Check eligibility for a nursing license by reciprocity

If you're a nurse with an out-of-state license who wants to practice in Massachusetts, you must be licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Massachusetts does not issue temporary licenses and does not take part in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

Am I eligible?

To be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Massachusetts, you must provide proof that you:

• AR 23-02 Educational Requirements for Licensure Applicants Educated in an Out of State Nursing Program (PDF) | (DOCX)
• Graduated from a board-approved nursing program
• Are of Good Moral Character, as defined by Massachusetts state law
• Have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
• Have been licensed in another state or the District of Columbia
• Have a valid Social Security number

If you were a former RN student and you withdrew (did not graduate) from a professional nursing program but were in good standing, you may need to provide additional documentation to apply:

• Determination of Eligibility for Practical Nurse Reciprocity or to Write the NCLEX-PN by Former RN

Additional Resources

Information for Foreign-Educated Nurses

Determination of Eligibility for Practical Nurse Reciprocity or to Write the NCLEX-PN by Former RN