, as these will directly impact when and how you can take the exam.

Verification

Some nursing programs will verify your eligibility for the LPN exam with your state’s Board of Nursing, but it’s a good idea to double-check on your own to ensure that there are no overlooked steps. This helps prevent any delays when you’re ready to apply for the exam.

Thoroughly understanding your state’s specific requirements will ensure you meet all necessary criteria and avoid any last-minute complications.

Prepare for the NCLEX-PN

When preparing for the NCLEX-PN, it’s important to rely on trusted resources that will guide you through the material effectively. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:

Official NCLEX-PN Resources

The official NCLEX-PN website, provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), offers essential information about the exam format, including the types of questions you’ll face and what topics will be covered. This is the most accurate and up-to-date source for understanding the exam structure and content.

Study Guides and Textbooks

Use NCLEX-specific review guides and textbooks, which help break down complex topics into manageable sections. These guides are often written by experts and provide summaries, practice questions, and tips to succeed.

Practice Exams

Utilize practice exams that simulate the NCLEX-PN to test your knowledge. Official practice exams are a great way to experience the test’s pacing and format before your actual exam date.

By using these resources, you’ll have a clear understanding of the NCLEX-PN structure and be well-prepared to take on the exam.

Use Ulosca for Focused Preparation

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the NCLEX-PN structure using official resources, it’s time to take your preparation to the next level with Ulosca. Here’s how Ulosca can specifically help you focus and excel:

Personalized Study Plans

Ulosca tailors study sessions to your individual needs. Based on your progress and areas of weakness, it creates a customized study path to ensure you’re focusing on what matters most.

Realistic Practice Questions

With Ulosca, you get access to practice tests designed to mirror the actual NCLEX-PN exam. These questions help you get comfortable with the format, allowing you to build your confidence.

Flashcards

For quick memorization and review of crucial terms and concepts, Ulosca provides flashcards that make it easy to refresh your memory anytime, anywhere.

Progress Tracking

Track your improvements and identify areas where you need more practice. Ulosca offers detailed analytics so you can see exactly where you stand and what you need to work on.

By integrating Ulosca into your study routine, you’ll have a focused, efficient approach to your NCLEX-PN preparation, ensuring you’re fully ready for exam day.

>>>Check out Hesi Patho Pharmacology<<<

Additional Considerations

While the steps above outline the primary process for taking the LPN exam while still enrolled in nursing school, there are a few additional considerations you should keep in mind as you make your decision:

Time Management

Balancing your RN coursework and LPN exam preparation will require excellent time management skills. Be realistic about the amount of time you can dedicate to studying for the LPN exam without affecting your RN program.

Program Support

Some nursing schools offer additional support for students taking the LPN exam during their RN program. This could include extra study sessions, one-on-one advising, or access to additional resources like Ulosca. Be sure to ask about any available support services to make your preparation easier.

Long-Term Career Goals

If becoming an LPN while still in school aligns with your career goals, it can be a great decision. Having LPN licensure can provide additional job security and work opportunities, especially in competitive job markets.

Taking the LPN exam during nursing school can set you up for both immediate and long-term success. By following the steps outlined above and utilizing tools like Ulosca, you’ll be well-prepared to earn your LPN license and continue progressing toward your RN degree.

Can I Take the LPN Exam While in Nursing School: FAQs

Can I Take the LPN Exam After Completing Certain Nursing Courses?

Yes, you can take the LPN exam (NCLEX-PN) after completing an approved LPN nursing program, which typically takes 14-15 months to complete.

These programs usually lead to a certificate or diploma. You need to be a graduate of a licensed and accredited LPN program to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN.

Do I Need to Inform My Nursing Program Before Taking the LPN Exam?

Yes, informing your nursing program before taking the LPN exam (NCLEX-PN) is generally recommended. While not always mandatory, it’s crucial for several reasons, including ensuring eligibility and facilitating potential support from your program.

Will Taking the LPN Exam Affect My RN Program Progression?

Taking the LPN exam can affect your RN program progression depending on your school’s policies. In some cases, becoming an LPN can actually enhance your learning and help you move forward in the RN program.

Can You Be a School Nurse With an LPN?

Yes, with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing), an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) can become a school nurse. However, the National Association of School Nurses recommends that school nurses have a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

Some school districts may also prefer or require a BSN due to its more comprehensive curriculum and focus on community health nursing.

Is LPN School Harder Than RN School?

LPN school is generally considered more intense and demanding than RN school. While both programs are challenging, LPN programs pack a lot of material into a shorter time frame, typically 12 months, whereas RN programs can take 2-4 years. This shorter, faster-paced schedule can lead to a more intense learning experience for LPN students.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Deciding whether to take the LPN exam while in nursing school is a personal choice. While it offers many benefits, such as gaining experience and earning income, it also comes with its own set of challenges.

Be sure to consider your program’s policies, state requirements, and personal goals before moving forward. Remember, tools like Ulosca can help you prepare effectively for the exam, ensuring that you’re fully equipped to succeed.