Where Should You Practice?
Embarking on a nursing career in the United States involves navigating various state licensure requirements. Each state has its own Board of Nursing (BON) with specific criteria, fees, and processes. This guide provides an overview of the licensure requirements for key states, helping you make informed decisions about where to practice.
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California
- Licensure Process: California is not part of the NLC. Licensure by endorsement or examination is required.
- Fees: Application fee is $750 for international grads.
- Fingerprint Processing:
- Fee: $49 USD
- Details: If you’re out of state, manual fingerprint card processing is required.
- Licensing pre-requisites : theory and clinical hours in Medical/Surgical, Mental health/Psychiatry, L&D/OBGYN, and Pediatrics.
- Social Security Number (SSN): An SSN is required for licensure. The California Board of Registered Nursing requires applicants to provide a U.S. Social Security Number. (California BON)
- Visa Credentials Assessment: You can utilize CGFNS credential evaluation service report or California does their own.
- View California RN jobs
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Idaho
- Licensure Process: Idaho is a member of the NLC. Non-residents can apply for a single-state license.
- Fees: Application fee is $110.
- Fingerprinting and Background Check: A criminal background check is mandatory, which includes fingerprinting. The associated fee is $30.
- Social Security Number (SSN): An SSN is required for licensure.
- Visa Credentials Assessment: Idaho accepts both VisaScreen® and Visa4Nurses certifications.
- Board of Nursing: Idaho Board of Nursing
- View Idaho RN jobs
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New Jersey
- Licensure Process: New Jersey is a member of the NLC. Non-residents can apply for a single-state license.
- Licensing pre-requisites : theory and clinical hours in Medical/Surgical, Mental health/Psychiatry, L&D/OBGYN, Pediatrics
- English tests requirement: If educated outside of Canada, nurses must provide proof of English.
- Fees: Application fee is $200.
- Criminal History Background Check: New Jersey requires a fingerprint-based background check. The associated fees are separate and payable to the designated fingerprinting agency. It is approximately $58.69.
- Social Security Number (SSN): An SSN is required for licensure.
- Visa Credentials Assessment: VisaScreen® certification is required.
- Board of Nursing: New Jersey Board of Nursing
- View New Jersey RN jobs
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New York
- Licensure Process: New York is not part of the NLC. Licensure by endorsement or examination is necessary.
- Fees: Application fee is $143.
- Credential Verification Service for New York State:
- Fee: $390 USD
- Details: This service, also provided by CGFNS, verifies your educational and licensure credentials.
- Special Requirements: Completion of infection control and child abuse reporting courses is mandatory.
- Social Security Number (SSN): An SSN is not required for licensure.
- Visa Credentials Assessment: You can utilize CGFNS Credential Verification Service for NY State or New York does their own.
- Board of Nursing: New York State Education Department Office of the Professions
- View New York RN jobs
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North Carolina
- Licensure Process: North Carolina is a member of the NLC. Non-residents can apply for a single-state license.
- Fees: Application fee is $150.
- Fingerprinting & Criminal Background Check: Fees vary; contact the North Carolina Board of Nursing for specifics. The cost for the criminal background check is $38. Local law enforcement agencies may charge an extra fee for fingerprinting services.
- Social Security Number (SSN): An SSN is required for licensure. The North Carolina Board of Nursing requires applicants to provide a U.S. Social Security Number. (North Carolina BON)
- Visa Credentials Assessment: VisaScreen® certification is required.
- View North Carolina RN jobs
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Oregon
- Licensure Process: Oregon is not part of the NLC. Nurses must apply for licensure by endorsement or examination.
- Fees: Application fee is $195.
- Fingerprint-Based Criminal Background Check Fee: Approximately $70.50
- Social Security Number (SSN): An SSN is required for licensure.
- Visa Credentials Assessment: Oregon accepts both VisaScreen® and Visa4Nurses certifications.
- Board of Nursing: Oregon Board of Nursing
- View Oregon RN jobs
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South Carolina
- Licensure Process: South Carolina is a member of the NLC. Non-residents can apply for a single-state license.
- Fees: Application fee is $100.
- Fingerprinting & Criminal Background Check (CBC): Fees vary; the South Carolina Board of Nursing will provide instructions and associated costs after receiving your application.The cost for fingerprinting services varies but typically ranges from $50 to $100.
- Licensing pre-requisites: theory and clinical hours in Medical/Surgical, Mental health/Psychiatry, L&D/OBGYN, Pediatrics
- Special Requirements: Notarized Affidavit and Passport form, Verification of lawful presence in the United States
- Immigration: Foreign educated applicants(Canadians and Mexicans included) applying for licensure with the SC Board of Nursing will be required to have their immigration status verified through the SAVE Program.
- English tests requirement: If educated outside of Canada, Nurses must provide proof of English.
- Social Security Number (SSN): An SSN is required for licensure.
- Visa Credentials Assessment: South Carolina accepts both VisaScreen® and Visa4Nurses certifications.
- Board of Nursing: South Carolina Board of Nursing
- View South Carolina RN jobs
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Texas
- Licensure Process: Texas is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses to practice in other compact states without additional licenses. However, to obtain a compact license, you must declare Texas as your primary state of residence. If you’re not a resident, you can apply for a single-state license.
- Fees: Application fee is $150.
- Fingerprinting & Criminal Background Check: Approximately $39.75 for fingerprint processing.
- Social Security Number (SSN):An SSN is required to work but not get a license. (Texas BON)
- Visa Credentials Assessment: Texas accepts both VisaScreen® and Visa4Nurses certifications.
- View Texas RN jobs
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Washington
- Licensure Process: Washington is not part of the NLC. Nurses must apply for licensure by endorsement or examination.
- Fees: Application fee is $138.
- Fingerprinting and Background Check: Fees vary; typically around $50.
- Special Requirements: Completion of a seven-hour AIDS education course is required.
- Social Security Number (SSN): An SSN is required for licensure.
- Visa Credentials Assessment: Washington accepts both VisaScreen® and Visa4Nurses certifications.
- Board of Nursing: Washington State Department of Health Nursing Commission
- View Washington RN jobs
Key Considerations:
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): The NLC allows nurses to have one multistate license, enabling practice in other compact states. However, only residents of NLC member states are eligible for a multistate license. Non-residents can obtain a single-state license.
- Visa Credentials Assessment: Most states require the VisaScreen® certification, which assesses your education, licensure, and English proficiency. Some states, like Texas, also accept Visa4Nurses certification.
- Social Security Number (SSN): Many states require a U.S. Social Security Number for licensure. It’s essential to verify this requirement with the specific state’s BON.
- Application Fees and Requirements: Fees and specific requirements vary by state. It’s essential to review each state’s BON website for the most current information.
- Additional Costs: Be aware of potential additional costs, such as fees for credential evaluathecks, and English proficiency tests.
Choosing where to practice involves considering licensure requirements, costs, and personal preferences. By understanding each state’s process, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals.
