New York State Nursing Licensure

Nursing is a profession that requires years of education and training in order to practice. If you’re looking to get started in the nursing field, it’s important to know if you need a license. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting your New York State Nursing Licensure.

New York State Nursing Licensure

1 Eligibility Requirements

In order to apply for a nursing license in New York, you must be at least 18 years old. You will also need to have a high school diploma or GED.

If you would like to apply for an RN license, you must prove that:

• You have passed the NYS RN licensure examination.
• Your name is not on any national or state list of suspended or prohibited persons established by the Board of Nursing (BON).

2 Application Process

To apply for your New York State license, you must complete the following steps:

• Online Application – Complete the application online at www.nysed.gov/profs/licensure/index.html and pay the $300 application fee using a credit card or eCheck (an electronic check). You will be directed to choose between two types of applications: one for those who wish to hold an active license in another state and one for those who do not currently hold any licensure from another jurisdiction.
• Official Transcripts – Contact each educational institution you attended in the last 10 years and request an official transcript be sent directly to NYSED’s Office of Professions’ Nursing Program Unit by mail or fax (518-486-3817). If possible, submit photocopies of your transcripts with your online application so that it may be reviewed immediately upon receipt by NYSED staff members; however, please note that it is ultimately up to each individual school whether they provide reports electronically or not.
• Fingerprint Cards – To obtain fingerprint cards from NYSED’s Office of Professions’ Nursing Program Unit via mail or fax (518-486-3819): 1) Download this form from their website 2) Print out two copies 3) Fill out all fields on both copies 4) Mail back one copy along with fingerprint cards 5) Keep second copy for reference

3 Testing Information

All applicants must pass the NCLEX-RN® exam. In addition, New York State Nursing Licensure requires that all applicants complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting as part of the licensure process.

• To find out more about testing requirements and procedures for nurse assistant programs in New York, visit our state’s nursing boards website or call 1-800-465-4429 to speak with a representative.

4 Renewing Your License

After you have earned your license, you can renew it for up to three years at a time. The renewal requirements are the same as those for initial licensure:

• Submit proof of continuing education
• Pay renewal fees

To renew your license, go to the NYS Education Department website and complete their online application. After submitting your renewal paperwork, you will receive a confirmation letter with instructions on how to pay the fees.

5 Relocating to New York

You will need to apply for a license in New York State. You will also be required to pay a fee and submit an application, fingerprint card, passport-size photo and proof of education (if applicable).

You will then take your exam results to the NYSED Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) to receive your license. Because they know you have studied hard at nursing school, the OPMC allows you to get a temporary license right away. The permanent license should arrive within four days after you pass your exam!

6 New York State Nursing Licensure

To become a licensed nurse in New York, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete all of the steps outlined below.

When you apply for your license, you will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $50 as well as an application fee of $125. You may also be required to pay additional fees for fingerprinting and background checks.

You can use our online toolkit to help guide you through the process of becoming a nurse in New York State or read more about each step below:

• Eligibility Requirements
• Application Process
• Testing Information
• Renewing Your License

Closing

We hope this guide has helped you understand how to become a nurse in New York. If you’re ready to take the next step and apply for your nursing license, be sure to check out our tips on how to do so efficiently and effectively.