Nurse Licensing Boards Education and Training

Train for a nurse's license in accordance with nurse licensing boards

In the United States, state operated nurse licensing boards determine the rules and regulations for obtaining a nursing license within a particular jurisdiction. In essence, the state boards serve as the regulatory agencies in nursing. While states don't have a specific nurse practitioner licensing board, nurse practitioners also fall under the guise of the state nursing license boards.

Generally, nurses are required to complete a specific sequence of training as approved by the nurse license board. In addition, practicing nurses are required to obtain continuing education credits in order to maintain their license for nursing. Consider these sources to comply with nurse licensing boards’ education and training.

1. Training programs for nurse licenses should be in accordance with state and national standards.

2. Associations, such as the American Nurses Association, provide additional credentialing for nurses licenses.

3. There are specific state requirements for obtaining advanced licenses for nurses, such as a nurse practitioner license.

 

Complete nurse licensing board mandated education and exams

It's important to identify an approved nurse licensing boards education and training program. You won't get a license if you don't participate in a program that meets the standards of your jurisdiction's licensing board. Once you've completed your program, you'll need to take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, which are nursing exams developed under the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Try: Contact your jurisdiction's nurse license board before selecting a nurse training program. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing provides links to state nursing boards. Schedule your licensing examination through Pearson Education, which administers the exams at various locations throughout the country.

Maintain nurse licenses by completing accredited continuing education credits

Once you have a nursing license, you must maintain the license by taking continuing education classes. It's imperative that these classes meet your jurisdiction's nurse licensing board requirements. Most nurse licensing boards look for training that meets the standards of at least one nurse credentialing agency.
Try: The American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, has a list of training organizations that offer accredited continuing education courses. Generally, these courses meet standards for nurse licensing boards’ education and training requirements. Nurse CEU.com offers a list of online continuing education classes. Once you find a class here, check it against the ANCC list to be sure your course is accredited.

Consider taking additional training for an advanced nursing license

Nursing is a profession with tremendous opportunities for growth and advancement. Nurses can specialize in any number of fields including nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners.
Try: Check for accredited nurse anesthetist programs on the website for the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs. You can click on the link for your state to be sure your getting programs that meet state licensing board standards. If you're interested in advanced training as a nurse practitioner, search the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners website for approved programs within your state.

 

• Consider getting certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. While your nursing license board may not require this certification, it will help you to attain jobs and command higher salaries.

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