RN License Requirements by State

Doug Wintemute
By
Updated on September 27, 2023
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Check out the RN license requirements by state. Find out what it takes to enter this promising profession where you live.

The nursing field features various rules and regulations to help ensure all registered nurses (RNs) have the appropriate educational and professional requirements to properly care for patients and serve the healthcare system. To manage this, each state has its own mandatory RN licensure process.

While each state has its own requirements, licensed professionals typically need an approved or accredited education and a passing grade on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Here, we outline the specific RN license and RN education requirements for each state and Washington, D.C.

Why Do You Need an RN License?

There are many reasons to become a nurse, including the promising career outlook and potential financial rewards, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are also many ways to become a registered nurse and various nursing credentials available.

To help regulate the field and ensure all nurses meet the necessary professional standards, all states require RNs to hold licenses.

Among the RN requirements for licensure, candidates may need to complete an approved or accredited nursing degree or diploma program, along with the NCLEX-RN exam.

Some states accept programs recognized by local nursing boards. Others require national recognition from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Types of Nursing Licensure

Registered Nurse (RN)

RNs conduct patient assessments and observations, work on a team of healthcare professionals, and may pursue practice specialties. They may administer medication, provide patients with treatment instructions and plans, and analyze various test results. RNs need to complete at least a diploma in nursing or an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and NCLEX-RN exam for licensure.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPNs support RNs, providing basic nursing care to patients. They often take patients’ vital signs, insert catheters, dress wounds and change bandages, and collect samples for lab tests. LPNs also monitor patients, keep records of progress, and, in some states, administer certain medications. LPNs typically need to complete an accredited diploma or certificate and the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

APRNs provide advanced care to patients, perform and analyze examinations and tests, diagnose patients, and develop treatment plans. These professionals may work independently and in specialty fields. APRNs typically need a master’s degree, an RN license, and a passing grade on the national certification examination for licensure.

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What Are Nursing Compact States?

Developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows registered nurses to move between participating states with a single RN license. At least 34 states have joined the NLC, along with four more that have pending legislation.

Licensed nurses from a compact state can practice in other member states more easily. RNs from non-compact states may need to apply for state endorsement to move their license to another location without having to obtain another single-state license.

RN Requirements by State

Frequently Asked Questions About RN License Requirements

How long does it take to become a registered nurse?

Aspiring nurses can take one of several pathways to the profession. The shortest route is through an associate degree or diploma in nursing. These programs typically take between 2-3 years to complete, though accelerated programs may be available.

After completing their program, nursing candidates must complete the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for an RN license. Licenses can take several weeks to go into effect.

What education is needed to become a registered nurse?

Most states require an accredited or board-approved associate degree or diploma in nursing to qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam and RN license. For accreditation and board approval, these nursing programs must include the appropriate courses, training, and practical components.

Educational requirements can vary by state. New York, for example, requires RNs to complete at least a bachelor of science in nursing degree within 10 years of their initial licensure.

Registered nurse requirements typically include continuing education, which professionals need to complete regularly to renew their licenses and keep them valid.

How much does a registered nurse make?

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for RNs was $75,330, as of May 2020. Different industries offered varying wages. For example, government positions paid median annual wages of $84,490. Hospitals paid a median wage of $76,840, and ambulatory care services paid $72,340.

With time and experience, nurses may be able to move into higher earning brackets. The highest 10% of earners in the field made a median salary of $116,230.

Location also can play a role in terms of RN salaries. California paid the highest annual mean wage at $120,560, as of May 2020. Hawaii RNs made a mean salary of $104,830 per year and Massachusetts nurses made $96,250.

Can you practice as an RN without a license?

No. In every state, RNs need licensure with their state nursing board to practice. While this always requires an approved education and completed certification examination, some states also include other requirements. For example, some states require background checks and health verifications. Employers may have additional education and experience requirements to qualify for employment.

What state has the easiest road to become a registered nurse?

Every state has its own requirements, but most feature similar steps. Most states, for example, accept applicants with a nursing diploma or ADN. Since most states feature similar requirements, the easiest locations may be the ones that are the fastest to license applicants.

Arizona and Washington, D.C., for instance, typically award licensure within days of submitting an application. Some states can take weeks to process the paperwork.

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