A Guide to Nursing in New Hampshire

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / New Hampshire

New Hampshire may be one of the smallest states in the nation, but it is packed with things to do. If you love the outdoors, visit Mount Washington which, at only 6,288 feet, has some of the worst weather the world. To take a step back in history visit Strawberry Banke, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the states. Prescott Park hosts outdoor plays in the summer and includes a beautiful flower garden. Skiing, laying out on the beach, and shopping– New Hampshire has it all.

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

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In this article, we will cover:

• Licensing information
• Steps for renewing a New Hampshire nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Job & salary outlook for nurses in New Hampshire
• Top hospitals in New Hampshire
• Nursing organizations & associations in New Hampshire
• Basic steps for licensing and certification
• Contact information

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Licensing information

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

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $148 (RN/LPN), $100 (APRN)
• Criminal background check fee: $48.25

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $148 (RN/LPN); $100 (APRN)
• Criminal background check fee: $48.25

License renewal fee:

• Application fee: $108 (RN/LPN); $100 (APRN)

New Hampshire is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.

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Steps for renewing a New Hampshire nursing license

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Continuing education requirements

RN/LPN:
Active Practice Requirements:
400 working hours within 4 years of application date
Education Requirements:
30 CEUs within 2 years of application date

APRN:
Education Requirements:
60 CEUs (specialty certification counts for 30 of the 60 required contact hours); an additional 30 hours should include 5 hours of Pharmacology
Active Practice Requirements:
400 hours active in practice specialty in the 4 years immediately preceding date of application

*For licensees with an active DEA # for prescribing in New Hampshire, 3 of the 5 hours must address opioid prescribing, pain management, or substance abuse disorder.

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

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Job & salary outlook for nurses in New Hampshire

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. The national average salary is $82,750.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if New Hampshire is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in New Hampshire ]

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Top hospitals in New Hampshire

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in New Hampshire will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

• Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center – Lebanon, NH is rated high performing in 11 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Hip Replacement
  • Stroke
  • Heart Bypass Surgery

• Concord Hospital – Concord, NH is rated high performing in 6 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Lung Cancer Surgery
  • Heart Attack
  • Kidney Failure

• Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital – Lebanon, NH is rated high performing in 1 adult procedure or condition. Some specialties include:
  • Back Surgery (Spinal Fusion)
  • Pneumonia
  • Heart Failure

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Nursing organizations & associations in New Hampshire

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in New Hampshire:

New Hampshire Nurses Association – “The New Hampshire Nurses’ Association is a not-for-profit membership association and the only state organization that advocates for all nurses regardless of specialty or practice setting.” 

New Hampshire School Nurses Association – “New Hampshire School Nurses Association (NHSNA) provides leadership and education to support New Hampshire school nurse standards of practice, care coordination, leadership, quality improvement, and community public health.”

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

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Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. 

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

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Contact information

New Hampshire Board of Nursing
Phone: (603) 271-2152

Website: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/new-hampshire-board-nursing

Office of Professional Licensure & Certification
7 Eagle Square
Concord, NH 03301

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