NCLEX, licensure and relocation on graduation question

letina · Jan 2, 2005

At the end of the year, I'll be graduating from my ADN program, God willing... (I know I sure am!!). My plan is to relocate from Florida to Pennsylvania for my first nursing position. The logistics of putting this together are starting to become increasingly more important.
Specifically, I have heard that I am required to take the NCLEX in my home state of Florida. Is this true?
Also, if I am required to take the NCLEX in Florida, does this mean I am obligated to apply for Florida licensure? I'd like to save a few bucks and time by applying for Pennsylvania licensure immediately.
Can anyone shed some light on this for me?
Thanks and Happy New Year!

I'm sure Suzanne4 will come back to you on this, she is the expert.

My understanding is that you can write NCLEX anywhere once you have an ATT.

If you want Pennsylvania licensure then I'm sure you can apply directly to their BON for Licensure by Exam, then write it in Florida.

You don't have to write NCLEX in the state where you live, it is a national exam and a pass is recognised anywhere in USA

Good luck :)

yeepers · Jan 2, 2005

I believe if you look as the national BON website the NCLEX testing info states that you should apply for licensure for the state in which you wish to be licensed. I don't think this means you need to take the test in that state. Think about all the international students who take the NCLEX overseas! :)

Of course, you could always test in FL and then apply for endorsement to another state although that might be the long way?

Someone with more experience should chime in here or better yet....give your BON a call or the PA BON a call to find out for sure.

Best of luck to you!

suzanne4, RN · Jan 2, 2005

You can actually take the exam where ever you want. Hawaii? Hong Kong?

You are not required to get licensed in Florida, you may apply for licensure in Pennsylvania directly, and sit for the exam in Florida. But you would not be responsible for paying fees to Florida.

Hope that this helps................ :balloons:

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2005

Thanks everyone for the information. Of course it makes perfect sense. There is apparently a lot of misinformation going around in my school.