Can You Take the NCLEX Without Going to Nursing School?

Entering the medical field is exciting and challenging for those who choose it. There are many paths to enter the field of nursing. Do any of these paths lead there without nursing school to take the NCLEX exam?

What is the NCLEX Exam?

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) administers the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to determine if an applicant is qualified to become a licensed nurse.

The NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN are both versions of the NCLEX. Students who have completed a registered nursing program and are looking to become registered nurses (RN) are eligible for the NCLEX-RN.

The NCLEX-PN is intended for professional or practical nursing program graduates who wish to become licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs).

As of September 2023, the NCSBN has updated the NCLEX to be known as NCLEX (NGN). The format has been updated to break down client needs into eight sections.

These sections are identical for NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, with the exception of a few segments.

Taking the NCLEX Without Completing a Nursing Degree

Normally you can not take the NCLEX without a nursing degree, however, there are a few ways around this in certain states and under specific conditions.

Individuals who aspire to become practical or vocational nurses can sit the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed to practice nursing after completing a certification program. Therefore, this is a way around the nursing degree program.

Yet, to become a registered nurse (RN), a person must have an associate or bachelor's nursing degree. States are moving toward making it mandatory to have a bachelor's degree to practice nursing.

Can Experienced Medical Professionals Take the NCLEX Without a Degree?

Yes, but there are limitations. Two ways will be discussed: challenging the exam board and attending a bridge program.

Challenging the Exam Board

Pennsylvania, Missouri, Hawaii, Georgia, and Florida are the ONLY states that allow LPNs or military medics to challenge the nursing exam board to bypass a nursing program to become an RN.

An accredited LPN program must still be completed. While this can save a prospective RN time and money, there are problems. Most employers require nurses to have a degree to obtain a position.

Challenging the board also takes some time, and one may get denied.

Nursing Bridge Programs

There are bridge programs if you are a certified nursing assistant (CNA), LVN/LPN, paramedic, military medic, or have other medical experience.

A bridge program is designed to use your knowledge to advance your nursing career. This could be entry-level to doctoral levels. They are typically accelerated programs.

Bridge programs allow you to become an RN in months rather than years and have online options.

Find an Online Nursing Bridge Program

Since you need to complete a program to become an RN here are a few schools that offer a bridge program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN).

Indiana State University

Offers an online LVN/LPN to BSN track. The program takes out and in-state students, qualifying them to sit the NCLEX-RN exam.

The program takes 73 to 77 credit hours based on whether you have an associate or associate of applied science degree. Clinicals are required and arranged in the pupils' area.

All LVN/LPN track students will be charged full non-resident fees and costs. They must also be residents of the United States.

Indiana State University's nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers all coursework online with clinical experience in the community LPN to BSN program.

The program takes about 12 months to complete with an eight-week, six-credit hour session.

SWOSU admits students for fall and spring semesters and offers a low faculty-to-student ratio. This ratio allows for students to have more one-on-one assistance.

Accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) SWOSU has one of the top programs in Oklahoma.

University of Arkansas - Elenor Mann School of Nursing

Voted as one of the best online programs, U of A provides an LPN to BSN online degree option with many courses taught in 8-week terms 100% online.

U of A has two programs, one for those needing prerequisites and the other for those that do not. Admission is for fall or spring only.

The 120 credit hours program takes two to three years to complete, providing clinicals in your area.

EMSON is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Nursing is Not an Easy Field

With this difficult field being so vital field for dealing with the mind and the body, the regulations set in place are essential. Therefore, you cannot take the NCLEX without completing some form of nursing program.