Table Revision date: 6/30/2025
| State | URL | Educational Requirements: RN |
| Alabama | https://www.abn.alabama.gov/licensing/apply/licensure-by-exam/exam-application-single-state/ Regulations | You must have graduated from a nursing program (RN or PN) which substantially meets the same educational criteria as Alabama nursing programs. Application for LPN equivalency must take the LPN Scope of Practice Course below. Regulatory requirements are numerous and contained within Rule 610-X-3-.02. They include: (3) The governing institution offering the nursing program shall be: (a) A postsecondary education institution that is authorized to offer nursing education and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. (b) Approved and licensed by the appropriate State of Alabama education agency(ies), as required by law. |
| Alaska | https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/NursingStatutes.pdf | (a) An applicant for a license to practice registered nursing shall submit to the board, on forms and in the manner prescribed by the board, written evidence, verified by oath, that the applicant has successfully completed a registered nurse education program accredited by a national nursing accrediting body and approved by the board. Regulatory requirements are numerous and contained within the linked regulations. They include: (a) Full approval is granted to a nursing education program that has met the requirements set out in 12 AAC 44.010 – 12 AAC 44.140. |
| Arizona | https://azbn.gov/licenses-certifications/apply-for-a-license https://www.azbn.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/RULES.Effective.June3_.2019.pdf | RN applicants hold a Diploma, Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an approved program. LPN applicants hold a Diploma or Certificate from an approved program. Graduates of out of state schools – Transcripts, including graduation dates and type of degree, sent by your school to Arizona State Board of Nursing. Regulatory requirements are numerous and contained within the linked regulations. They include: B. If an applicant is a graduate of a pre-licensure nursing program in the United States that has been assigned a program code by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing during the period of the applicant’s attendance, the applicant shall submit one of the following: 1. If the program is an Arizona-approved program, the transcript required in subsection (B)(2) or a statement signed by a nursing program administrator or designee verifying that: a. The applicant graduated from or is eligible to graduate from a registered nursing program for a registered nurse applicant; or b. The applicant graduated from or is eligible to graduate from a practical nursing program or graduated from a registered nursing program and completed Board-prescribed role delineation education for a practical nurse applicant; or 2. If the program is located either in Arizona or in another state or territory and meets educational standards that are substantially comparable to Board standards for educational programs under Article 2 when the applicant completed the program, an official transcript sent directly from one of the following as: a. Evidence of graduation or eligibility for graduation from a diploma registered nursing program, associate degree registered nursing program, or baccalaureate or higher degree registered nursing program for a registered nurse applicant. b. Evidence of graduation or eligibility for graduation of a practical nursing program, associate degree registered nursing program, or baccalaureate or higher degree registered nursing program for a practical nurse applicant. C. If an applicant is a graduate of a pre-licensure international nursing program and lacks items required in subsection (B), the applicant shall comply with subsection (A), submit a self report on the status of any international nursing license, and submit the following: 1. To demonstrate nursing program equivalency, one of the following: a. If the applicant graduated from a Canadian nursing program, evidence of a passing score on the English language version of either the Canadian Nurses’ Association Testing Service, the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination, NCLEX or an equivalent examination; b. A Certificate or Visa Screen Certificate issued by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), or a report from CGFNS that indicates an applicant’s program is substantially comparable to a U.S. program; or c. A report from any other credential evaluation service (CES) approved by the Board. If a graduate of an international pre-licensure nursing program subsequently obtains a degree in nursing from an accredited U.S. nursing program, the requirement for a CES equivalency report may be waived by the Board, however the applicant is not eligible for a multi-state compact license. |
| Arkansas | https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/arsbn-rn-initial-by-exam https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/GraduationAffidavit9.2020.pdf | If you graduated from a nursing program outside of Arkansas, your nursing education program director must complete a paper Affidavit of Graduation form and mail it directly to the Arkansas Board of Nursing. (affidavit linked; no specific education requirements beyond particular degree awarded) |
| California | https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/exam-app.pdf https://regulations.justia.com/states/california/title-16/division-14/article-3/section-1426/ https://regulations.justia.com/states/california/title-16/division-14/article-3/ | No specific educational requirements identified Application: Section 2736 of the Business and Professions Code states that applicants must have satisfactorily completed instruction in an accredited school of professional nursing that meets California’s educational requirements. Requirements are numerous, but include curriculum requirements set forth in the linked regulations. See also the broader set of regulations for nursing programs. |
| Colorado | https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzKoVwvexVATTEVXYV9jeTBHcDg/view?resourcekey=0-F1XdnuFCQiO_Z-e-PKC9JA | You should apply by examination if you qualify with one of the following: You do not hold a license in another state or US territory and you have completed a state-approved professional nursing educational program. |
| Connecticut | https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing–investigations/registered-nurse/rn-licensure-by-examination https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments-and-agencies/dph/dph/practitioner_licensing_and_investigations/plis/nursing/nursingregulationspdf.pdf | In order to be eligible for registered nurse licensure by examination, an applicant shall: Successfully complete a nursing program that meets the requirements outlined in the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies . . . 20-90-59. Out-of-state programs (a) A program in nursing located in another state or territory of the United States shall be deemed approved pursuant to section 20-90 of the Connecticut General Statutes, provided that: (1) said program, if a registered nursing education program, complies with the provisions of section 20-90-52 of the regulations of Connecticut State Agencies: (2) said program is approved by the duly authorized nurse licensure board or agency of the state or territory in which it is located: and (3) said state or territory maintains licensure requirements substantially similar to or higher than those of this state. 20-90-52. Curriculum (a) The curriculum shall meet the requirements of the parent institution in which the Nursing Education Program is housed and the state requirements for eligibility of the graduate for admission to the registered nurse licensing examination prescribed pursuant to Section 20-92 of the Connecticut General Statutes. (b) The curriculum shall integrate theory and clinical practice in a manner that shall cause the Nursing Education Program graduates to meet the educational outcomes for registered nursing described in Section 20-90-53 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. (c) The minimum length of the nursing component of the program must be equivalent to four (4) fifteen (15) week academic semesters and contain a minimum of thirty-five (35) semester hours of credit in nursing. Fifty percent (50%) of contact hours shall be in supervised direct client care experiences, observational experiences and simulated experiences appropriate to the program’s educational outcomes, and laboratory experiences for the acquisition and practice of clinical nursing skills. |
| Delaware | https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/exam/ Regulations | The nursing program must be acceptable to the Board. Section 2.4.1 of the Board’s Rules and Regulations provides the numerous criteria for an acceptable Nursing program, such as 200 hours of clinical experience required for LPN students and at least 400 hours of clinical experience required for RN students |
| Florida | https://floridasnursing.gov/licensing/licensed-practical-nurse-registered-nurse-by-examination/ s. 463.003, Florida Statutes s. 464.019, Florida Statutes | The requirements for licensure by examination can be found in Section 464.008, F.S, and include: Graduation from a Florida approved or accredited nursing education program as defined in Section 464.003, F.S. (4) “Approved program” means a program for the prelicensure education of professional or practical nurses that is conducted in the state at an educational institution and that is approved under s. 464.019. The term includes such a program placed on probationary status. Graduation from an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited nursing program that has been issued an NCLEX code by NCSBN. Graduation from a nursing education program that is approved or recognized by the jurisdiction in which it is based and that has been issued an NCLEX code by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). |
| Georgia | https://sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-registered-nurse Statute Regulations | “Graduate from a Board Approved Nursing Program” (1.2) “Approved nursing education program” located in this state means a nursing education program approved by the board as meeting criteria established by the board. An “approved nursing education program” located outside this state means a nursing education program that the board has determined to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board for nursing education programs located in this state. In order to be approved by the board, a nursing education program must be one that is offered by: (A) A unit of the University System of Georgia accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; (B) An institution of the Technical College System of Georgia accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; (C) A postsecondary institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; or (D) A postsecondary institution of higher education that is not accredited in accordance with subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, but whose curriculum has been determined by the board to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board for other approved nursing education programs. Regulatory requirements are numerous and contained within the linked regulations. |
| Hawaii | https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/files/2024/02/RN-LPN-Nursing-by-exam_02.24-R.pdf https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/files/2013/08/HAR-89-C.pdf | U.S. Graduates: If you have just graduated or will be graduating soon, have your nursing school send the following directly to the Board: 1) An official final transcript verifying degree conferred or 2) An official letter from your school certifying the successful completion of your nursing program which must be received in the Board’s office first in order to be deemed eligible to sit for the exam. (An official final transcript verifying degree conferred must follow and be received prior to licensure.) §16-89-10 Eligibility for registered nurse examination. Graduates of the following nursing programs shall be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, provided the requirements of section 16-89-47 have been met: (1) A state-approved or nationally accredited baccalaureate, the pre-licensure portion of a graduate level program in nursing, an associate degree or diploma nursing program in the United States or district or a territory of the United States . . . . |
| Idaho | https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/24/243401.pdf | a. Qualifications for Licensure by Examination. (3-28-23) In-State. Individuals who have successfully completed all requirements for graduation and have been conferred a degree from an Idaho nursing education program approved by the Board, will be eligible to make application to the Board to take the licensing examination. b. (3-28-23) Out-of-State. Individuals who hold a certificate of completion from a nursing education program having board of nursing approval in another nursing jurisdiction will be eligible to make application to the Board to take the licensing examination, providing they meet substantially the same basic educational requirements as graduates of Idaho nursing education programs at the time of application. . . . . To qualify as an approved education program for the purpose of qualifying graduates for licensure, the nursing education program must be currently accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or the Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation. |
| Illinois | https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068013000C03000R.html | a) Each applicant shall file, with the Division or the testing service designated by the Division, a completed, signed application, on forms supplied by the Division, that includes: 1) Proof of graduation from a nursing education program that meets the requirements of Section 1300.40 . . . Note: the cross-reference is is probably incorrect, and should be s. 1300.340. |
| Indiana | https://www.in.gov/doe/files/indiana-nurse-practice-act-2013.pdf | IC 25-23-1-11 Requirements for registered nurse applicants; endorsement license; fees; use of title Sec. 11. (a) Any person who applies to the board for a license to practice as a registered nurse must: . . . . (2) have completed: (A) the prescribed curriculum and met the graduation requirements of a state accredited program of registered nursing that only accepts students who have a high school diploma or its equivalent as determined by the board . . . . |
| Iowa | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/06-12-2024.655.3.pdf https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/06-12-2024.655.2.pdf https://dial.iowa.gov/i-need/licenses/medical/nursing-professional-midwifery/nursing-education/out-state-nursing | Applicants for registered nurse and licensed practical nurse licenses shall meet the following requirements: 3.3(1) Graduation from an approved nursing program. . . . . 655—2.2(152) Programs eligible for board approval. Programs eligible for board approval shall include all of the following: 1. At least a one-academic-year course of study or its equivalent in theory and practice as described by the board that leads to a diploma in practical nursing and to eligibility to apply for practical nurse licensure by examination as described in 655—Chapter 3. 2. At least a two-academic-yearcourseofstudyoritsequivalentintheoryandpracticeasdescribed by the board that leads to a degree in nursing and to eligibility to apply for registered nurse licensure by examination as described in 655—Chapter 3. 3. A course of study designed for registered nurses that leads to a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing. 4. nursing. 5. A course of study designed for registered nurses that leads to a master’s degree with a major in A course of study designed for registered nurses who hold a master’s degree in nursing that leads to a certificate in advanced practice nursing and eligibility for licensure as an advanced registered nurse practitioner as described in 655—Chapter 7. When the certificate is in a population focus, the course of study shall lead to eligibility to apply for certification in the population focus by a national professional nursing organization recognized by the board. 6. 7. A post-master’s course of study that leads to a doctoral degree with a major in nursing. A course of study that leads to a doctorate in nursing practice. Under Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing website: The Iowa Board of Nursing does not approve out of state nursing programs. If you are an out of state program, you will need the following: Follow all applicable Iowa laws and regulations. Contact the Iowa College Student Aid Commission to get approval to operate in Iowa. Follow your state’s regulations for nursing programs, as well as any state you operate in. Submit data, information, or materials to the Iowa Board of Nursing, if requested. Ensure instruction is consistent with the curriculum plan and program outcomes. Ensure nursing faculty and preceptors in Iowa have an active Iowa license or an active multistate license. Clinical contracts must include: Identification of responsibilities of both parties. Faculty control, selection, and guidance of student learning experiences. Provisions for annual review. Provisions for termination of the contract. |
| Kansas | https://ksbn.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/NPA/npa.pdf | (a) Qualifications of applicants. An applicant for a license to practice as a registered professional nurse shall: (1) Have graduated from an approved school of professional nursing in the United States or its territories or from a school of professional nursing in a foreign country which is approved by the board as defined in rules and regulations . . . . Regulatory requirements for school approval are numerous and contained within the linked regulations. Of note: (b) Schools for professional nurses. To qualify as an approved school for professional nurses, the school must be conducted in the state of Kansas . . . (f) Criteria for evaluating out-of-state schools. For the purpose of determining whether an applicant for licensure who is a graduate of a school of professional or practical nursing located outside this state meets the requirements of item (2) of subsection (a) of K.S.A. 65-1115 and amendments thereto or the requirements of item (2) of subsection (a) of K.S.A. 65-1116 and amendments thereto, as appropriate, the board by rules and regulations shall establish criteria for determining whether a particular school of professional nursing located outside this state maintains standards which are at least equal to schools of Page 30 professional nursing which are approved by the board and whether a particular school of practical nursing located outside this state maintains standards which are at least equal to schools of practical nursing which are approved by the board. The board may send a questionnaire developed by the board to any school of professional or practical nursing located outside this state for which the board does not have sufficient information to determine whether the school meets the standards established under this subsection (f). The questionnaire providing the necessary information shall be completed and returned to the board in order for the school to be considered for approval. The board may contract with investigative agencies, commissions or consultants to assist the board in obtaining information about schools. In entering such contracts the authority to approve schools shall remain solely with the board. |
| Kentucky | https://casetext.com/regulation/kentucky-administrative-regulations/title-201-general-government-cabinet/chapter-20-board-of-nursing/section-201-kar-20320-standards-for-curriculum-of-prelicensure-registered-nurse-and-practical-nurse-programs | Section 2. General. (1) An applicant for licensure shall complete a prelicensure program of nursing that meets the requirements of this administrative regulation. Regulatory requirements for program compliance are numerous and contained within the linked regulations. Of note: The regulation contains length, philosophy/mission/outcomes, board apprvoval, and curriculum requirements. |
| Louisiana | https://www.doa.la.gov/media/gybngco4/46v47.pdf | §3325. Licensure by Examination A. In order to be licensed as a registered nurse in Louisiana, all registered nurse applicants shall take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). . . . . B. Requirements for eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN in Louisiana include: . . . . 2. successful completion of a nursing education program approved by the board, or successful completion of a nursing education program located in another country or approved by another board of nursing which program meets or exceeds the educational standards for nursing education programs in Louisiana . . . . Regulatory requirements for program compliance are numerous and contained within the linked regulations. Relevant regulations begin on Chapter 35: “Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Education Degree Programs”, p. 53 of the linked text. |
| Maine | https://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing/docs/RN_EXAM%20LICENSURE%20REQUIREMENTS.pdf | |
| Maryland | https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/licensure-nclex-rn-us.aspx https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/maryland/title-10/part-4/subtitle-27/chapter-10.27.03 | To be eligible for the NCLEX-RN examination, you must complete satisfactorily and meet the following requirements: A. A degree or diploma from a registered nursing education program by the state board in which you reside B. A degree or diploma from a registered nursing education program in any other state that the Board finds substantially equivalent to the programs in this State of Maryland Regulatory requirements for program compliance are numerous and contained within the linked regulations. |
| Massachusetts | https://www.mass.gov/doc/educational-requirements-for-licensure-applicants-educated-in-an-out-of-state-nursing-program-pdf/download | Approved Nursing Education Program means a nursing education program for Registered Nurses or Practical Nurses, as applicable, located in Massachusetts and approved by the Board pursuant to 244 CMR 6.00, or a nursing education program located outside Massachusetts which, in the opinion of the Board, maintains standards substantially the same as those required for approval of a nursing education program in Massachusetts and which program is approved by the nursing board or corresponding body in the jurisdiction where the program is located. 4. Board Recognized Accrediting Agency in Nursing: An accreditation entity that appraises nursing education programs using criteria the Board deems consistent with 244 CMR 6.04: Standards for Nursing Education Program Approval and which is recognized by the United States Department of Education or other Board-recognized entity. a. Accrediting Agency in Nursing. i. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ii. Collegiate Nursing education (CCNE) iii. National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) |
| Michigan | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/michigan/Mich-Admin-Code-R-327-55 https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/michigan/Mich-Admin-Code-R-338-10204 https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/michigan/Mich-Admin-Code-R-338-10303d | Rule 55. A registered nurse shall meet the following requirements: (a) Graduation from a school of nursing approved by the state board of nursing. . . . . (2) To be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination, an applicant must establish that he or she has successfully completed a registered nurse education program that satisfies 1 of the following: (a) The applicant has successfully completed a registered professional nurse education program that is located in this state and is approved by the board. (b) The applicant has successfully completed a registered professional nurse education program that is located in another state of the United States, and that program complies with either of the following: (i) The program is accredited by a nursing education accrediting agency listed in R 338.10303d(2). . . . . Rule 303d. (1) A nursing education program approved by the board shall be accredited pursuant to 1 of the following: (a) A nursing education program that has received full board approval pursuant to R 338.10303a, before the promulgation of this rule, shall receive nursing accreditation by a board-recognized nursing accreditation organization no later than January 1, 2025. (b) A nursing education program that has initial approval of the board shall receive nursing accreditation by a board-recognized nursing accreditation organization within 6 years of receiving full program approval pursuant to R 338.10303a. (c) A nursing education program that fails to achieve nursing accreditation by a board-recognized nursing accreditation organization as set forth by this rule shall be removed from the list of approved programs pursuant to section 17242 of the code, MCL 333.17242. (2) The board recognizes the following nursing education accrediting agencies or their successor organizations: (a) Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). (b) Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA). (c) Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). (3) Failure to maintain accreditation from an approved national nursing accrediting organization shall result in withdrawal of school approval pursuant to section 17242 of the code, MCL 333.17242, and R 338.10311. |
| Minnesota | https://mn.gov/boards/assets/Exam_RN_Packet_US_tcm21-37180.pdf | |
| Mississippi | https://www.msbn.ms.gov/licensure/what-licensure-examination http://www.mississippi.edu/nursing/downloads/procedure_manual_231116.pdf | You must have graduated from a nursing program (RN or LPN) which substantially meets the same educational criteria as Mississippi nursing programs. Nursing Program requirements are numerous and contained in the linked regulations. |
| Missouri | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=335.046&bid=53855&hl= | 335.046. License, application for — qualifications for, fee — hearing on denial of license. — 1. . . . .The applicant shall . . . . have successfully completed the basic professional curriculum in an accredited or approved school of nursing and earned a professional nursing degree or diploma. |
| Montana | https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/nur/rn-exam-app-checklist.pdf https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/montana/department-24/chapter-24.159/subchapter-24.159.6 | Completion of an approved professional nursing education program that is authorized to prepare persons for licensure as registered nurses – ARM 24.159.422 Nursing program regulations are numerous and are contained at this set of linked regulations (but note that Montana is a compact state) |
| Nebraska | https://casetext.com/regulation/nebraska-administrative-code/health-and-human-services-system/title-172-professional-and-occupational-licensure/chapter-97-approval-of-basic-nursing-programs-in-nebraska/section-172-97-004-prelicensure-nursing-education-program-standards https://casetext.com/regulation/nebraska-administrative-code/health-and-human-services-system/title-172-professional-and-occupational-licensure/chapter-97-approval-of-basic-nursing-programs-in-nebraska https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Documents/Nursing-NursePracticeAct.pdf | An applicant for a license to practice as a registered nurse shall submit satisfactory proof that the applicant has completed four years of high school study or its equivalent as determined by the board and has completed the basic professional curriculum in and holds a diploma from an accredited program of registered nursing approved by the board. Regulatory requirements for programs are numerous, but include: Prelicensure nursing education programs must meet the following program standards. A program shall provide evidence to the Board that these standards have been met on an annual basis. (A) Obtain national or specialized nursing program accreditation within 10 years of adoption of these regulations; (B) Maintain national or specialized nursing program accreditation; (C) Implement and maintain a comprehensive, systematic plan for ongoing evaluation based on program outcomes and incorporates continuous improvement; (D) National Council Licensure Exam pass rates at 80% per year or a 3 year average consistent with the national average; (E) At a minimum, 35% of the total faculty (including all clinical adjunct, part-time, or other faculty) are employed at the institution as full-time faculty; (F) Retention of faculty and administration above the state average; (G) No significant change in completion or attrition rates (H) Student faculty ratio that does not exceed ratios defined in 172 NAC 97-007.02; (I) No significant loss of clinical contracts or lack of meeting requirements for clinical experiences; (J) Provides annual report data and complies with curriculum revision or review or site visit requirements; (K) Track and share complaints to Board of Nursing or other Nursing Regulatory Body from students, faculty, clinical sites or the public; (L) Have less than three program directors in a five year period; and (M) Frequent faculty reductions or frequent turnover in number of faculty. |
| Nevada | https://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/RNLPN-Exam-Instructions.pdf | You must have graduated from a nursing program that has been accredited by a nationally recognized association authorized by law to accredit schools of nursing and have been awarded a degree/diploma in nursing to qualify for licensure in Nevada. The transcript must have your degree posted and graduation date. Nationally recognized associations are listed below. Your nursing program MUST be listed on one of the following websites for you to be eligible for licensure by exam in Nevada. • The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home • The NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation: https://cnea.nln.org/accredited-programs • The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education: https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp • The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing: https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs |
| New Hampshire | https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXX/326-B/326-B-17.htm https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/nur100-800.html | Applicants for licensure by exam as an RN or LPN shall graduate from or verify successful completion and eligibility for graduation from a board approved nursing education program or a program that meets criteria comparable to those established by the board. Nursing program criteria are numerous and found in the linked regulations (see ch. 600). |
| New Jersey | https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-45/section-45-11-26/#:~:text=The%20board%20may%20issue%20a,States%2C%20or%20the%20District%20of https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-37-New-Jersey-Board-of-Nursing.pdf | An applicant for a license to practice professional nursing shall submit to the board evidence in such form as the board may prescribe that said applicant: . . . . (4) has completed a course of professional nursing study in an accredited school of professional nursing as defined by the board and holds a diploma therefrom. 13:37-1.1 ELIGIBILITY FOR ACCREDITATION a) For purposes of this subchapter, the term “accreditation” shall include the accreditation of professional nursing programs and the approval of practical nursing programs. b) The following educational institutions are eligible for accreditation to provide nursing programs: 1) A school, division or department of nursing authorized to operate by its own charter, articles of incorporation or resolution of the governing board of its sponsoring institution; or 2) Degree granting institutions licensed by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. |
| New Mexico | https://s3.amazonaws.com/realFile30f9bb9a-feed-462b-abce-56bd5dd949fa/0214d605-c458-41d9-a653-56b249699761?response-content-disposition=filename%3D%2216.12.2+NMAC+Part+2-Nurse+LIcensure.pdf%22&response-content-type=application%2Fpdf&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAIMZX6TNBAOLKC6MQ&Signature=vQ6FOby%2FL8QJk9YE6aN4ZbpG4HE%3D&Expires=1718902751 | A. Prerequisites for licensure of RNs and LPNs by examination in New Mexico. (1) Completion of and eligible for graduation from a board approved course of study for the preparation of registered nurses or practical nurses, or an acceptable level of education as determined by the board or graduation from a program which is equivalent to an approved program of nursing in the United States . . . . Approval standards are numerous and found in the linked regulations. |
| New York | https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/registered-professional-nursing/license-requirements | Education Programs You must graduate from a nursing education program that meets one of the three criteria below. 1. A nursing education program (associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree or Diploma program) registered by NYSED as license qualifying for RN; or, 2. A nursing education program located in another state or U.S. Territory, if approved by the licensing authority of the state or U.S. Territory as preparation for practice as an RN. (US territories include: Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa); or, 3. A general nursing education program located in a country outside of the United States or its territories, which is acceptable to NYSED. |
| North Carolina | https://www.ncbon.com/rnlpn-examination https://www.ncbon.com/programs-outside-nc | All graduates must complete a member Board approved Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse nursing education program. . . . . The NCBON recognizes graduates from pre-licensure nursing education programs approved by other state boards of nursing as eligible to apply for the NCLEX examination and licensure in North Carolina. |
| North Dakota | https://www.ndbon.org/NurseLicensure/InitialExam/index.asp | To qualify for initial license by examination, you must have: . . . . Completed a board-approved North Dakota education program, or an out-of-state program that is approved by another Board of Nursing and includes supervised clinical experience across the life span as part of the curriculum and is equivalent in the amount and time to the ND Board of Nursing approved programs. |
| Ohio | https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4723.09 | (C)(1) To be eligible for licensure by examination or endorsement under division (A) or (B) of this section, an applicant seeking a license to practice nursing as a registered nurse must successfully complete either of the following: (a) A nursing education program approved by the board under division (A) of section 4723.06 of the Revised Code; (b) A nursing education program approved by a board of another jurisdiction that is a member of the national council of state boards of nursing. |
| Oklahoma | https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/nursing/documents/actwp20.pdf | § 567.5a. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses–License–Application A. All applicants for a license to practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse shall be subject to Section 567.8 of this title. B. An applicant for an initial license to practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse shall: . . . . Have completed an advanced practice registered nursing education program in one of the four advanced practice registered nurse roles and a specialty area recognized by the Board. Effective January 1, 2016, the applicant shall have completed an accredited graduate level advanced practice registered nursing education program in at least one of the following population foci: family/individual across the lifespan, adult-gerontology, neonatal, pediatrics, women’s health/gender-related, or psychiatric/mental health . . . . |
| Oregon | https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=3927 | An initial license, endorsement or reactivation applicant who do not have previously documented evidence of compliance must have documentation of the Pain Management Education through the Oregon Pain Commission plus six hours of continuing education units and in accordance with ORS 413.590. All applicants submitting an application after July 1, 2021, must attest to having at least two hours of cultural competency education in the two years preceding the receipt of a completed application. Employer cultural competency education is acceptable. |
| Pennsylvania | https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/Registered-Nurses-Licensure-Requirements-Snapshot.aspx | Applicants must complete 3 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting for initial licensure (PA approved child abuse CE provider) |
| Rhode Island | https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-40-05-3 | Have successfully completed the prescribed curriculum in a Board-approved basic professional nursing education program and holds a diploma from the program . . . . No obvious way for an out-of-state program to be approved by the Board; appears to require licensure by endorsement. |
| South Carolina | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c033.php | (B) The board shall admit an applicant for licensure examination if the applicant: . . . . (7) has completed all requirements for graduation from an approved school of nursing or nursing education program approved by the state or jurisdiction in this country or territory or dependency of the United States in which the program is located. |
| South Dakota | https://www.sdbon.org/rn_lpn/exam/ | To qualify for licensure by examination in the state of SD, you must have completed: 1. A board approved in-state nursing education program; or 2. An out-of-state nursing education program that is approved by another board of nursing |
| Tennessee | https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/1000/1000-01.20210630.pdf | An applicant who graduated from a school of nursing approved by a Board in another U.S. jurisdiction shall have had substantially the same course of study as stated in the minimum curriculum requirements for Tennessee approved schools of nursing at the time of his application or he shall remove deficiencies as directed by the Board. Curriculum requirements can be found at the linked regulations (Rule 1000-01-.09). |
| Texas | https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=22&pt=11&ch=217&rl=2 | (a) All applicants for initial licensure by examination shall: . . . . (4) graduate from an approved Texas nursing education program or a program with substantially equivalent education standards to a Texas approved nursing program as defined below. (A) A professional nursing education program operated in another state may be determined to have substantially equivalent education standards to a Texas approved nursing program if: (i) the program is approved by a state board of nursing or other governmental entity to offer a pre-licensure professional nursing program of study that awards a nursing diploma or degree upon completion; (ii) the program includes general education courses providing a sound foundation for nursing education for the level of preparation; (iii) the program’s nursing courses include didactic content and supervised clinical learning experiences in medical-surgical, maternal/child health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and mental health nursing that teach students to use a systematic approach to clinical decision-making and safe patient care across the life span; and (iv) for baccalaureate degree nursing programs, nursing courses must also include didactic content and supervised clinical learning experiences, as appropriate, in community, research, and leadership. |
| Utah | https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/rule/R156-31b/Current%20Rules? https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title58/Chapter31B/58-31b-S601.html | (a) under Subsection 58-31b-302(4)(e) demonstrate that the applicant has completed an RN approved education program. . . . (6) “Approved education program” as defined in Subsection 58-31b-102(3) is further defined to mean a prelicensing nursing education program that meets the standards in Sections 58-31b-601 and R156-31b-601. 58-31b-601. Minimum standards for nursing programs to qualify graduates — Temporary approval to qualify graduates for licensure — Minimum standards for medication aide training to qualify persons for certification. (1) Except as provided in Subsections (2) and (3), to qualify as an approved education program for the purpose of qualifying graduates for licensure under this chapter, a nursing education program shall be accredited by an accrediting body for nursing education that is recognized by the United States Department of Education. |
| Vermont | https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/26/028/01621 https://cms.sec.state.vt.us:8443/share/s/D_J2OWJdQJiz2tEUcy8sqw | § 1621. Registered nurse licensure by examination To be eligible for licensure as a registered nurse by examination, an applicant shall complete: (1) an approved U.S. registered nursing education program meeting requirements set by the Board by rule. . . . Whether the Board will approve an out-of-state program is unclear. Vermont regulations, under Part 5, provide regulatory requirements for approval. The Vermont RN application suggests a pathway for licensure by examination for individuals who graduated from a nursing school outside of Vermont. And: 4-1 Applicants from Other States: Fast Track Endorsement. An applicant with three or more years of full-time licensed practice, as an LNA, LPN, RN, or APRN, in good standing, in a U.S. jurisdiction outside Vermont, may qualify for expedited licensure in Vermont. See 3 V.S.A. § 136a. An RN or LPN who holds an active multistate license from another Compact State is not required to obtain a Vermont license unless changing primary state of residence to Vermont. |
| Virginia | https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/media/dhpweb/docs/nursing/leg/Chapter30_Nursing.pdf https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/EducationPrograms/#:~:text=Be%20advised%20the%20Virginia%20Board,your%20Licensure%20questions%2C%20including%20APRN. | § 54.1-3017. Qualifications of applicant for registered nurse’s license; examination; graduates of foreign nursing education programs. A. An applicant for a license to practice professional nursing shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that such applicant: . . . . 2. Has received a diploma or degree from an approved professional nursing education program. . . . Be advised the Virginia Board of Nursing does not regulate or approve out of state or post licensure nursing education programs. |
| Washington | https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246-840-030&pdf=true | WAC 246-840-030 Initial licensure for registered nurses and practical nurses—Out-of-state traditional nursing education program approved by another United States nursing board. (1) Registered nurse and practical nurse applicants educated in a traditional nursing education program approved by another United States nursing board and applying for initial licensure shall: (a) Successfully complete a nursing education program in another U.S. state, which: (i) Is approved by the nursing board in that state; and (ii) Substantially meets requirements for nursing education approved in Washington state. The board retains authority to evaluate and determine the sufficiency of academic preparation for all applicants. Regulatory requirements on nursing programs are numerous and contained in the linked regulations (see WAC 246-840-500 et seq.) |
| West Virginia | https://wvrnboard.wv.gov/licensing/Documents/RN%20and%20APRN%20licensure%20requirements%20WV%206-5-20.pdf | RN licensure requirements WV code 30-7-1 et. seq. and code of legislative rule 19-03 1 . . . . 3. Completed a basic curriculum in a program in nursing education approved by the Board or in a school accredited or approved by a comparable Board or other recognized authority in another jurisdiction. |
| Wisconsin | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/n/1/06 https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/n/2 https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/fm3067OEE.pdf | N 2.10 Qualifications for licensure. (1) Registered nurse applicants for a single state license. An applicant is eligible for a registered nurse single state license if the applicant complies with all of the following requirements: . . . . (c) Graduates from any of the following: 1. A board-approved school of professional nursing. N 1.06 Approval of out of state school of nursing. (1) Approval. An out-of-state school of nursing shall be approved if all of the following requirements are met: (a) The school is approved by the board of the state the school is located. (b) The school is accredited by a nursing accreditation body recognized by the Wisconsin board. Recognized boards appear to be ACEN and CCNE, based upon the linked application. |
| Wyoming | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hUyYziVhCEfHELDEnIvjYxWztDTcaVHo/view https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bi7wSLaxUTrRjY79QZaUzbx5zmKvKP8R/view | (b) RN or LPN/VN. Applicant shall: (i) Graduate from a licensing board-approved RN or LPN/VN pre-licensure nursing education program. . . . . . . . Section 8. Host State/Jurisdiction Nursing Education Programs. (a) When acting as the host state (i.e., the parent institution has legal domicile outside of Wyoming), all programs shall document current registration with the Wyoming Department of Education or National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) approval. (b) Prelicensure. (i) Programs seeking to operate a prelicensure program in Wyoming shall meet the same standards required of home state/jurisdiction nursing education programs. Programs shall: (A) Obtain and maintain Board approval; (B) Maintain general, programmatic, and reporting standards for prelicensure nursing education programs as defined in Sections 3, 4, and 9; and 6-14 (C) Instruct students to use the NCLEX program code corresponding to a Wyoming Board-approved program. |