A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Massachusetts

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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