The NCLEX, or the National Council Licensure Examination, is essential for those wishing to become a nurse. It is designed to ensure that all nurses are qualified and meet industry standards. Many people wonder if taking the NCLEX without a nursing degree is possible.
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Can You Take the NCLEX without Going to Nursing School
The answer to this question is simple ‘No’. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), to take the NCLEX, an individual must have completed a nursing program approved by their state board. This means that if you’ve never taken any classes related to nursing, it won’t be possible for you to sit for the NCLEX.
In other terms, if you want to be a nurse, you must complete an approved nursing program. Once you have accomplished this, you can take the NCLEX and become licensed to practice nursing in your state or province.
What Nursing Programs are Eligible for NCLEX?
The NCSBN has a list of approved nursing programs that can qualify an individual for the NCLEX. These include associate degrees in nursing, baccalaureate degrees in nursing, diplomas from accredited nursing schools, and direct-entry master’s degree programs in nursing.
If you have taken one of these courses, you can take the NCLEX and become a registered nurse. However, if you have yet to take any of these courses, you can’t pass the test without enrolling in a nursing program first.
Where to take Admission for Nursing Programs?
You can be admitted to a nursing program at any accredited college or university. Once you have completed the program, you will be qualified to sit for the NCLEX.
It is also essential to note that some states may require additional education or experience before allowing individuals to take the exam. Check with your state board to see if there are other requirements for taking the NCLEX.
Best Colleges for Nursing Programs in the United States
If you are looking to take admission to a nursing program, the following colleges have some of the most highly-rated nursing programs in the United States:
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
- Yale School of Nursing
- Duke University School of Nursing
- UCLA School of Nursing
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
- University of Michigan School of Nursing
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick School of Nursing
- Columbia University School of Nursing
By taking admission to one of these nursing programs, you will be well on your way to becoming a registered nurse. It is important to remember that even after you have completed the program, you will still need to pass the NCLEX to become licensed.
Final Thoughts
Taking the NCLEX with a nursing degree is possible. You must complete an approved nursing program before sitting for the license exam. Many highly rated nursing programs are available at accredited Universities & Colleges in the United States, so make sure to find the program that best fits your needs.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.