Can You Take the NCLEX Without a Nursing Degree?
If you want to become a nurse, the NCLEX is an important exam that you must take before you are allowed to begin practicing. What exactly is required to take the NCLEX? Can you take the NCLEX without a nursing degree? Read on to find out more.
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Do You Need a Nursing Degree to Take the NCLEX?
There are two NCLEX exam types, the NCLEX-RN (registered nurse) and the NCLEX-PN (practical nurse). To take the NCLEX-RN, you will need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. For the NCLEX-PN, you will need a degree in licensed practical nursing or licensed vocational nursing.
In some cases, if you have a degree in a related health science field and wish to get your master’s degree in nursing, you can take a special program to prepare you for your master’s degree. After this program, you’ll be eligible for the NCLEX.
If you wish to take either NCLEX exam, you have to request access through your state board of nursing. The committee will look at your credentials and determine if you’re qualified to become a nurse in your state. If you are deemed ready to take the exam, you will get an Authorization to Take the Test or ATT letter.
What Is the NCLEX?
The National Council Licensure Examination, better known as the NCLEX, is a test designed to see if students are ready to begin working as entry-level nurses. It’s not knowledge-based but is instead application-based.
The test aims to determine if students are ready for the many unpredictable challenges nurses face in the field. The NCLEX measures factors such as critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Most of the questions are multiple-choice, but there are also some fill-in-the-blank, multiple-response, drag-and-drop, and other types of questions. Most items will integrate nursing content with practical knowledge.
The NCLEX CAT exam is a computer-based exam that will adapt its questions based on correct and incorrect answers. It will start with a fundamental, easy-to-answer question. Items will then progress according to performance. The test taker’s ability to answer more difficult questions will determine their competency.
Study Tips for the NCLEX
The NCLEX can be daunting, especially as it can determine your nursing career. However, if you follow these helpful study tips, you’ll be one step closer to success.
Start by figuring out how you learn best. Some people need a quiet room, while others work best studying with a group. Notecards may be helpful for you, or you may prefer to highlight the relevant information. Don’t waste time studying in ways that aren’t useful for you.
You should also take several practice tests throughout the studying process. Pick up one of our recommended NCLEX study prep books. By taking practice tests early, you can identify areas of weakness and focus your studying efforts.
Final Thoughts
The NCLEX is an essential step in becoming a nurse, and you have to have some form of nursing education to take it. It’s a test that goes beyond the facts and knowledge learned in your nursing program. Instead, it tests how you can apply that knowledge once you’re in the field and shows whether or not you’ll be a competent nurse.
