CA license from out of state

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I am a student who is about to graduate from BSN program in Tennessee. I would like to know what is the best way to get back to California (where I was from). I did some research and figured that there are two ways, one is through testing and one is through endorsement. I would like to know the pros and cons between these two. Thanks for replying!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

You can take NCLEX for any state you want. Why would you get licensed in a state you never intend to practice in just to endorse your license to California?

Doesn't your school not discuss licensing with you? If not, why not?

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There is no advantage to applying by endorsement in California. They will require all of the same information and it takes the same amount of time.

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How long does it take approximately? Heard that out of state applying does take more than in state people. Additionally, I've also heard that you can apply way before you graduate and just wait to take the test after you graduate?

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How long does it take approximately? Heard that out of state applying does take more than in state people. Additionally, I've also heard that you can apply way before you graduate and just wait to take the test after you graduate?

The CA BON has wait times posted on their site. It's usually about 10-12 weeks. I applied by endorsement, so I'm not sure how early you can apply as a student. I do know that your school can cause delays if they don't send your required information in a timely manner. International or out of state graduates may take a little more time to get things pulled together.

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Specializes in Pedi.

If your plan is to move back to California and work only in California, apply for licensure by examination in California. It matters not that you went to school in Tennessee (provided that your program meets all of the California BRN requirements and, if it doesn't, you'll have problems either way). You can obtain your BSN from a school in TN and physically take NCLEX in whatever state you choose for licensure in California. It makes 0 sense to get a license in a state that you don't intend to practice in only to endorse to California.

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Specializes in Tele/medsurg.

I was in the same boat (wanting to get licensed in CA to move back home while graduating in Texas)

I would recommend starting on the CA license. I ended up staying one year to get experience in Texas but once I had my CA license it was super easy to get a temporary TX RN license while it was endorsed. My main tip would be to start early. For example I took the NCLEX in June but I started sending all my information to CA BON in February. In my experience the processing times started from when I initially submitted my application and payment. Once I graduated I just sent them the final transcripts and I ended up receiving my license in July :)

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