If you’re looking to become a licensed nurse in the state of North Carolina, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining your North Carolina nursing license, including the requirements and application procedures. Whether you’re a recent nursing graduate or a licensed nurse from another state, we’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways:
- Obtaining a nursing license in North Carolina requires following specific steps and meeting certain requirements.
- All candidates applying for Licensure by Endorsement must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check.
- Applicants for Licensure by Examination need to submit an examination application, pay the application fee, and complete a criminal background check.
- Nurses with an active license outside of compact states can obtain licensure by endorsement in North Carolina.
- It is important to renew your nursing license every two years and provide proof of meeting continuing competence requirements.
Requirements for Licensure by Examination
If you’re applying for a nursing license in North Carolina for the first time, you’ll need to go through the Licensure by Examination process. This involves several steps to ensure your eligibility:
- Submission of Examination Application: Start by completing the examination application form, which can be found on the North Carolina Board of Nursing website. Provide all the required information, including your personal details, education history, and any relevant documentation.
- Application Fee: Along with your application, you’ll need to submit a $75 application fee. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing your application.
- Criminal Background Check: As part of the application process, you must undergo a criminal background check. The North Carolina Board of Nursing requires all candidates to have a clean criminal record to ensure patient safety and trust.
- Program Verification: If you graduated from a nursing program in North Carolina, your Program Director should provide the necessary program verification directly to the Board of Nursing. This verification confirms the completion of your nursing education.
- Official Transcript: However, if you graduated from an out-of-state nursing program, you’ll need to submit a “FINAL” official transcript to the Board of Nursing. This transcript serves as proof that you’ve successfully completed your nursing education.
- Evaluation of International Education: For candidates who graduated from an international nursing education program, you’ll need to complete a Credentials Evaluation Service (CES Professional Report) or provide a CGFNS Certificate or VisaScreen. This evaluation ensures that your international education meets the standards required for nursing licensure in North Carolina.
- Registration for the NCLEX Exam: As the final step, you’ll need to register for the NCLEX exam and pay the associated fees to Pearson VUE. This exam is a crucial requirement for obtaining your nursing license.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE, which is valid for 180 days. With the ATT, you can schedule your NCLEX exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, and you’ll receive your official results from the North Carolina Board of Nursing approximately four weeks after taking the exam.
Example Table: Nursing License Requirements Comparison
| Requirement | Licensure by Examination | Licensure by Endorsement |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $75 | $150 |
| Criminal Background Check | Required | Required |
| Program Verification | Required for out-of-state graduates | Not required |
| Official Transcript | Required for out-of-state graduates | Not required |
| Evaluation of International Education | Not required | Required for international graduates |
| NCLEX Exam | Required | Not required (already passed) |
Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses who currently hold an active license outside of compact states can obtain licensure by endorsement in North Carolina. The process involves submitting an online application, paying the $150 license endorsement fee, and undergoing a criminal background check.
To qualify for licensure by endorsement, candidates must provide proof of successfully completing a licensed nursing program and passing the NCLEX exam. Additionally, they need to meet the continuing education requirements and provide documentation of residency.
Reinstating Inactive Licenses
If you have an inactive license, you can reinstate it by fulfilling specific requirements. These include completing continued education and active practice hours, obtaining national certification, finishing a Board-approved refresher course, or completing post-licensure academic education.
It’s important to note that the North Carolina Board of Nursing does not issue wallet-size license cards or mail licensure certificates. Instead, you can download or print your licensure certificate from your Nurse Gateway profile.
| Requirements for Licensure by Endorsement |
|---|
| Submit online application |
| Pay $150 license endorsement fee |
| Undergo criminal background check |
| Provide proof of completing a licensed nursing program |
| Pass the NCLEX exam |
| Meet continuing education requirements |
| Submit documentation of residency |
Conclusion
Obtaining a nursing license in North Carolina is a straightforward process that requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific requirements. Whether you are applying for licensure by examination or endorsement, completing the application process, submitting the necessary documents and fees, and passing the North Carolina nursing license exam (NCLEX) are essential steps to achieve your goal.
When applying for your license, it is vital to remember that the North Carolina Board of Nursing conducts thorough criminal background checks and takes any convictions into consideration when determining eligibility. It is crucial to ensure that your criminal history, if applicable, does not pose a barrier to obtaining your nursing license.
Once you have successfully obtained your license, it is important to keep it updated. North Carolina nursing licenses must be renewed every two years by the last day of your birth month. During license renewal, you must provide proof of meeting the continuing competence requirements outlined by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. This ensures that you stay current and continue to enhance your knowledge and skills in the field.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can navigate the process of getting your North Carolina nursing license and embark on a fulfilling and successful career in nursing. Good luck!
FAQ
What are the requirements for obtaining a nursing license in North Carolina by examination?
To obtain a nursing license in North Carolina by examination, you need to submit an examination application, pay the application fee, and complete a criminal background check. North Carolina graduates should have their program verification provided to the Board of Nursing by their Program Director, while out-of-state graduates need to submit a “FINAL” official transcript. International nursing education program graduates must complete a Credentials Evaluation Service (CES Professional Report) or provide a CGFNS Certificate or VisaScreen. After completing these requirements, candidates must register and pay fees to Pearson VUE for the NCLEX exam and, upon approval, receive an Authorization to Test (ATT).
What is the process for obtaining a nursing license in North Carolina by endorsement?
Nurses holding an active license outside of compact states can obtain licensure by endorsement in North Carolina by submitting an online application, paying the 0 license endorsement fee, and undergoing a criminal background check. In addition to these requirements, candidates must provide proof of successfully completing a licensed nursing program, passing the NCLEX exam, meeting continuing education requirements, and documenting residency. Nurses with inactive licenses can reinstate them by fulfilling specific requirements, such as continuing education and active practice hours, national certification, completion of a Board-approved refresher course, or post-licensure academic education.
How long does it take to receive the results of the NCLEX exam and the nursing license?
After completing the NCLEX exam administered by Pearson VUE, candidates generally receive their official results from the North Carolina Board of Nursing approximately four weeks after the examination. The nursing license itself can be downloaded or printed from the Nurse Gateway profile, as the Board of Nursing no longer issues wallet-size license cards or mails licensure certificates.
What is the process for renewing a nursing license in North Carolina?
Nursing licenses in North Carolina must be renewed every two years by the last day of the licensee’s birth month. To renew a nursing license, individuals must provide proof of meeting continuing competence requirements, including completion of continuing education credits. The renewal process can be completed online through the Nurse Gateway and requires the payment of the renewal fee.
