Registered Nurse License

CALIFORNIA

To practice as an RN in California, you must be licensed by the California State Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). You must meet educational requirements, pass a criminal background check, and pass the national licensing examination.

To apply for licensure:

• Obtain an application package and detailed instructions online at the BRN website or by contacting the BRN.
• Send your application to the BRN at least 6-8 weeks before graduation.
• Have your school send the BRN your transcripts.
• Complete a fingerprint background check.
• Take and pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX). The exam is computerized and given continuously 6 days a week. (New graduates are advised to take the exam soon after graduation because research has shown that there is a higher success rate for early test takers compared with those who wait several months.)
• Apply for an Interim Permit if you wish to work in a supervised nursing capacity while awaiting the results of your examination.

Further information on becoming licensed may be obtained on the California State Board of Registered Nursing website,  www.rn.ca.gov

TEXAS

Under Texas law, graduates of nursing programs must meet requirements established by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) to be eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

Completion of a nursing education program does not guarantee eligibility for licensure.

Students accepted into a nursing program preparing graduates for initial licensure are required to comply with Texas BON requirements, including a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Certain criminal history, disciplinary, eligibility, or other matters may require additional review by the Texas BON and may affect an individual's eligibility for licensure.

Licensure Process

Graduates seeking initial nursing licensure in Texas are generally required to:

1. Complete an approved nursing education program.
2. Submit an application for licensure by examination to the Texas Board of Nursing through the Texas Nurse Portal and pay the applicable fee.
3. Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check and resolve any eligibility issues identified by the Texas BON.
4. Register with Pearson VUE for the appropriate National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN).
5. Successfully complete the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination (NJE).
6. Graduate from the nursing program. Following graduation, the nursing program Director/Dean submits an Affidavit of Graduation (AOG) to the Texas BON verifying successful completion of the approved nursing program.
7. Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) after the Texas BON determines that all applicable requirements have been satisfied.
8. Take and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN.
9. Receive a nursing license from the Texas Board of Nursing after all requirements for licensure have been satisfied.

The Texas BON confirms that its ATT review requires the NCLEX application and fee, criminal background-check results and any required eligibility review, Pearson VUE registration, completion of the Nursing Jurisprudence Examination, and the Affidavit of Graduation. For graduates of Texas-approved programs, the program Director/Dean submits the Affidavit of Graduation electronically after the student graduates.

The Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination addresses the Texas Nursing Practice Act and Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations and must be completed before an applicant receives an ATT.

Important: Eligibility for licensure is determined solely by the Texas Board of Nursing. The College cannot guarantee that a graduate will be eligible to receive an Authorization to Test, take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, or obtain a nursing license. Students are responsible for understanding and meeting all current Texas BON requirements. Licensure requirements are subject to change.

Students who have questions or concerns regarding their eligibility for nursing licensure should contact the Texas Board of Nursing for guidance and review current licensure requirements before or during enrollment.