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Nursing Licensure Requirements

Alabama

Additional requirements required

  • Accredited by agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (CCNE)
  • Program approved by the Board of Nursing where the program is located (ISBN)
  • Additional Curriculum and Clinical Requirements

Alaska

Requirements met

Arizona

Requirements met

Arkansas

Requirements met

  • Must graduate from a board-approved program
  • Eligibility for licensure as a practical or registered nurse is considered after successful completion of a Board approved nursing education program; however, completion of a nursing program does not guarantee the Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s approval to take the licensure examination. All applicants for licensure shall complete a criminal background check per ACA §17-87-312 . No person shall be eligible to receive or hold a license issued by the Board if that person has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or been found guilty by any court in the State of Arkansas, or of any similar offense by a court in another state, or of any similar offense by a federal court of any offense listed in ACA §17-3-102.
  • See additional information https://www.arsbn.org/rules

California

Additional requirements required

  • Must graduate from a board-approved program 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.
  • 2736.1. May require additional instruction through continuing education in the following:
    • (a) The course of instruction for an applicant who matriculates on or after September 1, 1985, shall include training in the detection and treatment of alcohol and chemical substance dependency.
    • (b) The course of instruction for an applicant who matriculates on or after January 1, 1995, shall include training in the detection and treatment of client abuse, including, but not limited to, spousal or partner abuse. The requirement for coursework in spousal or partner abuse detection and treatment shall be satisfied by, and the board shall accept in satisfaction of the requirement, a certification from the chief academic officer of the educational institution from which the applicant graduated that the required coursework is included within the institution's required curriculum for graduation.
  • See additional information https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/regulations/npr-i-15.pdf

Colorado

Requirements met

Connecticut

Requirements met

Delaware

Requirements met

District of Columbia

Requirements met

Florida

Requirements met

Georgia

Requirements met

Guam

Requirements met

Hawaii

Requirements met

Idaho

Requirements met

  • Graduate from a RN program that is approved by the Board of Nursing in the home state.
    • The program must meet substantially the same basic educational requirements as graduates of Idaho nursing education programs.
  • Faculty who teach Idaho nursing students must have the privilege to practice in Idaho as a RN.
  • Faculty must have the appropriate BSN/MSN qualifications depending on the program they are providing instruction for.
  • When applying for licensure, the applicant will need to provide official transcripts or Affidavit of Graduation documenting graduation that qualifies them to sit for the NCLEX.
  • Complete a fingerprint based criminal background check.
  • See additional information http://https//adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/23/230101.pdf and https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/23/230101.pdf

Illinois

Requirements met

Indiana

Requirements met

Iowa

Requirements met

Kansas

Requirements met

  • Must graduate from a board-approved program
  • RN Education regulations found in K.A.R. 60-2-104 and contain the following requirements:
    • Content in biological, physical, social and behavioral sciences – must have A&P
    • Content in growth & development / developmental psychology
    • A minimum of 30 credit hours in nursing courses
    • Nursing courses must have theory and direct clinical experience across the lifespan
  • See additional information https://ksbn.kansas.gov/npa/ and https://www.kssos.org/pubs/pubs_kar.aspx

Kentucky

Requirements met

  • An applicant for a KY RN license must have completed the basic curriculum for preparing registered nurses in an approved school of nursing and have completed the school’s requirements for graduation;
  • … [Ref:  KRS 314.041 (a)].  The Kentucky Board of Nursing does recognize graduates from prelicensure nursing education programs that are approved/accredited by other state boards of nursing as eligible for licensure in Kentucky
  • See additional information https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/TITLE201.HTM

Louisiana

Requirements met

  • Must graduate from a board-approved program

For RN and APRN licensure:

  • The LA criteria for licensure are found in RS37:920.A.1.a-g as follows:
  • §920. Licensure; qualifications; examination; renewal; temporary permits
    • A.(1) The board shall issue a license to each applicant who applies for licensure as a registered nurse or  an advanced practice registered nurse who files an application upon a form and in such manner as the board prescribes, accompanied by such fee as required in R.S. 37:927, and who furnishes evidence to the board that he:
      • (a) Is of good moral character.
      • (b) Has completed the requirements of a nursing education program approved by the board which prepares him for initial licensure as a registered nurse.
      • (c) Passes an examination to the satisfaction of the board.
      • (d) Has completed certain course work as required by the board.
      • (e) Is not in violation of this Part and the rules and regulations.
      • (f) Has committed no acts or omissions which constitute grounds for disciplinary action as defined in R.S. 37:921, or if found guilty of committing such acts or omissions, the board finds, after investigation, that sufficient restitution, rehabilitation, and education have occurred.
      • (g) Is proficient in the English language if he graduated from a nursing education program offered in a foreign country.
  • Further, approval of a program not located in Louisiana would have to meet the criteria listed in Louisiana Administrative Code LAC 46.XLVII.Chapter 35
  • See additional information http://www.lsbn.state.la.us/NursingPractice/Laws,Rules.aspx

Maine

Requirements met

  • Must graduate from a board-approved program
  • The program must be approved by another BON. When Maine reviews applications from individuals that graduated from another state, the program must be equitable to a program approved in Maine. National nursing program accreditation has been required for Maine programs since January 1, 2015. The Board defines “National Nursing Accreditation” as accreditation by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or other agency approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency.
  • The RN applicant must also have completed a course of study of not less than 2 years in an approved program in professional nursing and holds a degree, diploma or certificate. 
  • See additional information https://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing/docs/RN%20Exam%20Licensure%20Requirements.pdf and http://maine.gov/boardofnursing/laws-rules/index.html

Maryland

Requirements met

Massachusetts

Requirements met

Michigan

Requirements met

Minnesota

Requirements met

Mississippi

Requirements met

Missouri

Requirements met

Montana

Requirements met

Nebraska

Requirements met

Nevada

Requirements met

New Hampshire

Requirements met

  • Each applicant for an initial registered or practical nurse license by examination shall:
    • (a)  Meet the general requirements of Nur 302.01; and
    • (b)  Meet either education requirement:
  • (1)  Graduated from a board approved nursing education program in the United States or Canada that meets the requirements set forth in Nur 600, including the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN course requirements; or
  • (2)  Graduated from a nursing program outside the United States or Canada;
    • (c)  Take and pass either the:
      • (1)  NCLEX exam if a graduate of a board approved nursing education program in the United States or Canada; or
      • (2)  A nationally accepted accrediting agency examination endorsed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing examination and NCLEX if a graduate of a board approved nursing education program outside the United States or Canada.
  • More RN and LPN information:
  • Nur 602.12 Curricular Requirements
    • (a)  The curriculum shall be derived from the program’s written philosophy and organizing framework and shall demonstrate logical sequencing and internal consistency.
    • (b)  To promote health and prevent disease, registered nurse programs shall provide a minimum of 1080 hours of nursing classroom instruction and concurrent clinical practice offering students the opportunity to care for individuals, families, groups and communities during various developmental stages who are experiencing physiological, or psychosocial, or environmental disruptions.
    • (c)  To promote health and prevent disease practical nurse programs shall provide a minimum of 600 hours of nursing classroom instruction and concurrent clinical practice offering students the opportunity to care for individual, families, groups and communities during various developmental stages that shall be considered to be in physiologically or psychosocially, noncomplex, stable situations.
    • (d)  Curricular content related to nursing courses shall include concurrent theoretical and clinical components designed to provide instructional activities benefiting individuals, families, and groups across the life span.
    • (e)  Curriculum components shall include.
  • (1) Experiences that promote clinical judgment, clinical management, and commitment to improving quality and safety of the health care system; and
  • (2) Evidence-based learning experiences and methods of instruction, including distance education methods, which are consistent with the curriculum, provided that:
    • a.  Faculty supervised clinical practice shall provide clinical hours consistent with Nur 602.12 (b), (c) and (d);
    • b.  Simulation may be utilized as a teaching strategy in laboratory and clinical settings to meet objectives for purpose of calculating the hours in the curriculum;
    • c.  Simulation will not be in lieu of an entire clinical experience; and 
    • d. Clinical experiences, including those with preceptors, shall be directed by readily available nurse-educator faculty members
  • See additional information http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/nur.html

New Jersey

Requirements met

  • For RN licensure:
    • LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION
    • N.J.A.C. 13:37-1.2; 2.2; Each applicant for licensure shall file with the Board:
      • Complete application form, provided by the Board, which requests information concerning the applicant's educational and experiential background;
      • The nonrefundable application fee set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:37-5.5(a) 1; and
      •  A written certification from the registrar, or program administrator authorized by the registrar, attesting that the applicant has successfully completed all requirements for graduation from a registered professional nursing program accredited by the Board or a board of nursing in another state or a licensed practical nursing program accredited by the Board or by a board of nursing in another state. The certification shall indicate the date of graduation or the date the degree or diploma was conferred.
      • See additional information https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-37-New-Jersey-Board-of-Nursing.pdf and https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Statutes/nursinglaw.pdf

New Mexico

Requirements met

  • Successful completion of a Board approved program.  If the state does not approve pre-licensure nursing programs, national programmatic accreditation (i.e. ACEN, CCNE, CNEA) is required. 
  • See additional information http://nmbon.sks.com/ruleiso.aspx

New York

Requirements met

North Carolina

Requirements met

North Dakota

Requirements met

Northern Marina Islands

Requirements met

Ohio

Requirements met

Oklahoma

Requirements met

  • Cause submission of an official transcript showing completion of the basic professional curricula of a state Board-approved registered nursing education program conducted in a member board jurisdiction that meets the requirements of 485:10-5-6(d), and showing the diploma or degree and the date conferred. The transcript must be obtained from an entity approved and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a primary source for providing education transcripts.
  • See additional information http://www.oar.state.ok.us/viewhtml/485_10-7-1.htm and http://www.ok.gov/nursing/rules.html

Oregon

Requirements met

Pennsylvania

Requirements met

Rhode Island

Requirements met

  • For RN licensure:
  • A. Professional (Registered) Nurse. An applicant seeking initial licensure to practice professional nursing in the State of Rhode Island must:
    • 1. Be of good moral character;
    • 2. Have completed at least an approved high school course of study or the equivalent supported by diploma or certificate thereof as determined by the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education; and
    • 3. Have successfully completed the prescribed curriculum in a Board-approved basic professional nursing education program and holds a diploma from the program,
    • 4. Foreign trained applicants must meet the requirements set forth in § 3.3.4(C) of this Part.
  • See additional information http://www.health.ri.gov/for/nurses/index.php

South Carolina

Requirements met

South Dakota

Requirements met

Tennessee

Requirements met

Texas

Requirements met

Utah

Requirements met

Vermont

Requirements met

Virgin Islands

Requirements met

Virginia

Requirements met

  • Must graduate from a board-approved program
  • Graduates of nursing schools located in other states - Verification of Clinical Hours: If you attended a nursing program outside of Virginia, your FINAL official transcript must include evidence of the actual (direct client care) clinical hours broken down for each course.
    • A. Both classroom and online curricula shall reflect the philosophy and objectives of the nursing education program and shall be consistent with the law governing the practice of nursing.
    • B. Nursing education programs preparing for licensure as a registered or practical nurse shall include:
      • 1. Evidence-based didactic content and supervised clinical experience in nursing, encompassing the attainment and maintenance of physical and mental health and the prevention of illness for individuals and groups throughout the life cycle and in a variety of acute, nonacute, community-based, and long-term care clinical settings and experiences to include adult medical/surgical nursing, geriatric nursing, maternal/infant (obstetrics, gynecology, neonatal) nursing, mental health/psychiatric nursing, nursing fundamentals, and pediatric nursing;

18VAC90-27-100 (A) and (B)

  • A. A nursing education program preparing a student for licensure as a registered nurse shall provide a minimum of 500 hours of direct client care supervised by qualified faculty. A nursing education program preparing a student for licensure as a practical nurse shall provide a minimum of 400 hours of direct client care supervised by qualified faculty. Direct client care hours shall include experiences and settings as set forth in 18VAC90-27-90 B 1.
  • B. Licensed practical nurses transitioning into prelicensure registered nursing programs may be awarded no more than 150 clinical hours of the 400 clinical hours received in a practical nursing program. In a practical nursing to registered nursing transitional program, the remainder of the clinical hours shall include registered nursing clinical experience across the life cycle in adult medical/surgical nursing, maternal/infant (obstetrics, gynecology, neonatal) nursing, mental health/psychiatric nursing, and pediatric nursing.
  • See additional information http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/PractitionerResources/LawsRegulations/

Washington

Requirements met**

West Virginia

Requirements met

Wisconsin

Requirements met

  • For RN licensure:
  • N 2.10 Qualifications for licensure:
    • (a) Graduates from a high school or its equivalent.
    • (b) Does not have an arrest or conviction record, subject to ss.
      • 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335, Stats.
    • (c) Graduates from any of the following:
      • 1. A board−approved school of professional nursing.
      • 2. A comparable school of professional nursing.
        • (d) In lieu of meeting the requirement in par.
        • (c), evidence of general and professional educational qualifications comparable to those required in this state at the time of graduation.
        • (e) Passes the NCLEX.
  • See additional information https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/n/2.pdf and https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/RulesStatutes/Nursing.aspx

Wyoming

Requirements met

Information on the Nurse Licensure Compact may be found at https://www.in.gov/pla/nursing.htm. Indiana Compacted licensure goes into effect July 1, 2020. A list of NLC member states may be found at https://www.ncsbn.org/nlcmemberstates.pdf or a map of NLC member states may be found at https://www.ncsbn.org/NLC_Map_Updated_June_2019.pdf.

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