A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in New York
New York is hailed as an excellent state for registered nurses, offering premier educational programs, top-notch healthcare facilities, and a median salary significantly above national figures. If you're ready to pursue a nursing license in New York, here are the crucial details you need to know.
In this article, we will cover:
- The process of obtaining your New York nursing license - How to secure your license via endorsement - Renewal procedures for your New York nursing license - Licensing fees you should be aware of - Continuing education requirements - How to contact the New York Board of Nursing - Frequently asked questions
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Steps to Obtain Your New York Nursing License
Step 1: Education
New York is home to over 150 accredited nursing programs, which confer various degrees that lead to registered nurse licensure, such as: - Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Accelerated BSN programs for individuals who possess a bachelor's degree in a different field and need to take additional courses to achieve RN status.
If you graduated from a nursing program outside of New York, you will need to complete a state-approved Infection Control Course along with a Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Course through the NY State Education Department.
You may qualify for an exemption from the child abuse reporting course if you can confirm that your nursing practice won't involve interactions with minors or residents of long-term care facilities. If you have already completed infection control training that meets the state’s criteria, you may also be exempt from the standard coursework.
Step 2: Application Process
New York's licensure requirements include validation of good moral character. Applicants must also: - Be at least 18 years old - Graduate from a nursing program registered with the NY State Education Department or an equivalent out-of-state program approved for RN preparation - Complete the required coursework on child abuse reporting and infection control - Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
Once you meet these criteria and pay the application fee of $143, you will receive your nursing license.
Graduates from state-registered programs who have never been licensed can apply by paying the application fee. To access the application, you will need your Application ID, Social Security Number, and birth date.
If you graduated from nursing school and have not yet taken the NCLEX-RN, you may request a limited permit for $35, which is valid for one year or until ten days after a NCLEX-RN failure is reported.
Step 3: Submitting Transcripts
If your nursing education was completed outside New York, you need to fill out Section I of the Certification of Professional Education (Form 2) and send it to your school for completion of Section II. Your educational institution must send the verified Form 2 directly to NYSED.
Send official transcripts to: New York State Education Department Office of the Professions Division of Professional Licensing Services 89 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12234-1000
Step 4: Criminal Record Check
New York State does not mandate background checks or fingerprinting for nursing licenses, relying on applicants to provide truthful information.
Step 5: Coursework Completion
All nursing applicants in New York are required to finish approved coursework on child abuse reporting and infection control, with the latter being a mandatory requirement since 1990. Infection control training is included in state-approved program curriculums and needs to be renewed every four years.
Step 6: Register for the NCLEX
Candidates for nursing licensure must register for the NCLEX test through the official website or via phone. The exam consists of 75-145 questions covering various nursing domains.
Endorsement Process (for those with an RN license from another state)
If you hold an RN license from a different state, you must complete a state-approved Infection Control Course and Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Course. Steps involve: - Completing and submitting the Application for Licensure-RN - Verifying educational credentials through your nursing school - Ensuring your out-of-state RN license is validated through Nursys
Renewing Your New York Nursing License
Step 1: Renewal Application Submission
While your New York license is valid for life, you are required to renew your registration every three years. You will receive a renewal notification containing a Personal Identification Number (PIN) during the last five months of your current registration period.
Step 2: Continuing Competency Requirements
New York mandates that RNs complete infection control coursework every four years.
Step 3: Renewal Application Submission
To renew your license, provide your license number and PIN. The renewal fee is $73, and the duration of subsequent registration periods may differ based on your birth month.
Licensing Fees
Here’s a breakdown of applicable fees whether you're a new graduate or transferring to New York: For first-time nurse applicants: - NCLEX fee: $200 - Application fee: $143
For endorsement applicants (those holding RN licensure): - Application fee: $143 (RN/LPN); $85 (NP) - License renewal fee: $73 (RN/LPN); $35 (APRN)
*Please note that all fees are subject to modification.
Continuing Education Obligations in New York
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) must satisfy the following: - Three contact hours in Infection Control needed for initial licensure and every four years thereafter - A one-time requirement of two hours in Child Abuse Identification and Reporting - APRNs must maintain their national certification - Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) require three contact hours in Infection Control during initial licensure and every four years.
Additionally, nurses with authority to prescribe controlled substances are mandated to complete a minimum of three hours of training every three years in relevant areas.
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Sources: “RN License Requirements.” op.nysed.gov. “Verification Searches.” op.nysed.gov. “Online Registration Renewal.” op.nysed.gov. “Infection Control.” cdc.gov. “ANCC.” nursingworld.org. “Nursing.” op.nysed.gov.
