Frequently Asked Questions by Nurses Answered :: TravelNurseSource.com

FAQ

Questions >> License 8 years ago

How long does it take to get licensed in other states? Is it difficult?

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Nurse

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37 answers

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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Depending on what state.

Nick Penders

Travel Nursing Recruiter

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Hi Cindy! Each state varies in terms of licensing timeframe. Most states can issue a license in less than a month, but this is dependent upon you providing all necessary documents in a timely manner so that they can be processed by the state board. Also, if you have any background hits (arrests, dui, etc), it will likely delay the process for licensure. The process itself shouldn't be too difficult - just making sure you provide them with all necessary documents upon application. Hope this helps!
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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It varies from state to state. It isn't difficult, more of a waiting game. Contact the state that you want to get licensed in, contact that states board of nursing.

Lisa Willert

Travel Nursing Recruiter

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If you have a compact state license you are licensed in you have around 25 states you will not need a license and MT will be added to this in October. The other states will vary depending on location. The 2 states that take longer are CA and FL. You can down load applications on line pretty smooth process just take your time in completing so you do not miss anything. Hope that helps.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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The licensing process can be VERY simple, and painless, depending on which state you're interested in traveling to. there are a few variables of course, like license history, background, and the states you are traveling between. Hope this helps.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Hi Cindy, Each state will vary on the length of time it takes to obtain a license.. If you go online to the board of nursing website for the state you are interested in , it should tell you :) Please let me know if you have any additional questions . Melissa

Melissa Kersten

Travel Nursing Recruiter

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Hi Cindy! It depends on a few things. The first is the state that you are currently licensed in and how quickly they are able to provide verification (i.e. if it's automated through a website or if it's manual/snail mail). The second would be how long a state takes to process a license. Some states offer temporary permits or very quick turnaround times on licensure and you can have a new license within a matter of days. The process itself is not difficult, just a lot of paperwork and following instructions. I hope this helps!
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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IT will depend on the state! Some are what we call walk thru (immediately licensed as long as you have all the proper documentation.) some can take up to 6 months. I would contact the Board of Nursing for the states you are interested in, or even check out the sites to find out a time line.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Every Board of Nursing is different. I have a cheat sheet that shows you how long it takes to get licensed in every state, which are compact, which are "walk-thru," and which may take days or months. Also, it shows fees and whether a temporary or permanent license is offered. Call me or email me directly if you would like a copy and to hear more about travel nursing opportunities.

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TravelNurseSource Representative

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It all depends on the state to be honest. Roughly some can take a couple weeks or some can take months. Best part is that if you work for us we reimburse our nurses in full for any license or Certification.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Hi Cindy! The process varies depending on the state. You will see anywhere to same-day walk through states to states that will take several weeks. We help our travelers through the process and I would encourage you to not let licensure stand in your way of taking the plunge. It can be a bump in the road but definitely something you can get over with the help of your recruiter.

Megan Smith

Travel Nursing Recruiter

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Hey Cindy! It depends where your home state is and where you'd like to be licensed?! I can get you more specific information if you would like :) Happy Friday!

Mike McSorley

Travel Nursing Recruiter

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HI Cindy! Licensure varies from state to state. Some issue fairly quickly (within 7-10days or same day) and others have very long processes. I would say on average you would see about a 2-3 week turnaround for most states with the exception of California where it typically takes anywhere from 3-6 months to get licensure. Hope this helps!
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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It depends on the state. Some states you can get a new license same day and other can take 6 months, it really depends on where you are trying to get a license. The license processes are not very difficult for the most part. For more details you can google which state license you are trying to get for specifics.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Hello Cindy, timframes vary by state/jurisdiction. Some are walk thru states(same day) some can take weeks (2-6) another consideration is if you are licensed in a compact state... over 20 states reciprocate so you don't need to get a "new" license. I hope this helps. Take care !
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Cindy, each state is different. I would recommend checking with the specific state's board of nursing. The range can be anywhere from immediate licensure to 3 months to get the license depending on the state.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Hello Cindy. Each state has different timeframes in obtaining a temporary and permanent license. There are some states that allow what is a called "walk through". This means you could walk into their board of nursing office with all of the required credentials and obtain a license in 24-48 hours. Feel free to email me and I can provide you the entire Board of Nursing state listing to see the timeframes. Email: [email protected] I look forward to hearing from you soon. All the best.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Each state is different. Some take a few days and others can take 16 weeks or longer. I would love to go over them with you. 866-332-9600 ext. 1082
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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The amount of time it takes to acquire the license varies from state to state. For example, Nevada is quick (a few days) and California takes quite a while (5-6 months). What states are you going to apply for?
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Hi Cindy- Thank you for the message. It depends on what state you are looking to go to. Some states are a walk through, others can take from 1 week up to 4 months. If you have a compact license it allows you to go to other compact states without having to obtain a new license. Please let me know if I can help with anything else. Bill
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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It depends on which state you are wanting to get licensed in. Which state and I maybe I can answer this for you.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Hi Cindy, if you've already completed your initial licensure by examination, from now on all your future licenses will be processed via endorsement. The endorsement process and length differs from state to state. Some states, like LA, AZ and SC have a "walk thru" license which allows you to physically go to the board and walk out with a temp permit to practice the same day. others like CA take about 8-10 weeks. Is there a specific state you were interested in? The state specific BON website will usually tell you or a quick google search will pull up a list of processing times for each state :)
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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There isn't a quick answer for this. Every state is different. Some States allow whats called "walk-through" where others require a far more lengthy process. However, most states offer a temporary license process of some sort. The length of time varies greatly but it is generally several weeks shorter.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Hi Cindy, each state has their own timeline for the process. In some states it can take up to 4 months and in others you can have their license within hours. I can email a breakdown for each state if you would like.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Most states are not bad, usually 30-60 days. California can take up to 6 months. Florida is one of the most expensive states for licensure. Compact states are the best!

Brad Bell

Travel Nursing Recruiter

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Cindy, hard to answer that question directly, but it can take as little as 1 day, and as long as 6 months honestly. The license issues are kind of weird, but some states are a walk through, and some, like California take 3 to 4 months...or can. and if another state needs to verify all licenses and you have a California, it can take those 6 to 8 weeks. hope that helps.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Hi Cindy, If you do not have a compact state license it can vary per state. There are some walk through states which you can get the same day, other states will range from 3-4 days, 7- 10 days, 3-4 weeks and even some can take up to 3 months or longer. As long as you go to each BON in that state you are wanting a license and have everything you need for licensure by endorsement it should not be difficult.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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There are lots of variables, like what state licenses do you currently hold, is it a Nursys verifiable state, do you have any issues on your background, are you able to go to the actually state and do a live scan or do cards by mail. Each BON has subtle differences in their needs. In general , nope not hard, just detailed :)
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Cindy, It can vary state to state. Let me know what state or states you are thinking of getting a RN license in and I can assist you with the documentation and submitting the application.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Hi Cindy, It depends on what state your trying to get licensed in. Some can do a walk through, others can take weeks and months
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Depends on the state. Az is walk thru and 48 hrs, while CA takes up to 2 months for some
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Cindy, Each state varies. We have details that we can share with you. Contact me at 980-207-5009. I am glad to explain the process and let you know the approximate time it takes to get licensed in another state.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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A few states are walk-through, some take 2-4 and the rest -- 90 days plus
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Good Evening Cindy. The best answer to that question is that it depends on what state you are trying to go to. Some states are walk through states which means you can get a license in 1 day, some have temporary licenses that take about a week or so to get, and others are difficult states that take a long time such as CA. Feel free to give me a call and I would be happy to answer anything else you have a questions about. All the best. Monte
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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Hi Cindy and thanks for reaching out. The length of time and the difficulty level depends upon which states you are applying to. Most states are simple and don't take much time at all. In fact, there are several states that are referred to as "walk-thru states" meaning, the Board of Nursing allows you to walk into their office with paperwork in hand and they will issue you a license on the spot. There are some states that are very difficult and/or time consuming. States that tend to be difficult and/or time consuming include: NY, NJ, OR, CA and FL. Nearly all others are easy. Please let us know of any other questions we can answer. Thanks, Crystal Lovato
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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It varies depending on the state. Each state is different. The range can be anywhere from same day licensure to a few months to get the license depending on the state. We can definitely help you in the process.
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TravelNurseSource Representative

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My friend just received her Florida license. It took her a few weeks to get it, maybe 4 weeks total.

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