License in different states

PAERRN20 · Jul 21, 2009

Some states are compact states. Pennsylvania isn't. You can get a license it two states, but you have to follow the requirements for both states. Also, you can go to school and take your NCLEX in the same state, but have endorsement in an entirely different state.

elkpark · Jul 21, 2009

Hi all,
I'm a hopeful nurse trying to figure out my path. The state (MD) I live in only accepts a degree from this state. I wanted to know if any of you had any knowledge about attending a school in another state and getting your license elsewhere. How difficult is it? Could I get my degree in say, PA, and get my license there, and then get a license in MD too? I'm not sure how that works.
Thanks for your help!

I had never heard of such a thing (a state only accepting degrees from within its own borders), so I took a quick look at the MD BON website, and easily found the following page, which states that, to apply for licensure by examination (new grads), you must have completed an approved nursing program within the state of MD OR have completed "a registered nursing education program in any other state that the Board finds substantially equivalent to the program in this State." I don't know who told you that you couldn't get licensed if you went to school somewhere else, but it's not true. People all over the country go to nursing school in one state and then apply for initial licensure in another state -- that's a v. common experience.

However, to answer your other question, you can hold as many licenses as you're willing to pay for and maintain (required CEUs, etc.) :)

Here is the specific page: http://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=licensure/nclex-rn_us.html

masry123 · Jul 21, 2009

I agree with the last posts . Inever never heard such athing as MD only accept it's own degrr. I lived in MD for the past 9 years, got my C.N.A in PGCC. When I heard about avery good acredit school in PA I went ther forone year finish my school took the NCLEX in Pa then I came back to MD and got MD license. alot of my class mates came from MD, NEWyork, DE and they left PA after graduation and apply for the NCLEX at there state. The NCLEX form is the same any where ,that's why you have a section asks you to circle the state you which to be license. I realy don't know where you get your facts from. Be adviced that there are alot of fraud schools in MD. TRy to find agood school who accept financial aid to help you out. I didn't pay adime for my school. HArrison scool in DC is one of them very very very good school.

aspiringnurse8 · Jul 21, 2009

Thanks for your responses. I think it's more about the schools than it is the license. I am just trying to figure out where to get my degree since my husband and I recently moved. We want to have a baby soon, but I also want to get my degree, so I was hoping PA would accept an online school, which they dont. I'll figure it out. Thanks for your help!

masry123 · Jul 21, 2009

What degree are you looking for ? I did attend harrisburg community college and they do accept credit transfer from online schools. Did you moved from MD or to MD? Let me know if you need any help My email [email protected] I don't want you to waste time like I did just because I never ask the right people. It is very important to get your facts right and to know your path before you have a baby. good luck

masry123 · Jul 21, 2009

By the way the web sit for hacc ic www.hacc.edu If you live in Md they do have closer location in YORK. Call them to get the right facts.

aspiringnurse8 · Jul 21, 2009

After reading thread after thread about ADN vs BSN, I'm not seeing much of a difference, other than a bigger bill in the end. I have 3 more pre-reqs to take to fulfill the BSN requirements. I've lived in MD my entire life. I work in downtown Baltimore, but we recently moved close to the PA line. I have to work full time. I know I'll figure it out...it's just something i struggle with - wanting to be a mother and a nurse.

elkpark · Jul 21, 2009

If your real issue is that you're looking for an online nursing program, you'll find that several states have restrictions on, at least, Excelsior College, which is probably the best known of the very few online nursing programs, and there's no guarantee more states won't put restrictions in place as time goes on.