Do nurses get transferred?
James Williams
Updated on April 03, 2026
To qualify for endorsement (reciprocity) into California as an RN, you must hold a current and active RN license in another state, U.S. territory, or Canada, have completed an educational program meeting all California requirements, and have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) or the State …
Do RN licenses transfer between states?
Although each state has its own licensure process, it is getting easier for nurses to transfer active licenses to other states through the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). As of February 11, 2020, 34 states are participating in the Nursing Licensure Compact. Learn more about the nursing licensure compact.
What states have RN license reciprocity?
Unless both states are members of the Nursing Licensure Compact, also called the NLC….There are 25 current NLC member states:
- Idaho.
- Montana.
- Utah.
- Arizona.
- New Mexico.
- Colorado.
- North Dakota.
- South Dakota.
Do nursing licenses transfer to other countries?
You can travel independently to work overseas, provided you have the right licensure and visa, but the US Government also offers opportunities for nursing abroad. This could be through the CDC, or through the Department of Defense. The CDC, in particular, hires people for several different subtypes of employment.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX if I move?
As mentioned, you don’t need to retake the NCLEX every time you transfer to a new state. You may need to renew your license within the same window you’re transferring the license and that’s often accomplished with CEUs. Travel nurses are most often the ones applying for a nursing license in another state.
What state is the easiest to become a nurse?
Easiest states to become a nurse – Length of licensing process
- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
What state has the easiest nursing program?
The easiest nursing schools to get into are;
- South Dakota State University.
- Illinois State University.
- Drexel University.
- Loyola University.
- University of Rhode Island.
- University of San Francisco.
- Saint Louis University.
- University of Connecticut.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX if I move to another state?
Does USA accept OET?
Doctors and nurses applying for positions in the United States can now validate their English language proficiency with OET, the world’s only international English language test specifically for healthcare professionals.
Can a registered nurse transfer to another state?
Transferring to a New State. Registered nurses looking to practice in a different state must first review the state board of nursing’s requirements for transferring RNs. Some states allow nurses to obtain a license by endorsement, which means they have already met the requirements for licensure with their current RN license.
How long does it take to transfer an NLC RN license?
If you have an NLC RN license, you will be given 30 to 90 days to accomplish this depending on your new state’s rules for transfers. In any of these cases, transfer procedures vary depending on the state where you will be moving to.
Can a nurse have a license in more than one state?
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) was developed by multiple state Boards of Nursing and allows nurses to have one license that is valid for practicing in multiple states. It is also known as a “multi-state license.” The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) is an updated version of the NLC.
When do you need to transfer your license to a new state?
Remember, you can practice on your former license for up to 30 or 90 days (depending on your new state’s rules). Once everything goes through, you will be issued a new compact state license and your former license will be inactivated. You do not need to technically transfer your license when moving to a compact state.