PA RN license transfer to CA

U.S.A. California

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Is it easy to transfer my PA RN license to CA?

You can't "transfer" your license, but you can apply for a license by endorsement. The California BON is particular and they don't answer their phones, but if you can follow directions and complete the requirements, you should end up with a license eventually.

Here is a link to get you started:

Board of Registered Nursing - Licensure by Endorsement

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

California is one of the more difficult states to receive licensure and licensure by endorsement. Is this RN or LPN.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

The CA BRN has very strict educational requirements--this is what trips up most applicants/endorsees. You will need to have your school send transcripts directly to the BON--this includes transcripts for nursing as well as general ed/pre-req courses such as A&P, microbio, etc.

Endorsing also isn't a timely process, so start it well in advance of when you plan to start working in CA. This will give you time to address any issues the BRN may have.

To be honest...for me the most difficult part of endorsing to CA was finding a place that does fingerprinting on DOJ cards. Helpful advice: start with your local courthouse--if they don't do fingerprinting, they'll tell you who does.

I will be graduating from UPMC St. Margaret school of nursing. What are the "qualifications" to get my license? What schooling qualifications will I need? Etc...

Specializes in ICU, step down, dialysis.
The CA BRN has very strict educational requirements--this is what trips up most applicants/endorsees. You will need to have your school send transcripts directly to the BON--this includes transcripts for nursing as well as general ed/pre-req courses such as A&P, microbio, etc.

Endorsing also isn't a timely process, so start it well in advance of when you plan to start working in CA. This will give you time to address any issues the BRN may have.

To be honest...for me the most difficult part of endorsing to CA was finding a place that does fingerprinting on DOJ cards. Helpful advice: start with your local courthouse--if they don't do fingerprinting, they'll tell you who does.

Boy did your post bring back memories...I had a horrific time trying to find a place for fingerprints like that. Closest one was in a downtown of a major city with limited parking 40 miles away. Then my cards were rejected twice by them. Third times a charm and 10 months later, finally received my CA license. Definitely was the worst part of trying to get a license there.

But it's possible?

Also, I wouldn't have to take the NCLEX exam again?

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Yes, it's possible for you to successfully endorse into CA.

As long as your school was NLNAC or CCNE accredited, you've probably already taken all the courses and accrued the clinical hours you need to get licensed in CA. However don't take my word for law--the CA BRN has to evaluate your transcripts and has the final say.

No, you do not need to take the NCLEX again--once you pass you never need to retake it, except for a few rare circumstances, none of which will apply to your case :)

However, if you plan to never ever practice in PA, you can skip the PA license and apply directly for licensure in CA. It's the same requirements whether you directly apply or endorse.

Ok, thanks! I wasn't aware I could just skip the test in PA and take the NCLEX in CA.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Ok, thanks! I wasn't aware I could just skip the test in PA and take the NCLEX in CA.

Yes, you can. I didn't know that either when I first graduated :)

Disclaimer: the new grad job market out here SUCKS. The new grad unemployment rate is just under 50%, and it often takes new grads 6-12 months or more for them to find something...if they find anything. See the threads in this (CA nursing) forum for the horror stories.

So if at all possible, don't move out here unless you have an official job offer in hand. To be honest, you'd fare much better if you came out here with a year or two of experience under your belt first.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Boy did your post bring back memories...I had a horrific time trying to find a place for fingerprints like that. Closest one was in a downtown of a major city with limited parking 40 miles away. Then my cards were rejected twice by them. Third times a charm and 10 months later, finally received my CA license. Definitely was the worst part of trying to get a license there.

I ended up at the city courthouse waiting several hours to be printed. Fortunately, mine went through on the first go.

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