How Easy is it to Transfer States

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Hello! I am originally from the North East. I moved to CA and I've been here for some time working in biotech. I'm ready to make the leap to nursing. I applied to accelerated programs here but the ones here are so long (2 years min) + much more $$$. I applied to one back home in the north east since there's a program that was only 12 months near my mom's house! I got accepted to that program and I couldn't be more excited but also torn. I love CA and would love to be a nurse here. Is it easy to transfer your nursing license from CT to CA? I would really love to come back (asap preferably, LOL..)

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You wouldn't necessarily need to transfer any license. When the time comes to apply for the NCLEX, you'll be asked which state you'd like your license from. Provided you've met California's school requirements to even take the NCLEX, after you've passed, you'll be issued a California license. Talk to your school's nursing school guidance counselor about California's requirements for licensure. They may have info or may refer you to the California Board of Nursing website for this info.

To see the steps for obtaining a California license after you've choosen a Connecticut license for your first license, go to the California Board of Nursing website for information on how to "endorse" or apply for "endorsement" for a California license. Lot of criteria needs to be met, and it can take multiple months for some to receive that CA license even if all criteria is met. Talk to your nursing school's guidance counselor about this. Ask if your nursing school is accredited. Email the BON with specific questions.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

You can take the NCLEX in any state once you graduate.  I graduated from college in South Carolina and I took the NCLEX in Nebraska and was licensed there.  

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Specializes in Emergency Department, Pediatrics, Home Health.

I am from CA and went to nursing school in WA. Everyone knows CA is notorious for their long list of requirements. Make sure the school you are going to meets all of CA requirements. I had to drive right more than an hour to school everyday just because of the accreditation. There was a school 10 minutes down the road that accepted me to their program but did not meet CA requirements. Just be diligent in making sure everything lines up perfectly.

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

I'd be cautious about a 1 year ABSN.  I did a 16 month ABSN and it was very grueling.  There was a 13 mo ABSN option at my school and the students in that cohort looked incredibly exhausted.  They said it was like drinking from a firehose.  The problem with that approach is it makes it harder to retain information.

Also, be honest with yourself about your academic performance.  If you have always been a great student, fine, but if not, an ABSN may not be the best choice.

 

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