Easiest states to become a nurse – Length of licensing process
- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
Washington's RNs and LPNs are licensed by the Nursing Commission of the Washington State Department of Health. Washington State does not participate in the nurse licensure compact. However, nurses who are licensed in other states may find endorsement to be a relatively simple process.
CNE is Continuing Nursing Education and refers to courses specifically for nursing professionals. CEUS or Continuing Education Units are also known as Continuing Education Credits. They reflect the time spent participating in educational courses or approved activities. One CEU is equal to 10 hours of instruction.
Compact & Walk Through States
- Arizona.
- Arkansas.
- Colorado.
- Delaware.
- Florida (new)
- Georgia (new)
- Idaho.
- Iowa.
Though the vast majority of candidates pass the exam the first time, those who fail are permitted to retake it after 45 days from their original test date. Candidates may retest as many as 8 times in a year. Candidates must pass NCLEX within three years from when they graduated nursing school.
Students interested in becoming registered nurses (RNs) can pursue several paths to start their careers. To become a nurse, you can earn a 2-3 year RN diploma, associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
How do you become one? In Washington, you achieve RN status by completing an approved program at the ADN level or higher and then taking and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Additional steps include filling out a background screening and providing evidence of having completed at least seven hours of AIDS training.
To check a nurse's license registered with another Board of Nursing in the United States or its territories, visit the Nursys verification report. For help, call the Nursys license verification department at (312) 525–3600 or toll free at (866) 819–1700.
The following steps detail the process for becoming licensed as an ARNP in Washington State:
- Get Your Graduate Degree.
- Earn Your National Certification.
- Apply for your License.
- Renewing Your License.
NOT on Nursys.comArizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin.
Overview of how to apply for the NCLEX in Washington:
- Step 1: Applying with the Washington Board of Nursing. You will need to fill out a paper application in Washington.
- Step 2: Register with Pearson Vue.
- Step 3: Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) and Schedule your NCLEX.
- Step 4: Prepare for your NCLEX.
"SignUp" button and follow the instructions to create a new User ID and Password. Select this link for Online License Renewal:
Call the Board of Nursing Office. You must provide your Pennsylvania license number. You will then be required to complete a Reactivation Application and submit it with the appropriate fees.
Requirements for Renewal of Licence
- Completed Licensing form.
- Two (2) recent identical coloured passport photographs with white background.
- Expired licence.
- Photocopies of certificates of registration.
- Photocopy of certificate of attendance for Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP).
As mentioned, you don't need to retake the NCLEX every time you transfer to a new state. You may need to renew your license within the same window you're transferring the license and that's often accomplished with CEUs.
New York is not a member of the nurse license compact, but nurses who have met similar requirements in other states may have a relatively quick path to licensure. Candidates who have never been licensed in the U.S. must take the NCLEX licensing exam at the appropriate level.
Residents of noncompact states are not bound by compact rules, which permit a licensee to hold only one compact multistate license in the primary state of residence.
It will take approximately 15 to 20 business days to process upon receipt of all required documents. Your temporary nursing license will be valid for 90 days. Other additional steps to receive permanent licenses must already be in the process.
How To Get a Compact Nursing License
- Reside in an eNLC state, and it must be your primary state of residence.
- Must be actively licensed as an RN, LPN or LVN.
- Must meet any requirements for licensure in your home state.
The Alaska Board of Nursing licenses LPNs and RNs. Alaska is not a nurse compact state. Wherever else a nurse may be licensed, that nurse still needs an Alaska nursing license to practice within the state.
Michigan is not a Nursing Licensure Compact state.Michigan is not a member of the nurse license compact, but nurses can be licensed by examination or endorsement.
The registered nurse (RN) may administer Propofol, Etomidate and neuromuscular blocking agents (only Succinylcholine, Rocuronium and Vecuronium) to the non-intubated patient in a hospital setting for the purpose of rapid sequence intubation when the clinical presentation of impending respiratory failure is imminent.
However, most aspiring nurses complete either a two year associate's degree (ADN) or a four year bachelor's degree (BSN). To be accepted to these programs, you will need to complete various undergraduate courses in subjects such as math, biology, psychology, English and chemistry.
Fee Schedule
| Applications | |
|---|
| Renewal | |
| Renewal | $65.00 (RN or LPN Licensure and $65.00 for each APRN Authorization) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Transcripts | $15.00 |
If a candidate does not pass the examination upon first attempt, the Board will send an application for reexamination. Candidates must wait 45 days between attempts. A candidate must pass the exam within five years of program completion.
Licensure By Endorsement
- Verification of employment documenting (500) hours of licensed practice within the four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application.
- Proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application.
LPNs may supervise the work of medication assistants and other caregivers. They may provide direct care, including medication administration. They may also be involved in programming. Making rounds will likely be among the duties.
The Georgia Board of Nursing has a stipulation for RN licensure for Excelsior graduates. As a graduate you may apply for licensure by examination in another U.S. jurisdiction and work for a federal facility in Georgia, such as a VA hospital, military hospital, or federal correctional facility.
Georgia law does not provide for licensure by challenge or experience. You must have graduated from an approved nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. §43-26-32(1.1).
