Distance Learning in RN or LPN Education Programs Changed

VHCA (8/15/2008)

As a result of changes to the regulations governing the practice of nursing that took effect April 2, 2008, the Board of Nursing voted on May 20, 2008 that any student enrolled in a distance learning education program that does not meet the clinical requirements on or before April 2, 2008 must complete their program by December 31, 2009 in order to be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN to be licensed in Virginia.   After December 31, 2009, graduates of the above programs will not be able to be licensed in Virginia by examination or by endorsement. 

The section of the regulation specifically states, “A nursing education program preparing for licensure as a practical nurse shall provide a minimum of 400 hours of direct client care supervised by qualified faculty. A nursing education program preparing for licensure as a registered nurse shall provide a minimum of 500 hours of direct client care supervised by qualified faculty.”

In other actions, the Board has also amended the nurse practitioner requirements.  Effective September 3, 2008, in order to hold a license and practice as a nurse practitioner, a person must hold an unrestricted license as a registered nurse.  See Amended Regulation.