CNA become a LVN in California

Nicko in Covington, Georgia said: Hey guys did you know that if Persons with 51 months equivalent experience (51 months in an acute care facility), and a 54 hour pharmacology course may be eligible to take the LVN board exam. This course is designed to meet the 54 hour pharmacology requirement for eligibility.

But you need to take a Pharmacology Course. I took this one and did well learnga.com/Pharmacology.aspx

Now I'm thinking of taking a bridge program to RN.

hey how can i found out more about that program

Nicko in Covington, Georgia said: Hey guys did you know that if Persons with 51 months equivalent experience (51 months in an acute care facility), and a 54 hour pharmacology course may be eligible to take the LVN board exam. This course is designed to meet the 54 hour pharmacology requirement for eligibility.

But you need to take a Pharmacology Course. I took this one and did well learnga.com/Pharmacology.aspx

Now I'm thinking of taking a bridge program to RN.

i have been trying to call the number that they posed on the web page and the r all disscconected can u provide me with a number please tahnk you hun.. my # is 1661 526 5211

I received my CNA from R.O.P in 2003 I have not worked as one since or have worked in the heath care field..........I would like to start up again but, I need to know exactly what I need to continue my education?????? Please let me know if you know what I need to do. my e-mail is brittanypisar@att.net thank you

HOW BOUT CMA TO LVN OR TO CHALLENGE THE BOARDS?

Nicko in Covington, Georgia said: Hey guys did you know that if Persons with 51 months equivalent experience (51 months in an acute care facility), and a 54 hour pharmacology course may be eligible to take the LVN board exam. This course is designed to meet the 54 hour pharmacology requirement for eligibility.

But you need to take a Pharmacology Course. I took this one and did well learnga.com/Pharmacology.aspx

Now I'm thinking of taking a bridge program to RN.

First, I would like to thank this forum for helping a lot of people...I already had pharmacology 54 hours. I finish my 1st semester in RN program when I stopped. Now I would like to challenge LVN, and had 5 and 1/2 years working as CNA. My problem now is that my school where I took my RN program doesn't respond to my request for record of my number of theory hours of all the subjects I've taken..that is one of the requirements by the Board that I need to submit. I have send it by registered mail. no respond but they did received my request... I send a follow-up letter and registered it again... what shall I do if they still do not respond ?

Hello,
Does anyone know if Florida will l\allow you to challenge the lvn test? I have 12 yrs as a cna/ pct/ ma? Thank you for you help.

I am a foreign medical graduate but now taking Associate Degree in Nursing program under a home study set-up. I will be taking a practical exam to complete my program. I passed and done with all the nursing subjects. However my problem is to hurdle the practical exam but have not been exposed to the acute care set-up. I was wondering if I could be a LVN first so to prepare myself for my practical exam. Would you know if foreign doctors from other countries can challenge the LVN licensure exam via "Method 3"? Any comments? Thanks!

Hello Emilio,
yes, there is the possibility you may qualify to challenge the LVN by Method 3 however this will not give you 'practical experience' that you need just allow you to sit for the board. It seems that the program you are in would be 'expected' to provide that opportunity for you. perhaps you can volunteer at an acute care hospital? work as a CNA? take 'procedure seminars' or if you qualify start working as an LVN. What program is it? would they allow you to 'skip' some of it if you have an LVN so you can go through it faster?
just thinking outloud--good luck to you,
Anna

Tammy in Tallahassee, Florida said: Hello,
Does anyone know if Florida will l\allow you to challenge the lvn test? I have 12 yrs as a cna/ pct/ ma? Thank you for you help.

Look up your state board website to find out--some choose to take the California LVN so they can transition into an RN program that is accepted by your state board. best to call your own state rather than all of us guessing...

MRSLADY105 in San Diego, California said: I was wondering if anyone knew of perple who offer private courses to become a vn in San Diego California.My mom was telling me that there are RN's who offer classes so that you can take the nclex.Please let me know.God Bless.If you do have info please feel free to contact me at sandra_higgs@yahoo.com

I guess i don't understand the question-- do you qualify to take the board? Is what you need a review course for the NCLEX?

Hi, my name is rosa and i recently graduated from a college i studies medical administrative assistant and graduated with honor roll but i can't find a job anywhere no one will give me a chance. waht should i do?

I have been a CNA for 6 years in an acute hospital setting. I would like to challenge the LVN board. How do I go about setting that up?

That's perfect! all you need is to take pharmacology class 54 hours theory..and you need to review well before taking the test.

I have been looking for a pharmacology class to take but so far they are only offered in the LPN program. How do I get the pharmacology class?

Maggie in Seattle, Washington said: I have been looking for a pharmacology class to take but so far they are only offered in the LPN program. How do I get the pharmacology class?

Contact your local community college. The community college which I attend offfers the course with no pre-reqs requirement.

you can go on the board's website (california VN board has it) and a list of pharmacology providers is on it as well
good luck!
Anna

What does challenging the Board mean, if you have 54 hours of pharmacology and 5 years experience of CNA work do you still have to take another test for the board or do they just review your education and experience and grant you a LVN after that?

Trisha, challenging the board means that if you have worked like for example with patient or client for almost 5 years at least, and have taken 54 theory hours in Pharmacology, you can challenge the board and take an exam to become an LVN. You need to review first of all to prepare yourself in that exam. Like me for example, I was a CNA ( nursing assistant ) for almost 6 years. I have been working in different hospitals and nursing home up to this time. I have enrolled in a pharmacology class and got a certificate which was already certified and accepted by the board.So, I can now challenge the board for LVN exam.I need to review first in order to pass the exam....

lady_maverick in Murrieta, California said: Great comment Anna, and that's what I tell every caller I get inquiring about our program, I advice them that it is only the Board of Vocational Nurses(BVNPT), who can determine their eligibility to sit for the exam after the boards evaluation of their application. After I posted my comment the first time I had a call from Florida and I told her to make a call to their Nursing Board and seek advice with her intent on getting into our program here in California and challenge the Ca. BVNPT since method 3 is offered just in California. By the way how many applicant's do you have as of yet and has anyone of them had challenged the board and got licensed? Looking forward to read more comments from you.

I have everything ready except my number of theory hours and transcript signed by our nursing director. I have requested for my grades but until now, 1 month already, they have not responded. They can't find my papers that I send them.... What do I suppose to do with them? I took RN program in that school, finish 1st semester but stop
when I got a D in mental health...They want me to take other classes before I can continue but I decide to stop.

I am a medical assistant and I have been working in a pediatric clinic for 10+ years, I have 2 AA degrees, and I have completed all of my RN pre-reqs and after waiting to get into the nursing program i decided to apply for the LVN license by challenging the board. My application was DENIED.. REASON: bedside nursing is REQUIRED... so all of those who have NO BEDSIDE NURSING.. (changing bed pans) experience, Please be warned it will be a waste of your money. Secondly if you do get approved by chance, it's virtually impossible to get a job especially when you reveal that you are not a graduate of vocational school but a board challenger. Sorry.. I know its frustrating. Even if you challenge the board, become an LVN you still HAVE to 30+ college credits to be accepted into the bridge programs. Please do some through research before spending any money and don't get burned like i did.

kelly, i'm sorry to hear your application was denied and you are absolutely right that an application will be denied if you do not have bedside nursing--which any CNA can tell you is more than just changing bedpans. I hope you get into the RN program, I wish you luck. I also want to tell you that 'virtually impossible' is an overstatement--you can and i know many LVN's who have obtained jobs, the need for nurses is in our favor at this time. LVN's still need to take the prerequisites for the RN program as well as credits once in the RN program but overall LESS than if they did not have an LVN (starting second instead of first year for some RN programs).
I wish you luck-- wanted also to suggest you look into the Physician Assistant program (UC Davis offers one) PA programs require 'experience' but it can be as an MA for example and the requirements are the same pre reqs than an RN program. Don't get discouraged, just keep working towards your goal,
anna

anna in Sacramento, California said: Challenging the board is the absolute best route in my opinion (if you qualify)to get the LVN. You are getting credit for your experience, by verifying your experience and taking ONE course (pharmacology course) you are sitting for the board--you can't beat that. In my opinion going back to school for an LVN when you have this alternative is not a good idea for the time and money spent.
I teach the pharmacology course and have had many students go this route not a single one has regretted it/come back and said 'wish i had spent the time and money doing it a different way'...
again--questions regarding specifics need to be addressed to the board directly, you will find their web site very informative and the requirements are spelled out...

(ok, shameless plug:) you can contact me at 916 317 9969 if you need information about the pharmacology course i offer-- which is valid in any state for qualifying for the california LVN
good luck!

hi my name is judy diaz, I have my medical asst. cert, cna certified 1 year but have been working in care giving for yrs, i really want to continue school and become a lvn. it has been very hard for me due to the fact that i do not have a high school diploma , is ther any advice or info that some one can give me..i am gwtting discouraged,but really do need to persue this, i am 36 and have 2 kids, so i feel like time is running out

anna in Sacramento, California said: Challenging the board is the absolute best route in my opinion (if you qualify)to get the LVN. You are getting credit for your experience, by verifying your experience and taking ONE course (pharmacology course) you are sitting for the board--you can't beat that. In my opinion going back to school for an LVN when you have this alternative is not a good idea for the time and money spent.
I teach the pharmacology course and have had many students go this route not a single one has regretted it/come back and said 'wish i had spent the time and money doing it a different way'...
again--questions regarding specifics need to be addressed to the board directly, you will find their web site very informative and the requirements are spelled out...

(ok, shameless plug:) you can contact me at 916 317 9969 if you need information about the pharmacology course i offer-- which is valid in any state for qualifying for the california LVN
good luck!

hi my name is judy diaz, I have my medical asst. cert, cna certified 1 year but have been working in care giving for yrs, i really want to continue school and become a lvn. it has been very hard for me due to the fact that i do not have a high school diploma , is ther any advice or info that some one can give me..i am gwtting discouraged,but really do need to persue this, i am 36 and have 2 kids, so i feel like time is running out

Hi, i wanted to know if i could challenge the board since im a medical assistant and work in a psych hospital. There are CNA's and MA's where we work together with a same job description. I also wanted to know if internship counts as a MA and CNA. Because i have been working in psych hospital for 4 years now and prior to that i have skills through internships i did which was more then a year.
I would really appreciate if anyone could respond to my question.

Thank You.

judy diaz in West Covina, California said: hi my name is judy diaz, I have my medical asst. cert, cna certified 1 year but have been working in care giving for yrs, i really want to continue school and become a lvn. it has been very hard for me due to the fact that i do not have a high school diploma , is ther any advice or info that some one can give me..i am gwtting discouraged,but really do need to persue this, i am 36 and have 2 kids, so i feel like time is running out

How were you able to take any certifying exam without showing a high school diploma or GED? That is one of the requirements for any agency that gives a medical assistant certifying test. A GED class wouldn't last long,maybe 6 months,so you need to sign up with one.

Rose in cali in Sacramento, California said: Hi, i wanted to know if i could challenge the board since im a medical assistant and work in a psych hospital. There are CNA's and MA's where we work together with a same job description. I also wanted to know if internship counts as a MA and CNA. Because i have been working in psych hospital for 4 years now and prior to that i have skills through internships i did which was more then a year.
I would really appreciate if anyone could respond to my question.

Thank You.

You are already in Sacramento why not call the BVNPT office they also have a website bvnpt.ca.gov then you yourself can talk to them.

Challenging the board to becoming an LVN is only in California.

I remember talking to you before you were asking for any school or institution that offers the LVN curriculum and I said yes there's a lot of them since you do not qualify to challenging the board.

Foriegn doctors "no" they don't but you said you have taken or finished ADN? Call me when you get the chance 619-5079126/ 9515994068

I need more info on what you have taken already maybe you can call me 619-5079126/9515994068

first of all, I have been working as
cna for 5 and 1/2 years already....I have work in different areas of the hospital.med surge, ER, Psych unit, rehab, nursing homes, burn unit, maternity/pediatrics, ICU and DOU ( direct observation unit). I was in RN program and finished 1st semester... but I transfer school and need to wait. So, overall, I can challenge the Board for LVN...

Jolita in Anaheim, California said: Trisha, challenging the board means that if you have worked like for example with patient or client for almost 5 years at least, and have taken 54 theory hours in Pharmacology, you can challenge the board and take an exam to become an LVN. You need to review first of all to prepare yourself in that exam. Like me for example, I was a CNA ( nursing assistant ) for almost 6 years. I have been working in different hospitals and nursing home up to this time. I have enrolled in a pharmacology class and got a certificate which was already certified and accepted by the board.So, I can now challenge the board for LVN exam.I need to review first in order to pass the exam....

Where can I find info to review for the LVN exam

Where can I find info or practice for the LVN exam

I have a big question. Why did I spend 3 years doing pre-reqs, obtained my LVn license and can't get a job in a SNF or a hospital without 1 year of experience. How do they expect you to get the experience when they won't let your foot in the door. They'll take a fresh RN grad before a LVN who has worked under the license for 5 years! Mind you, I'm not fresh out of school. If anyone has any advice let me know. I'm stuck with Assisted LIving facilities. My advice is to forget the LVN license. It's not worth squat out here. Don't waste your time go staight to LVN. The Filipinoes have all the LVN jobs sewn up and that's becasue they are RNs in their own country. They find it difficult to pass our NCLEX for RN

Sorry about the misspelled words. Get your RN!!! Like I said forget the LVN at least in Southern California.

judy diaz in West Covina, California said: hi my name is judy diaz, I have my medical asst. cert, cna certified 1 year but have been working in care giving for yrs, i really want to continue school and become a lvn. it has been very hard for me due to the fact that i do not have a high school diploma , is ther any advice or info that some one can give me..i am gwtting discouraged,but really do need to persue this, i am 36 and have 2 kids, so i feel like time is running out

I got my LVN license in 2004 at the age of 50. It's never too late. I have 3 kids. BUT forget LVN and go RN you won't regret it. I'm not getting anywhere with my LVN license. It was a waste of 3 years.

Jolita in Anaheim, California said: Trisha, challenging the board means that if you have worked like for example with patient or client for almost 5 years at least, and have taken 54 theory hours in Pharmacology, you can challenge the board and take an exam to become an LVN. You need to review first of all to prepare yourself in that exam. Like me for example, I was a CNA ( nursing assistant ) for almost 6 years. I have been working in different hospitals and nursing home up to this time. I have enrolled in a pharmacology class and got a certificate which was already certified and accepted by the board.So, I can now challenge the board for LVN exam.I need to review first in order to pass the exam....

Hi Jolita I wanted to know where did you do your pharmacology course

anna in Sacramento, California said: oops, I didn't link my response-- my number in 916 317 9969. I am one of several providers that offer the pharmacology course-- call several and compare to see what better fits your needs.

Make sure to link to the california board website for more info regarding qualifications.

Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive
Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: (916) 263-7800
Email: bvnpt@dca.ca.gov

www.bvnpt.ca.gov/Licensing/Method_3.asp#PHARM

this is the 'cut/paste' from their website....
Method 3: Qualification Based on Equivalent Education and/or Experience
Pursuant to the California Code of Regulations section 2516(b), the 51 months of paid bedside nursing experience must include a minimum of each of the following:

48 months medical/surgical nursing
5 weeks maternity or genitourinary nursing
5 weeks pediatric nursing

In addition to the required paid bedside nursing experience, the applicant must also have completed a pharmacology course of at least 54 theory hours that covers the following content:

Knowledge of commonly used drugs and their action
Computation of dosages
Preparation of medications
Principles of administration

good luck to all!--i hope this helps,
Anna Corona FNP

recap on the requirements for Method 3, its also a link to pharm providers

Help! I've been a cna since 1992. We've moved here from back east, where I was in a LPN program (3rd quarter). I thought my credits would follow me..not! It's as if I just became a cna. I have heard about challenging the boards and talked to some RN friends back home. They think it's fantastic. I'm skeptical about who to go to . I don't know many here. I would like to talk to someone who has done this. Ive'been pursuing my LPN for about 10 years ,but always stop for one reason or another. I would love for this to be real.

10 years experience, is pretty much over... but where did you work all those years ? The Board will required that you have finished 54 theory hours in Pharmacology, have experienced in maternity department, pediatric department and in nursing home. If you have those experience, then you will be qualified to challenged the Board for LVN.
In my case, I worked as CNA for only 6 years, but under Registry ; so I was assigned in different hospitals and worked in almost all the departments plus I have worked in Nursing Home for 1 year. I have taken 54 theory hours of Pharmacology in a semi- private class run by an RN with licenced to teach Pharmacology class.
I requested a packet for application forms at the Board and they send it to me to fill up and complete. I applied under Method 3. If you have more question, E-mail me at jowalay @ yahoo.com

Hello Nicko,
I will be moving to GA this year and I am trying to find a career school or community college that offers a LVN course. Please help!? I am coming up empty. I think I will be moving to Lawrenceville, Duluth, or Norcross if that helps. I am sure that I will be in Gwinnett County. Is there a site for GA's school's that I am not finding?
Where are you going to take your LVN/RN Bridge classes?

Thanx in advance for your help,
sQueak

Nicko in Covington, Georgia said: Hey guys did you know that if Persons with 51 months equivalent experience (51 months in an acute care facility), and a 54 hour pharmacology course may be eligible to take the LVN board exam. This course is designed to meet the 54 hour pharmacology requirement for eligibility.

But you need to take a Pharmacology Course. I took this one and did well learnga.com/Pharmacology.aspx

Now I'm thinking of taking a bridge program to RN.

Nicko in Covington, Georgia said: Hey guys did you know that if Persons with 51 months equivalent experience (51 months in an acute care facility), and a 54 hour pharmacology course may be eligible to take the LVN board exam. This course is designed to meet the 54 hour pharmacology requirement for eligibility.

But you need to take a Pharmacology Course. I took this one and did well learnga.com/Pharmacology.aspx

Now I'm thinking of taking a bridge program to RN.

Hello Nicko,
I will be moving to GA this year and I am trying to find a career school or community college that offers a LVN course. Please help!? I am coming up empty. I think I will be moving to Lawrenceville, Duluth, or Norcross if that helps. I am sure that I will be in Gwinnett County. Is there a site for GA's school's that I am not finding?
Where are you going to take your LVN/RN Bridge classes?

Thanx in advance for your help,
sQueak

Hello Nicko,
I will be moving to GA this year and I am trying to find a career school or community college that offers a LVN course. Please help!? I am coming up empty. I think I will be moving to Lawrenceville, Duluth, or Norcross if that helps. I am sure that I will be in Gwinnett County. Is there a site for GA's school's that I am not finding?
Where are you going to take your LVN/RN Bridge classes?

Thanx in advance for your help,
sQueak

iam looking for cna job

Are you in the Modesto area?

I am trying to find the site that actually has the application to challenge the board from CNA to LVN. I had a copy of it and I have no clue where it is can someone post a link.

the website is www.bvnpt.ca.gov goodluck

If you can download it it may be better. I called and had it mailed.It took 2 wks and 3 more calls, then I got 3 apps. in the mail. Do you have your pharmacology class done yet? I'm kind of in the dark too here, but I have asked alot of questions, feel free to email me we can compare notes.numax7@mail.com.

I AM CNA FOR 13YRS WHAT PROCESS CAN TAKE TO BE LVN.

I worked with a LVN who worked in a hospital for 13 yrs. or so and she took a few courses and then challenged the board and passed.