Nursing training is a prerequisite for taking NCLEX. The kind of nursing education required depends on the nursing license you want to obtain. So, if you ask, “Can you take the NCLEX without going to nursing school?” the answer is no. You must have a nursing credential, associate program, or bachelor’s course in nursing (BSN).
Licensed practicing nurse (LPN) nursing programs take one year to complete, while a registered nursing program takes one to four years to complete. An NCLEX prep course can give you the needed skills to pass the exam on the first attempt. For instance, Naxlex, a top NCLEX test prep tool, guarantees an A in your exam in the first trial; try Naxlex now.
Exceptions to taking NCLEX without finishing a nursing degree
It’s important to understand that you can only take the NCLEX with a nursing degree program. However, there are a few ways in which aspiring nurses can work around this in certain states under certain conditions.
Candidates aspiring to become practical or licensed vocational nurses (LVAs) can take their NCLEX exam to become licensed to practice their nursing craft. This is a way to take the NCLEX without a nursing degree course. However, to become a registered nurse (RN), an individual must have an associate’s or bachelor’s program. States are working toward making it mandatory to have a bachelor’s degree credential to practice nursing.
Can experienced medical professionals take the NCLEX without a degree program?
Yes, experienced medical professionals can take the NCLEX without a nursing degree, but there are limitations to this. Two methods are applicable under this scenario: challenging the exam board or completing a bridging program.
Under challenging the exam board, some states, such as Pennsylvania, Missouri, Hawaii, Georgia, and Florida, are the only jurisdictions that permit LPNs or military medical professionals to challenge the nursing exam board to bypass a nursing program and become an RN.
Nursing bridge programs are available to professionals with nursing experiences, such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs), LVN/ LPN, paramedics, military medics, or individuals with other medical experiences. A bridge program is used to use your medical experience to further your nursing career. This can occur at entry-level to doctoral levels.
Bridge programs make the advancement of nursing competencies accessible to qualified candidates. The program is available online, and if you have the required experience, you can become an RN in months rather than years.
How to prepare for NCLEX success?
While you can take NCLEX without external help, you’re likely to waste more time and resources trying to master the content on your own. The examinable NCLEX content is broad, requiring candidates to invest adequate time and resources in test preparation. So, investing in a trusted test prep helps you master the content quickly and pass the test in the first trial.
The NCLEX test is a computer-adaptive exam, meaning you don’t get the same test as any other candidate. The complexity of the exam depends on how you answer the questions. The exam software creates the next question depending on how you answer the previous item. Responding to the questions requires mastery of the different question concepts and formats. Naxlex test prep can help you to achieve NCLEX success.
The significance of each question is important, but answering a few questions in a row does not mean you have entered incorrect answers somewhere along the line. Being a crucial exam in nursing licensure, you need to prepare well to boost your NCLEX success. If you are still wondering, “Can you take the NCLEX without going to nursing school?” it’s not possible. With sufficient preparation, you can pass the exam on the first attempt.
In addition to reviewing the materials you have covered in your nursing program, you can also take the NCLEX preparation course. Naxlex offers a personalized NCLEX review course to prepare you for the licensing test. Candidates who have taken our practice questions and review course have gained more confidence and are thus performing better in the exam.
Having different test preparation strategies, such as a good timetable, forming study groups with peers, utilizing practice questions, and getting personalized help, can give you the confidence you need to take NCLEX successfully.
How hard is the NCLEX exam?
NCLEX can be hard or easy, depending on your preparedness level. If you prepare for the test utilizing the best exam preparation materials, such as the Naxlex, you’ll have a better chance of passing the exam on the first attempt. Since you can only take the NCLEX by going to nursing school, the guidance you get in nursing education, supported by our test preparation, can greatly boost your NCLEX success.
If you prepare appropriately, the adaptive exam can determine your pass quickly. You will respond to questions between 75 and 265. You will pass the test once you answer enough questions above 95% confidence level as determined by the exam software. Candidates who score below the 95% confidence level typically fail the exam.
If you aspire to become a nurse, you must join a nursing school to take NCLEX after the completion of your nursing training. Are you wondering if you can take the NCLEX test preparation course? While that is a personal choice, there are many advantages to studying in your program and preparing for the exam with the support of nursing professionals and tutors.
To become a licensed or registered nurse, candidates must pass the NCLEX. Upon passing the licensure exam, candidates can start their occupations as entry-level nurses. This is one of the reasons why you can only take the NCLEX if you go to nursing school. Passing the NCLEX requires intensive preparation acquired through the nursing education program. Every nurse graduating from an associate or bachelor’s course can take the exam.
Conclusion
Nursing education is an important requirement for taking NCLEX. So, if you ask, “Can you take the NCLEX without going to nursing school?” the answer is no. You must complete a nursing education to take NCLEX before practicing your nursing profession. However, there are exceptions to take if you’re entering lower-level nursing vocations. Experienced professionals can use their experiences to advance their nursing careers. If you are preparing for NCLEX, Naxlex guarantees you an A on your first attempt. Subscribe to Naxlex for NCLEX success on the first attempt.
