Need Help Understanding Licensing

[sunnsand]

I will be graduating in Dec. and am trying to figure out licensing. Can an RN hold licenses in two states at the same time? Approximately, how much does a license cost? Is there an annual fee? I do live in RI which I believe is a compact state, however I don't think I can practice in MA with a RI License because MA is not a compact state, is this correct? Any other info would be great since I am new to this. Thanks in advance!

[bill4745, RN]

https://www.ncsbn.org/158.htm

You are correct, Mass. is not a compact state, so you would need a Mass. license. You can have licenses in as many states as you want, if they are not compact states. To work in a compact state, you must be licensed in your state of residence. You can then work in any compact state. States have annual or biannual fees.

[sunnsand]

Thank you, very helpful!

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Also, when you apply for initial licensure, you have to pick one state. Then once you have your initial licensure, you can apply for licensure by endorsement in other states.

[sunnsand]

Thats good to know. Do you know how long you have to wait before you are able to apply for licensure in another state after receiving your initial license? Maybe it varies from state to state?

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Thats good to know. Do you know how long you have to wait before you are able to apply for licensure in another state after receiving your initial license? Maybe it varies from state to state?

AFAIK there's no waiting period; as soon as you're licensed in your first state you can go ahead and apply for endorsement. It's not cheap though, and the process varies in complexity by state. If you're planning to obtain multiple licensures, I would look at the process for first time licensees and endorsement. If one state is complex by endorsement and simpler by exam, it might make sense to use that state as your initial state.