RN Licensing Requirements by State: Your Comprehensive Guide
Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) is a rewarding career choice, but navigating the licensing process can seem overwhelming. Each state has specific requirements, so understanding the regulations for the state where you plan to practice is crucial. This guide provides a detailed overview of RN licensing requirements for every state in the United States.
General RN Licensing Requirements
While specific details vary, all states generally require the following for RN licensure:
- Graduation from an Approved Nursing Program: You must graduate from a nursing program accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN ) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Passing the NCLEX-RN Exam: The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is a standardized exam that all RN candidates must pass to demonstrate competency.
- Criminal Background Check: All states require a criminal background check, typically involving fingerprinting and a review of your criminal history.
- Application and Fees: You will need to complete an application and pay the required licensing fees to the state’s Board of Nursing.
State-by-State RN Licensing Requirements
Below is a state-by-state breakdown of RN licensing requirements. Please note that this information is subject to change, and you should always verify the most up-to-date requirements with the specific state’s Board of Nursing (BON).
Alabama
- Board of Nursing: Alabama Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Alabama participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Alaska
- Board of Nursing: Alaska Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Alaska participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Arizona
- Board of Nursing: Arizona State Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Arizona participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Arkansas
- Board of Nursing: Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Arkansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
California
- Board of Nursing: California Board of Registered Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: California is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.
Colorado
- Board of Nursing: Colorado Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Colorado participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Connecticut
- Board of Nursing: Connecticut Department of Public Health – Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Connecticut participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Delaware
- Board of Nursing: Delaware Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Delaware participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Florida
- Board of Nursing: Florida Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Florida participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Georgia
- Board of Nursing: Georgia Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Georgia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Hawaii
- Board of Nursing: Hawaii Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Hawaii is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.
Idaho
- Board of Nursing: Idaho Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Idaho participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Illinois
- Board of Nursing: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Illinois is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.
Indiana
- Board of Nursing: Indiana State Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Indiana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Iowa
- Board of Nursing: Iowa Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Iowa participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Kansas
- Board of Nursing: Kansas State Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Kansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Kentucky
- Board of Nursing: Kentucky Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Kentucky participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Louisiana
- Board of Nursing: Louisiana State Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Louisiana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Maine
- Board of Nursing: Maine State Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Maine participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Maryland
- Board of Nursing: Maryland Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Maryland participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Massachusetts
- Board of Nursing: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Massachusetts is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.
Michigan
- Board of Nursing: Michigan Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Michigan participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Minnesota
- Board of Nursing: Minnesota Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Minnesota is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.
Mississippi
- Board of Nursing: Mississippi Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Mississippi participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Missouri
- Board of Nursing: Missouri State Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved program, passing NCLEX-RN, criminal background check, application and fees.
- Notes: Missouri participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Montana
- Board of Nursing: Montana Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal background check, application and associated fees.
- Notes: Montana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses with multistate licenses to practice in Montana.
Nebraska
- Board of Nursing: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services – Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Completion of an approved nursing education program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, submission of application and fees, and a criminal background check.
- Notes: Nebraska is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Nevada
- Board of Nursing: Nevada State Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN examination, completing a background check, and submitting the required application and fees.
- Notes: Nevada is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
New Hampshire
- Board of Nursing: New Hampshire Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN examination, completing a criminal background check, and submitting an application and fees.
- Notes: New Hampshire is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.
New Jersey
- Board of Nursing: New Jersey Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal history background check, and application with required fees.
- Notes: New Jersey is not currently part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
New Mexico
- Board of Nursing: New Mexico Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing education program, successful passage of the NCLEX-RN, a criminal background check, and application and fees.
- Notes: New Mexico participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
New York
- Board of Nursing: New York State Education Department – Office of the Professions – Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from a nursing program acceptable to the New York State Education Department, passing the NCLEX-RN, meeting moral character requirements, and paying applicable fees.
- Notes: New York is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
North Carolina
- Board of Nursing: North Carolina Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN, a satisfactory criminal background check, and application and fees.
- Notes: North Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
North Dakota
- Board of Nursing: North Dakota Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal background check, and submitting the required application and fees.
- Notes: North Dakota participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Ohio
- Board of Nursing: Ohio Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passage of the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal background check, and submitting application materials and fees.
- Notes: Ohio is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Oklahoma
- Board of Nursing: Oklahoma Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal background check, and submission of an application and fees.
- Notes: Oklahoma participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Oregon
- Board of Nursing: Oregon State Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN examination, a criminal background check, and submitting an application with the necessary fees.
- Notes: Oregon is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Pennsylvania
- Board of Nursing: Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal history background check, and completing the application process with associated fees.
- Notes: Pennsylvania is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Rhode Island
- Board of Nursing: Rhode Island Department of Health – Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
- Requirements: Graduation from an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal background check, and submission of an application and fees.
- Notes: Rhode Island is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
South Carolina
- Board of Nursing: South Carolina Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN examination, a criminal background check, and submitting an application and fees.
- Notes: South Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
South Dakota
- Board of Nursing: South Dakota Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN examination, a criminal background check, and submitting the required application and fees.
- Notes: South Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Tennessee
- Board of Nursing: Tennessee Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN examination, a criminal background check, and completing an application with required fees.
- Notes: Tennessee is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Texas
- Board of Nursing: Texas Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN examination, a criminal background check, and submitting the required application and fees.
- Notes: Texas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Utah
- Board of Nursing: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an accredited nursing program, passage of the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal background check, and submission of an application and fees.
- Notes: Utah is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Vermont
- Board of Nursing: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation – Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal background check, and submission of application and fees.
- Notes: Vermont is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Virginia
- Board of Nursing: Virginia Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal background check, and submitting an application with required fees.
- Notes: Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Washington
- Board of Nursing: Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN, a criminal background check, and application and fees.
- Notes: Washington is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
West Virginia
- Board of Nursing: West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN examination, a criminal background check, and submission of application and fees.
- Notes: West Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Wisconsin
- Board of Nursing: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services – Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal background check, and submitting an application and fees.
- Notes: Wisconsin is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Wyoming
- Board of Nursing: Wyoming State Board of Nursing
- Requirements: Graduation from an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a criminal background check, and completing an application with the necessary fees.
- Notes: Wyoming is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Important Considerations for RN Licensing
The information provided above serves as a general overview. It is essential to check with the specific state’s Board of Nursing for the most current and detailed requirements. Licensing requirements can change, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they meet all criteria.
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to have one multistate license, with the ability to practice in their home state and other NLC states. Nurses must reside in an NLC state to obtain a multistate license. This compact simplifies the process for nurses who practice in multiple states, such as travel nurses or those who provide telehealth services. The NLC streamlines the licensing process, improves access to care, and reduces regulatory burdens.
NCLEX-RN Exam
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is a standardized exam that all nursing school graduates must pass to become licensed as registered nurses in the United States. The exam tests critical thinking, knowledge, and skills necessary for safe and effective nursing practice. Candidates usually have to register with Pearson VUE and pay an exam fee to be able to schedule the exam.
Criminal Background Checks
All state boards of nursing require applicants to undergo a criminal background check as part of the licensing process. This typically involves submitting fingerprints for review by the state’s law enforcement agency and the FBI. The purpose of the background check is to ensure patient safety and to identify any past criminal convictions that may disqualify an applicant from licensure.
Endorsement
Nurses who are already licensed in one state may apply for licensure by endorsement in another state. This process typically involves verifying the original license, providing transcripts from nursing school, and completing any additional requirements set forth by the new state’s board of nursing.
Continuing Education
Many states require nurses to complete continuing education (CE) courses to maintain their licenses. The specific requirements vary by state but often include a certain number of contact hours of CE every renewal period. CE courses help nurses stay up-to-date on the latest advances in healthcare and maintain their competency.
Resources for Further Information
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): https://www.ncsbn.org/
- American Nurses Association (ANA): https://www.nursingworld.org/
Final Thoughts
Obtaining and maintaining an RN license requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific state regulations. Always refer to the official website of the relevant state’s Board of Nursing for the most accurate and current information.