Live Scan VS Hard Card for CA licensure?!

[cherrylimeaide]

I currently reside in Ohio but have some perspective jobs in CA. I am a recent graduate but I want to get my license ASAP! Can I do the Live Scan or do I have to submit a hard card, which requires more time AND money?

[Stevie BSN, RN]

If you're wanting your license ASAP, I recommend coming to CA and doing your livescan along with turning in your application in person at the BON in Sacramento for the fastest results. To do the livescan, I believe you have to be in CA to submit that route otherwise you can do the hard card which will take longer for your application to get processed. It takes awhile to get your license transferred over here.. I had to do the same process 2 years ago when I transferred my license from Iowa.

I also saw that you said you're a new grad and I wanted to make sure before moving forward that you knew that the job market is extremely difficult to get into here. Most new grads who graduated in CA take up to a year to get their first job. That also depends on the setting you're wanting to work in. I just wanted to give you fair warning because I wished I'd known that myself before moving back home! Best of luck and let me know if you have any other questions!