Taking Boards Mandatory

Nursing Students NP Students

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Wanted some feedback

Soon to be FNP graduate. Is taking Boards pretty much a mandatory thing now in order to work in the state that went to school in? AANP or ANCC? If I move states, will I definitely need to be board certified?

I also know its state dependent.

I have heard conflicting things about whether or not it is necessary to take boards in order to practice and I would use some more input. Thanks!

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

There are less than a handful of states that don't require national board certification. California is one but the rule only applies to NP's who graduated from a state-approved program. Not all programs in California and no out of state programs are on the approved list so NP's who graduated from schools not listed must be nationally certified to be granted a state NP license. Additionally, NPI number applications require national certification, hence, you can not bill without national certification.

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Have you visited your state's BON website? You should be able to find the answer ti all of your questions there.

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There are less than a handful of states that don't require national board certification.

I also live in one of these states (Kansas) but every.single.job posting says you have to be board certified. That NPI number is really the kicker though!

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Specializes in Assistant Professor, Nephrology, Internal Medicine.

It may not be required in some states now, but it will likely be in the future. Even if you're in one of those states, it's likely other candidates will be nationally certified. It will give them a serious leg up on you if you're not nationally certified.

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