Why Minnesota NCLEX-RN?

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Hi there,

I've been reading some messages about Canadian RNs who have written the Minnesota NCLEX-RN in order to be eligible for work in other states. I'm confused -- why not just write for the state in which you'd like to work? Personally I hope to go to Texas or Florida -- I'm told I have to pass the Canadian RN first (I'm still a year and a bit away from grad) ... but what's the deal with Minnesota? Does Minnesota allow one to write their NCLEX before or at the same time that I'm writing the CNAT registration exam?

Curious! Hope to get answers to this one.

-T.

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All states give reciprocity. Why travel far away? That is it in a nut shell.

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No, you don't write the Minnesota NCLEX. The NCLEX is the same no matter what state you go to. You just go through Minnesota to get permission to test because it is SOOOOOOO much faster and easier than other states. You can write the exam anywhere in the US and then just transfer your Minnesota lisence to whatever state you move to, I went through them to register for the exam, but wrote the exam in Washington, cause I was from BC.

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Hi Fergus 51,

Thank you SO MUCH for this info ... I understand now why the Minnesota option is popular with Canadian grads now. I have a couple more questions on my mind: first, did you have to pass the Canadian RN before applying to Minnesota to receive permission to write the NCLEX; second, do/did you need an offer of employment in the US in order to receive permission to write the NCLEX? Thanks again!

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No problem. I don't think you don't need to write the Canadian exam first or at all. Just go to the Minnesota board of nursing website and you can download the forms you need to request for "lisensure by examination". You need to send them sealed school transcripts and a notarized form. Then they say you can write the test, which you have to arrange with the testing service (not the Minnesota BON). You do not need a job offer to write it. In fact, I would suggest you write it as a new grad whether you plan on going there immediately or not, since it's good forever once you write. Some states require fingerprints and other stuff that can be a pain in the butt and take forever, that's why Minnesota is so popular.

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Info very much appreciated -- thanks again, and Happy New Year!

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Hi everyone,

I was just reading this thread so just a quick question, I'm a Canadian new grad nurse, but do not have a license yet so all I need is the 'Registered Nurse Licensure by Examination Application' form and then an official transcript from my school? sent to the MN board of nursing address?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hi everyone,

I was just reading this thread so just a quick question, I'm a Canadian new grad nurse, but do not have a license yet so all I need is the 'Registered Nurse Licensure by Examination Application' form and then an official transcript from my school? sent to the MN board of nursing address?

Thanks!

Are you planning on working in Minnesota when you qualify for a license?

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I'm planning to work in Minnesota after. Does it matter if I have license here in Canada, can I still apply without it? I just took the exam, just cause, but I really want to work in the States.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

They may require verification of your Canadian license but I can't see any reason why you don't start the process now.

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