Ohio Registered Nurse (RN) Licensing Guide
Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.
License by Exam
Licensure by Examination is the most common pathway to obtaining a nursing license in Ohio. This process allows individuals who have completed an approved nursing program to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) or Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
To begin the licensure by examination process, you must:
- Submit an application to the Ohio State Board of Nursing and provide all necessary documentation, including transcripts from your nursing program. Once your application is approved, you will receive authorization to schedule your exam.
- After passing the exam, official results will be sent directly from Pearson VUE (the testing agency) to the Ohio State Board of Nursing. Now you need to:
- Submit any additional required paperwork for fingerprinting and criminal background checks.
- Pay the required fees.
License by Endorsement
Licensure by Endorsement is an option for nurses who are already licensed in another state, but wish to practice in Ohio. This process allows nurses to transfer their existing license without having to retake the licensing exam. Instead, they must meet certain requirements set forth by the Ohio State Board of Nursing.
To be eligible for licensure by endorsement, nurses must have graduated from a nursing program that meets the board's standards and have passed the NCLEX examination or its equivalent. They must also hold a current and active license in good standing in another state.
Once these criteria are met, nurses can submit an application for licensure by endorsement. This includes providing documentation such as transcripts, verification of licensure from the original state board, and any other required forms or fees.
The Ohio State Board of Nursing will then review the application and determine if all requirements have been met. If approved, nurses will receive their Ohio nursing license and can begin practicing in the state.
Getting a Temporary License
To apply for temporary licensure, you must complete an application form and submit the required documentation. This usually includes verification of your current nursing license from another state, proof of employment or an offer letter from an employer in Ohio, and any additional documents requested by the board.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive your temporary license. It's important to note that this type of licensure is only valid for a limited time period specified by the board. You should ensure that your temporary license remains active throughout your intended duration of practice in Ohio.
Temporary licensure provides flexibility if you plan to work in Ohio temporarily or on a short-term basis. However, it's essential to follow all guidelines set forth by the board during this period to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
Renewing your License
The Ohio State Board of Nursing requires registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to renew their licenses every two years. The renewal period begins on July 1st and ends on October 31st, while September 15th is the standard renewal deadline after which late fees apply. It is crucial to submit your renewal application before the deadline to avoid any potential delays or penalties.
To renew your license, you will need to:
- Complete the application on the Ohio eLicense system.
- Pay the renewal fee.
- Complete a specified number of continuing education hours approved by the board. For RNs, this includes completing 24 contact hours or equivalent units of coursework related to nursing practice. LPNs are required to complete 12 contact hours.
Additionally, if you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor since obtaining your license, it is important to disclose this information during the renewal process as failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
By keeping track of your expiration date and fulfilling all necessary requirements for license renewal, you can continue practicing as a nurse in Ohio without interruption. Stay updated with any changes or updates from the Ohio State Board of Nursing regarding licensure requirements for continued success in your career!
Contact Info
8995 East Main Street
Reynoldsburg, Ohio, 43068
(614) 466-3947
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Wanderly strives to keep this information up to date but does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness as nursing licensure requirements, renewal cycles, fees, and continuing education obligations vary by state and are subject to change without notice. Nurses are strongly encouraged to visit their state's official nursing board website or contact the board directly to confirm current requirements prior to submitting any application.
