BSN HANDBOOK

LVN 45 UNIT OPTION

The LVN 45 Unit Option is mandated by California Administrative Code, Title 16, Article 3, Section 1429. California law for nurses requires that every school make possible the award of credit to make it possible for a LVN to receive enough credit to sit for the RN-NCLEX examination in the state of California. The LVN 45-unit option was designed as a career ladder for California Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) wishing to become registered nurses. While most states do not recognize California’s LVN 30 or 45 Unit Options and will not issue RN licenses to these LVNs, the Board of Nursing (BRN) in California mandates that every California school make the option available to Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). The number of units (30 or 45) depends on quarter or semester options. AUHS is on a quarter unit system and therefore a 45-unit option is mandated by law.

LVN CHALLENGE EXAMS (For LVNs wishing to receive the BSN and write the NCLEX, the following option is allowed if the applicant meets the following):

  • Current licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in the State of CA with good standing.
  • Documentation of recent nursing practice experience, a minimum of one (1) year, full- time employment as a LVN.
  • Submit Credit by Examination Form (application to challenge) to the Office of Students Services at AUHS 2 weeks prior to the start of the nursing (BSN) program.
  • You may download the Credit by Examination Form (application to challenge) at: http://www.auhs.edu/media/resources/student_services/cbe_form.pdf
  • You must have purchased ATI, and have it activated.