Licensure to practice in certain states

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Specializes in MedSurg.

I am currently on the waitlist for GWU SON and am still hearing back from UMBSON. I might go to school in Maryland instead of DC. However, I want to work in DC. I know that you need to be licensed in that particular state or in this case licensed for DC but am unsure what I need to do especially if I'm going to a nursing school in Maryland. After taking the NCLEX examination to get my license as an RN am I automatically able to work nationwide or just in the state that I took the exam? Thank you for your help.

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Specializes in NICU.

You apply for licensure in the state that you want to work in. It doesn't matter what state you went to school or what state you took NCLEX. NCLEX is a national exam, so you don't need to take the exam in the state you went to school. You can go to school in Maryland, take NCLEX in Virginia, and apply for license in Texas if you wanted.

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Specializes in MedSurg.

Thank you very much! Can I apply for license to more than one state?

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Yes, but that gets expensive quickly. You wouldn't want to accumulate licenses just for the sake of having them.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Licenses are granted by the state but NCLEX is a national exam. Your initial license will be for whatever state you apply for licensure in. It need not be the state you went to school in nor the state that you physically take NCLEX in.

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Specializes in NICU.
Thank you very much! Can I apply for license to more than one state?

Your first license is "License by Exam". Once you get the initial license, you apply for other "licenses by endorsement".

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