VA State Licensure Requirements
In accordance with Public Law 116-315 - Section 1018: Requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the College is required to disclose conditions or additional requirements, including training, experience, or examinations, required to obtain the license, certification, or approval for which the course of education is designed to provide preparation. Please refer to the list below for information regarding your individual state.
Download VA State Licensure Requirements
Alaska
https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/NursingStatutes.pdf
Sec. 08.68.170. Qualifications of registered or practical nurse applicants.
(a) An applicant for a license to practice registered nursing shall submit to the board, on forms and in the manner prescribed by the board, written evidence, verified by oath, that the applicant has successfully completed a registered nurse education program accredited by a national nursing accrediting body and approved by the board.
(b) An applicant for a license to practice practical nursing shall submit to the board, on forms and in the manner prescribed by the board, written evidence, verified by oath, that the applicant has successfully completed
(1) a practical nurse education program accredited by a national nursing accrediting body;
(2) a practical nurse education program that meets the criteria established by the board under AS 08.68.100; or
(3) a registered nurse education program accredited by a national nursing accrediting body and approved by the board and, if the applicant has failed the registered nurse licensing examination, a practical nurse scope of practice course approved by the board.
(c) An applicant for a license to practice advanced practice registered nursing shall submit to the board, on forms and in the manner prescribed by the board, written evidence, verified by oath, that the applicant
(1) is licensed as a registered nurse in the state; and
(2) has successfully completed an advanced practice registered nurse education program that meets the criteria established by the board under AS 08.68.100.
Sec. 08.68.190. License by examination.
(a) An applicant for a license to practice
(1) registered or practical nursing shall pass a registered nursing or practical nursing licensing examination as prescribed by the board;
(2) advanced practice registered nursing shall pass an advanced practice registered nursing certification examination as prescribed by the board.
(b) If an applicant meets the qualifications set out in AS 08.68.170 for the license for which the applicant applied, the board shall issue a license to practice
(1) registered or practical nursing to an applicant who passes the licensing examination to practice registered or practical nursing; or
(2) advanced practice registered nursing to an applicant who passes the advanced practice registered nursing certification examination to practice advanced practice registered nursing
California
https://www.rn.ca.gov/practice/npa.shtml
16 CCR § 1410
- 1410. Application.
(a) An application for a license as a registered nurse by examination shall be submitted on an application form provided by the board, and filed with the board at its office in Sacramento. An application shall be accompanied by the fee and such evidence, statements or documents as therein required including evidence of eligibility to take the examination. The applicant shall submit an additional application and fee for the examination to the board or to its examination contractor, as directed by the board. The Board shall provide the contractor's application to the applicant. No license shall be issued without a complete transcript on file indicating successful completion of the courses prescribed by the board for licensure or documentation deemed equivalent by the Board.
(b) An application for a license as a registered nurse without examination under the provisions of Section 2732.1(b) of the code shall be submitted on an application form prescribed and provided by the board, accompanied by the appropriate fee and by such evidence, statements, or documents as therein required, and filed with the board at its office in Sacramento.
(c) The applicant shall be notified in writing of the results of the evaluation of his/her application for license if the application is rejected.
16 CCR § 1412
- 1412. High School Education or the Equivalent.
An applicant must meet the general preliminary education requirement of a high school education in the United States or the equivalent. Upon request of the Board, an applicant shall provide evidence of education equivalent to completion of a high school course of study in the United States by submitting one of the following:
(a) A high school diploma received from a U.S. high school.
(b) A General Education Development Certificate.
(c) A degree from any junior college, college or university accredited by a state agency authorized to accredit such institutions.
(d) An evaluation by a high school, unified school district, junior college, college, university or board of education which the board determines, after review, establishes that an education equivalent to a high school education in the United States was obtained in this or another state or in any foreign country.
Note: Authority cited: Section 2715, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 2736, Business and Professions Code.
16 CCR § 1413
- 1413. English Comprehension.
When the Board has reasonable doubt of an applicant's ability to comprehend the English language to a degree sufficient to permit him to discharge his duties as a Professional Nurse in this State with safety to the public, the Board shall require him to pass an examination to demonstrate such ability.
16 CCR § 1418
- 1418. Eligibility for Licensure of Applicants Who Have Military Education and Experience.
An applicant who presents with relevant military education and experience, and who presents documentation from a board-approved registered prelicensure nursing program of equivalency credit evaluation that provides evidence of meeting, in whole or in part, the minimum standards for competency set forth in Section 1443.5 and minimum education requirements of licensure listed pursuant to Sections 1426(c)(1) to (3), utilizing challenge examination or other evaluative methods, will be considered to meet, in whole or in part, the education requirements for licensure.
16 CCR § 1426
- 1426. Required Curriculum.
(a) The curriculum of a nursing program shall be that set forth in this section, and shall be approved by the board. Any revised curriculum shall be approved by the board prior to its implementation.
(b) The curriculum shall reflect a unifying theme, which includes the nursing process as defined by the faculty, and shall be designed so that a student who completes the program will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to function in accordance with the registered nurse scope of practice as defined in code section 2725, and to meet minimum competency standards of a registered nurse.
(c) The curriculum shall consist of not less than fifty-eight (58) semester units, or eighty-seven (87) quarter units, which shall include at least the following number of units in the specified course areas:
(1) Art and science of nursing, thirty-six (36) semester units or fifty-four (54) quarter units, of which eighteen (18) semester or twenty-seven (27) quarter units will be in theory and eighteen (18) semester or twenty-seven (27) quarter units will be in clinical practice.
(2) Communication skills, six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter units. Communication skills shall include principles of oral, written, and group communication.
(3) Related natural sciences (anatomy, physiology, and microbiology courses with labs), behavioral and social sciences, sixteen (16) semester or twenty-four (24) quarter units.
(d) Theory and clinical practice shall be concurrent in the following nursing areas: geriatrics, medical-surgical, mental health/psychiatric nursing, obstetrics, and pediatrics. Instructional outcomes will focus on delivering safe, therapeutic, effective, patient-centered care; practicing evidence-based practice; working as part of interdisciplinary teams; focusing on quality improvement; and using information technology. Instructional content shall include, but is not limited to, the following: critical thinking, personal hygiene, patient protection and safety, pain management, human sexuality, client abuse, cultural diversity, nutrition (including therapeutic aspects), pharmacology, patient advocacy, legal, social and ethical aspects of nursing, and nursing leadership and management.
(1) Theory and clinical practice requirements of the curriculum will be adjusted in recognition of military education and experiences of the student, when applicable, through an individualized process for evaluating and granting equivalency credit for military education and experience
that results in meeting the same course objectives and competency standards.
(e) The following shall be integrated throughout the entire nursing curriculum:
(1) The nursing process;
(2) Basic intervention skills in preventive, remedial, supportive, and rehabilitative nursing;
(3) Physical, behavioral, and social aspects of human development from birth through all age levels;
(4) Knowledge and skills required to develop collegial relationships with health care providers from other disciplines;
(5) Communication skills including principles of oral, written, and group communications;
(6) Natural science, including human anatomy, physiology, and microbiology; and
(7) Related behavioral and social sciences with emphasis on societal and cultural patterns, human development, and behavior relevant to health-illness.
(f) The program shall have tools to evaluate a student's academic progress, performance, and clinical learning experiences that are directly related to course objectives.
(g) The course of instruction shall be presented in semester or quarter units or the equivalent under the following formula:
(1) One (1) hour of instruction in theory each week throughout a semester or quarter equals one (1) unit.
(2) Three (3) hours of clinical practice each week throughout a semester or quarter equals one (1) unit. With the exception of an initial nursing course that teaches basic nursing skills in a skills lab, 75% of clinical hours in a course must be in direct patient care in an area specified in section 1426(d) in a board-approved clinical setting.
16 CCR § 1443.5
- 1443.5. Standards of Competent Performance.
A registered nurse shall be considered to be competent when he/she consistently demonstrates the ability to transfer scientific knowledge from social, biological and physical sciences in applying the nursing process, as follows:
(1) Formulates a nursing diagnosis through observation of the client's physical condition and behavior, and through interpretation of information obtained from the client and others, including the health team.
(2) Formulates a care plan, in collaboration with the client, which ensures that direct and indirect nursing care services provide for the client's safety, comfort, hygiene, and protection, and for disease prevention and restorative measures.
(3) Performs skills essential to the kind of nursing action to be taken, explains the health treatment to the client and family and teaches the client and family how to care for the client's health needs.
(4) Delegates tasks to subordinates based on the legal scopes of practice of the subordinates and on the preparation and capability needed in the tasks to be delegated, and effectively supervises nursing care being given by subordinates.
(5) Evaluates the effectiveness of the care plan through observation of the client's physical condition and behavior, signs and symptoms of illness, and reactions to treatment and through communication with the client and health team members, and modifies the plan as needed.
(6) Acts as the client's advocate, as circumstances require, by initiating action to improve health care or to change decisions or activities which are against the interests or wishes of the client, and by giving the client the opportunity to make informed decisions about health care before it is provided.
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE - BPC
DIVISION 2. HEALING ARTS
CHAPTER 6. Nursing
ARTICLE 2. Scope of Regulation
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=2736.
(a) An applicant for licensure as a registered nurse shall comply with each of the following:
(1) Have completed such general preliminary education requirements as shall be determined by the board.
(2) Have successfully completed the courses of instruction prescribed by the board for licensure, in a program in this state accredited by the board for training registered nurses, or have successfully completed courses of instruction in a school of nursing outside of this state which, in the opinion of the board at the time the application is filed with the Board of Registered Nursing, are equivalent to the minimum requirements of the board for licensure established for an accredited program in this state.
(3) Not be subject to denial of licensure under Section 480.
(b) An applicant who has received his or her training from a school of nursing in a country outside the United States and who has complied with the provisions of subdivision (a), or has completed training equivalent to that required by subdivision (a), shall qualify for licensure by successfully passing the examination prescribed by the board.
Connecticut
https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_378.htm#sec_20-93
Sec. 20-93. Qualifications for examination. Licensure. Fee.
Any person who shows to the satisfaction of the department that he or she holds a degree, diploma or certificate from an accredited institution evidencing satisfactory completion of a nursing program approved by said board with the consent of the Commissioner of Public Health shall be eligible for examination for licensure as a registered nurse upon payment of a fee of one hundred eighty dollars, the subjects of which examination shall be determined by said department with the advice and consent of the board. If such applicant passes such examination said department shall issue to such applicant a license to practice nursing in this state.
Sec. 20-96. Licensure as practical nurse. Examinations.
Any person who holds a certificate from a nursing program approved by said board with the consent of the Commissioner of Public Health, which program consists of not less than twelve months' instruction in the care of the sick as prescribed by said board, or its equivalent as determined by said board, shall be eligible for examination for licensure as a licensed practical nurse upon payment of a fee of one hundred fifty dollars. Such examination shall include such subjects as the department, with the advice and consent of the board, determines. If such applicant passes such examination said department shall issue to such applicant a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in this state.
Colorado
https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/Laws
12-255-109. Examination.
(1) All nurse applicants, unless eligible for licensure by endorsement, shall be required to pass a written examination approved or prepared by the board, relating to the knowledge, skills, and judgments as incorporated in their respective approved education programs.
(2) In accordance with the requirements of this part 1, the board shall hold at least two examinations annually for practical nurses and for professional nurses at such places and at such times as the board shall determine.
12-255-110. Requirements for professional nurse licensure.
(1) The board shall issue a license to engage in the practice of professional nursing to any applicant who:
(a) Submits an application containing the information the board may prescribe;
(b) Submits proof satisfactory to the board in the manner and upon the forms the board may require to show that the applicant has completed a professional nursing educational program that meets the standards of the board for approval of educational programs or that is approved by the board and to show that the applicant holds a certificate of graduation from or a certificate of completion of the approved program;
(c) Passes an examination as provided in section 12-255-109 or is eligible for and is granted licensure by endorsement as provided in subsection (2) of this section;
(d) Pays the required fee.
(2) The board may issue a license by endorsement to engage in the practice of professional nursing in this state to a nurse who satisfies the requirements of the occupational credential portability program.
(3) The board shall design a questionnaire to be sent to all licensees who apply for license renewal. Each applicant for license renewal shall complete the board-designed questionnaire. The purpose of the questionnaire is to determine whether a licensee has acted in violation of this part 1 or has been disciplined for any action that might be considered a violation of this part 1 or might make the licensee unfit to practice nursing with reasonable care and safety. The board shall include on the questionnaire a question regarding whether the licensee has complied with section 12-30-111. If an applicant fails to answer the questionnaire accurately, the failure constitutes grounds for discipline under section 12-255-120 (1)(v). The board may include the cost of developing and reviewing the questionnaire in the fee paid under subsection (1)(d) of this section. The board may deny an application for license renewal that does not accompany an accurately completed questionnaire.
12-255-114. Requirements for practical nurse licensure.
(1) The board shall issue a license to engage in the practice of practical nursing to any applicant who:
(a) Submits an application containing information the board may prescribe;
(b) Submits proof satisfactory to the board in the manner and upon the forms the board may require to show that the applicant has completed a practical nursing educational program that meets the standards of the board for approval of educational programs or that is approved by the board and to show that the applicant holds a certificate of graduation from or a certificate of completion of the approved program;
(c) Passes an examination as provided in section 12-255-109 or is eligible for and is granted licensure by endorsement as provided in subsection (2) of this section;
(d) Pays the required fee.
(2) The board may issue a license by endorsement to engage in the practice of practical nursing in this state to any applicant who satisfies the requirements of the occupational credential portability program.
(3) The board shall design a questionnaire to be sent to all licensed practical nurses who apply for license renewal. Each applicant for license renewal shall complete the board-designed questionnaire. The purpose of the questionnaire is to determine whether a licensee has acted in violation of this part 1 or has been disciplined for any action that might be considered a violation of this part 1 or might make the licensee unfit to practice nursing with reasonable care and safety. If an applicant fails to answer the questionnaire accurately, the failure constitutes grounds for discipline under section 12-255-120 (1)(v). The board may include the cost of developing and reviewing the questionnaire in the fee paid under subsection (1)(d) of this section. The board may deny an application for license renewal that does not accompany an accurately completed questionnaire.
Georgia
- 43-26-7. Requirements for licensure as registered professional nurse; requirements for nontraditional nursing education program
(a) Any applicant who meets the requirements of this Code section shall be eligible for licensure as a registered professional nurse.
(b) An applicant for licensure by examination shall:
(1) Submit a completed written application and fee;
(2) (A) Have graduated from an approved nursing education program, as defined in Code Section 43-26-3; or
(B) (i) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, have graduated from a nontraditional nursing education program approved by the board which meets the requirements in subsection (e) of this Code section; and
(ii) (I) If the applicant entered the nontraditional nursing education program as a licensed practical nurse and had an academic education as a licensed practical nurse that included clinical training in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, medical-surgical, and mental illness, have at least two years of clinical experience in the five years preceding the date of the application in an acute care inpatient facility or a long-term acute care facility as a licensed practical nurse, as approved by the board. Such clinical experience shall be documented in writing by the applicant's immediate supervisor stating that, in his or her opinion, the applicant has exhibited the critical thinking abilities, clinical skills, and leadership abilities that would indicate the ability to work as a beginning registered professional nurse;
(II) If the applicant entered the nontraditional nursing education program as a licensed practical nurse, had an academic education as a licensed practical nurse that included clinical training in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, medical-surgical, and mental illness, and has at least two years of experience as a licensed practical nurse in any setting, although such experience shall be exclusive of night duty in a skilled nursing facility, but less than two years of experience in the five years preceding the date of the application in an acute care inpatient facility or a long-term acute care facility, as approved by the board, have completed a 320 hour postgraduate preceptorship. If the applicant can show that he or she cannot find a preceptorship in an acute care inpatient facility or a long-term acute care facility, the board may authorize a preceptorship pursuant to this subdivision in a skilled nursing facility, if such facility has 100 beds or more and such facility ensures to the board that the applicant will be providing health 13 care to patients with similar health care needs as those patients in a long-term acute care facility;
(III) If the applicant entered the nontraditional nursing education program as
(1) a paramedic with at least two years of experience as a paramedic or
(2) a licensed practical nurse with less than two years of clinical experience in the five years preceding the date of the application in an acute care inpatient facility or a long-term acute care facility as a licensed practical nurse whose academic training as a licensed practical nurse did not include clinical training in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, medical-surgical, and mental illness, have completed a 480 hour postgraduate preceptorship. Such preceptorship shall be in the area or areas as determined by the board on a case-by-case basis, which may include pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, medical-surgical, mental illness, and transition into the role of a registered professional nurse;
(IV) If the applicant entered the nontraditional nursing education program as a military medical corpsman and has at least two years of experience as a military medical corpsman, have completed a postgraduate preceptorship of at least 480 hours but not more than 640 hours, as determined by the board; or
(V) If the applicant does not meet the requirements of subdivision (I), (II), (III), or (IV) of this division and the applicant entered a nontraditional nursing education program before July 1, 2008, which meets the requirements of subsection (e) of this Code section and completes such program no later than June 30, 2015, have completed a 640 hour postgraduate preceptorship arranged by the applicant under the supervision of a registered professional nurse. The preceptorship shall have prior approval of the board, and successful completion of the preceptorship shall be verified in writing by the preceptor. The preceptorship shall be in an acute care inpatient facility or a long-term acute care facility; provided, however, that the board may authorize a preceptorship pursuant to this subdivision in other facilities to obtain specialized experience in certain areas. All preceptorships required pursuant to this division shall be arranged by the applicant under the close supervision of a registered professional nurse where such applicant is transitioned into the role of a registered professional nurse and the applicant performs duties typically performed by registered professional nurses. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (II) of this division, a preceptorship shall be in an acute care inpatient facility or a long-term acute care facility; provided, however, that the board may authorize a preceptorship in other facilities to obtain specialized experience in certain areas. The preceptorship shall have prior approval of the board, and successful completion of the preceptorship shall be documented in writing by the preceptor stating that, in his or her opinion, the applicant has exhibited the critical thinking abilities, clinical skills, and leadership abilities necessary to practice as a beginning registered professional nurse. No later than August 1, 2011, the board shall develop and make available one or more standard forms for use by and assistance to applicants in securing and completing preceptorships. Such form or forms shall include information relating to the specific requirements for preceptorships, including the minimum qualifications of the preceptor, the type of training required, and the documentation required upon completion of the preceptorship. The board shall 14 make the determinations required by this division in accordance with its established guidelines; or,
(C) Have graduated from a nursing education program located outside of the United States that is determined by the board to be equivalent to and not less stringent than an approved nursing education program as defined in Code Section 43-26-3; (3) Pass a board recognized licensing examination; provided, however, that such examination may not be taken prior to graduation from the approved nursing education program. In no way shall the passage of such examination by a graduate of a nontraditional nursing education program who does not meet the other requirements of this subsection be construed to authorize such individual to practice nursing, to require the board to license such individual as a registered professional nurse other than to issue in its sole discretion a temporary permit pursuant to Code Section 43-26-8, or to be endorsed from another state as a registered professional nurse;
(4) Have satisfactory results from a fingerprint record check report conducted by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as determined by the board. Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the board or its representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the board for licensure by examination agrees to provide the board with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check; and
(5) Complete further education and training if the applicant has not passed the examination within a time period established by the board, which shall not exceed three years. Such education and training may include the successful completion of an approved nursing education program as defined in Code Section 43-26-3; and (6) Meet such other criteria as established by the board.
Licensed Practical Nurse Licensure
- 43-26-36. Application for licensure; examination; temporary permits
(a) All applicants for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall make application through the board. An applicant for licensure who has not been duly examined according to the prescribed examination approved by the board and who does not otherwise qualify for licensure 27 under this article must apply by examination. Such applicants shall submit to the board a designated fee and written evidence verifying that the applicant:
(1) Is at least 18 years of age;
(2) Has graduated from high school or the equivalent thereof;
(3) Has graduated from an approved nursing education program, as defined in Code Section 43-26-32 or from a nursing education program located outside of the United States that is determined by the board to be equivalent to and not less stringent than an approved nursing education program as defined in Code Section 43-26-32;
(4) Is in good physical and mental health;
(5) In the case of an applicant who has graduated from a program conducted in a foreign country, has demonstrated the ability to speak, write, and understand the English language; and
(6) Meets such other criteria as established by the board.
(b) A person who is at least 17 years of age and meets all of the criteria set forth in subsection
(a) of this Code section may apply to the board for special consideration to take the examination for licensure.
- 43-26-3. Definitions
(1.2) "Approved nursing education program" located in this state means a nursing education program approved by the board as meeting criteria established by the board. An "approved nursing education program" located outside this state means a nursing education program that the board has determined to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board for nursing education programs located in this state. In order to be approved by the board, a nursing education program must be one that is offered by:
(A) A unit of the University System of Georgia accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;
(B) An institution of the Technical College System of Georgia accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;
(C) A postsecondary institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; or
(D) A postsecondary institution of higher education that is not accredited in accordance with subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, but whose curriculum has been determined by the board to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board for other approved nursing education programs.
Hawaii
http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/nursing/statute_rules/
- 16-89-8 License requirements.
(a) Persons applying for a license by examination shall submit to the board:
(1) An application prescribed by the board accompanied by the required fee;
(2) A student final record or official transcript sent directly from the applicant's school to the board to establish compliance with section 16-89-10, 16-89-11, or 16-89-12; and
(3) Applicants whose school of nursing records are unobtainable because of events beyond the control of the applicant shall be considered on an individual basis when the following is found to be satisfactory to the board:
(A) Evidence of graduation from a school of nursing that is recognized by the board; or
(B) Evidence of previous licensure as a nurse in another state or a United States jurisdiction; and
(C) Two notarized letters from official agencies or previous colleagues.
(b) A letter of completion received by the board directly from the appropriate college authority which states that the student completed the nursing program by the examination date shall be accepted to qualify the student for the appropriate examination. However, the license shall not be issued until the final transcript showing graduation from the nursing program or successful completion of the pre-licensure coursework for the master's entry program in nursing is filed with the board. §16-89-8 89-10
(c) Foreign school graduates applying for a license by examination shall submit an application prescribed by the board and accompanied by the required fee. Applicants shall have their transcripts evaluated by a professional educational credential evaluator recognized by the board. Applicants shall work with the evaluator and their schools of nursing. Applicants shall comply with procedures and requirements prescribed on the application form and instruction sheet from the board. Applicants shall arrange to have the evaluator send a report directly to the board.
(d) A candidate for license by examination shall not be granted a license until all applicable requirements of chapter 457, HRS, and this chapter have been met, including passing a nurse licensing examination recognized by the board.
- 16-89-9 Examination policies.
(a) The passing standards for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations accurately reflect the amount of nursing ability currently required to practice competently at the entry level. The passing standards for the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN shall be established by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing unless otherwise determined by the board.
(b) Candidates may take the examination, provided candidates register for each examination. Any candidate who fails the license examination three times, regardless of when or where the examination was taken, and regardless of which state or jurisdiction the candidate was made eligible, shall be required to complete a board-approved remedial course and submit proof of passing the course before the candidate may be approved for reexamination. The candidate shall apply for reexamination within six months after completion of the remedial course. After taking the remedial course, the candidate may be approved to retake the examination up to three additional times before the candidate is required to take remediation again.
(c) Graduates from programs which are outside the United States who have been granted licensure in another state or United States jurisdiction shall be required to pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN or the State Board Test Pool Exam or SBTPE (Canadian provinces only) before a license is granted.
(d) The board determination regarding candidate eligibility for examination shall be made after receipt of complete application as described in section 16-89-8(a), (b), or (c).
(1) The board shall notify the testing service of eligibility status of the candidate.
(2) The frequency of retests by unsuccessful candidates shall be as established by the National Council unless otherwise determined by the board. (e) Confidentiality of NCLEX-RN, NCLEX-PN, and SBTPE scores shall be maintained as follows:
(1) Scores on licensing examinations shall be released only to:
(A) The candidate;
(B) The school of nursing from which the candidate graduated;
(C) Board members; and
(D) Other state boards of nursing when requested for endorsement;
(2) Request for scores for research purposes shall be referred for board action. Scores, when released, shall not include names;
(3) Test scores received from other state boards of nursing for nurses who applied for licensure in Hawaii by endorsement shall not be released; and
(4) The board shall advise candidates, at the time of initial release of their scores to them, that the use of scores for any purpose other than licensure is not appropriate and, therefore, the board shall not provide a copy of licensee's examination scores to a prospective employer or to a graduate nursing program.
- 16-89-10 Eligibility for registered nurse examination.
Graduates of the following nursing programs shall be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, provided the requirements of section 16-89-47 have been met:
(1) A state-approved or nationally accredited baccalaureate, the pre-licensure portion of a graduate level program in nursing, an §16-89-10 89-12 associate degree or diploma nursing program in the United States or district or a territory of the United States;
(2) A foreign nursing school: and
(A) Applicants shall have their transcripts evaluated by a professional education credentials evaluator recognized by the board and shall have a report sent directly to the board by the evaluator; and
(B) Applicants whose reports from a board-recognized education credentials evaluator indicate that they have successfully completed a nursing program which is comparable to an accredited nursing program in the United States shall be deemed qualified as having met the educational requirements set forth in chapter 457, HRS, and this chapter; or
(3) A state-approved external degree nursing program recognized by the board.
- 16-89-11 Eligibility for licensed practical nurse examination.
Graduates of the following programs shall be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, provided the requirements of section 16-89-48 have been met:
(1) Any state-approved or National League of Nursing accredited practical nursing program in the United States or a United States jurisdiction;
(2) Armed forces programs which have been approved by the board in the state where the program is located and provided the program meets or surpasses the educational standards of this board in accordance with this chapter;
(3) Foreign nursing schools: Applicants shall have their transcripts evaluated by professional education credentials evaluators designated by the board and shall have a report sent directly to the board by the evaluator; and
(4) A state-approved certificate by examination program recognized by the board.
- 16-89-12 Other eligible candidates.
The following shall be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, provided the requirements of section 16-89-48 have been met:
(1) Nursing students who withdrew in good standing from state approved programs which prepare graduates for practice as registered nurses, who have successfully completed the current minimum curriculum requirements for LPN licensure at the time of application and have submitted acceptable evidence to the board; and
(2) Nursing students presently enrolled in state-approved programs which prepare graduates for practice as registered nurses who have successfully completed the minimum curriculum requirements for LPN licensure and have submitted acceptable evidence to the board.
Idaho
https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title54/T54CH14/
TITLE 54
PROFESSIONS, VOCATIONS, AND BUSINESSES
CHAPTER 14
NURSES
54-1408. LICENSE FOR REGISTERED NURSING.
(1) Qualifications. To qualify for a license to practice registered nursing, a person must:
(a) Have successfully completed the basic curriculum of an approved registered nursing education program or its equivalent; and
(b) Satisfy one (1) of the following requirements:
(i) Pass an examination adopted and used by the board to measure knowledge and judgment essential for the safe practice of registered nursing; or
(ii) Have a professional or registered nurse license in good standing, without restriction or limitation, issued upon successful similar examination, approved by the board, conducted in another state, territory or foreign country; or
(iii) Have a professional or registered nurse license in good standing, without restriction or limitation, issued by another state, territory or foreign country and meet established board requirements; and
(c) Be of sufficiently sound physical and mental health as will not impair or interfere with the ability to practice nursing.
(2) Fees. A qualified applicant shall be entitled to a license to practice registered nursing upon payment of a license fee to the board in an amount designated by the board not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200).
54-1407. LICENSE FOR PRACTICAL NURSING.
(1) Qualifications. To qualify for a license to practice practical nursing a person must:
(a) Have successfully completed the basic curriculum of an approved practical nursing education program or its equivalent; and
(b) Satisfy one (1) of the following requirements:
(i) Pass an examination adopted and used by the board to measure knowledge and judgment essential for the safe practice of practical nursing; or
(ii) Have a practical nursing license in good standing, without restriction or limitation, issued upon successful similar examination, approved by the board, conducted in another state, territory or foreign country; or
(iii) Have a practical nursing license in good standing, without restriction or limitation, issued by another state, territory or foreign country and meet established board requirements; and
(c) Be of sufficiently sound physical and mental health as will not impair or interfere with the ability to practice nursing.
(2) Fees. A qualified applicant shall be entitled to a license to practice practical nursing upon payment of a license fee to the board in an amount designated by the board not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
Kansas
65-1115. Licensure of professional nurses; qualifications of applicants; examination; refresher course; renewal license; title and abbreviation; temporary permit; exempt license.
(a) Qualifications of applicants. An applicant for a license to practice as a registered professional nurse shall:
(1) Have graduated from an approved school of professional nursing in the United States or its territories or from a school of professional nursing in a foreign country which is approved by the board as defined in rules and regulations;
(2) have obtained other qualifications not in conflict with this act as the board may prescribe by rule and regulation; and
(3) file with the board written application for a license.
(b) Applicant deficient in qualifications. If the board finds in evaluating any applicant that such applicant is deficient in qualification or in the quality of such applicant's educational experience, the board may require such applicant to fulfill such remedial or other requirements as the board may prescribe.
(c) License. (1) The board shall issue a license to an applicant to practice as a registered professional nurse who has:
(A) Met the qualifications set forth in subsections (a) and (b);
(B) passed a written examination as prescribed by the board; and
(C) no disqualifying factors under K.S.A. 65-1120, and amendments thereto.
(2) The board may issue a license to practice nursing as a registered professional nurse to an applicant who has been duly licensed as a registered professional nurse by examination under the laws of another state or territory if, in the opinion of the board, the applicant meets the qualifications required of a registered professional in this state. Verification of the applicant's licensure status shall be required from the original state of licensure.
(3) Refresher course. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) and (b), an applicant for a license to practice as a registered professional nurse who has not been licensed to practice professional nursing for five years preceding application shall be required to successfully complete a refresher course as defined by the board.
(4) Renewal license. A licensed professional nurse licensed under this act shall be eligible for renewal licenses upon compliance with K.S.A. 65-1117, and amendments thereto.
(5) Licensure examination within 24 months of graduation. (A) Persons who do not take the licensure examination within 24 months after graduation shall petition the board for permission prior to taking the licensure examination. The board may require the applicant to submit and complete a plan of study prior to taking the licensure examination.
(B) Persons who are unsuccessful in passing the licensure examination within 24 months after graduation shall petition the board for permission prior to subsequent attempts. The board may require the applicant to submit and complete a plan of study prior to taking the licensure examination a subsequent time. The study plan shall contain subjects related to deficiencies identified on the failed examination profiles.
(6) An application for initial licensure or endorsement will be held awaiting completion of meeting qualifications for a time period specified in rules and regulations.
(d) Title and abbreviation. Any person who holds a license to practice as a registered professional nurse in this state shall have the right to use the title, "registered nurse," and the abbreviation, "R.N." No other person shall assume the title or use the abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs or figures to indicate that the person is a registered professional nurse.
(e) Temporary permit. The board may issue a temporary permit to practice nursing as a registered professional nurse for a period not to exceed 120 days. A temporary permit for 120 days may be issued to an applicant for licensure as a registered professional nurse who is a graduate of a professional school of nursing in a foreign country after verification of licensure in that foreign country and approval of educational credentials.
(f) Exempt license. The board may issue an exempt license to any licensee as defined in rules and regulations who makes written application for such license on a form provided by the board, who remits a fee as established pursuant to K.S.A. 65-1118, and amendments thereto and who is not regularly engaged in the practice of professional nursing in Kansas but volunteers professional nursing service or is a charitable health care provider as defined by K.S.A. 75-6102, and amendments thereto. Each exempt licensee shall be subject to all provisions of the nurse practice act, except as otherwise provided in this subsection (f). Each exempt license may be renewed biennially subject to the provisions of this section. The holder of the exempt license shall not be required to submit evidence of satisfactory completion of a program of continuing nursing education for renewal. To convert an exempt license to an active license, the exempt licensee shall meet all the requirements of subsection (c) or K.S.A. 65-1117, and amendments thereto. The board shall have authority to write rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
65-1116. Licensure of practical nurses; qualifications of applicants; examination; refresher course; renewal license; title and abbreviation; temporary permit; exempt license.
(a) Qualification. An applicant for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall:
(1) Have graduated from an approved school of practical nursing or professional nursing in the United States or its territories or from a school of practical nursing or professional nursing in a foreign country which is approved by the board as defined in rules and regulations;
(2) have obtained other qualifications not in conflict with this act as the board may prescribe by rule and regulation; and
(3) file with the board a written application for a license.
(b) If the board finds in evaluating any applicant that such applicant is deficient in qualification or in the quality of such applicant's educational experience, the board may require such applicant to fulfill such remedial or other requirements as the board may prescribe.
(c) License. (1) The board shall issue a license to an applicant to practice as a practical nurse who has:
(A) Met the qualifications set forth in subsections (a) and (b);
(B) passed a written examination as prescribed by the board; and
(C) no disqualifying factors under K.S.A. 65-1120, and amendments thereto.
(2) The board may issue a license to practice nursing as a practical nurse to an applicant who has been duly licensed as a practical nurse by examination under the laws of another state or territory if, in the opinion of the board, the applicant meets the qualifications required of a practical nurse in this state. Verification of the applicant's licensure status shall be required from the original state of licensure.
(3) The board may authorize the educational requirement under subsection (a)(1) to be waived for an applicant who has attained a passing score on the national council licensure examination for practical nurses and provided evidence to the board of such applicant's practical nursing experience with the military. To qualify for such a waiver, the applicant must have been a member of the army, navy, marine corps, air force, air or army national guard, coast guard or any branch of the military reserves of the United States, and separated from such military service with an honorable discharge. If such applicant was separated from such military service with a general discharge under honorable conditions and meets the requirements of this paragraph, the board may authorize the educational requirements under subsection (a)(1) be waived.
(4) Refresher course. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) and (b), an applicant for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse who has not been licensed to practice practical nursing for five years preceding application shall be required to successfully complete a refresher course as defined by the board.
(5) Renewal license. A licensed practical nurse licensed under this act shall be eligible for renewal licenses upon compliance with K.S.A. 65-1117, and amendments thereto.
(6) Licensure examination within 24 months of graduation. (A) Persons who do not take the licensure examination within 24 months after graduation shall petition the board for permission prior to taking the licensure examination. The board may require the applicant to submit and complete a plan of study prior to taking the licensure examination.
(B) Persons who are unsuccessful in passing the licensure examination within 24 months after graduation shall petition the board for permission prior to subsequent attempts. The board may require the applicant to submit and complete a plan of study prior to taking the licensure examination a subsequent time. The study plan shall contain subjects related to deficiencies identified on the failed examination profiles.
(7) An application for initial licensure or endorsement will be held awaiting completion of meeting qualifications for a time period specified in rules and regulations.
(d) Title and abbreviation. Any person who holds a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in this state shall have the right to use the title, "licensed practical nurse," and the abbreviation, "L.P.N." No other person shall assume the title or use the abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs or figures to indicate that the person is a licensed practical nurse.
(e) Temporary permit. The board may issue a temporary permit to practice nursing as a licensed practical nurse for a period not to exceed 120 days. A temporary permit for 120 days may be issued to an applicant for licensure as a licensed practical nurse who is a graduate of a practical school of nursing in a foreign country after verification of licensure in that foreign country and approval of educational credentials.
(f) Exempt license. The board may issue an exempt license to any licensee as defined in rules and regulations who makes written application for such license on a form provided by the board, who remits a fee as established pursuant to K.S.A. 65-1118, and amendments thereto, and who is not regularly engaged in the practice of practical nursing in Kansas but volunteers practical nursing service or is a charitable health care provider as defined by K.S.A. 75-6102, and amendments thereto. Each exempt licensee shall be subject to all provisions of the nurse practice act, except as otherwise provided in this subsection (f). Each exempt license may be renewed biennially subject to the provisions of this section. The holder of the exempt license shall not be required to submit evidence of satisfactory completion of a program of continuing nursing education for renewal. To convert an exempt license to an active license, the exempt licensee shall meet all the requirements of subsection (c) or K.S.A. 65-1117, and amendments thereto. The board shall have authority to write rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
Mississippi
- 73-15-19. Registered nurse; qualifications; criminal history investigation; licensing or practice privileges
(1) Registered nurse applicant qualifications. Any applicant for a license to practice as a registered nurse shall submit
to the board:
(a) An attested written application on a Board of Nursing form;
(b) Written official evidence of completion of a nursing program approved by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, or one approved by a legal accrediting agency of another state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a foreign country which is satisfactory to this board;
(c) Evidence of competence in English related to nursing, provided the first language is not English;
(d) Any other official records required by the board.
In addition to the requirements specified in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this subsection, in order to qualify for a license to practice as a registered nurse, an applicant must have successfully been cleared for licensure through an investigation that shall consist of a determination as to good moral character and verification that the prospective licensee is not guilty of or in violation of any statutory ground for denial of licensure as set forth in Section 73-15-29 or guilty of any offense specified in Section 73-15-33. To assist the board in conducting its licensure investigation, all applicants shall undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history records check of the Mississippi central criminal database and the Federal Bureau
of Investigation criminal history database. Each applicant shall submit a full set of his or her fingerprints in a form and manner prescribed by the board, which shall be forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (department) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Identification Division for this purpose.
Any and all state or national criminal history records information obtained by the board that is not already a matter of public record shall be deemed nonpublic and confidential information restricted to the exclusive use of the board, its members, officers, investigators, agents and attorneys in evaluating the applicant's eligibility or disqualification for licensure, and shall be exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983. Except when introduced into evidence in a hearing before the board to determine licensure, no such information or records related thereto shall, except with the written consent of the applicant or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, be released or otherwise disclosed by the board to any other person or agency.
The board shall provide to the department the fingerprints of the applicant, any additional information that may be required by the department, and a form signed by the applicant consenting to the check of the criminal records and to the use of the fingerprints and other identifying information required by the state or national repositories.
The board shall charge and collect from the applicant, in addition to all other applicable fees and costs, such amount as may be incurred by the board in requesting and obtaining state and national criminal history records information on the applicant.
The board may, in its discretion, refuse to accept the application of any person who has been convicted of a criminal offense under any provision of Title 97 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as now or hereafter amended, or any provision of this article.
(2) Licensure by examination. (a) Upon the board being satisfied that an applicant for a license as a registered nurse has met the qualifications set forth in subsection (1) of this section, the board shall proceed to examine such applicant in such subjects as the board shall, in its discretion, determine. The subjects in which applicants shall be examined shall be in conformity with curricula in schools of nursing approved by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, or one approved by a legal accrediting agency of another state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a foreign country which is satisfactory to the board.
(b) The applicant shall be required to pass the written examination as selected by the board.
(c) Upon successful completion of such examination, the board shall issue to the applicant a license to practice as a registered nurse.
(d) The board may use any part or all of the state board test pool examination for registered nurse licensure, its successor examination, or any other nationally standardized examination identified by the board in its rules. The passing score shall be established by the board in its rules.
(3) Licensure by endorsement. The board may issue a license to practice nursing as a registered nurse without examination to an applicant who has been duly licensed as a registered nurse under the laws of another state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a foreign country if, in the opinion of the board, the applicant meets the qualifications required of licensed registered nurses in this state and has previously achieved the passing score or scores on the licensing examination required by this state, at the time of his or her graduation. The issuance of a license by endorsement to a military-trained applicant or military spouse shall be subject to the provisions of Section 73-50-1.
(4) Requirements for rewriting the examination. The board shall establish in its rules the requirements for rewriting the examination for those persons failing the examination on the first writing or subsequent rewriting.
(5) Fee. The applicant applying for a license by examination or by endorsement to practice as a registered nurse shall pay a fee not to exceed One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) to the board.
(6)Temporary permit. (a) The board may issue a temporary permit to practice nursing to a graduate of an approved
school of nursing pending the results of the examination in Mississippi, and to a qualified applicant from another state, territory or possession of the United States, or District of Columbia, or pending licensure procedures as provided for elsewhere in this article. The fee shall not exceed Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).
(b) The board may issue a temporary permit for a period of ninety (90) days to a registered nurse who is currently licensed in another state, territory or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia and who is an applicant for licensure by endorsement. Such permit is not renewable except by board action. The issuance of a temporary permit to a military-trained applicant or military spouse shall be subject to the provisions of Section 73-50-1.
(c) The board may issue a temporary permit to a graduate of an approved school of nursing pending the results of the first licensing examination scheduled after application. Such permit is not renewable except by board action.
(d) The board may issue a temporary permit for a period of thirty (30) days to any registered nurse during the time enrolled in a nursing reorientation program. This time period may be extended by board action. The fee shall not exceed Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).
(e) The board may adopt such regulations as are necessary to limit the practice of persons to whom temporary permits are issued.
(7) Temporary license. The board may issue a temporary license to practice nursing at a youth camp licensed by the State Board of Health to nonresident registered nurses and retired resident registered nurses under the provisions of Section 75-74-8.
- 73-15-21. Licensed practical nurse; qualifications; criminal history investigation; licensing or practice privileges
(1) Licensed practical nurse applicant qualifications. Any applicant for a license to practice practical nursing as a licensed practical nurse shall submit to the board:
(a) An attested written application on a Board of Nursing form;
(b) A diploma from an approved high school or the equivalent thereof, as determined by the appropriate educational agency;
(c) Written official evidence of completion of a practical nursing program approved by the State Department of Education through its Division of Vocational Education, or one approved by a legal accrediting agency of another state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a foreign country which is satisfactory to this board;
(d) Evidence of competence in English related to nursing, provided the first language is not English;
(e) Any other official records required by the board.
In addition to the requirements specified in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this subsection, in order to qualify for a license to practice practical nursing as a licensed practical nurse, an applicant must have successfully been cleared for licensure through an investigation that shall consist of a determination as to good moral character and verification that the prospective licensee is not guilty of or in violation of any statutory ground for denial of licensure as set forth in Section 73-15-29 or guilty of any offense specified in Section 73-15-33. To assist the board in conducting its licensure investigation, all applicants shall undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history records check of the Mississippi central criminal database and the Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history database. Each applicant shall submit a full set of his or her fingerprints in a form and manner prescribed by the board, which shall be forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (department) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Identification Division for this purpose.
Any and all state or national criminal history records information obtained by the board that is not already a matter of public record shall be deemed nonpublic and confidential information restricted to the exclusive use of the board, its members, officers, investigators, agents and attorneys in evaluating the applicant's eligibility or disqualification for licensure, and shall be exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983. Except when introduced into evidence in a hearing before the board to determine licensure, no such information or records related thereto shall, except with the written consent of the applicant or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, be released or otherwise disclosed by the board to any other person or agency.
The board shall provide to the department the fingerprints of the applicant, any additional information that may be required by the department, and a form signed by the applicant consenting to the check of the criminal records and to the use of the fingerprints and other identifying information required by the state or national repositories.
The board shall charge and collect from the applicant, in addition to all other applicable fees and costs, such amount as may be incurred by the board in requesting and obtaining state and national criminal history records information on the applicant.
The board may, in its discretion, refuse to accept the application of any person who has been convicted of a criminal offense under any provision of Title 97 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as now or hereafter amended, or any provision of this article.
(2) Licensure by examination. (a) Upon the board being satisfied that an applicant for a license as a practical nurse has met the qualifications set forth in subsection (1) of this section, the board shall proceed to examine such applicant in such subjects as the board shall, in its discretion, determine. The subjects in which applicants shall be examined shall be in conformity with curricula in schools of practical nursing approved by the State Department of Education.
(b) The applicant shall be required to pass the written examination selected by the board.
(c) Upon successful completion of such examination, the board shall issue to the applicant a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse.
(d) The board may use any part or all of the state board test pool examination for practical nurse licensure, its successor examination, or any other nationally standardized examination identified by the board in its rules. The passing score shall be established by the board in its rules.
(3) Licensure by endorsement. The board may issue a license to practice practical nursing as a licensed practical nurse without examination to an applicant who has been duly licensed as a licensed practical nurse under the laws of another state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a foreign country if, in the opinion of the board, the applicant meets the qualifications required of licensed practical nurses in this state and has previously achieved the passing score or scores on the licensing examination required by this state at the time of his or her graduation. The issuance of a license by endorsement to a military-trained applicant or military spouse shall be subject to the provisions of Section 73-50-1.
(4) Licensure by equivalent amount of theory and clinical experience. In the discretion of the board, former students of a state accredited school preparing students to become registered nurses may be granted permission to take the examination for licensure to practice as a licensed practical nurse, provided the applicant's record or transcript indicates the former student completed an equivalent amount of theory and clinical experiences as required of a graduate of a practical nursing program, and provided the school attended was, at the time of the student's attendance, an accredited school of nursing.
(5) Requirements for rewriting the examination. The board shall establish in its rules the requirements for rewriting the examination for those persons failing the examination on the first writing or subsequent writing.
(6) Fee. The applicant applying for a license by examination or by endorsement to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall pay a fee not to exceed Sixty Dollars ($60.00) to the board.
(7) Temporary permit. (a) The board may issue a temporary permit to practice practical nursing to a graduate of an approved school of practical nursing pending the results of the examination in Mississippi, and to a qualified applicant from another state, territory or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, pending licensing procedures as provided for elsewhere in this article. The fee shall not exceed Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).
(b) The board may issue a temporary permit for a period of ninety (90) days to a licensed practical nurse who is currently licensed in another state, territory or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia and who is an applicant for licensure by endorsement. Such permit is not renewable except by board action. The issuance of a temporary permit to a military-trained applicant or military spouse shall be subject to the provisions of Section 73-50-1.
(c) The board may issue a temporary permit to a graduate of an approved practical nursing education program or an equivalent program satisfactory to the board pending the results of the first licensing examination scheduled after application. Such permit is not renewable except by board action.
(d) The board may issue a temporary permit for a period of thirty (30) days to any licensed practical nurse during the time enrolled in a nursing reorientation program. This time period may be extended by board action. The fee shall not exceed Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).
(e) The board may adopt such regulations as are necessary to limit the practice of persons to whom temporary permits are issued.
Missouri
https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=335.046&bid=17892&hl=
335.046. License, application for — qualifications for, fee — hearing on denial of license. —
- An applicant for a license to practice as a registered professional nurse shall submit to the board a written application on forms furnished to the applicant. The original application shall contain the applicant's statements showing the applicant's education and other such pertinent information as the board may require. The applicant shall be of good moral character and have completed at least the high school course of study, or the equivalent thereof as determined by the state board of education, and have successfully completed the basic professional curriculum in an accredited or approved school of nursing and earned a professional nursing degree or diploma. Each application shall contain a statement that it is made under oath or affirmation and that its representations are true and correct to the best knowledge and belief of the person signing same, subject to the penalties of making a false affidavit or declaration. Applicants from non-English-speaking lands shall be required to submit evidence of proficiency in the English language. The applicant must be approved by the board and shall pass an examination as required by the board. The board may require by rule as a requirement for licensure that each applicant shall pass an oral or practical examination. Upon successfully passing the examination, the board may issue to the applicant a license to practice nursing as a registered professional nurse. The applicant for a license to practice registered professional nursing shall pay a license fee in such amount as set by the board. The fee shall be uniform for all applicants. Applicants from foreign countries shall be licensed as prescribed by rule.
2. An applicant for license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall submit to the board a written application on forms furnished to the applicant. The original application shall contain the applicant's statements showing the applicant's education and other such pertinent information as the board may require. Such applicant shall be of good moral character, and have completed at least two years of high school, or its equivalent as established by the state board of education, and have successfully completed a basic prescribed curriculum in a state-accredited or approved school of nursing, earned a nursing degree, certificate or diploma and completed a course approved by the board on the role of the practical nurse. Each application shall contain a statement that it is made under oath or affirmation and that its representations are true and correct to the best knowledge and belief of the person signing same, subject to the penalties of making a false affidavit or declaration. Applicants from non-English-speaking countries shall be required to submit evidence of their proficiency in the English language. The applicant must be approved by the board and shall pass an examination as required by the board. The board may require by rule as a requirement for licensure that each applicant shall pass an oral or practical examination. Upon successfully passing the examination, the board may issue to the applicant a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse. The applicant for a license to practice licensed practical nursing shall pay a fee in such amount as may be set by the board. The fee shall be uniform for all applicants. Applicants from foreign countries shall be licensed as prescribed by rule.
3. Upon refusal of the board to allow any applicant to sit for either the registered professional nurses' examination or the licensed practical nurses' examination, as the case may be, the board shall comply with the provisions of section 621.120 and advise the applicant of his or her right to have a hearing before the administrative hearing commission. The administrative hearing commission shall hear complaints taken pursuant to section 621.120.
4. The board shall not deny a license because of sex, religion, race, ethnic origin, age or political affiliation.
New Jersey
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/regulations.aspx
45:11-26. Professional nurses
- Qualifications of applicants. An applicant for a license to practice professional nursing shall submit to the board evidence in such form as the board may prescribe that said applicant: (1) has attained his or her eighteenth birthday; (2) is of good moral character, is not a habitual user of drugs and has never been convicted or has not pleaded nolo contendere, non vult contendere or non vult to an indictment, information or complaint alleging a violation of any Federal or State law relating to narcotic drugs; (3) holds a diploma from an accredited 4-year high school or the equivalent thereof as determined by the New Jersey State Department of Education; (4) has completed a course of professional nursing study in an accredited school of professional nursing as defined by the board and holds a diploma therefrom.
Notwithstanding anything herein contained, any person who possesses the educational and school of professional nursing qualifications for registration required by the law of this State at the time of his or her graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing shall be deemed to possess the qualifications (3) and (4) prescribed hereinabove in this subsection.
Notwithstanding anything herein contained, any person who shall have qualifications (1) and (2) and shall have graduated from a school of professional nursing, which need not be an accredited school, shall be deemed to have qualifications (3) and (4) upon complying with such reasonable requirements as to high school and school of nursing studies and training as the board may prescribe; provided, however, that such person shall make application in form prescribed by the board within 1 year from the effective date of this act and shall satisfactorily complete such reasonable requirements and successfully pass the examinations, which examinations shall be limited to subject matters in the curriculum required by the board at the time of the applicant's graduation, provided for in subsection b. hereof, within 2 years after the date of the filing of such application.
- License.
(1) By examination. The applicant shall be required to pass a written examination in such subjects as the board may determine, which examination may be supplemented by an oral or practical examination or both. Upon successfully passing such examinations the applicant shall be licensed by the board to practice professional nursing.
(2) By indorsement without examination. The board may issue a license to practice professional nursing without examination to an applicant who has been duly licensed or registered as a registered or professional nurse by examination or by original waiver under the laws of another State, territory or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or any foreign country, if in the opinion of the board the applicant has the qualifications required by this act for the licensing of professional nurses, or equivalent qualifications.
- Fees. An applicant for a license by examination shall pay to the board at the time of application a fee of $25.00 and at the time of each application for re-examination a fee of $20.00. An applicant for a license without examination shall pay to the board at the time of application a fee of $15.00.
45:11-27. Practical nursing
- Qualifications of applicants. An applicant for a license to practice practical nursing shall submit to the board evidence in such form as the board may prescribe that the applicant (1) has attained his or her eighteenth birthday; (2) is of good moral character, is not an habitual user of drugs and has never been convicted or has not pleaded nolo contendere, non vult contendere or non vult to an indictment, information or complaint alleging a violation of any Federal or State law relating to narcotic drugs; (3) has completed 2 years of high school or the equivalent thereof, as determined by the New Jersey State Department of Education; (4) has completed a course of study in a school of practical nursing approved by the board and holds a diploma therefrom, or holds a diploma from a school of practical nursing operated by a board of education in this State and is certified by the Department of Education as having completed the number of hours of instruction in the subjects in the curriculum prescribed by the board and an approved course of affiliation or has equivalent qualifications as determined by the board.
- License.
(1) By examination. The applicant shall be required to pass a written examination in such subjects as the board may determine, which examination may be supplemented by an oral or practical examination or both. Upon successfully passing such examinations, the applicant shall be licensed by the board to practice practical nursing.
- Fees. An applicant for license by examination shall pay to the board at the time of application a fee of $20.00 and at the time of each application for re-examination a fee of $10.00. At the time of application an applicant for license without examination shall pay to the board a fee of $10.00, and an applicant for license by waiver shall pay to the board a fee of $10.00.
New York
http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/nurselaw.htm
- 6905. Requirements for a license as a registered professional nurse.
To qualify for a license as a registered professional nurse, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:
- Application: file an application with the department;
- *Education: have received an education, and a diploma or degree in professional nursing,
in accordance with the commissioner's regulations;
* NB Effective until June 18, 2019
- *Education: have received an education, and a diploma or degree in professional nursing,
in accordance with the commissioner's regulations, and in order to continue to maintain
registration as a registered professional nurse in New York state, have attained a
baccalaureate degree or higher in nursing within ten years of initial licensure in
accordance with the commissioner's regulations. The department, in its discretion,
may issue a conditional registration to a licensee who fails to complete the baccalaureate
degree but who agrees to meet the additional requirement within one year. The fee
for such a conditional registration shall be the same as, and in addition to, the
fee for the triennial registration. The duration of such conditional registration
shall be for one year and may be extended, with the payment of a fee, for no more
than one additional year, unless the applicant can show good cause for non-compliance
acceptable to the department. Any licensee who is notified of the denial of a registration
for failure to complete the additional educational requirements and who practices
as a registered professional nurse without such registration may be subject to disciplinary
proceedings pursuant to section sixty-five hundred ten of this title;
* NB Effective June 18, 2019 - Experience: meet no requirement as to experience;
- Examination: pass an examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations;
- Age: be at least eighteen years of age;
- Citizenship: meet no requirement as to United States citizenship;
- Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department; and
- Fees: pay a fee of one hundred fifteen dollars to the department for admission to a department conducted examination and for an initial license, a fee of forty-five dollars for each reexamination, a fee of seventy dollars for an initial license for persons not requiring admission to a department conducted examination, and a fee of fifty dollars for each triennial registration period.
- 6906. Requirements for a license as a licensed practical nurse.
To qualify for a license as a licensed practical nurse, an applicant shall fulfill these requirements:
- Application: file an application with the department;
- Education: have received an education including completion of high school or its equivalent, and have completed a program in practical nursing, in accordance with the commissioner's regulations, or completion of equivalent study satisfactory to the department in a program conducted by the armed forces of the United States or in an approved program in professional nursing;
- Experience: meet no requirement as to experience;
- Examination: pass an examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations, provided, however, that the educational requirements set forth in subdivision two of this section are met prior to admission for the licensing examination;
- Age: be at least seventeen years of age;
- Citizenship: meet no requirements as to United States citizenship;
- Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department; and
- Fees: pay a fee of one hundred fifteen dollars to the department for admission to a department conducted examination and for an initial license, a fee of forty-five dollars for each reexamination, a fee of seventy dollars for an initial license for persons not requiring admission to a department conducted examination, and a fee of fifty dollars for each triennial registration period.
Nevada
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-632.html
Professional Nursing
NRS 632.140 Qualifications and fee for applicants for license. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 632.161 and 632.162:
1. Every applicant for a license to practice as a professional nurse in the State of Nevada must submit to the Board written evidence under oath that the applicant:
(a) Is of good moral character.
(b) Is in good physical and mental health.
(c) Has completed a course of study in:
(1) An accredited school of professional nursing and holds a diploma therefrom; or
(2) An approved school of professional nursing in the process of obtaining accreditation and holds a diploma therefrom.
(d) Meets such other reasonable preliminary qualification requirements as the Board may from time to time prescribe.
2. Each applicant must remit the fee required by this chapter with the application for a license to practice as a professional nurse in this State.
NRS 632.150 Examination of applicants and issuance of licenses.
1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 632.160, 632.161, 632.162 and 632.237, each applicant who is otherwise qualified for a license to practice nursing as a professional nurse shall be required to write and pass an examination on such subjects and in such form as the Board may from time to time determine. Such written examination may be supplemented by an oral or practical examination in the discretion of the Board.
2. The Board shall issue a license to practice nursing as a professional nurse in the State of Nevada to each applicant who successfully passes such examination or examinations.
Practical Nursing
NRS 632.270 Qualifications of applicant for license; regulations. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 632.281 and 632.282, each applicant for a license to practice as a practical nurse must submit to the Board written evidence, under oath, that the applicant:
1. Is of good moral character.
2. Has a high school diploma or its equivalent as determined by the State Board of Education.
3. Is at least 18 years of age.
4. Has:
(a) Successfully completed the prescribed course of study in an accredited school of practical nursing or an accredited school of professional nursing, and been awarded a diploma by the school;
(b) Successfully completed the prescribed course of study in an approved school of practical nursing in the process of obtaining accreditation or an approved school of professional nursing in the process of obtaining accreditation, and been awarded a diploma by the school; or
(c) Been registered or licensed as a registered nurse under the laws of another jurisdiction.
5. Meets any other qualifications prescribed in regulations of the Board.
NRS 632.280 Issuance of license; admission without examination.
The Board shall grant a license to practice as a practical nurse in this State to each applicant who has the preliminary qualifications set forth in NRS 632.270 and who:
1. Passes the practical nurses examination, which examination must be given by the Board not less than once each calendar year; or
2. Holds a license as a practical nurse under the laws of another jurisdiction after passing an examination required by that jurisdiction, if it appears to the Board that the requirements and scope of the required examination were at least equivalent to those prescribed by this chapter for examinations. If the applicant was trained as a nurse in a jurisdiction where English is not the prevalent language, the Board shall require that the applicant pass an examination testing the applicant’s proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English.
New Mexico
https://www.bon.nm.gov/approval-accreditation/
61-3-12. Examination; notice to applicants.
The board shall provide for the examination of all applicants seeking licensure under the provisions of the Nursing Practice Act.
61-3-13. Qualifications for licensure as a registered nurse.
Before being considered for licensure as a registered nurse, either by endorsement or examination, under Section 61-3-14 NMSA 1978, an applicant shall:
- furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has successfully completed an approved program of nursing for licensure as a registered nurse and has graduated or is eligible for graduation; and
- at the cost to the applicant, provide the board with fingerprints and other information necessary for a state and national criminal background check.
61-3-14. Licensure of registered nurses; expedited licensure.
- Applicants for licensure by examination shall be required to pass the national licensing examination for registered nurses. The applicant who successfully passes the examination may be issued by the board a license to practice as a registered nurse.
61-3-16. Fees for licensure as registered nurses.
Applicants for licensure as registered nurses shall pay the following nonrefundable fees:
- for licensure without examination, a fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150);
- for licensure by examination when the examination is the first for the applicant in this state, a fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150);
- for licensure by examination when the examination is other than the first examination, a fee not to exceed sixty dollars ($60.00); and
- for initial licensure as a certified nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist or clinical nurse specialist, a fee not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100). This fee shall be in addition to the fee paid for registered nurse licensure
61-3-18. Qualifications for licensure as a licensed practical nurse.
Before being considered for licensure as a licensed practical nurse, either by endorsement or examination, under Section 61-3-19 NMSA 1978, an applicant shall:
- furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has successfully completed an approved program of nursing for licensure as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse and has graduated or is eligible for graduation; and
- at the cost to the applicant, provide the board with fingerprints and other information necessary for a state and national criminal background check.
61-3-19. Licensure of licensed practical nurses; expedited licensure.
- Applicants for licensure by examination shall be required to pass the national licensing examination for licensed practical nurses. The applicant who passes the examination may be issued by the board a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse.
61-3-22. Fees for licensure as licensed practical nurses.
Applicants for licensure as licensed practical nurses shall pay the following nonrefundable fees:
- for licensure without examination, a fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150);
- for licensure by examination when the examination is the first for the applicant in this state, a fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150); and
- for licensure by examination when the examination is other than the first examination, a fee not to exceed sixty dollars ($60.00) for each examination.
North Carolina
https://www.ncbon.com/laws-rules-nursing-practice-act
- 90-171.29. Qualifications of applicants for examination.
In order to be eligible for licensure by examination, the applicant shall make a written application to the Board on forms furnished by the Board and shall submit to the Board an application fee and written evidence, verified by oath, sufficient to satisfy the Board that the applicant has graduated from a course of study approved by the Board and is mentally and physically competent to practice nursing.
- 90-171.30. Licensure by examination.
At least twice each year the Board shall give an examination, at the time and place it determines, to applicants for licensure to practice as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. The Board shall adopt rules, not inconsistent with this Article, governing qualifications of applicants, the conduct of applicants during the examination, and the conduct of the examination. The applicants shall be required to pass the examination required by the Board. The Board shall adopt rules which identify the criteria which must be met by an applicant in order to be issued a license. When the Board determines that an applicant has met those criteria, passed the required examination, submitted the required fee, and has demonstrated to the Board's satisfaction that he or she is mentally and physically competent to practice nursing, the Board shall issue a license to the applicant.
Oklahoma
http://nursing.ok.gov/act4.html
- 567.5. Registered nurses, licensing–Applications–Examinations–Licensure without examination–Use of titles and abbreviations–Violations
- All applicants for a license to practice as a Registered Nurse shall be subject to Section 567.8 of this title.
- An applicant for a license to practice as a Registered Nurse shall submit to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing certified written evidence that the applicant:
- Has completed the basic professional curricula of a school of nursing approved by a state board of
nursing, and holds or is entitled to hold a diploma or degree therefrom;
- Has never been convicted of a felony crime that substantially relates to the occupation of nursing and
poses a reasonable threat to public safety;
- Has submitted a criminal history records search that complies with Section 567.18 of this title;
- Is a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age; and
- Has met such other qualifications as the Board may prescribe in its rules.
- An applicant for a license shall be required to pass a written examination in such subjects as the Board may determine. Upon an applicant successfully passing such an examination, the Board may issue to the applicant a license to practice as a Registered Nurse. An applicant who fails such examination shall be subject to reexamination according to the rules of the Board. The passing criteria shall be established by the Board in its rules.
- 567.6. Practical nurses, licensing–Applications–Qualifications–Examinations–Licensure without examination–Use of titles and abbreviations–Violations
- All applicants for a license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse shall be subject to Section 567.8 of this title.
- An applicant for a license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse shall submit to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing certified evidence that the applicant:
- Has successfully completed the prescribed curricula in a state-approved program of practical nursing
and holds or is entitled to hold a diploma or certificate therefrom, or equivalent courses in a state approved program of nursing;
- Has never been convicted of a felony crime that substantially relates to the occupation of nursing and
poses a reasonable threat to public safety;
- Has submitted a criminal history records search that complies with Section 567.18 of this title;
- Is a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age; and
- Has met such other reasonable preliminary qualification requirements as the Board may prescribe.
- The applicant for a license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse shall be required to pass a written
examination in such subjects as the Board may require. Upon the applicant successfully passing such
examination the Board may issue to the applicant a license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. An
applicant who fails such examination shall be subject to reexam
Pennsylvania
Registered Nurse
Section 5. Examinations and Certificates.
(a) The Board shall, once every year and at such other times and under such conditions as shall be provided by its regulations, examine all eligible applicants for licensure; and shall, subject to the provisions of section 6 of this act, issue a license to each person passing said examination to the satisfaction of the Board.
(b) The Board may admit to examination any person who has satisfactorily completed an approved nursing education program for the preparation of registered professional nurses or an approved dietetics-nutrition education program in Pennsylvania or such a program in any other state, territory or possession of the United States, considered by the Board to be equivalent to that required in this Commonwealth at the time such program was completed, and who meets the requirements of character and preliminary education.
Section 6. Fees; Qualifications for Licensure.
(a) No application for licensure as a registered nurse shall be considered unless accompanied by a fee determined by the Board by regulation. Every applicant, to be eligible for examination for licensure as a registered nurse, shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the Board that he or she is of good moral character, has completed work equal to a standard high school course as evaluated by the Board and has satisfactorily completed an approved program of professional nursing. Approved programs shall include baccalaureate degree, associate degree, diploma nursing programs and programs in transition from approved diploma- to degree-granting programs when all other requirements of the Board have been met.
Practical Nursing
Section 4. Examination of Applicants; Issuance of Licenses.
The board shall twice each year and at such other times and under such conditions as shall be provided by its regulations examine all applicants eligible for examination to determine whether they are qualified to be licensed, and shall authorize the issue to each person passing said examination to the satisfaction of the board a proper certificate setting forth that such person has been licensed to practice as a licensed practical nurse.
Section 5. Fee; Qualifications of Applications.
No application for licensure as a licensed practical nurse shall be considered unless accompanied by a fee determined by the board by regulation. Every applicant for examination as a licensed practical nurse shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that he or she is eighteen years of age or over, is a citizen of the United States or has legally declared intention to become such, is of good moral character, has completed at least twelve years of education with diploma in public, parochial or private school, or its equivalent as evaluated by the Department of Education; and has satisfactorily completed a program in practical nursing prescribed and approved by the board in a school, hospital or other educational institution, of not less than fifteen hundred hours and within a period of not less than twelve months, or has completed a program considered by the board to be equal to that required in this Commonwealth at the time such program was completed. The board shall not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act," or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country unless:
(1) at least ten (10) years have elapsed from the date of conviction;
(2) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the board that he has made significant progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of patients or the public or a substantial risk of further criminal violations; and
(3) the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in or authorized by this act. As used in this section the term "convicted" shall include a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere. An applicant's statement on the application declaring the absence of a conviction shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the absence of a conviction, unless the board has some evidence to the contrary.
Utah
https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title58/Chapter31b/58-31b.html
58-31b-302. Qualifications for licensure or certification -- Criminal background checks.
(2) An applicant for licensure as a licensed practical nurse shall:
(a) submit to the division an application in a form prescribed by the division;
(b) pay to the division a fee determined under Section 63J-1-504;
(c) have a high school diploma or its equivalent;
(d) be in a condition of physical and mental health that will permit the applicant to practice safely as a licensed practical nurse;
(e) have completed an approved practical nursing education program or an equivalent as determined by the board;
(f) have passed the examinations as required by division rule made in collaboration with the board; and
(g) meet with the board, if requested, to determine the applicant's qualifications for licensure.
(3) An applicant for licensure as a registered nurse shall:
(a) submit to the division an application form prescribed by the division;
(b) pay to the division a fee determined under Section 63J-1-504;
(c) have a high school diploma or its equivalent;
(d) be in a condition of physical and mental health that will allow the applicant to practice safely as a registered nurse;
(e) have completed an approved registered nursing education program;
(f) have passed the examinations as required by division rule made in collaboration with the board; and
(g) meet with the board, if requested, to determine the applicant's qualifications for licensure.
Washington
https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission/Laws
RCW 18.79.160
Applicants—Required documentation—Criteria—Rules.
(1) An applicant for a license to practice as a registered nurse shall submit to the commission:
(a) An attested written application on a department form;
(b) An official transcript demonstrating graduation and successful completion of an approved program of nursing; and
(c) Any other official records specified by the commission.
(3) An applicant for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall submit to the commission:
(a) An attested written application on a department form;
(b) Written official evidence that the applicant is over the age of eighteen;
(c) An official transcript demonstrating graduation and successful completion of an approved practical nursing program, or its equivalent; and
(d) Any other official records specified by the commission.
(4) At the time of submission of the application, the applicant for a license to practice as a registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or licensed practical nurse must not be in violation of chapter 18.130 RCW or this chapter.
(5) The commission shall establish by rule the criteria for evaluating the education of all applicants.
RCW 18.79.170
Examination—Rules.
An applicant for a license to practice as a registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or licensed practical nurse must pass an examination in subjects determined by the commission. The examination may be supplemented by an oral or practical examination. The commission shall establish by rule the requirements for applicants who have failed the examination to qualify for reexamination.
Wyoming
Section 3. Licensure/Certification by Examination.
(b) RN or LPN/VN. Applicant shall:
(i) Graduate from a licensing board-approved RN or LPN/VN pre-licensure nursing education program;
(ii) Submit completed application and fees;
(iii) Submit CBC fingerprint cards and fees; and
(iv) Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination, accordingly.
(A) The Board shall notify the applicant of official test results.
(B) If an applicant fails the NCLEX, the applicant may retake the NCLEX and shall:
(I) Submit completed application and fees for licensure by re-examination; and
(II) Submit CBC fingerprint cards and fees, as needed.
(C) An applicant may sit for the NCLEX no more than ten (10) times within a five (5) year period following graduation.
(D) The five (5) year period following graduation may be waived for LPN graduates of approved military equivalency programs.