CNA become a LVN in California

HOW CAN I CHALLENGE THE TO GET THE LVN LICENSE.PLEASE SEND ME THE ROUTE I SHOULD GO.

Does anybody out there know if an LVN who earned their license by challenging the exam by method 3 of equivalent experience can take an LVN to RN bridge program? It's one thing to get the LVN exam by way of experience and taking the 54/hr Pharmacology course, but I want to know if that makes one eligible to actually take an LVN to RN program.

anna c in Sacramento, California said: Hi,
i'm glad that more CNA's are opting to challenge the LVN board--- this is an excellent way to save time and money and getting credit for your experience. CNA's should check the LVN website for more information regarding this option. Even if you don't live in California you may find it to be an advantage www.bvnpt.ca.gov/method3.htm
not only would you get an LVN after your name but many schools will give you credit and you could finish the RN twice as fast in some cases.
Here's another option for the pharmacology course is www.mededprn.tripod.com
Hope this helps,
Good Luck!
Anna RN, NP

Anna,

Are LVNs would earned their state license by way of equivalent experience and the 54/hr Pharmacology course eligible to take an LVN/LPN to RN program? I am both a CMA/CNA in the state of Washington and have 12 years experience. But my title in the hospital was Patient Care Technician and Patient Care Assistant. I was required to have both my CMA and CNA licensing (and my Surgical Tech-Registered). I have years of float experience. Are individuals from other states allowed to go to California to challenge the LVN? Oh, I think that it's great that you include info like the Pharmacology course and other info on the forum. You seem to be genuinely helpful. Most of us who have worked as CNAs/PCTs have been cross-trained to do everything from foley-placements to treatments/dressing changes. Do we just get some sort of verification from our employer as to what our role is or was in specific facilities as CNAs/PCTS/MAs? Also, how frequently is your Pharmacology course offered? Thank-you Anna!

Chris in Cleveland, Tennessee said: I live in Tennessee and have been a CNA for seven years now and considering LPN or RN having a hard time trying to decide which one to do. However just recently thought about moving to North Carolina with family and more money but was wondering does my licenses transfer over or do I have to retake the test?
Thanks

I do belive you have to take their state test for you to practice in that state but it is not like the full test you took to get your license.

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 WAS REGISTERING FOR THIOS COURSE WEHN I SAW YOUR COMMENT. I WAS WONDERING IF I COULD GET SOME INFORMATION ON HOW TO START THAT GOAL FOR MYSELF. THANKS (JAMEKA.MELTON@GMAIL.COM)

Lisa in Sacramento, California said: I do belive you have to take their state test for you to practice in that state but it is not like the full test you took to get your license.

if you can: RN hands down :)

I have been working as a cna in a long term care facility for more than 5 years now. Am i qualified to challenge the board to become an LVN? and what classes or courses do I need to take to be able to challenge the board? Can you suggest any school that i should look at to take the courses.... Please let me know... thank you....

THE SCHOOL THAT I FOUND OUT ABOUT WAS SAN JOQUAIN VALLEY COLLEGE (SJVC.COM)
YOU NEED 56 HOURS OF LTC EXPERIENCE AND 60M HOURS OF PHARMACOLOGY.

HOPE THIS HELPS

nita in Concord, California said: i did not fiend your web site www.bvnpt.ca.gov/method3.htm
dont why

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR CMA CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANTS TO CHALLENGE THE BOARD. PLEASE RESPOND. IHAVE BEEN A CMA FOR 5YRS NOW.

SHANNA said: IS IT POSSIBLE FOR CMA CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANTS TO CHALLENGE THE BOARD. PLEASE RESPOND. IHAVE BEEN A CMA FOR 5YRS NOW. AND I HAVE TAKEN THE PHARMACOLOGY COURSE ALREADY LAST YEAR. AND I ALSO WORK FOR KAISER IN URGENT CARE.

Thanks for the info however, this website www.mededprn.tripod.com is no longer on line. Is there another or better one?

ALSO, LETS BE TRUTHFUL...A NURSE IS A NURTURER...A REAL NURSE IS A CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT. WE ARE THE ONES WHO DO ALL THE HANDS ON WORK, ENCOURAGE THE PATIENT, CARE FOR THE PATIENT ETC. The LVN is a tool of the "system" and to collect money, he/she MUST give medication/injections whether needed or not if she/he is to be classified as "doing their job well". An RN does paper work and reports what the CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT REPORTS TO THEM. Some cases require the experience of the RN, who works with IV's, and special assignments. For this, YES IN DEED THEY DO NEED MORE EDUCATION on how to perform the procedure...However, 90% of the RN'S just do routine paper work and give orders to do for the patient what they should be doing. WHETHER YOU ARE A CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT OR AN RN, YOU ARE A NURSE AND ALL CNA'S SHOULD BAND TOGETHE AND DEMAND NOT TO BE CALLED AN "AIDE"...THAT IS A LOW DESCRIPTION, ONE THAT PLACES YOU IN AN INFERIOR POSITION BECAUSE, EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE, YOU DIDN'T PAY TO GO LEARN FROM A RETIRED RN, WHO WAS TIRED OF BEING A NURSE. IT IS ALL ABOUT MONEY, NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW, YOUR TALENT AND ABILITY. CNA'S BECOME MORE DEMANDING WHERE TITLE AND SALARY IS CONCERNED. STOP THE BURACRACY AND BS..WITHOUT US, WHO WOULD TRULY TAKE CARE OF THE PATIENT.

WE WORK IN ICU, TCU, ER AND ALL OTHER UNITS. WE HELP WITH EVERYTHING FROM BATHING TO VENTILATORS. BUT THEY TREAT US AS MAIDS... THE HOSPITALS SHOULD LET THE PCA MAKE UP THE BEDS AND GIVE THE BATHS, BRUSH THE TEETH ETC. LET US, WHO HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED AND EXPERIENCED MOVE UP AS MOST INDUSTRIES DO. IF YOU AGREE, DON'T JUST STAND THERE...SOMEONE START A WEBSITE TO HELP...I HAVE MANY ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS THAT ARE BRINGING IN CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

Kristy in Las Vegas NV

thank you for letting me know about he website, please try again

mededprn.tripod.com/

anna

anna c in Sacramento, California said: thank you for letting me know about he website, please try again

mededprn.tripod.com/

anna

Sorry it appears i'm having website problems. I can be reached if you go to the california lvn website its under Anna Corona, my number is listed
www.bvnpt.ca.gov/Licensing/Method_3.asp#PHARM

Kristy,
I KNOW its frustrating--been there.
My comment would be that many of the experienced PCA's feel that frustration towards the CNA. Depending on your work setting, the LVN may feel resentment towards the RN, The RN towards the NP and the NP's towards the MD, Even among MD's there's the struggle between the perceived hierarchy between different specialties! I hope you don't take it wrong, but again, been there. Solution? go up as far as you possibly can, no matter how long it takes--even if it means having to go back to school for that change in title that better reflects where you feel you are/should be.
We need to encourage and support one another as nurses (CNA to NP included) to get ahead. We are a TEAM. Often the pay is a reflection of the level of responsibility (which is determined by the certification/education) not by the amount of work we do so i really want to encourage you to go back to school,trust me, the frustration only gets greater as time goes on if you don't...
Anna

Kristy,
I just read your post and I agree with you wholeheartedly. I see this so much myself. The CNA is the one who is always there with the patient and does everything for the patient and sometimes it seems like we just get looked down on. I have been a CNA for about 20 years and the only reason why I want to be an LVN is because I only work in the home setting and I want to work in the hospital. (Well I am actually not cetrtified), so I work as a nurse's aid. Anyway due to Anna'a advice I am taking pharmocology at this time and the class ends in December and I hope I will then be able to challenge the board and be an LVN. What you said about CNA's is very true and then we do all the work and get the least pay also. I work for the care of the patient not the money because if I were in it for the money I would not be working in home care for the $9.00 an hour I get now and have been for over 20 years. I first started at $8.50 and barely get $9.00 now. Not much of an increase. Well anyway what you say is true and I give all the credit in the world to CNA's because we all do a darn good job.

I suggest you visit the boards website www.bvnpt.ca.gov there you will see and find out what experiences you need to qualify in challenging the board for LVN License, again keep in mind that Method 3 is defined as Experience and/or Equivalency so that if you do not have the work experience they require you can take classes for it like for example Maternity and Pediatrics if you do not have the work experience you can take classes for it, I hope this help you my email address ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com

WHO DO YOU CONTACT TO CHALLENGE THE LVN TEST FOR A LIC IN CALIFORNIA?
I AM A DIALYSIS TECH WITH AN ASSOCIATES IN HEALTH SCIENCE AND HAVE BEEN IN THIS FIELD FOR 13 YEARS WITH TRAINING IN ALL AREAS OF NURSING. IF SOME ONE CAN TELL ME WHO TO CONTACT ABOUT THIS IT WOULD BE NICE.

First I want you to visit their website www.bvnpt.ca.gov/method3 then when you are on the page read the wholeness of what Method 3 is if you don't find you have the experiences they require do not be discourage just go ahead find the application form download it fill it up with every nursing experience you got and send it to the board with your I think 100$ processing fee do not contact them anymore just go ahead and submit your application then wait for their reply then at that time you will know what you need to do more and that for sure they will require you to take the 54 Theory Hour Pharmacology which my school International Health Group Inc. offers. If on their reply they will also require you of your maternity and pediatrics experience don't fret you can take classes for those which we also offer at 40 hours each class. I have people calling from UK coming to San Diego to take our classes so don't give up you may email me to ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com goodluck to you.

uche watson in Houston, Texas said: HOW CAN I CHALLENGE THE TO GET THE LVN LICENSE.PLEASE SEND ME THE ROUTE I SHOULD GO.

I suggest you visit the boards website www.bvnpt.ca.gov/method3 if you still need help email me at ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com give me your name and contact number so I can help you further ok?

JLC in Seattle, Washington said: Does anybody out there know if an LVN who earned their license by challenging the exam by method 3 of equivalent experience can take an LVN to RN bridge program? It's one thing to get the LVN exam by way of experience and taking the 54/hr Pharmacology course, but I want to know if that makes one eligible to actually take an LVN to RN program.

There is the 30 Unit Option they call a bridge program to RN which will take you I think a couple of months if you need more info about this option my email is ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com

valencia in Pomona, California said: I have been working as a cna in a long term care facility for more than 5 years now. Am i qualified to challenge the board to become an LVN? and what classes or courses do I need to take to be able to challenge the board? Can you suggest any school that i should look at to take the courses.... Please let me know... thank you....

There are certain qualifying experiences that the board requires before you can challenge the LVN test and if you could visit their website www.bvnpt.ca.com/method3 you will know what experiences you need to have if you find you do not have those experiences you can take classes in for those too you need more help my email address ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com

Though I am in San Diego, I wanna try to help you email me at ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com if you are still looking for answers to where to go to apply to challenge the board for VN license, in you case it depends on what experience do you have.

EmilioB. in Los Angeles, California said: 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!

Only if you have taken the Fundamentals of Nursing I have friend Doctors here in San Diego going thru a program called Welcome Back Progam aiming for their RN they have to take the CNA Training my email ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com

numax7 in Modesto, California said: 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.

Are you still working on becoming an LVN? Where did you work when you were a CNA eamil me at ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com

does anyone know of any ROP programs in los angeles for LVN training.
thanks

anna c in Sacramento, California said: recap on the requirements for Method 3, its also a link to pharm providers

this is the cut/paste for method 3, i'm reposting it because and want everyone to notice it says:
"paid BEDSIDE EXPERIENCE...."
48 months medical/surgical nursing
5 weeks maternity or genitourinary nursing
5 weeks pediatric nursing
I would really like to be wrong, please correct me regarding being able to substitute this paid bedside experience requirement with educational experience ---I have called the board and again was told it would not waive the requirement.
it would be great news to many...

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
(It won't let me put their phone number but link to it)

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

I do not know but am sure you can go online search for EDD.CA.GOV maybe you can find answers from this website. Goodluck I am in San Diego are.

ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com
Tried to email but could not send message.

Try sending it to marialilibeth1955@yahoo.com okay?

This message is for numax7 in Modesto, try sending it to marialilibeth1955@yahoo.com okay?

my brother is recently out of the navy. he was a corpsman for 8 years, three tours in iraq and recently out of the military. He is taking some ge courses at a junior college but not making any money. He is getting very depressed and angry feeling he wasted his time in the military. He keeps talking about challenging the lvn test but doesn't know how. We have called camp pendleton several times and have yet to get a call back. It seems like since he got out they don't care about him. It sucks. Can anybody tell me how and I will get him on it. Thanks

I would love to help and give you some information on how your brother can challenge the board for the LVN licensure email me @ ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com then I can give you my number so you can call me, I am in San Diego but we are in the same State, so email me.

Kristy in Las Vegas, Nevada said: Thanks for the info however, this website www.mededprn.tripod.com is no longer on line. Is there another or better one?

ALSO, LETS BE TRUTHFUL...A NURSE IS A NURTURER...A REAL NURSE IS A CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT. WE ARE THE ONES WHO DO ALL THE HANDS ON WORK, ENCOURAGE THE PATIENT, CARE FOR THE PATIENT ETC. The LVN is a tool of the "system" and to collect money, he/she MUST give medication/injections whether needed or not if she/he is to be classified as "doing their job well". An RN does paper work and reports what the CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT REPORTS TO THEM. Some cases require the experience of the RN, who works with IV's, and special assignments. For this, YES IN DEED THEY DO NEED MORE EDUCATION on how to perform the procedure...However, 90% of the RN'S just do routine paper work and give orders to do for the patient what they should be doing. WHETHER YOU ARE A CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT OR AN RN, YOU ARE A NURSE AND ALL CNA'S SHOULD BAND TOGETHE AND DEMAND NOT TO BE CALLED AN "AIDE"...THAT IS A LOW DESCRIPTION, ONE THAT PLACES YOU IN AN INFERIOR POSITION BECAUSE, EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE, YOU DIDN'T PAY TO GO LEARN FROM A RETIRED RN, WHO WAS TIRED OF BEING A NURSE. IT IS ALL ABOUT MONEY, NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW, YOUR TALENT AND ABILITY. CNA'S BECOME MORE DEMANDING WHERE TITLE AND SALARY IS CONCERNED. STOP THE BURACRACY AND BS..WITHOUT US, WHO WOULD TRULY TAKE CARE OF THE PATIENT.

WE WORK IN ICU, TCU, ER AND ALL OTHER UNITS. WE HELP WITH EVERYTHING FROM BATHING TO VENTILATORS. BUT THEY TREAT US AS MAIDS... THE HOSPITALS SHOULD LET THE PCA MAKE UP THE BEDS AND GIVE THE BATHS, BRUSH THE TEETH ETC. LET US, WHO HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED AND EXPERIENCED MOVE UP AS MOST INDUSTRIES DO. IF YOU AGREE, DON'T JUST STAND THERE...SOMEONE START A WEBSITE TO HELP...I HAVE MANY ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS THAT ARE BRINGING IN CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

Kristy in Las Vegas NV

nephris in Palmdale, California said: hey how can i found out more about that program

hello how can i find out about any challenge class in san jose been a cna about 20yrs or more. what class do i need to take in order to challenge the board. and is there any school that you know of in san jose,ca or hayward,ca

anna c in Sacramento, California said: 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
(It won't let me put their phone number but link to it)

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

Okay I have another question to whoever can answer this because I think I misunderstood. I have been working as a nurse's aid doing in home care for over 20 years. Does this qualify me as having 48 months patient bedside nursing or not because I am taking pharmacology now and should be graduating next month so did I do this all wrong? Do I need to work first in a hospital? Please reply.
Thank you,
Scorpio7 (Jackie)

Hello there, have you done your research already? If you still need help in finding out the information you need email me at ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com and by the way where is Yuba,CA. how faar is it to Los Angeles the reason why am asking is I am in San Diego and there are places in LA where you can get the CNA-LVN Step up program. Am looking forward to hear from you.

Not sure of the connection to Yuba, CA, but it is about 30 - 40 miles away from Sacramento in Northern California.

Hi Shaunna, I hope you still need the boards website address I understand you were having difficulty getting to it, just type in www.bvnpt.ca.gov then on the website you will see links go to method3/experience and/or equivalency you can email me @ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com goodluck.

Hi there, if you still need answers to your query try going into the boards website www.bvnpt.ca.gov there you will find answers to your questions.

Are you still looking into challenging the board for your LVN license? If you are keep in touch with me thru my email ihgmethod3_equivalency because we will have the program in Sta. Ana where I guess you are closer probably early January 2009. You have the qualifications to challenge the board but you still need the pHarmacology class which is 54 theory hours. Looking forward to hear from you.

I know some places in Sacramento offering the CNA/LVN Step-up program if you want I can email it to you send me your email address.

If you are close to Sacramento there are places I can give you where you can get into that program my email address ihgmethod3_equivalency@yahoo.com

alicia beard in San Jose, California said: hello how can i find out about any challenge class in san jose been a cna about 20yrs or more. what class do i need to take in order to challenge the board. and is there any school that you know of in san jose,ca or hayward,ca

Hi Alicia,
If you go to the California LVN website you will find a link with the approved schools
(below is the link but if it doesn't work go to the board's website):

www.bvnpt.ca.gov/Education/Schools/VN_Schools.asp

Look into it but don't forget to look at the option on going straight for your RN. Make sure to check if you can challenge the LVN Board w/out going to school if qualify since that may be a better alternative.

good luck!
Anna

send me inf. on cna to lvn bridge program.

uchewatson@yahoo.com in Houston, Texas said: send me inf. on cna to lvn bridge program.

Is there such a program to "bridge" instead of challenging the boards??? I would be very interested in such a program!!!

Challenging the BVNPT STATE BOARD exam thru a bridge program called Method3= Experience and/or Equivalency but it comes with certain qualifying experience. You may visit www.bvnpt.ca.gov

Lady_maverick in Murrieta, California said: I know some places in Sacramento offering the CNA/LVN Step-up program if you want I can email it to you send me your email address.

Where are they located and do they have evening classes?

May i have that information on CNAII to LVN program please.

Our CNA TO LVN Program is offered in San Diego California only.