Out of State Applications

If you are going to move to GA and work there right after school, do not get your license in PA and then transfer to GA. This process will cost you extra money and weeks worth of extra time. Instead, apply for your license in GA and don't bother with a PA license if you won't be working there.

Regardless of where you move, the job market will likely be very competitive. Make yourself stand out by having an excellent, well-written, well-formatted professional resume. The best time to apply for jobs is after you have a license in that state.

Thank you!!!

(General answer for anyone-- I know the OP is a student)

If you are still a student, you can begin the application process anytime by writing an intelligent, literate letter (not an email) to the facility(ies) you identify as good employers to let them know your interests and strengths. Ask your college placement office and advisor for help in crafting a decent resume and cover letter. Then stay in touch regularly, like every six to eight weeks, and go down there over break for personal interviews and to let them know you're still serious and plan to take NCLEX and get a GA license the minute you graduate. Put in the app to the GA board of nursing as soon as you can. Then move quickly when you have your graduation requirements completed and get that in writing from your program. You do NOT have to wait to attend actual graduation. Move your buns. :)

If you are not a student, you can do all of the above while you are in the process of requesting your license by reciprocity. That can take 8 weeks, but that might be eight weeks lost to the application/getting to know you process if you wait until you have it in hand.

Thank you so much! I feel clueless with all of this so that's a big help. Thanks!

In your cover letter, explain that you will be graduating in June, anticipate taking NCLEX in (month) and will be applying for licensure in Georgia and relocating following graduation. Do NOT waste your time and money applying for Pennsylvania licensure... when you submit your application to Pearson Vue for the NCLEX, apply for Georgia licensure. You do not need to take NCLEX in Georgia to get licensed there. I would start applying soon- when I was a new grad, I applied for the job I ended up getting in January of my senior year of college.

So what about if you want to work in your home state for a year or 2 then move? Obviously you need your state's license(louisiana here), but when you apply for say a NC license, are you giving up your LA license or can you hold both at the same time?

You hold both at the same time.

Thank you guys! Very helpful :-)

Talk to your school, I went to school right next to the CA border and it was A LOT easier and faster to get your NV license first then a CA one. Mainly because for in state applications the BON only needed unofficial transcripts so they started on your app days after graduation rather than having to wait 6 weeks for official transcripts to even start the application process.