Nursing License Requirements By State: The Ultimate Guide

Nursing is a highly respected and rewarding profession that requires rigorous training, dedication, and a commitment to patient care. One of the most critical steps towards becoming a licensed nurse is understanding the nursing license requirements by state. 

Each state has its own set of rules and regulations, and it can be overwhelming to navigate through them all. However, with the right information and guidance, you can ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria and obtain your nursing license with ease. 

In this ultimate guide, we will take a deep dive into the nursing license requirements of each state, including the different types of nursing licenses, educational requirements, exams, and other essential information you need to know. So whether you're just starting your nursing journey or looking to advance your career, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to become a licensed nurse in the United States.

Why Do You Need an RN License?

An RN license is required to practice as a registered nurse in the United States and many other countries. The license is a legal requirement demonstrating that the individual has met certain educational and competency standards and is authorized to provide nursing care to patients.

To obtain an RN license, one must typically complete an approved nursing education program, pass a national licensing examination, and meet any additional requirements set by the state or country in which one intends to practice. Once licensed, registered nurses are held to high standards of ethical and professional conduct and are responsible for providing safe and effective care to their patients.

Without an RN license, an individual may not be legally permitted to work as a registered nurse or provide nursing care to patients in a professional capacity. This can result in legal and professional consequences, including fines, disciplinary action, and the loss of the ability to practice as a registered nurse.

Types of Nursing Licensure

There are different types of nursing licensure that allow nurses to practice in various settings and roles. Some of the most common types of nursing licensure include:

1- Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure

RNs are licensed to provide a wide range of nursing care, including performing physical exams, administering medications, interpreting various test results, and coordinating patient care. RNs can work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.

For licensing, RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and have at least an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or nursing diploma.

2- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure

LPNs assist RNs in providing patients with fundamental nursing care. They frequently assess the vital signs of patients, insert catheters, dress wounds and change bandages, and gather samples for lab tests. Additionally, LPNs keep track of patients' progress, monitor them, and, in some states, give some drugs. For licensing, LPNs normally need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam as well as an accredited diploma or certificate.

3- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Licensure

APRNs provide advanced care to patients. APRNs carry out and analyze examinations and tests, diagnose patients, and create treatment programs for them. These professionals might operate on their own and in specialty fields. For licensure, APRNs normally need a master's degree, a nursing license, and a passing score on the national certification exam.

Note that the specific nursing license requirements vary by state and may include passing a licensure exam, completing a nursing program, and meeting continuing education requirements.

Nursing license requirements by states

Here are the requirements for a nursing license in different states:

#1 Alabama RN Licensure

Alabama Education and Testing

One of the requirements for becoming an RN is completing a board-approved, nationally accredited program. Although simulations can only make up less than 30% of the clinical experience, the training must involve laboratory work and direct patient care clinical practice. The NCLEX-RN exams cost $200, plus a single state application fee of $100 or $200 for the multistate application.

Alabama License Renewal

Every two years, Alabama nurses must renew their licensure. They must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education to do that. Additionally, they must pay the renewal price, which is $203.50 for multistate licenses and $100 for single-state licenses.

#2 Alaska

Alaska Education and Testing

A board-approved and nationally accredited nursing diploma or degree is one of the requirements for becoming an RN. The NCLEX-RN tests are $200 each. Additionally, applicants must pay a $100 fee for temporary permission and a $200 licensing fee.

Alaska License Renewal

Every year with an odd number, Alaska nurses must renew their licenses by the deadline in December. To achieve this, they must finish at least two of the following: 60 hours of unpaid professional work, 30 contact hours of continuing education, or 320 hours of work during the past two years.

#3 Arizona

Arizona Education and Testing

A board-approved and nationally qualified nursing degree or diploma is one of the requirements for becoming an RN in Arizona. Patient-centered care, teamwork, evidence-based practice, safety, informatics, and quality improvement must all be covered in the clinical and training components. In addition to the $200 exam fee, the NCLEX-RN license fee is $100.

Arizona License Renewal

In Arizona, RN licenses must be renewed every four years. Nurses must have completed 960 hours of professional employment, a board-approved program, a refresher course, or an advanced nursing degree within the previous five years in order to be eligible. There is a $160 renewal cost.

#4 Arkansas

Arkansas Education and Testing

In Arkansas, a board-approved nursing diploma or associate degree is a requirement for becoming an RN. The initial licensure fees begin at $100 and are in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.

Arkansas License Renewal

Every two years, RN licenses in Arkansas must be renewed. To be eligible, candidates must finish an academic nursing course, hold a current, nationally recognized certification or recertification, or complete at least 15 contact hours of certified practice-focused activities. Renewals of licenses cost $100.

#5 California

California Education and Testing

A board-approved diploma or degree with at least 58 semester units, at least three hours per week of clinical practice, and at least 75% of the clinical component devoted to direct patient care are all prerequisites for becoming an RN. Candidates may also pay a $300 application cost in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN price.

California License Renewal

RNs who have a California license can renew it every two years. By completing at least 30 hours of continuing education, they can achieve this. Renewals are $190 each.

#6 Colorado

Colorado Education and Testing

The state-approved and accredited nursing diploma or degree is a requirement for Colorado's RN education requirements. A minimum of 400 clinical hours and 300 classroom hours must be included in the course. Candidates must also pay a $88 application fee in addition to the $200 cost of the NCLEX-RN exam.

Colorado License Renewal

In Colorado, RN licenses must be renewed every two years for a charge of $108. If a nurse's license expires, they could be charged extra.

#7 Connecticut

Connecticut Education and Testing

Prospective nurses must finish at least 35 credits in nursing, or the equivalent of four 15-week semesters, to meet the RN education requirements. Direct patient care must be included in at least 50% of the contact hours. The NCLEX-RN tests are $200 each. A first application will set you back $180.

Connecticut License Renewal

Every year, RN licenses in Connecticut expire. The renewal cost for nurses is $110, even though there are no mandated continuing education requirements at this level.

#8 Delaware

Delaware Education and Testing

The minimum educational qualifications for RNs are a diploma or an associate degree. 400 hours of clinical time must be included in the programs. Test takers for the NCLEX-RN must pay the $170 application price in addition to the $200 exam fee.

Delaware License Renewal

In Delaware, RN licenses must be renewed every odd-numbered year. To qualify, nurses must complete 30 hours of continuing education. They also need to pay a renewal fee.

#9 Florida

Florida Education and Testing

The minimum educational qualifications for becoming an RN are an authorized nursing diploma or ADN. Candidates for the NCLEX-RN exam must also pay a $110 application cost in addition to the $200 exam fee.

Florida License Renewal

Every other year, RNs must complete at least 27 hours of continuing education to renew their licenses. Along with one hour of HIV/AIDS education, the training must contain two hours on preventing medical errors, Florida law, identifying impairment, human trafficking, and domestic violence. Renewals are $75 each.

#10 Georgia

Georgia Education and Testing

The minimal education requirement for RNs in Georgia is an accredited associate degree or a diploma. The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and applicants must also pay a $40 application fee.

Georgia License Renewal

In Georgia, RN licenses must be renewed by the February deadline every other year. In that time, nurses must complete 500 hours of supervised practice or at least 30 hours of continuing education. The fee to renew a license is $65.

#11 Hawaii

Hawaii Education and Tests

An approved nursing diploma or associate degree is a requirement for becoming an RN. Candidates must pay a $40 application fee in addition to the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN. Those who take the test but don't pass might need to do a remedial course that includes at least 60 hours of clinical and 60 hours of classroom instruction.

Hawaii License Renewal

Hawaii RN licenses must be renewed by the deadline in July of each odd-numbered year. At least 30 hours of continuing education must be completed before starting the procedure. RNs must also pay a $176 renewal fee.

#12 Idaho

Idaho Examination and Education

A board-approved nursing diploma or associate degree is the very minimum requirement for becoming an RN in Idaho. Candidates must pay a $90 application fee in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee. (Some application fees were waived due to the pandemic after an order from the governor.)

Idaho License Renewal

Every odd-numbered year, before the deadline in September, Idaho RNs must renew their licensure and satisfy the standards for ongoing competence. Additionally, they pay a $90 renewal fee.

#13 Illinois

Illinois Education and Testing

In Illinois, a nursing diploma or associate degree from a recognized institution is required for entry as a registered nurse. The cost of the NCLEX-RN exam is $200. The application fee for a license is $91.

Illinois License Renewal

In this state, RN licenses must be renewed every even-numbered year. To do this, you must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education that has been authorized for credit and pay the $80 renewal fee.

#14 Indiana

Indiana Education and Testing

A board-approved associate degree, bachelor's degree, or certification in nursing is one of the requirements for becoming an RN. In addition to the $50 application cost, nursing candidates must pay $200 for the NCLEX-RN examination.

Indiana License Renewal

Before the deadline in November of each odd-numbered year, RN licenses must be renewed. Nurses should keep their skills current even though they are not required to complete a certain amount of continuing education hours each year. They must also pay a $50 renewal charge.

#15 Iowa

Iowa Education and Testing

A recognized nursing diploma or an associate degree is the minimum requirement for becoming an RN in Iowa. In addition to the $93 initial application fee, the NCLEX-RN exam costs $200 to take.

Iowa License Renewal

Every three years, Iowa requires nurses to renew their RN licensure. They have to finish at least 36 hours of continuing education in order to do this, and they also have to pay the $99 renewal cost at least 30 days before their license expires.

#16 Kansas

Kansas Education and Testing

Nurse candidates must earn at least a board-approved diploma or associate degree in nursing to meet the educational requirements to become registered nurses (RNs). Behavioral sciences, growth and development, and direct clinical training across the lifespan must all be included in the programs' minimum 30 credits of nursing education. The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and the application costs $100 for single-state licensure and $125 for multistate licensure.

Kansas License Renewal

Every two years, RN licenses must be updated. Nurses must complete 30 hours or more of continuing education and pay an $85 renewal fee in order to renew their licenses.

#17 Kentucky

Kentucky Education and Testing

Aspiring nurses must obtain a diploma or degree in nursing that has been approved in order to fulfill the RN education requirements. Candidates must pay a $125 application fee in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.

Kentucky License Renewal

In Kentucky, registered nurses must renew their licensure annually. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, including by completing at least 14 hours of continuing education, obtaining a national certification, publishing a nursing article, doing nursing research, or giving a continuing education presentation. Renewals are $65 each.

#18 Louisiana

Louisiana Education and Testing

A board-approved and accredited associate degree or diploma in nursing is a prerequisite for becoming an RN. Candidates must also pay $100 for the application and $39.25 for the background check in addition to the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN.

Louisiana License Renewal

In Louisiana, RNs must renew their licenses every two years. For eligibility, they must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education or 900 hours of nursing experience. Additionally, they must pay the $100 renewal cost.

#19 Maine

Maine Education and Testing

In Maine, aspiring registered nurses must possess a nursing diploma or degree that is at least two years long. The NCLEX-RN tests are $200 each. There is a $75 application fee.

Maine License Renewal

In Maine, RNs are required to renew their licenses every other year, around the time of their birthday. Nurses must pay a $75 renewal fee in order to be eligible.

#20 Maryland

Maryland Education and Testing

An accredited nursing diploma or associate degree is a minimal prerequisite for becoming an RN. Candidates must pay both a $100 application fee and the $200 NCLEX-RN exam price.

Maryland License Renewal

Every other year, nurses must renew their RN licensure. They can do this by sending in a fresh background check and paying the $136 renewal charge. They are exempt from having to do any required continuing education.

#21 Massachusetts

Massachusetts Education and Testing

The minimal educational qualifications for RNs in Massachusetts are a board-approved diploma or associate degree in nursing. Candidates must pay a $230 application cost in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.

Massachusetts License Renewal

Every two years, on the nurse's birthday, the state mandates that RN licenses be renewed. The cost of renewal is $120, and 15 contact hours of continuing education are necessary.

#22 Michigan

Michigan Education and Testing

A nursing associate's degree or diploma is a minimum requirement for becoming an RN. Additionally, candidates must have received training in identifying human trafficking victims. In addition to the $200 cost of the NCLEX-RN exam, candidates must also pay a $208.80 licensure application fee.

Michigan License Renewal

The state requires RNs to renew their licenses every two years. A minimum of 25 hours of continuing education, including two hours on pain and symptom management, must be completed by nurses to be eligible. The renewal fee is $128.50.

#23 Minnesota

Minnesota Education and Testing

An accepted and accredited associate degree in nursing or a diploma are required to become an RN. In addition to the $200 cost of the NCLEX-RN exam, candidates must also pay a $105 application fee and a $33.25 background check charge.

Minnesota License Renewal

In Minnesota, RN licenses expire every two years. Nurses must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education and pay an $85 renewal fee in order to renew their RN licensure.

#24 Mississippi

Mississippi Education and Testing

Mississippi's RN educational qualifications call for either a diploma or an accredited associate degree in nursing. The $200 NCLEX-RN exam price, the $75 criminal background check charge, and the $100 application fee must all be paid by applicants.

Mississippi License Renewal

Every even-numbered year from September through December, RN licenses must be renewed. If a nurse hasn't worked as a nurse in the last five years, they may need to finish a 20-contact-hour training course or a reorientation/refresher RN program that has been approved. Renewals are $100 each.

#25 Missouri

Missouri Education and Testing

The minimal educational qualifications for RNs are a diploma or an accredited associate degree in nursing. In addition, they must pay the $200 exam price for the NCLEX-RN as well as the $55 application charge and the $41.75 background check fee.

Missouri License Renewal

In Missouri, RNs must renew their licenses by April 30 of each odd-numbered year. Although nurses are exempt from continuing education requirements, they must still pay the license $60 renewal cost.

#26 Montana

Montana Education and Testing

The minimum educational qualifications for RNs are an associate's degree or a nursing diploma. Applicants for the NCLEX-RN exam normally pay a $100 application fee in addition to the $200 exam price.

Montana License Renewal

Every alternate year by December 31, nurses must renew their licenses. Additionally, they pay the $100 renewal cost. Normal continuing education requirements for nurses are 24 contact hours, although these are exempt through 2021.

#27 Nebraska

Nebraska Education and Testing

Two to four years in a nursing program are part of the RN education requirements. In addition to the $123 application price and the $45.25 background check fee, candidates must pay the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN.

Nebraska License Renewal

Every even-numbered year, on October 31, RN licenses expire. Nurses must fulfill 500 hours of practice during the previous five years in addition to 20 hours of continuing education in order to renew their licenses. Additionally, there is a $123 renewal cost.

#28 Nevada

Nevada Education and Testing

A minimum approved associate degree or nursing diploma is required for RN study. Applicants must also pay a $100 application fee in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.

Nevada License Renewal

In Nevada, registered nurses must renew their licensure every two years. During that time, they must finish at least 30 hours of continuous education, which must include special bioterrorism training for new nurses. Renewals of RN licenses are $100 to process.

#29 New Hampshire

New Hampshire Education and Testing

An approved associate's degree or nursing diploma is one of the requirements for becoming an RN. At least 1,080 hours of classroom education involving patients who have experienced various disturbances, 600 hours of instruction involving patients who are in stable circumstances, and sufficient clinical experiences are required as part of the program. The application price is $120, and the NCLEX-RN exam costs $200.

New Hampshire License Renewal

On the nurse's second birthday following licensure, the RN's license must be renewed. To qualify, they must pay the $80 renewal fee and log at least 400 hours of practice in the previous four years.

#30 New Jersey

New Jersey Education and Testing

A nursing associate's degree or diploma is a prerequisite for becoming an RN. In addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee, candidates must pay an additional $80 application fee and a $120 license fee.

New Jersey License Renewal

Every other year on May 31, RN licenses come to an end. Nurses must complete at least 30 contact hours of continuing education and pay a $120 renewal fee in order to renew their licensure.

#31 New Mexico

New Mexico Education and Testing

A recognized nursing associate degree or diploma is a minimum qualification for becoming an RN. The background check is $44, the NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and the application fee is $150.

New Mexico License Renewal

Every two years, New Mexico nursing licenses expire. Nurses must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education and pay a $110 renewal fee to renew their RN licensure.

#32 New York

New York Education and Testing

RN candidates must finish courses in infection control and child abuse reporting in addition to having an associate degree or diploma in nursing that the board has recognized. Additionally, candidates must pay $143 for licensing, $200 for the NCLEX-RN exam, and $35 for a limited permit if necessary.

New York License Renewal

RN licenses in New York expire every three years. Nurses must pay the $73 license renewal fee in order to be eligible for renewal. A bachelor's degree in nursing may be required of RNs within 10 years of their initial licensing in order to keep their credentials.

#33 North Carolina

North Carolina Education and Testing

The education requirements for becoming a registered nurse (RN) include training in assessment, planning and implementing care activities, evaluation, reporting, and team cooperation, in addition to teaching, administering, and maintaining efficient care solutions. In addition to the $75 application fee, candidates must pay the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.

North Carolina License Renewal

In North Carolina, RN licenses expire every two years on the nurse's birthday. There are several ways for nurses to become eligible for renewal, including completing 30 hours of continuing education, 640 hours of practice, and 15 contact hours of continuing education. A $100 renewal fee is charged.

#34 North Dakota

North Dakota Education and Testing

A recognized associate degree or nursing diploma is a requirement for becoming an RN. The necessary fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN exam, $145 for the application, and $41.25 for the criminal background check.

North Dakota License Renewal

In North Dakota, RN licenses expire every two years. Nurses must have accrued at least 400 hours of nursing practice over the preceding four years and 12 hours of continuing education over the previous two years in order to renew their licenses. Additionally, they pay the $140 renewal fee.

#35 Ohio

Ohio Education and Testing

An accredited associate's or diploma in nursing is one of Ohio's criteria for becoming an RN. Additionally, prospective nurses must pay a $75 application fee as well as the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.

Ohio License Renewal

Every two years, nurses must renew their RN licensure. RNs must complete 24 continuing education credits every two years after the initial renewal term. Additionally, they must pay the $65 renewal charge and any associated late fees.

#36 Oklahoma

Oklahoma Education and Testing

An ADN or board-approved nursing diploma is a requirement for becoming an RN in Oklahoma. Evidence-based instruction, legal and ethical considerations, as well as classroom and clinical activities with a focus on disease prevention and health promotion, must all be included in the curriculum. The costs include the licensure fee of $85 and the $200 cost of the NCLEX-RN exam.

Oklahoma License Renewal

Every odd-numbered year, Oklahoma requires nurses to renew their RN licensure. They can meet the requirements in a number of ways, such as by working 520 hours during the past two years or finishing 24 contract hours of continuing education. In addition, they pay a $75 renewal fee.

#37 Oregon

Oregon Education and Testing

The minimal educational qualifications for RNs are a diploma or an accredited associate degree in nursing. Candidates must also pay the $160 license by examination cost and the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.

Oregon License Renewal

In Oregon, RN licenses expire every two years. RNs must complete a minimum of seven hours of pain management continuing education courses to renew their licenses. Additionally, they must pay the $145 renewal cost.

#38 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Education and Testing

An authorized associate degree or diploma is one of the education criteria for RNs. Additionally, candidates must pay the $200 NCLEX-RN exam price. Starting at $95, application and license costs.

Pennsylvania License Renewal

RN licenses in Pennsylvania expire after two years. For renewal, nurses must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education, which must include instruction in recognizing child abuse. The fee for a renewal is $122.

#39 Rhode Island

Rhode Island Education and Testing

A minimum recognized and accredited associate degree or diploma in nursing is one of the criteria for becoming an RN. The $200 NCLEX-RN exam price is paid by test-takers. Additionally, applicants must pay the $135 license fee.

Rhode Island License Renewal

The validity of an RN license is two years. In order to renew their licenses, nurses must complete a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education, including at least two hours of substance addiction instruction. Additionally, nurses must pass a one-time Alzheimer's disease course and pay the $135 renewal cost.

#40 South Carolina

South Carolina Education and Testing

ADN or a nursing diploma are the absolute minimum requirements for becoming an RN. Candidates must pay the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN. Starting RN licensing costs are $90.

South Carolina License Renewal

Every two years, South Carolina nurses must renew their RN licensure. They can accomplish this by fulfilling a requirement, such as finishing 30 contact hours of continuing education. In addition, nurses must pay the $75 renewal charge.

#41 South Dakota

South Dakota Education and Testing

The minimal educational qualifications for RNs are a diploma or an accredited associate degree in nursing. Both the $100 application cost and the $200 NCLEX-RN exam price must be paid by candidates.

South Dakota License Renewal

Every two years, South Dakota nurses must renew their RN licensure. Additionally, they must complete 480 hours of professional practice within six years or 140 hours within a year. There is a $115 renewal cost.

#42 Tennessee

Tennessee Education and Testing

ADNs or authorized nursing diplomas are required for RN education. Candidates must pay the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN. The minimum licensing charge is $100. (Some licensure fees were eliminated as of Aug. 5, 2019, according to the Tennessee Board of Nursing website.)

Tennessee License Renewal

The nurse's birthday, every two years, is when RN licenses must be renewed. One approach for nurses to meet the renewal criteria is to complete 10 contact hours of continuing education within a two-year period. Additionally, they must pay the $100 renewal cost.

# 43 Texas

Texas Education and Testing

An authorized associate degree or nursing diploma is one of the prerequisites for becoming an RN. The curriculum must cover safe patient care in surgical, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health nursing, as well as community, leadership, and research-related lessons and practical experiences. The $200 NCLEX-RN exam is included in the fees. The lowest license fee is $100.

Texas License Renewal

Every other year, on the final day of the nurse's birth month, RN licenses in Texas expire. Nurses must complete at least 20 contact hours of continuing education during those two years in order to renew their licensure. The fee to renew a license is $68.

#44 Utah

Utah Education and Testing

A recognized associate degree or nursing diploma is a requirement for becoming an RN. The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and the application is $60.

Utah License Renewal

Every two years, nurses in Utah must renew their RN licensure. They must complete 400 hours of professional practice, 30 hours of continuing education, or 200 hours of practice and 15 hours of continuing education in order to be eligible for renewal. Renewals of RN licenses cost $68.

#45 Vermont

Vermont Education and Testing

A recognized nursing degree or diploma with coursework in nutrition and pharmacology is a requirement for becoming an RN, as are at least 400 hours of clinical experience. Candidates must pay the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN. Fees for the initial RN application are $75.

Vermont License Renewal

In Vermont, registered nurses must renew their licensure every two years. They must complete 400 hours of professional practice during the next two years or 960 hours over the previous five years in order to be eligible. $190 is the renewal fee.

#46 Virginia

Virginia Education and Testing

A recognized associate's degree or diploma in nursing is one of the requirements for becoming an RN. At least 500 hours of direct client care should be included in the programs. Candidates must pay both the $190 application fee and the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.

Virginia License Renewal

In Virginia, nurses must renew their RN licensure every two years. They must choose from a variety of choices, such as a specialty certification or 640 hours of actual nursing practice and 15 contact hours of courses, to fulfill this requirement. There is a $140 renewal cost.

#47 Washington

Washington Education and Testing

A diploma or an authorized associate's degree in nursing is the requirement for becoming an RN. In addition to the $120 application price for the licensure, applicants must pay the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.

Washington License Renewal

Every year, nurses in Washington must renew their RN licensure. They can do this by finishing 96 practice hours and a minimum of eight hours of yearly ongoing education. Renewals of licenses cost $120.

#48 Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. Education and Testing

Washington, D.C. A diploma or an authorized associate's degree in nursing is the minimum prerequisite for becoming an RN. Additionally, the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee and the $187 license fee must be paid by prospective nurses.

Washington, D.C. License Renewal

In years with even numbers, the RN's license expires on their birthday. They must fulfill one of several requirements, such as completing 24 contact hours of continuing education, teaching, or writing peer-reviewed content, in order to renew their licenses. It costs $145 to renew.

#49 West Virginia

West Virginia Education and Testing

The minimal education requirements for RNs in West Virginia are an authorized nursing diploma or associate degree. The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and the license application fee is $70.

West Virginia License Renewal

In West Virginia, RN licenses expire on October 31 of every year. To be eligible for renewal, nurses must complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education, which must include courses on drug diversion, veteran mental health issues, prescribing controlled medications, and opioid antagonists. They must also pay a $67 renewal fee.

#50 Wisconsin

Wisconsin Education and Testing

A valid ADN or a nursing diploma are required for Wisconsin's RN education requirements. The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and the initial licensure and processing cost $72.

Wisconsin License Renewal

In years with an even number, the 28th of February is when RN licenses expire. To keep their licenses valid, nurses are not required to participate in continuing education. The renewal cost is $57.

#51 Wyoming

Wyoming Education and Testing

A recognized nursing associate degree or diploma, teaching and clinical experiences that emphasize health across the lifespan, and clinical experiences that foster the development of direct patient-care skills are all necessary for becoming a registered nurse in Wyoming. The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, licensure costs $130, a criminal history check costs $60, and multistate license processing costs of $25 are optional.

Wyoming License Renewal

In Wyoming, RN licenses expire on December 31 of each even-numbered year. For a two-year period, a nurse must complete 400 hours of practice, 30 hours of continuing education, or 15 hours of continuing education and 200 hours of practice. Additionally, they must pay the $110 renewal cost.

Smart’n: The Innovative Way to Support Your Fees as a Nursing Student

Smart’n is an innovative program that provides NextGen learning support for nursing students and helps them save time, stress less, and achieve success through personalized support.

Smart’n offers:

1- NextGen NCLEX preparation

This preparation includes 2500+ practice questions, next-generation (NGN) NCLEX-style case study practice, knowledge assessment, and progress tracking.

2- Scholarship grants for nursing students

The program aims to ease the financial burden of nursing students in two ways:

• Every month, Smart'n gives a $300 grant to a member who responds to five questions in the grant application. They can participate in the program without having to pay any fees for membership. All that is required is for them to be in their final year of study at a licensed American nursing program.

• It provides a $100 grant each week to a Smart'n member who is enrolled in a nursing program in North America. The goal of this scholarship is to assist nursing students in paying their educational costs, such as textbooks, lab fees, and other associated expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating nursing license requirements by state can be challenging. However, this ultimate guide has provided a breakdown of the general steps required for obtaining licensure in each state. Whether you are a new nurse or one who is looking to expand your practice area, understanding the different requirements can help you progress in your career. As always, it is important to stay abreast of any changes that may occur in the licensing process to ensure you remain compliant with regulations.

FAQs 

1- Can I hold a nursing license in multiple states?

A multistate license is available to nurses who designate a compact state as their primary state of legal residence. Nurses from compact states who wish to practice in a non-compact state may do so by submitting an application for a single-state license by endorsement on the website of that state's nursing regulatory board. A single-state license that is only good in that NLC state is the only qualification need. A nurse who lives in a non-compact state is permitted to hold an unlimited number of single-state licenses, but she cannot hold multi-state licenses.

2- How do I transfer my nursing license to another state?

Nursing professionals who desire to switch their primary state of residence from one compact state to another must apply for licensing by endorsement in the new state, even if a compact license is valid in all NLC states. Only until they have a valid proof of residency in the new state, such as a driver's license, can nurses practice in the new state using the original multi-state license; after that, a new home state compact license is issued.

On the new state's nursing regulatory board website, a nurse relocating from a non-compact state to a compact state may apply for licensure through endorsement. If the appropriate qualifying and residency conditions are met, a multi-state license may be issued. The original non-compact, single-state license for the nurse is still valid.