If you currently work as a nurse and have thought about furthering your career by earning your BSN, you're not alone.
A growing number of nurses recognize the benefits of earning a BSN like improved access to higher-ranking RN positions.
While earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is beneficial, it might seem less exciting if doing so requires retaking the NCLEX. Keep reading to learn if retaking the exam is required to secure a BSN.
Is Taking the NLCEX Again Necessary to Earn a BSN?
In order to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN), you must earn a passing score on the NCLEX exam.
But is passing the NCLEX necessary to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)?
Depending on your background and other factors, you might need to take the NCLEX again following the completion of your BSN program.
Let's look at the circumstances that would require you to take the exam another time.
NCLEX Requirements for LPNs Earning a BSN
Before diving into the testing requirements for LPNs who want to earn a BSN, we'll first examine the testing requirements for becoming an LPN.
Students who want to become LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
If they want to further their careers by becoming RNs, they can enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)or BSN program.
When taking either path, the LPN will be required to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to practice as an RN.
This means, if they choose the BSN as their route to become an RN, they will have to take the NCLEX again, but this time the NCLEX-RN instead of the NCLEX-PN.
NCLEX Requirements for RNs Earning a BSN
The NCLEX requirements for practicing RNs who plan to earn a BSN differ from those for practicing LPNs.
The NCLEX-RN is the final exam available for nursing licensure. Once an RN passes this exam, there are no additional NCLEX tests to take.
So, whether RNs want to earn their BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to advance in their careers, they typically will not need to take the NCLEX again.
Do RNs Ever Have to Take the NCLEX Again?
There are a couple of instances in which RNs might have to take the NCLEX exam again.
RNs who don't pass the NCLEX exam on the first try are allowed to take the exam again up to eight times per year.
Also, RNs who allow their nursing license to expire might need to retake the NCLEX could be necessary, depending on their state.
For instance, in Missouri, renewal involves submitting a reinstatement application, fingerprints, and fees.
But in California, if eight years has passed since expiration and the RN doesn't hold a nursing license in another state, they might be required to retake the NCLEX-RN for reinstatement.
What Is the NCLEX Exam?
The National Council Licensure Examination consists of two exams required for nursing students who plan to work as LPNs or RNs in healthcare settings.
The exams — the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN — are designed to ensure students are prepared for entry-level nursing positions.
What Is Covered on the NCLEX?
The NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN cover the same four major categories and similar subcategories.
NCLEX Major Categories
- Safe and Effective Care
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
NCLEX-PN: Subcategories
- Coordinated Care
- Safety and Infection Control
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Physiological Adaptation
NCLEX-RN: Subcategories
- Management of Care
- Safety and Infection Control
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Physiological Adaptation
Though the exam formats look very similar, the NCLEX-PN covers nursing foundations and the NCLEX-RN focuses on critical thinking and nursing judgments.
Can I Take the NCLEX Years After Graduating?
The timeframe to take the NCLEX starts about 45 days after graduating from your nursing program.
To get started, first decide the state in which you want to apply. After deciding, you can apply to take the NCLEX in the final quarter of your nursing program.
At the same time, you will submit your application for nursing licensure. Your state's nursing board will provide you with an Authorization to Test (ATT), which is usually valid for 90 days.
If you are unable to pass the NCLEX, you will have the ability to retake it up to eight times per year. You must pass the exam within three years of graduating.
What Are the Steps to Earn a BSN?
Now that you know whether you will have to take the NCLEX again after earning your BSN, let's look at the steps to earn your degree.
Step #1: Choose Your Program
The program you select to pursue your BSN will depend on your current nursing background. Here are common programs for students interested in earning their bachelor's degree:
- Traditional BSN: The traditional BSN is designed for freshmen who have no nursing background.
- LPN to BSN: If you already work as an LPN and would like to earn your BSN, this is the program for you.
- RN to BSN: RN to BSN programs help registered nurses earn their BSN and advance in their careers.
- ABSN: The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is designed for students who have no nursing background and hold a bachelor's degree in another field.
Make sure you're able to meet the admission criteria for your program of choice. Also, ensure the program is regionally or nationally accredited.
Step #2: Take Prerequisites & Apply
Prerequisites courses are required by some nursing programs in order for students to enroll.
These courses can vary depending on the student's prior nursing coursework but often include general education courses like algebra, English, statistics, and psychology.
Students might also have to take nursing-related courses like anatomy and physiology, nutrition, human growth and development, and microbiology.
After taking your prerequisites and meeting other qualifications, you're ready to apply.
Step #3: Complete Your Studies & Start Working
After completing your nursing program, you will have met the requirements to graduate with your BSN.
If you are an LPN or student with a non-nursing background, you will be required to take the NCLEX-RN for the first time to secure initial RN licensure.
If you are already working as an RN, you won't have to take the NCLEX-RN again. Your next step is to seek positions that align with your BSN and take your career to new heights.
Earn Your BSN & Enhance Your Nursing Career
While RNs are not required to take the NCLEX again to secure a BSN, LPNs must take a second NCLEX exam to secure RN licensure. Fortunately, the benefits of earning a BSN make taking the NCLEX again worth it.
