NJ vs PA licensing

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Specializes in Sub-acute.

I'm graduating and about to take the NCLEX in a couple of months. I currently live in NJ but I want to work in either PA or NJ. Does anybody have advice on whether I should test in NJ or PA first and then go about obtaining a license in the other state? Which state is easier to do this in?

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

It doesn't matter WHERE you are sitting when you take the NCLEX--its a national exam. That said, I would think you need to get a license where you're currently residing, but I'm not entirely sure how that works

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Neither state is a compact state so your state of residence doesn't matter. It might be easier to first apply on the state where you went to school (school is familiar with sending graduation verification to its own BoN) then endorse to the second state.

The NCLEX is a national exam so you only take it once, report of results are sent the state you apply for licensing by examination. Subsequent licenses are applied for via endorsement

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Specializes in retired LTC.

A suggestion ... if your residence is close enough to the Delaware, you might want to consider licensure to practice in both states. The field of potential jobs is then open to you in both states with no time delay to obtain your license while searching.

Time is of the essence when applying for some positions, so avoiding delay is to your advantage.

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