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Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Mississippi

Mississippi boasts a low cost of living, beautiful beaches, fantastic food, and affordable colleges. If you’re interested in a nursing career in Mississippi, your first step after finishing school is to apply for your registered nursing license.

In this article, we will cover:

• How to get your Mississippi nursing license by exam
• How to get your license by endorsement
• How to renew your Mississippi nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Continuing education requirements
• How to contact the Mississippi Board of Nursing

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How to get your Mississippi nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

To be eligible for a registered nurse’s license in Mississippi, you must earn a nursing degree from a program which substantially meets the same educational criteria as Mississippi nursing programs. You can hold any of the degrees listed below:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.

Step 2: Apply

Candidates for a Mississippi nursing license begin by registering on the Mississippi Board of Nursing Gateway. You will use this portal to apply for licensure, to change your name or address, to renew your license, and more. Application for your registered nurse license requires payment of a $100 fee. You will also need a valid Social Security number to complete the application. 

You should also register to take the NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE at www.ncsbn.org/nclex. The fee to register for the NCLEX is $200.

If you are within three months of having graduated from an accredited nursing program and you are applying for a Mississippi nursing license, you can apply for a temporary permit through the nursing gateway. The permit is good for 90 days. You must pass the NCLEX exam within that 90 day period. If you fail the NCLEX, your temporary permit will automatically become invalid and you will no longer be able to work as a registered nurse. 

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

The Mississippi Board of Nursing requires an official transcript from your nursing program to ensure that you meet all educational requirements. These should be submitted in a sealed envelope to:

Mississippi Board of Nursing
713 Pear Orchard
Suite 300
Ridgeland, MS 39157

Do not submit your transcripts or any other supporting documentation before you have completed the online application and fee. 

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

If you attended a Mississippi-based nursing program, your program should have scheduled a criminal background check appointment for you. If you missed your scheduled fingerprint date, you must call the Mississippi Board of Nursing at 601-957-6300 to set an appointment to be fingerprinted at the Board’s office in Ridgeland, Mississippi. 

If you are a Mississippi resident but did not attend a Mississippi-based nursing program, you must call the board at 601-957-6300 to schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted at the office in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

If you are from out of state but you are seeking a Mississippi registered nursing license, you must call the board at 601-957-6300 for instructions. 

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

After you have submitted all of the documents required for the application process, the Board of Nursing will notify Pearson VUE and you will be sent Authorization to Test for the NCLEX-RN exam. The NCLEX is a national standardized test of your retention of the material you were taught during your nursing program. Topics covered include:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care  
• Safety and Infection Control 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
• Basic Care and Comfort 
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
• Physiological Adaptation 

If you pass the NCLEX you will be issued your registered nurse license. If you do not pass the exam, you will receive that official test result in the mail.  If you hold a temporary permit it will automatically be invalidated. You can complete the online licensure by examination application, pay the required fees, and register to take the exam again. A new Authorization to Test will be sent to you. You can take the test up to six times within two years of graduation.

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

If you hold a registered nursing license in another state and you want to obtain licensure in Mississippi, you need to apply for licensure by endorsement. This requires submitting an online Endorsement Application and the $100 application fee via the Gateway nursing portal. You must have a Social Security Number to complete the application.

You are required to submit an official transcript with your basic nursing degree and date conferred to the Mississippi Board of Nursing in a sealed envelope or electronically via Parchment. Paper copies should be sent to:

Mississippi Board of Nursing
713 Pear Orchard
Suite 300
Ridgeland, MS 39157

Submit verification of your original license by visiting the NURSYS website and clicking on the link titled “Nurse License Verification for Endorsement.” If your original license came from a state that does not participate with NURSYS, you will need to contact the Board of Nursing in that state and request that they send verification to the Mississippi Board of Nursing.

After submitting your application, you can register for a criminal background check. This can either be scheduled at the Mississippi Board of Nursing office or you can request a fingerprint card. Contact the Mississippi Board of Nursing at 601-957-6300 for more information. 

How to renew your Mississippi nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

Mississippi’s nursing license period is two years. Registered nurse licenses expire every even-numbered year and will expire on December 31. If your license was issued in an even numbered year, it will still expire on December 31 if it was issued prior to August 31. Licenses issued on September 1 or after in an even numbered year do not expire until December 31 of the next even numbered year. The renewal period begins on September 1.

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

The state of Mississippi repealed its continuing education requirements in 2020. RNs who have been out of practice for more than five years are required to complete a minimum of twenty contact hours earned in the previous two-year period.

To help you meet this requirement, Incredible Health offers free CE units that meet Mississippi’s requirements. Upon completion you will be able to access a certificate of completion immediately.

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

You can complete the application for renewal of your Mississippi nursing license and submit the $100 fee at the Gateway portal.

Mississippi nursing licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Mississippi whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Mississippi from another state. For more information visit the Mississippi licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $100 (RN); $60 (LPN)
• Criminal background check fee: $75

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $100 (RN); $60 (LPN); $100 (APRN initial licensure fee)
• Single state to multistate: $25
• Temporary license: $25
• Criminal background check fee: $75

License renewal fees:

• Application fee: $100; $100 (APRN, 1st license, $50 for each after)

Additionally, Mississippi is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.

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Continuing education requirements

RN: 20 contact hours every 2 years

LPN: 20 contact hours every 2 years

APRN: 40 contact hours every 2 years (10 hours must be in controlled substance)

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Mississippi Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.  

How to contact the Mississippi Board of Nursing

Mississippi Board of Nursing
Phone: (601) 957-6300
Fax: (601) 957-6301

Website: https://www.msbn.ms.gov/

713 S Pear Orchard Road, Plaza II
Suite 300
Ridgeland, MS 39157

More Mississippi Resources

• Best hospitals in the state
• Best nursing schools in the state
• Average salary for RNs in the state

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Michigan

Healthcare employers in the state of Michigan employ more nurses per capita than the national average, and the state offers an attractively low cost of living and high quality of life. Whether you’re seeking your first registered nurse license or are hoping to move from another state, you need to know the process for obtaining a license. 

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How to get your Michigan nursing license by exam
• How to get your license by endorsement
• How to renew your Michigan nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Continuing education requirements
• How to contact the Michigan Board of Nursing

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How to get your Michigan nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

To become a registered nurse, you must first earn a nursing degree. The state of Michigan accepts applicants for licensure who have completed any of the following types of training from an accredited nursing program:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.

Graduating with a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing program or either of the baccalaureate options listed above will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN test and to provide high-quality, compassionate registered nursing services in Michigan.

Step 2: Apply

The state of Michigan is no longer accepting paper applications for nursing licenses. All applications must be submitted online at www.michigan.gov/miplus. In addition to answering all questions on the applications, providing all supporting documentation, fees, and transcripts and submitting to a criminal background check, applicants are required to complete training in human trafficking and implicit bias.

As part of the application process, you need to register to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) test. Registration can be submitted and the $200 fee paid through the Pearson VUE Professional Testing page or by phone at (866) 496-2539. You will not be eligible to take or schedule the exam until you have received notification from the Department.

Step 3: Transcripts

Graduates of Michigan nursing programs can use the Michigan Nursing School Certification Form to verify their eligibility. Those who have graduated from accredited nursing programs outside of Michigan should have official transcripts sent directly to the Board of Nursing from the school attended.

Step 4: Criminal Record Check 

After your online application has been submitted, the state will email you an Application Confirmation letter that includes instructions for having a criminal background check conducted. You will also be asked to provide documentation if you answered yes to any of the good moral character questions on the application. 

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

Once you have registered, Pearson will send notification of your registration to the Department of Nursing. In turn, the Department will notify Pearson VUE when your state application is complete. Pearson VUE will then send you an Authorization to Test and a list of available test-taking sites in your state.

The NCLEX-RN will test you on what you learned over the course of your nursing program. You can expect to be asked questions surrounding the following topics:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care  
• Safety and Infection Control 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
• Basic Care and Comfort 
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
• Physiological Adaptation 

Michigan does not limit the number of times you can take the NCLEX-RN, but you must pass within three years of having graduated from a nursing program or after obtaining one of the required evaluations or certifications required. Forty-five days must pass between failing and scheduling a re-test. If you do not pass within three years you will have to complete a certification of skills competency.

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

If you are already licensed as a registered nurse in another state, the Michigan process for licensing by endorsement is straightforward and simple. Log onto the MiPLUS website and register a new account. Complete the application for Licensure by Endorsement online, noting that you have a license in another state and adding rows to provide details about any other licenses. 

Verification of licensure is required and should be submitted directly to the Michigan Board of Nursing by the licensing agency of any state in which you hold or ever held a license. 

Pay the associated $208.80 fee and submit to a fingerprint report and criminal background check using the instructions and identification numbers that will be sent to you after the application and fee have been received. There will be a fee for the fingerprint and background check service as well.

How to renew your Michigan nursing license

Step 1: Michigan’s nursing license renewal rules

Your initial Michigan registered nursing license is valid for two years, and then each renewal will be valid for two years. A renewal notification postcard will be sent to your address of record and email address 90 days before the license’s expiration date. 

If you have not yet completed training on identifying victims of human trafficking, you will be required to complete it as part of your renewal. You will also be required to complete one hour of implicit bias training each year. These sessions do not count toward your CE requirement.

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

Michigan requires nurses to earn 25 hours of continuing education within each two-year period of licensure. At least two of those hours must be in pain and pain symptom management. No more than 12 credit hours can be earned during a 24-hour period. 

Incredible Health offers free Michigan continuing education units to help you achieve your license renewal goals. Upon completion, you can instantly print out your certification. Though Michigan does not keep records of continuing education units earned and you do not have to submit evidence of having earned them when you renew your license, you are required to keep proof of all certification units earned for a minimum of four years in case of random audit.

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

Your Michigan license renewal application can be submitted online by logging into your MiPLUS account at www.michigan.gov/MiPLUS. Your renewal fee of $128.50 can be paid using a debit or credit card.

Michigan nursing licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Michigan, whether you’re a first-time nurse or moving to Michigan from another state. For more information, visit the Michigan Board of Nursing licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $208.80 (RN/LPN)
• Fingerprint processing fee: $62.75

Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $208.80
• Fingerprint processing fee: $62.75

License renewal fee:

• Application fee: $128.50

Legislation is pending for Michigan to become a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses. Check the NCSBN site to stay updated.

*Fees are subject to change.

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Michigan continuing education requirements

RNs, LPNs, and APRNs need 25 contact hours every two years to maintain their Michigan nursing license. Two of these hours must be in pain and symptom management. (One contact hour equals 50-60 minutes of classroom instruction. One CEU credit equals 10 contact hours.)

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Michigan Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.

How to contact the Michigan Board of Nursing

Michigan Board of Nursing
Phone: (517) 241-0199
Fax: (517) 241-9416

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_72600_72603_27529_27542—,00.html

Mailing address:
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Professional Licensing
PO Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909

Physical address:
2407 N. Grand River Ave.
Lansing, MI 48906

More Michigan Resources

• Best hospitals in the state
• Best nursing schools in the state
• Average salary for RNs in the state

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / New Jersey

New Jersey has it all: top quality schools, great health care, family friendly towns, delicious dining, and great shopping. It’s also close to the shore, New York City, and Philadelphia! It’s a great place to work and live.

In this article, we will cover:

• How to get your New Jersey nursing license by exam
• How to get your license by endorsement
• How to renew your New Jersey nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Continuing education requirements
• How to contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing

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How to get your New Jersey nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

Becoming a registered nurse is the result of hard work. Whether you chose an Associate degree program, attended four years of a baccalaureate program, or turned to nursing after completing your bachelor’s studies in another field, your nursing degree is your career’s launchpad. 

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.

Step 2: Apply

The application process for a registered nursing license in New Jersey begins by creating an account on the state’s online portal. After registering for an account, select the Initial Candidate option and indicate that you are seeking a nursing license by application. New Jersey only accepts applications that are submitted online.

After completing the application, you will be asked to pay the $120 licensing fee and to upload all supporting documentation.

You also must register to take the NCLEX exam and pay the registration fee of $200. You can do this online at Pearson VUE or by phone at 1-866-496-2539.

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

Request an official copy of your transcript with degree and date conferred from your nursing school. This can be mailed directly to the New Jersey Board of Nursing at the following address:

New Jersey Board of Nursing
124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 45010
Newark, New Jersey 07101

If you attended nursing school within the state of New Jersey, you may have your nursing school submit an Official Letter of Completion and affix the school seal.

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

New Jersey requires all nursing applicants to submit to a criminal history background check as a condition for licensure. This process starts by completing the Certification and Authorization form for a criminal history background check.

If you live, work or attend school in the state of New Jersey, you will be required to schedule a fingerprinting appointment directly with MorphoTrust, a private company under contract with the State. If your residence, work, or school appears on the zip code list for nearby communities, you must schedule a fingerprinting appointment directly with MorphoTrust in New Jersey. The MorphoTrust fingerprinting sites are branded as “IdentoGo.” However, you cannot schedule an appointment with MorphoTrust until you receive the IdentoGo New Jersey Universal Fingerprint Form from the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

If you do not live in New Jersey and your zip code does not appear on the nearby community zip code list, you will be sent fingerprint cards which can be used by your local police department, another local law enforcement agency, a state police department or by your own state’s electronic fingerprinting company to record your fingerprints. Fingerprint cards and instructions will arrive with your IdentoGo Universal Fingerprint Form.

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

After you have submitted your application, paid your fees, and all required materials have been submitted by your nursing program, the New Jersey Board of Nursing will contact Pearson VUE and notify them that you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.  Pearson VUE will send you an Authorization to Test and you should schedule your examination as soon as possible. 

The NCLEX-RN is a standardized test that confirms you have the knowledge required to be a registered nurse. Topics covered include:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care  
• Safety and Infection Control 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
• Basic Care and Comfort 
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
• Physiological Adaptation 

If you pass the examination and have submitted all required information and fees, your licensure will be issued shortly. 

If you did not pass the NCLEX-RN, you will need to re-register and submit an additional $200 fee to Pearson VUE, as well as to submit an application to retake the test. Failure to pass in three consecutive attempts requires submitting proof of successful completion of a remediation course prior to taking the test a fourth time. 

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

Applicants for a New Jersey registered nurse license by endorsement begin by creating an account on the state’s online portal. After registering for an account, select the Initial Candidate option and indicate that you are seeking a nursing license by application. You will be asked to submit a $120 license fee, a $75 application fee, and a $5 Alternative to Discipline fee.

Your application must include:

• A clear, full-face original passport photograph (2” x 2”) of your head and shoulders taken within the past six months. Sign your name on the back of the picture. 
• A copy of your birth certificate or U.S. passport if you are a U.S. citizen.
  • If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, submit a copy of your U.S. passport or certificate of naturalization. 
• If you are a legal alien or another immigration status, submit a copy of the front and back of your USCIS immigration documents. 
• Submit proof of a legal name change (i.e., marriage license, divorce decree, court order, if applicable) if your name differs from that on your birth certificate. 
• Indicate your agreement to granting the Board authorization to conduct a criminal history background check. 
  • If you live, work or attend school in the state of New Jersey, you will be required to schedule a fingerprinting appointment directly with MorphoTrust, a private company under contract with the State. If your residence, work, or school appears on the zip code list for nearby communities, you must schedule a fingerprinting appointment directly with MorphoTrust in New Jersey. The MorphoTrust fingerprinting sites are branded as “IdentoGo.” However, you cannot schedule an appointment with MorphoTrust until you receive the IdentoGo New Jersey Universal Fingerprint Form from the New Jersey Board of Nursing. 
  • If you do not live in New Jersey and your zip code does not appear on the nearby community zip code list, you will be sent fingerprint cards which can be used by your local police department, another local law enforcement agency, a state police department or by your own state’s electronic fingerprinting company to record your fingerprints. Fingerprint cards and instructions will arrive with your IdentoGo Universal Fingerprint Form.
  • If you live in the metropolitan New Jersey area, you will receive digital fingerprint information via regular mail. Please schedule your appointment as soon as possible. 
• Provide verification of licensure in good standing from the state in which you were originally licensed or are currently licensed, and from every state in which you have ever been licensed through the NURSYS system. If those state(s) do not participate with the NURSYS system, verification must be forwarded directly to the New Jersey Board of Nursing at

New Jersey Board of Nursing
124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 45010
Newark, New Jersey 07101

How to renew your New Jersey nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

New Jersey registered nursing licenses are good for two years and expire on May 31^st. The process takes approximately 10-15 days to complete, and the fee is $120. 

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

New Jersey registered nurses must complete a minimum of 30 contact hours of continuing education contact hours during the two-year period preceding renewal. At least one contact hour of continuing education must concern prescription opioid drugs, including alternatives to opioids for managing and treating pain, and the risks and signs of opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion.

You are able to carry over up to 15 additional continuing education contact hours into the next renewal period. Though you are not required to submit proof of completion, the New Jersey Board of Nursing recommends that you retain continuing education certificates for at least five years in case you are selected for a random audit. 

Incredible Health offers New Jersey nurses free continuing education units. They are easy to access and, once completed, the site provides a certificate of completion for your records. 

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

To submit your application for renewal of your New Jersey license, go to the state’s online portal. 

New Jersey nursing licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in New Jersey whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to New Jersey from another state. For more information visit the New Jersey licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $80
• License fee: $120
• Fingerprint processing fee: $58.69

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $200 (RN/LPN); $80/$160 (APRN, based on expiration of RN license)
• Fingerprint processing fee: $58.69

License renewal fee:

• Application fee: $120 (RN); $125 (LPN); $160 (APRN)

*Fees are subject to change.

Additionally, New Jersey has a partial implementation of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). This means nurses with active multi-state NLC licenses can practice in New Jersey. However, it also means nurses with New Jersey as their primary state of residency can’t apply for a multi-state license until the NLC is fully implemented. Check the NCSBN website to remain up to date.

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Continuing education requirements

RN: 30 contact hours every 2 years

• At least 1 hour must address instruction in organ and tissue donation and recovery designed to address clinical aspects of the donation and recovery process
• At least 1 hour must address topics concerning prescription opioid drugs, including an alternative to opioids for managing and treating pain and the risks and signs of opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion

LPN: 30 contact hours every 2 years

• At least 1 hour must address instruction in organ and tissue donation and recovery designed to address clinical aspects of the donation and recovery process
• At least 1 hour must address topics concerning prescription opioid drugs, including an alternative to opioids for managing and treating pain and the risks and signs of opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion

APRN: 30 contact hours every 2 years

• At least 1 hour must address instruction in organ and tissue donation and recovery designed to address clinical aspects of the donation and recovery process
• At least 2 hours must address end-of-life care
• At least 6 hours must pertain to pharmacology
• Maintain national certification

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The New Jersey Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.  

How to contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing

New Jersey Board of Nursing
Phone: (973) 504-6430

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/default.aspx

124 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07102

More New Jersey Resources

• Best hospitals in the state
• Best nursing schools in the state
• Average salary for RNs in the state

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to some of the country’s most respected medical facilities and institutions of learning. Registered nurses who’ve studied in the state or are starting a career there will find great opportunities. The first step is getting licensed.

In this article, we will cover:

• How to get your Massachusetts nursing license
• Licensing by reciprocity
• Steps for renewing a Massachusetts nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Continuing education requirements
• How to contact the Massachusetts Board of Nursing

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How to get your Massachusetts nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

You have many options for how and where you choose to get your nursing degree. Whether you select a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing, a four-year BSN program, or you’ve only recently decided on a nursing career after already having earned a bachelor’s degree, the most important step to getting your license and beginning to work is getting a strong educational foundation from an accredited nursing program.   

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.

No matter which type of program you graduate from, the state of Massachusetts requires applicants for a new registered nurse license to complete a one-time course on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with cognitive impairments, including but not limited to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

If your academic nurse program offers this type of education, whether through classwork, conferences, or seminars, then you meet the requirements for this training. 

Step 2: Apply

Eligibility for a registered nurse license in Massachusetts requires the following:

• Having graduated from a board-approved nursing program
• Being of good moral character as defined by state law (background check)
• Having passed the NCLEX examination
• Payment of a $230 application fee

To prepare for application for a Massachusetts license by examination, begin by registering with Pearson Vue to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and by requesting your transcripts.  

The application requires the submission of fees and a Child Protective Services Background Record Request Form that you will need to sign. You will also need to upload a 2×2” color passport-style photo. After the application process is complete, you will receive Authorization to Test from Pearson Vue.

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

Request a Certification of Graduation and your Official Final transcript from your Massachusetts nursing program. The Certification of Graduation form for out-of-state nursing programs can be found here. These can be sent electronically from a primary source such as School, Parchment, or the National Student Clearinghouse via secure server to [email protected] or by mail to:

PCS
Attn: MA Board of Registration in Nursing
C/O MA Nurse Coordinator
P.O. Box 198788
Nashville, TN 37219

Step 4: Good Moral Character Requirements for Licensure 

To assure that Massachusetts nurses meet the Board of Registration in Nursing’s Good Moral Character requirement, applicants who answer “yes” to questions related to criminal or disciplinary history will be asked to provide specific documentation explaining their circumstances.

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

The NCLEX-RN exam is a test that assesses whether you are fully prepared to be a registered nurse. Questions will gauge your knowledge of the following topics:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care  
• Safety and Infection Control 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
• Basic Care and Comfort 
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
• Physiological Adaptation 

Once you have registered for the test and completed the Massachusetts application process you will receive an Authorization to Test. Passing the test will result in receipt of a License Letter via email from PCS on behalf of the nursing board. If you do not pass, you will receive a Candidate Performance Report and NCLEX re-examination instructions by mail. 

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Licensing by reciprocity (already have RN licensure)

Nurses who are currently licensed in another state who would like to be licensed in Massachusetts may submit an application for a nursing license by reciprocity. To be eligible you will need to pay an application fee of $275, a license verification fee of $30 per license, and provide proof of the following:

• You graduated from a board-approved nursing program
• You are of good moral character as defined by Massachusetts state law (background check)
• You have passed the NCLEX exam
• You have been licensed in another state or the District of Columbia
• You have a valid Social Security number

Start the process by verifying your license through the Nursys license verification system. If your state does not participate in Nursys, contact the state Board holding your license and follow their instructions for providing verification of your status using this form.

Next, request your Official Final Transcript that led to your initial registered nurse licensure and have it sent directly to Professional Credential Services, Inc. Electronic transcripts from sources including School, Parchment, or the National Student Clearinghouse can be sent via secure server to [email protected]. Paper copies of official transcripts can be sent by the educational program to:

PCS
Attn: MA Board of Registration in Nursing
C/O MA Nurse Coordinator
P.O. Box 198788
Nashville, TN 37219

You will also need to submit a 2×2” size color passport-size photo with a plain background that has been taken within the last year.

Complete the application, including the Child Protective Services Background Record Request Form. 

instructions by mail. 

How to renew your Massachusetts nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

Once you are a registered nurse in Massachusetts, you’ll need to renew your nursing license every two years by your birthday. Your license will expire in even-numbered years. You will be able to renew online or by mail as early as 90 days before your birthday. Online submissions should only be processed through an Internet Explorer or Firefox browser: do not use Google Chrome. For a paper application, email the Board of Registration of Nursing at [email protected]. Be sure to add RN before your license number with no spaces.

Paper licenses are no longer issued, but all your license information is available 24/7 online and a copy can be printed should you need one. Registered nurses are required to pay a renewal fee of $120. Late renewals will be charged an additional $57.

Step 2. Fulfill continuing competency requirements

The state of Massachusetts requires 15 contact hours of Continuing Education within the two years before you are required to renew your license, though you do not have to complete any CE requirements for your first renewal. The Board of Registration of Nursing may request verification of course completion at any time, so always retain all documentation for the two most recent renewal terms.

Incredible Health offers registered nurses in Massachusetts free CE hours on our website. Upon completion, you can immediately access a certificate for your records.

Step 3. Submit your renewal application

To renew your Massachusetts nursing license, click here. If you haven’t registered, you must do so first. Once you have registered with the site, simply enter your User ID and Password and press the Login button. 

To renew your Massachusetts nursing license by mail, request a paper renewal form by emailing [email protected]. When completed, mail your application and fee to:

Mass Department of Public Health
Division of Health Professions Licensure
Post Office Bo 414394
Boston, MA 02241-4394

Do not send as certified mail.

Licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Massachusetts whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Massachusetts from another state. For more information visit the Massachusetts licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $230

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $275 (RN/LPN); $150 (APRN)
• License verification fee: $30

License renewal fees:

• Application fee: $120 (RN/LPN); $180 (APRN)

Massachusetts legislation is pending for becoming a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses. Check the NCSBN site to stay updated.

*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.

Continuing education requirements

RN/LPN: 15 contact hours every 2 years

APRN: 15 contact hours every 2 years; maintain board certification

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.

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How to contact the Massachusetts Board of Nursing

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
Phone: (800) 414-0168 or (617) 973-0900
Fax: (617) 973-0984

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-nursing
Address:
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108

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Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Nevada

Nevada offers nurses plenty of opportunity, and when you adjust for cost of living, Nevada’s nurses are paid among the highest median salaries in the nation. Add in the wonderful outdoor activities, great food, and low crime rates throughout the state and there’s good reason for nurses to choose Nevada for licensure.

In this article, we will cover:

• How to get your Nevada nursing license by exam
• How to get your license by endorsement
• How to renew your Nevada nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Continuing education requirements
• How to contact the Nevada Board of Nursing

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How to get your Nevada nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

Nevada’s Board of Nursing provides a helpful list of all of the pre-licensure nursing programs that have their full approval, as well as those programs whose clinical programs they have approved. No matter whether you choose a two-year or four-year nursing degree, applicants who have been educated in any of these programs or from an accredited out-of-state program should be well prepared for the responsibilities of being a registered nurse.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.

Step 2: Apply

Your application for a Nevada license by exam begins with registering for an account on the Nevada Nurse Portal. No other information or supporting documents should be sent to the Board of Nursing until that has been done. Once you have set up your account, you can complete and submit your application with the fee of $100.

You should also apply to take the NCLEX through Pearson VUE and pay the $200 registration fee. Pearson will notify the Board of your registration.

You can request an Interim Permit after your application and documentation of graduation from an approved nursing education program have been submitted. The Interim Permit is good for 90 days or when the Board receives notification of the NCLEX exam results, whichever comes first.

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

Contact your nursing program and ask them to send an official transcript directly to the Board of Nursing at:

Board of Nursing
5011 Meadowood Mall Way
Suite 300
Reno, NV 89502-6547

• If you graduated from a Nevada-based program, your school will send the Board an affidavit of graduation. This will make you eligible for an Interim Permit. You are still required to request your official transcript, which must reflect your degree and graduation date.
• If you graduated from an accredited nursing program outside of Nevada, you must request your official transcript reflecting your nursing degree and graduation date be sent directly to the Board by the school.

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

A permanent license will not be issued until the Board receives fingerprint reports from the Nevada Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and any issues have been resolved. Due to various factors, it may take up to four months for the Board to receive the official fingerprint results from the Department of Public Safety and FBI, so arrange to do this as soon as possible.

You must complete either a fingerprint card or submit your fingerprints electronically. Electronic fingerprint submission is only available if you are in Nevada. The Board provides fingerprint capture by appointment in its Reno and Las Vegas offices, and there are other sites – both law enforcement sites and private fingerprinting sites – where electronic transmission is available.

If you choose fingerprint card submission, your fingerprinting may be done by either a law enforcement agency or a private fingerprinting service. Those agencies’ cards can be used as long as they use the standard FD-258 card. The cards are valid for one year from the date they are printed, and you can request those cards be mailed to you in your application or by sending a message through the nurse portal.

Completed fingerprint cards with  the submission form and fee should be sent to: 

5011 Meadowood Mall Way
Suite 300
Reno, NV 89502-6547

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

Once all of the above-listed items have been submitted and you’ve registered for the NCLEX-RN exam, you will receive an Authorization to Test for the NCLEX from Pearson VUE. The NCLEX is meant to gauge your understanding of the material covered by your nursing program and learned during your clinical placements. It will test you on the following topics:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care  
• Safety and Infection Control 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
• Basic Care and Comfort 
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
• Physiological Adaptation

It takes approximately one week for the Board to process your exam results. Once processed, you will receive a message in your nurse portal account with the results. If you pass the exam, you will not be issued a hard card license. You may print out a paper copy from the Board of Nursing website. If you did not pass the exam, you can retake it, but no more than four times.

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

If you are licensed in another state, to qualify for a license in Nevada you will need to apply for licensure by endorsement. This process starts with establishing an account on the Nevada Board of Nursing’s Nurse Portal, where your application and $105 fee can be submitted.

You will also need to submit:

• Proof of graduation from your nursing program. This can be a copy of your diploma or a copy of an official transcript sent directly from the registrar to the student or to the Board. Your program must have been accredited by a nationally recognized association and the transcript of diploma must have your degree posted and graduation date. Official transcripts can be sent electronically to [email protected] or by mail to:

Nevada State Board of Nursing
5011 Meadowood Mall Way
Suite 300
Reno, NV 89502-6547

• Official verification or endorsement from your original state of licensure by examination. This can be sent via the NURSYS system if your state participates. If your original state of licensure does not participate in NURSYS, send the state’s board the NSBN Endorsement Form for completion and submission.

• Completed fingerprint card or electronic fingerprint submission. A permanent license will not be issued until the Board receives fingerprint reports from the Nevada Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and any issues have been resolved.
  • Electronic fingerprint submission is only available if you are in Nevada. The Board provides fingerprint capture by appointment in its Reno and Las Vegas offices, and there are other sites – both law enforcement sites and private fingerprinting sites – where electronic transmission is available.
  • If you are out of state, fingerprinting and fingerprint card submission may be done by either a law enforcement agency or a private fingerprinting service. Those agencies’ cards can be used as long as they are the standard FD-258 card. Otherwise you can request those cards be mailed to you in your application or by sending a message through the nurse portal. 
  • Completed fingerprint cards with  the submission form and fee should be sent to: 

5011 Meadowood Mall Way
Suite 300
Reno, NV, 89502-6547

How to renew your Nevada nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

Nevada’s Board of Nursing will not send out notice of your licensure expiration date or licensure renewal date. You are responsible for knowing and tracking this information. Renewal applications should be submitted through the Nurse Portal within 60 days of the license expiration date. It is important to do so in a timely manner, as the renewal link on your account will disappear once the 60-day eligibility period has passed. There is no grace period for renewals submitted after their expiration date. The fee to renew your license is $100, and those submitted after expiration will pay an additional $100 fee.

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

Nevada requires nurses to have practiced nursing or passed the NCLEX within the previous five years. After their first license renewal period after graduation, nurses are also required to complete 30 hours of nursing-related continuing education during every two-year renewal period, including at least two hours relating to cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion. A one-time 4-hour bioterrorism course must also be completed.

The Nevada Board of Nursing conducts random audits of the continuing education requirements, but you will not be asked to submit that documentation at the time of renewal. Instead, you will be asked to affirm that you have completed your continuing education requirements and to maintain copies of all certificates of completion for at least four years (and your bioterrorism certificate indefinitely) in case they are requested.

Incredible Health wants to help you fulfill your state requirements and offers free fully accredited Nevada CEU classes to help. These are easy to access and include certification of completion.

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

Submit your renewal application and fee through the Nevada Board of Nursing’s Nurse Portal.

Nevada nursing licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Nevada, whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Nevada from another state. For more information visit the Nevada licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses)

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $100 (RN); $90 (LPN)
• Fingerprint processing fee: $40

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

• Application fee: $105 (RN); $95 (LPN); $200 (APRN)
• Fingerprint processing fee: $40

License renewal fees:

• Application fee: $100 (RN/LPN); $300 (APRN)

*Fees are subject to change.

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Continuing education requirements

RN: 30 contact hours every 2 years (1-time requirement of 4 contact hours in bioterrorism class)

LPN: 30 contact hours every 2 years (1-time requirement of 4 contact hours in bioterrorism class)

APRN: 30 contact hours every 2 years (1-time requirement of 4 contact hours in bioterrorism class); and an additional 15 CEs directly related to their specialties to include a 2-hour suicide prevention course completed every 4 years, 2-hour substance use and abuse course completed every renewal cycle, and maintain a portfolio.

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Nevada State Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.

How to contact the Nevada Board of Nursing

Nevada State Board of Nursing
Phone: (888) 590-6726

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://nevadanursingboard.org/

Las Vegas Office:
4220 South Maryland Pkwy., Building B, Suite 300
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Fax: (702) 486-5803

Reno Office: 
5011 Meadowood Mall Way Ste 300
Reno, NV 89502
Fax: (775) 687-7707

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