A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in New Jersey
New Jersey boasts excellent schools, superior health services, family-oriented communities, exquisite dining options, and fantastic shopping. It's conveniently near the coastline, New York City, and Philadelphia, making it an ideal place to reside and work.
This guide will explore: - Obtaining a New Jersey nursing license through examination - Getting licensed by endorsement - Renewing a New Jersey nursing license - Licensing costs - Continuing education obligations - Contacting the New Jersey Board of Nursing
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How to acquire your New Jersey nursing license by examination
**Step 1: Education** Becoming a registered nurse demands commitment. Whether you pursued an Associate degree, completed a four-year baccalaureate program, or switched to nursing after finishing a bachelor's in another field, your nursing education is the foundation for your career. - Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Accelerated BSN for those with a bachelor's degree in another field who complete additional courses for RN certification.
**Step 2: Application** The New Jersey nursing license application starts with creating an account on the state's online platform. After registration, select the Initial Candidate option, indicating your intention to apply for a nursing license. Only online applications are accepted in New Jersey. After completing the application, pay the $120 fee and upload all required documents. You must also register for the NCLEX test and pay a $200 fee online at Pearson VUE or by phone.
**Step 3: Transcript Submission** Request an official transcript from your nursing school, including your degree and conferral date. If you attended a New Jersey nursing school, your program might send an Official Letter of Completion directly.
**Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)** All nursing applicants in New Jersey must undergo a criminal background check. Start by completing the Certification and Authorization form for a criminal history check. If you live, work, or study in New Jersey, schedule a fingerprinting appointment with MorphoTrust, contracted by the State. Residents outside New Jersey will receive fingerprint cards for use at local law enforcement agencies. Instructions will accompany these cards.
**Step 5: NCLEX Exam** Once your application and fees are processed, and all necessary materials from your nursing program are submitted, the New Jersey Board of Nursing will notify Pearson VUE of your eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Schedule your exam promptly. The NCLEX-RN is a standardized test assessing the knowledge needed for registered nurses, covering topics such as: - Safe and Effective Care Environment - Care Management - Safety and Infection Control - Health Promotion and Maintenance - Psychosocial Integrity - Physiological Integrity - Basic Care and Comfort - Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies - Physiological Adaptation
If you pass and meet all requirements, your license will be issued shortly. If not, you must re-register and pay an additional fee to retake the exam.
**Licensing by endorsement (for already licensed RNs)** To apply for a New Jersey RN license by endorsement, create an account on the state's online portal. Choose the Initial Candidate option, stating your intention to apply for a nursing license. The application requires a $120 license fee, a $75 application fee, and a $5 Alternative to Discipline fee. Your application must include: - A recent passport photo (2” x 2”) - A copy of your birth certificate or U.S. passport - Naturalization certificate or U.S. passport copy for naturalized citizens - Immigration documents for legal aliens - Proof of legal name change, if applicable - Consent for a criminal background check
Residents of New Jersey must schedule a fingerprinting appointment, with similar provisions as previously outlined. Provide verification of good standing licensure from your original licensing state or any state where licensed through the NURSYS system.
**How to renew your New Jersey nursing license** **Step 1: Renewal Application Timing** New Jersey RN licenses expire every two years on May 31st. The renewal process takes about 10-15 days and costs $120.
**Step 2: Continuing Competency Requirements** New Jersey RNs must complete 30 continuing education hours in the two years before renewal, including at least one hour on prescription opioids and associated risks.
**Step 3: Renewal Submission** Visit the state's online portal to renew your New Jersey license.
**New Jersey nursing licensing fees** Fees for new or relocating nurses in New Jersey include: - **Licensing fees by examination (new nurses):** - NCLEX fee: $200 - Application fee: $80 - License fee: $120 - Fingerprint fee: $58.69
- **Licensing fees by endorsement (licensed RNs):** - Application fee: $200 (RN/LPN); $80/$160 (APRN, depending on RN license expiration). - Fingerprint fee: $58.69
- **License renewal fee:** - Application fee: $120 (RN); $125 (LPN); $160 (APRN)
*Fees may change over time.*
New Jersey is partially implementing the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses with active multi-state licenses to practice there. However, New Jersey residents cannot apply for multi-state licenses until full implementation.
**Continuing education requirements** - **RN:** 30 contact hours every two years. - At least 1 hour on organ and tissue donation and recovery. - At least 1 hour on prescription opioid management.
- **LPN:** 30 contact hours every two years. - At least 1 hour on organ and tissue donation and recovery. - At least 1 hour on prescription opioid management.
- **APRN:** 30 contact hours every two years. - At least 1 hour on organ and tissue donation and recovery. - At least 2 hours on end-of-life care. - At least 6 hours on pharmacology. - Maintain national certification.
**How to contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing** New Jersey Board of Nursing Phone: (973) 504-6430 Website: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/default.aspx
