If you are a foreign-educated nurse who wants to work as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is a standardized test that measures your ability to provide safe and effective nursing care to patients. However, not all states have the same requirements and processes for taking the NCLEX-RN. Some states may have more lenient or faster procedures than others, making them more attractive for international nurses. In this article, we will rank the top ten states in the USA best for taking the NCLEX-RN exam based on the following criteria:
1.Whether they require an English language proficiency exam (such as IELTS or TOEFL) or a social security number (SSN) to apply for the NCLEX-RN or a license.
2.How long it takes to process the application and issue the authorization to test (ATT) and the license.
3.How much it costs to apply for the NCLEX-RN and the license.
4. Whether they are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice in multiple states with one license.
10. Florida
Florida is a popular destination for many international nurses because of its warm climate, diverse culture, and high demand for nurses. Florida does not require an English language proficiency exam or an SSN to apply for the NCLEX-RN or a license. However, it does require a criminal background check and a fingerprint scan, which may take some time and money to complete. The processing time for the application is about 30 to 60 days, and the fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN and $175 for the license. Florida is also part of the NLC, which means that nurses who obtain a license in Florida can practice in other NLC states without applying for a new license.
9. New Mexico
New Mexico is another state that does not require an English language proficiency exam or an SSN to apply for the NCLEX-RN or a license. It also does not require a criminal background check or a fingerprint scan, which makes the application process faster and cheaper. The processing time for the application is about 15 to 30 days, and the fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN and $110 for the license. New Mexico is also part of the NLC, which gives nurses more mobility and flexibility in their practice.
8. Montana
Montana is a state that offers a lot of natural beauty and outdoor activities for nurses who enjoy nature and adventure. Montana does not require an English language proficiency exam or an SSN to apply for the NCLEX-RN or a license. It also does not require a criminal background check or a fingerprint scan, which simplifies the application process. The processing time for the application is about 30 business days, and the fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN and $100 for the license. Montana is also part of the NLC, which allows nurses to work in other NLC states with ease.
7. New York
New York is one of the most famous and populous states in the USA, with a lot of opportunities and challenges for nurses. New York does not require an English language proficiency exam or an SSN to apply for the NCLEX-RN or a license. However, it does require a criminal background check and a fingerprint scan, which may take some time and money to complete. The processing time for the application is about 6 to 9 months, which is longer than most other states. The fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN and $143 for the license. New York is not part of the NLC, which means that nurses who obtain a license in New York can only practice in New York unless they apply for a new license in another state.
6. Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the six New England states that have a rich history and culture. Connecticut does not require an English language proficiency exam or an SSN to apply for the NCLEX-RN or a license. It also does not require a criminal background check or a fingerprint scan, which makes the application process easier and faster. The processing time for the application is about 30 to 60 days, and the fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN and $180 for the license. Connecticut is not part of the NLC, which means that nurses who obtain a license in Connecticut can only practice in Connecticut unless they apply for a new license in another state.
5. South Dakota
South Dakota is a state that is known for its scenic landscapes and national monuments. South Dakota does not require an English language proficiency exam or an SSN to apply for the NCLEX-RN or a license. It also does not require a criminal background check or a fingerprint scan, which reduces the hassle and cost of the application process. The processing time for the application is about 15 to 30 days, and the fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN and $100 for the license. South Dakota is also part of the NLC, which gives nurses more options and flexibility in their practice.
4. Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean that are a commonwealth of the USA. They offer a tropical climate and a diverse culture for nurses who want to experience a different lifestyle. The Northern Mariana Islands do not require an English language proficiency exam or an SSN to apply for the NCLEX-RN or a license. They also do not require a criminal background check or a fingerprint scan, which makes the application process quick and easy. The processing time for the application is about 15 to 30 days, and the fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN and $75 for the license. The Northern Mariana Islands are not part of the NLC, which means that nurses who obtain a license in the Northern Mariana Islands can only practice in the Northern Mariana Islands unless they apply for a new license in another state.
3. Texas
Texas is the second-largest and second-most populous state in the USA, with a lot of diversity and opportunity for nurses. Texas does not require an English language proficiency exam or an SSN to apply for the NCLEX-RN or a license. However, it does require a criminal background check and a fingerprint scan, which may take some time and money to complete. The processing time for the application is about 6 to 8 months, which is longer than in some other states. The fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN and $186 for the license. Texas is also part of the NLC, which allows nurses to practice in other NLC states without applying for a new license.
2. Illinois
Illinois is a state that has a lot of cultural and economic influence in the USA, especially in its largest city, Chicago. Illinois does not require an English language proficiency exam or an SSN to apply for the NCLEX-RN or a license. However, it does require a criminal background check and a fingerprint scan, which may take some time and money to complete. The processing time for the application is about 4 to 6 months, which is faster than in some other states. The fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN and $91 for the license. Illinois is not part of the NLC, which means that nurses who obtain a license in Illinois can only practice in Illinois unless they apply for a new license in another state.
1. California
California is the most populous and most diverse state in the USA, with a lot of attractions and opportunities for nurses. California does not require an English language proficiency exam or an SSN to apply for the NCLEX-RN or a license. It also does not require a criminal background check or a fingerprint scan, which makes the application process very simple and fast. The processing time for the application is about 2 to 4 weeks, which is the shortest among all the states. The fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN and $150 for the license. California is not part of the NLC, which means that nurses who obtain a license in California can only practice in California unless they apply for a new license in another state.
How to Apply for the NCLEX-RN Exam in the USA
The NCLEX-RN exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which is a non-profit organization that regulates nursing practice in the USA. To apply for the NCLEX-RN exam, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Choose the state where you want to apply for the NCLEX-RN and the license. You can use the information in this article to help you decide which state is best for you based on your preferences and qualifications.
2.Contact the board of nursing (BON) of the state where you want to apply and request an application packet. You can find the contact information of each BON on the NCSBN website here.
3.Complete the application form and submit it to the BON along with the required documents and fees. The documents may include your transcripts, credentials evaluation report, proof of identity, proof of English language proficiency (if required), and proof of SSN (if required). The fees may vary depending on the state and the type of application. You can find the specific requirements and fees for each state on the NCSBN website here.
4.Wait for the BON to review your application and issue you authorization to test (ATT). The ATT is a document that allows you to schedule and take the NCLEX-RN exam. The ATT will be sent to you by email or mail, depending on the state. The ATT will be valid for a certain period of time, usually 90 days, during which you must schedule and take the NCLEX-RN exam. The ATT will also contain information on how to schedule the exam with Pearson VUE, the testing service provider that administers the NCLEX-RN exam. You can find more information on how to schedule the exam on the Pearson VUE website [here].
5. Schedule the exam with Pearson VUE online, by phone, or by mail. You will need to provide your ATT number, your preferred test date and location, and your payment information. The fee for the NCLEX-RN exam is $200, which is the same for all states. You can find the available test centers and dates on the Pearson VUE website [here].
6. Prepare for the exam by reviewing the test plan, the candidate bulletin, and the practice questions provided by the NCSBN. You can find these resources on the NCSBN website . You can also use other study materials and courses to help you prepare for the exam, such as books, online programs, or tutors.
7. Take the exam at the scheduled test center on the test day. You will need to bring your ATT, your valid identification, and any other required items. You will have up to 6 hours to complete the exam, which consists of multiple-choice and alternate-format questions. The exam is adaptive, which means that the difficulty and number of questions will vary depending on your performance. You will need to answer at least 75 questions and no more than 265 questions to pass the exam. You can find more information on what to expect on the test day on the Pearson VUE website.
8. Wait for the results of the exam, which will be sent to you by the BON of the state where you applied. The results will be available within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the state. You can also check the status of your results online through the Pearson VUE website or by phone through the NCSBN website. If you pass the exam, you will receive your license from the BON. If you fail the exam, you will receive a diagnostic report that shows your strengths and weaknesses, and you will be able to retake the exam after a waiting period, which varies by state.
Conclusion
Taking the NCLEX-RN exam in the USA is a necessary step for foreign-educated nurses who want to work as registered nurses in the USA. However, the requirements and processes for taking the exam may differ by state, and some states may be more suitable for international nurses than others. In this article, we have ranked the top ten states in the USA best for taking the NCLEX-RN exam based on the criteria of English language proficiency, SSN, processing time, fees, and NLC membership. We have also provided a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam in the USA. Thanks for reading.
