Do nursing licenses require a "hands-on" test? And is it possible to do a LPN to BSN program online?

SGT Jamarl Jones — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 20:39:02 -0400

I am thinking about getting back in as a 68C. I have a few questions about nursing license tests.

1. For LPN or RN licenses are there "psychomotor" or "hands-on" tests you must pass? For example, as an EMT-B, I had to take a psychomotor test to demonstrate I knew the common procedures.

2. Do 100% online LPN to RN programs exist?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 9:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 21:33:10 -0400

SGT, it is a mix of didactic and patient contact hours. Essentially practice what you’ve learned. Difficulty gradually increases throughout the course. The course culminate with you transitioning to preceptorship, basically flying with limited supervision by that point you’re ready to take your NCLEX exam for your license.

Question 2. I don’t believe there is a LPN to RN. That is completely on line.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Mar 28 at 2018 10:30 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 22:30:09 -0400

No, the testing is written only (per someone currently finishing up their RN). As far as I know, all LPN/RN programs require hands-on clinical hours, though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2018 10:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 22:09:25 -0400

No. You can’t just test into being a BSN-RN without doing clinical hours. If nursing school is your end goal, it would probably be better for you to just go straight for your RN. 68C school is over a year which is a time setback on you getting your degree/license and as a SGT, you’d end up as a NCOIC somewhere doing administrative work instead of utilizing your nursing license you spent a year to get.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 11:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 11:50:35 -0400

Hey SGT,
To answer your first question, there is no skills test. Only one test called the NCLEX that is very similar to sitting for the NREMT. It's the same way NREMT is where it can range from 80-200somthing? questions depending on how you're doing.
To answer your second question simply. Yes, you can find programs for LPN and ADN that are online only. That is just the college material though. You will have to find a hospital willing to sponser you with clinical hours and those can get into the 100s or thousands depending on the degree you want.
Medical schools are very time consuming with the addition of clinical hours. The 68C program is great because it allows you to do the clinical hours as your place of duty. Trying to balance those hours on top of being in the Army is tough if it's not part of your job. I've heard of some people being able to do LPN/RN bridge courses online while their hospital such as BAMC/WAMC/MAMC whatever counts their working hours as clinical hours. If you get stationed at a big MEDCOM and can find an RN willing to sponsor your time that's a sweet deal.
P.S. If you're just looking to excel beyond EMT-B and you don't care much for nursing note that Fort Bragg has a paramedic course that they are sending medics through on a regular basis.

Response by MSG Mark Million made Apr 4 at 2018 11:23 AM

MSG Mark Million — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 11:23:26 -0400

There will be some hands on testing during nursing school.
once LPN is obtained there are a few schools that will do LPN to RN online with practical exams (hands on) to be done at the end of the course over a few days time. North Central Missouri College offers such a program towards a Associates Degree RN licensure, Excelsior College in New York is another. I am sure there are a few more, but they are somewhat difficult to find and usually have long waiting lists with preferences for students having taken their LPN courses at their colleges (as is the case with North Central Missouri College).

Response by 2LT Ronald Reimer made Apr 15 at 2018 8:43 PM

2LT Ronald Reimer — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 20:43:43 -0400

Not in Wisconsin. It’s a computerized, multiple choice exam, that is usually 75 questions, but can be up to 325, depending on how you do. (The difficulty of the questions are progressive, when you answer one correctly, you get a more difficult one in that area, until you have shown proficiency).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2018 1:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 13:53:01 -0400

In short: no, you must have clinical time and put hands on patients not only for the experience but for evaluation of bedside manner etc.

Once you have one nursing licensure under your belt there are reduced clinical times for active nurses in some online programs.