CA New Grad NP with questions about licensing

HI!

I'm in California and I just graduated from an MSN program and passed the ANCC PMHNP exam....

I applied for my NP license and Furnishing number. I requested my ANCC verification be sent to the the board- now I'm wondering what to do next.

It looks like I need to apply for my NPI, a DEA, and a controlled II substance certificate. Here are my questions:

1. Can I apply for a DEA without a job?

2. If I can apply for my DEA without a job; what address should I use? (I've read you have to have a business address to apply but I can't find any information to confirm this).

3. Besides obtaining a DEA, do I have to do something extra to prescribe controlled substances schedule III-V in California?

4. Do I take the schedule II course before I apply for my DEA or after?

5. I don't have a collaborative agreement because I don't have a job lined up yet; will I be able to obtain the DEA without a collaborative agreement?

If you have any other info I didn't know to ask; I would appreciate any advice!!

Thank you!

[thinbluelineRN, MSN, NP]

To my knowledge you you need a work address for a DEA. Wait to apply for this because this license is expensive (700+) and most employers will reimburse this.

Hello, congratulations! Here is what I can answer regarding your questions:

1. Can I apply for a DEA without a job?

As thinblueline said, you need a work address for your DEA so you'll have to wait.

2. If I can apply for my DEA without a job; what address should I use? (I've read you have to have a business address to apply but I can't find any information to confirm this)

I don't think you can apply for a DEA without a job address.

3. Besides obtaining a DEA, do I have to do something extra to prescribe controlled substances schedule III-V in California?

No. Your DEA number will cover those schedules

4. Do I take the schedule II course before I apply for my DEA or after?

I took mine before.

5. I don't have a collaborative agreement because I don't have a job lined up yet; will I be able to obtain the DEA without a collaborative agreement?

I would just wait to apply for your DEA number. If you're a new grad, it would be expected that you don't have one and as thinblueline said, hopefully your new employer will pay for it.

[thinbluelineRN, MSN, NP]

Also the schedule II was part of my pharmacology class where I went to school so we ha to do the exam in the middle of our pharmacology semester. But I went to school in California so I don't know if this is different in other states.

In general wait until you have a job because you will need a work address to apply for a DEA number in California.

Don't apply for the DEA without a job. It's about 800 dollars and your employer usually pays for it .