Transfering from IL to MA

[Aerodita]

Hi guys, Im new here but Ive been reading the boards for sometime, lol. I am currently still in nursing school I have one more year to go and I will be an RN. I live in Illinois but I am originally from Masachussetts. I have been wondering this for a while but cant seem to get a good answer from anyone I ask so I thought I would try here. Once I am done with the program and (hopefully) pass my NCLEX, would I be able to transfer my lisence from IL to MA?? Im terribly home sick and would love to be near my family, but Im not sure if there are restraints on how soon you can transfer to another state or if there is an exam I would have to take before transferring... Im really lost of this topic. Could someone please help me out and maybe point me in the right direction. thank you so much.

[justin.j]

I would send the MA BON an email. I've communicated with them before, and they're very helpful.

There is also some information on the website, but it is a bit vague and doesn't state whether or not there is minimum amount of time you need to be licensed in another state before applying for your license through reciprocity. Also, because IL does not use the Nursys license verification system, there will probably be a few extra steps.

Also, MA uses a third party to administer their app forms, but they can be found here:

http://www.pcshq.com/?page=health,uregisterednursesrnu

good luck!

[PansieRN]

You can take the state board exam now where you can transfer state to state without having to retake any exam or new application. I believe it's the one non-compact license. Try looking on bne.com site.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

You can directly apply for Massachusetts initial licensure upon graduation. You do not need to go thru Illinois--save yourself some money! NCLEX can be taken anywhere in US once application submitted and registured with Pearson Vue. It might take a little longer this way as your school must send documents to BON.

See: MA BON regs Educated in the U.S. FIRST TIME APPLICATION PROCESS (applications)

May these final months fly by.

[wannabecnl]

The suggestion about just registering for the MA license when you take the boards is excellent--several of my classmates got their MA license by taking the boards in NH, and I took them in MA to get my NH license!

If for some reason that doesn't work out and you have to get an IL license (and I don't know why that would be the case), getting a license in MA is just money and paperwork. It doesn't matter how long you have had your license, whether you have worked, or where you live. Download the reciprocity paperwork from the MA BON website and good luck!

[Aerodita]

Wow thank you sooooooo much guys! This is really helpful. I was told that Id have to work as a nurse for a couple of years before I could apply for my license else where. PHEW! so glad to hear thats not the case. I miss MA!