For most states, there is no definitive timeline when it comes to licensing. This is particularly the case following all the emergency changes that are being made in response to COVID-19.
(These might not be reflective of current processing times due to COVID-19, please use this resource to see how COVID-19 is currently affecting processing times!)
Now, as for most states under normal circumstances (i.e. not states of emergency). There’s a huge decision tree that plays out when you are considering licensure by endorsement (education, licenses, completion of continuing education, location of residence, etc.),and each one of these variables affects timing in a different way.
Graduation and renewal periods also tack on time as state boards receive an influx of licensure applications. While this short guide is a useful tool for decisions on the fly, it’s always best to check the full state Licensure Guide for a more accurate understanding of your eligibility.
For more information on compact states specifically, refer to our Guide to Compact States.
Ultimately, there are two main factors to consider when it comes to nursing licenses:
Verification of licensure
Background checks
Verification of Licensure
There are two methods to obtain verification, and they depend on a state’s participation with Nursys.
(Yes) Nursys - most states participate, which makes verification easy. Once the Nursys process is complete and the fee is paid, verification for endorsement is available immediately for the jurisdiction(s) you selected.
Non-Nursys - California, Pennsylvania, and Michigan (temporarily) do not participate. If you need to request an official license verification from these states, it can add on A LOT of time (up to 2 months for California).
If you hold a license in a non-Nursys state, and the state in which you are wishing to endorse your license requires you to verify it, this will tack on time (so plan for it)!
Not all states require you to verify all of your licenses, so be sure to read that step carefully on a state-by-state basis. There’s a lot of variation in what states require.
Here are some examples:
Verification of only your original nursing license
Verification of your original & any active licenses
Verification of your license where you were most recently employed
Verification of all current and past nursing licenses
Verification of any and all health-related licenses and certifications (which can’t be done through Nursys)
Official verification can be pending, the state will accept photocopies of the license
Official verification can be pending, the state will accept notarized printouts of online license
Criminal Background Check & Fingerprints
Here, there are two options:
LiveScan (electronically) - this method is significantly faster
Ink & paper - as old school as it sounds
Some states only allow you to get fingerprinted electronically if you are in that state, while others require one step further and ask that you are currently resident. Some states don’t even take electronic fingerprints, while others require you wait for them to mail you their specific fingerprint card. And some states don’t even require fingerprints! Woo!
So, without further ado, here is a list of the fastest and slowest states to receive licenses in (in no particular order).
*This list is up-to-date as of 3/11/2020 and is based on the assumption that the Board is not awaiting verification of licensure from a non-Nursys state (California, Pennsylvania, and Michigan-temporarily).
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