As graduation approaches, nursing students face an important transition from education to professional practice. Understanding how nursing licensure works, particularly if you plan to practice across state lines, can help you make informed decisions about where and how you work.
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) can make it easier for eligible registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to practice in multiple participating states. For graduate nursing students pursuing advanced practice roles, however, it is also important to understand that RN licensure, APRN licensure, and national certification are separate credentials with different requirements.
What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact?
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement among participating U.S. states and jurisdictions that allows eligible RNs and LPN/VNs to hold one multistate license.
Instead of obtaining separate RN or LPN/VN licenses for every participating state where they want to work, eligible nurses with a multistate license may practice in other compact states without applying for additional licenses.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) administers the compact.
What Is a Multistate Nursing License?
A multistate license, sometimes called a compact license, is issued by a nurse’s primary state of residence if that state participates in the NLC and the nurse meets the compact’s uniform licensure requirements.
With a multistate license, nurses may practice in person or through telehealth in other participating compact states while following the nursing laws and regulations of the state where the patient is located.
Nurses do not automatically qualify for a multistate license. Eligibility depends on meeting the NLC’s uniform licensure requirements and establishing legal residency in a participating compact state.
Does the NLC Apply to Advanced Practice Nursing?
This distinction matters for graduate nursing students.
The Nurse Licensure Compact applies to RN and LPN/VN licenses. It does not provide multistate APRN licensure. An advanced practice registered nurse must meet the APRN licensure requirements for each state in which they practice.
NCSBN has also developed a separate APRN Compact for advanced practice registered nurses. However, APRNs should verify current licensure requirements with the board of nursing in each state where they intend to practice.
For graduate nursing students preparing to become nurse practitioners, this means they should view their RN license, APRN license, and national certification as separate credentials.
Licensure vs. Certification: What’s the Difference?
Licensure and certification are related but distinct.
State boards of nursing grant nursing licenses and determine whether a nurse is legally authorized to practice within a state. National certification demonstrates that an advanced practice nurse has met the requirements established by a national certification organization for a particular role and population focus.
For example, students preparing to become family nurse practitioners or adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners typically pursue national certification after completing their graduate education. Depending on their specialty and eligibility, they may take a certification examination administered by organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Understanding these distinctions becomes especially important for graduate nursing students planning to practice across state lines or provide telehealth services.
Why Should Graduate Nursing Students Understand the NLC?
Even if you plan to begin your advanced practice career close to home, understanding multistate RN licensure can be valuable as your career evolves.
It may be especially relevant if you:
- Plan to relocate after graduation
- Live near a state border and may practice in a neighboring state
- Are interested in telehealth
- Expect to maintain your RN license while pursuing or practicing in an advanced practice role
- Want greater geographic flexibility during your nursing career
Understanding which credential governs which part of your practice can help you navigate state requirements more effectively.
What If Your State Isn’t Part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Not every U.S. jurisdiction participates in the NLC.
If your primary state of residence is not an NLC member, you can still become a licensed nurse. However, you’ll generally need to obtain individual RN licenses for each state where you plan to practice as an RN.
Graduate nursing students preparing for advanced practice should also check the APRN licensure requirements in each state where they intend to practice.
Because compact participation and licensing requirements can change, verify current information with the appropriate state board of nursing and NCSBN.
Where Can Nursing Students Learn More?
NCSBN and the Nurse Licensure Compact provide resources to help nurses understand licensure requirements, including information about participating compact states, multistate license eligibility, interstate practice, and requirements for advanced practice nurses.
Graduate nursing students should also consult the board of nursing in any state where they plan to practice to determine the specific requirements for RN and APRN licensure.
Preparing for Nurse Practitioner Certification
For graduate nursing students pursuing family nurse practitioner or adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner roles, national certification is another important step on the path to advanced practice.
Maria T. Codina Leik, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, FNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, is a nationally recognized advanced practice nursing educator whose FNP and AGNP Intensive Review resources are designed to help nurse practitioner candidates prepare for AANPCB and ANCC certification examinations.
Explore Maria Leik’s FNP and AGNP certification exam preparation resources from Springer Publishing as you prepare for the next stage of your advanced practice nursing career.
Understanding the differences among RN licensure, multistate licensure, APRN licensure, and national certification can help graduate nursing students navigate the transition into advanced practice with greater clarity.
