Taking NCLEX in different state?

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Hello! I have a dilemma. I live in North Carolina and go to nursing school in Virginia. However, I plan to move to Georgia upon graduation. Will I be able to take the NCLEX exam in GA? Or is it required that you take it in the state where you went to school? If that's the case, will I have to do something special to be licensed in GA? Thanks!

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

Nope. You can physically take the exam anywhere it is offered. Just let your school know that you will be applying to GA BoN for licensing by examination so that they forward your credentials there instead of the local BoN. Follow the instructions on the GA BoN for licensing as a nurse by examination

Good luck.

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Ahhh, thanks!!!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

^^ What JustBeachyNurse said. It happens, especially with the job market as it is. I have a classmate from here in CA that had to move pretty quickly to another state for family reasons, so he's taking his NCLEX there. As long as GA recognizes your school (I imagine it will, it's CA that's a pain in the you know what), you're good to go. Just be sure to apply early as you would in your home state.

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I have a similar question. I will sit for the exam in co but am a legal resident of NC. Which state should I do? We are military.

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I have a similar question. I will sit for the exam in co but am a legal resident of NC. Which state should I do? We are military.

Aren't CO and NC both nursing compact states? I would think that means that it wouldn't matter much since your license in one would apply to the other (if I understand the nursing compact correctly).

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I have a similar question. I will sit for the exam in co but am a legal resident of NC. Which state should I do? We are military.

With compact states it matters where your legal residence is located. If you are legally a NC resident you apply to NC but can work in CO with your compact license. When you apply you must declare state of residence, since your legal residence is NC (a compact state )you are not eligible to apply for a license in CO ( another compact state) unless you change your state of residence BUT you can work in CO with your compact NC license. Military families & travel nurses are two reasons for the NCL agreement in the first place ;)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Aren't CO and NC both nursing compact states? I would think that means that it wouldn't matter much since your license in one would apply to the other (if I understand the nursing compact correctly).

You need to apply in your state of legal residence if both states are part of the nursing license compact agreement.

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Sounds good! Thanks!!

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And even if you aren't involved in Compact states, ask the Board of Nursing where you are where to take NCLEX, not where your legal residence is. They usually make allowances for military. They can help you figure it out.

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Thanks!

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