Massachusetts Nursing License

In order to work as a nurse in Massachusetts, you need to get a Massachusetts Nursing License. If you are interested in how to get your nursing license, just continue reading as this article contains everything you need to know and also some important links. All nursing licenses are provided by the Board of Registration in Nursing.

RN and LPN have different licensure processes.

LPN Requirements in Massachusetts

Education Requirements for LPNs

First of all, you need to take a Board-approved nursing program. To make your work easier the Board made a list of approved in-state nursing programs also they made a list of non-approved programs but you can participate. In Massachusetts you cannot get a license if you are just a graduate, it is important to take the nursing program.

If you have completed coursework in your nursing program and you have good academic performance you will be allowed to take the PN test.
You need to complete more than 945 hours of theory and clinical practice in five required areas, from which 540 hours should be clinical practice. Total hours must be minimum of 1,080.

In order to determine if you can take the test or not you need to fill out a form.

The LPN Application Process

For the application process, The Massachusetts Board and Professional Credential Services sign a contract.

To get your application and all the instructions you need to visit the PCS webpage. On this website, you can also download the relevant Massachusetts statutes and regulations which you are required to read.

In the beginning, you need to register with the testing company. You can do it online or by phone at 866-496-2539. Also, you can find the registration form in your bulletin.

Note: The registration is not actually scheduled for the exam.

Fees

For the exam, you need to pay $200. But after registration, you need to send your application by mail to the PCS and pay a separate application fee of $230.

If you have done everything in order and right, now is the step where you will get the Authorization to Test in a few days. After getting it you have 60 days to take the exam.

Note: If you fail your exam you need to repeat all the steps.

If your license was approved, in a few days you can verify it on the Board website or through LicenseLookup.org. But, if your license was denied, you will get diagnostic information and you can take the test in 45 days, but can register right away.

Candidates from other states

If you are from another state but want your nursing license in Massachusetts, the best option for you is a license by endorsement. The requirements are:

1. Be graduate from an LPN or RN Board-approved program in another state or US territory, or
2. Drop out of the RN program, but have good academic performance( you need to pass the required licensing exam and provide evidence of good character )

Note: If you answer “yes” to any of the questions you must provide supporting documents.

The fee for the endorsement application is $275. And the application you can find on the site of Professional Credential Services.

RN License Requirements in Massachusetts

Education Requirements for RNs

If you are RN and want to get your nursing license, you need to be engaged in a Board-approved program. In Massachusetts, there are a lot of approved professional nursing programs, including associate, baccalaureate, diploma, and direct entry masters.

You can take a program in another state, that is approved by the Board of that state. Although you are not allowed to take programs that are not approved of any states.

The RN Application Process

After graduation, you need to complete two application,

• First, is the application for the NCLEX-RN
• Second, is the application to the Professional Credential Services, because the Massachusetts Board contracts with them to handle the applications.

You can find the application and all the instructions on the Professional Credential Services website.

The application and documents must be sent to the PCS, however, if you answer “yes” to the question you need to provide documents and send them directly to the Board.

Fees

For application, you need to pay $230
For NCLEX registration $200

These two applications must be done at the same time. It is better to send the application by email because in this case, you will get your Authorization to Test in a few days. The exams are on a computer basis and the schedule is up to you, you can take it either in Massachusetts or another state.

Note: If you fail the exam you can retake it in 45 days.

Candidates from other states

If you are a licensed nurse from another state, and you want to get your nursing license in Massachusetts. You need to apply for a license by endorsement. The requirements are:

1. Be graduate from an LPN or RN Board-approved program in another state or US territory, or
2. Drop out of the RN program, but have good academic performance( you need to pass the required licensing exam and provide evidence of good character )

Note: If you answer “yes” to any of the questions you must provide supporting documents.

The fee for the endorsement application is $275. And the application you can find on the Professional Credential Services website.

International Candidates

If you are an International candidate you need to have a high school education separately from your nursing education. RNs can have either CGFNS Qualifying Examination Certificate or Visa Screen Certificate. You can also provide the CES if it includes details about science and nursing courses.

Canadians can take nursing programs in Canada, as they are also accepted by the Board, but you still need to pass the examination. In the Canadian application, there is a Certification of Graduation form, where you need to answer questions about program approval and language of delivery and examination.

You also need to provide English proficiency. There are a lot of proficiency exams you can choose whatever you want. If you take your nursing education in the US, you are already proficient.

You need to submit your Certification of Graduation to PCS. If your candidate will be approved, you will get an application for licensure by examination and will be able to take the NCLEX.

How long does it take to get a nursing license in Massachusetts?

It will take from 4 to 6 weeks until you get your nursing license.

How do I verify a nursing license in Massachusetts?

To verify a nursing license in Massachusetts go to the Massachusetts Health Professions License Verification Site or use LicenseLookup.org.

Is Massachusetts a compact state for a nursing license?

Massachusetts does not provide temporary licenses and does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).