Are you looking to become a registered nurse in Ohio? Whether you’re just starting out or are already a practicing professional, the Ohio Board of Nursing has everything you need to know about licenses, regulations, and requirements. This blog post will provide an overview of the necessary steps for obtaining your nursing license in Ohio.
Nursing License in Ohio
Nursing License in Ohio FAQ
Q: Does Ohio Belong to the eNLC?
A: Yes, Ohio is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which allows nurses with a multistate license to practice in Ohio and other eNLC states without needing additional licenses.
Q: Does Ohio Offer Walk-Through Licenses?
A: No, Ohio does not offer walk-through licenses. All applicants for Ohio nursing licenses must apply online and meet all requirements before a license is issued.
Q: Does Ohio Offer Temporary Nursing Licenses?
A: Yes, Ohio offers temporary nursing licenses to qualified applicants. The temporary license is valid for up to six months and allows the nurse to practice while waiting for their permanent license to be issued.
Q: Does Ohio Belong to Nursys?
A: Yes, Ohio is a member of Nursys, a national database of nurse licensure information that allows employers and other state nursing boards to verify a nurse’s license status.
Q: What is the Ohio Board of Nursing URL?
A: The URL for the Ohio Board of Nursing is https://www.nursing.ohio.gov/.
Q: What it the Phone Number of the Ohio Board of Nursing?
A: The phone number for the Ohio Board of Nursing is (614) 466-3947.
Q: What is the Address for the Ohio Board of Nursing?
A: The address for the Ohio Board of Nursing is 17 South High Street, Suite 660, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
Q: What is the Fee for Ohio Endorsement Application?
A: The fee for an Ohio endorsement application is $100.
Q: What is the Fee for Temporary Nursing License in Ohio?
A: The fee for a temporary nursing license in Ohio is $50.
Q: What is the Fee for Fingerprint Card (If Out-of-State)?
A: The fee for a fingerprint card for out-of-state applicants is $47.
Q: What is the time frame for obtaining a Permanent License?
A: The time frame for obtaining a permanent nursing license in Ohio can vary depending on the individual’s application and verification of education and licensure. However, the Ohio Board of Nursing strives to process applications within 14 business days.
Q: What is the time frame for obtaining a Temporary License?
A: The time frame for obtaining a temporary nursing license in Ohio can also vary depending on the individual’s application and verification of education and licensure. However, the Ohio Board of Nursing strives to process temporary license applications within five business days.
How-To Become a Nurse In Ohio?
To become a registered nurse in Ohio, one must complete an approved educational program such as a diploma, associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Candidates for licensure by endorsement must also take a two hour course in Ohio rules and laws, which can be met through distance education.
Those who held or hold a license from a NURSYS state, the education information is typically available for verification of licensure. Following this process, applicants must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain their license.
Additionally, registered nurses in Ohio must complete 24 continuing education units to be eligible to renew their license every two years. Advanced practice nurses must additionally complete a master’s or doctoral degree with a major in nursing specialty or related field. Successful completion of these steps will make one eligible to become a registered nurse in Ohio.
How Do I Apply For A Nursing License In Ohio?
In order to apply for a nursing license in Ohio, one must first register on the Ohio eLicense 3.0 System to create an account. The nurse should then have official license verification sent to the Ohio Board from their original state of licensure and the state where they are seeking licensure.
If the state of licensure participates in the Nursys.com license verification system, the nurse must submit a completed application form that has been notarized along with their $75.00 fee and required documents which are valid for 180 days upon receipt of all documents.
Once all documents have been received, it will take approximately 7-14 business days for the application to be processed.
What Are The Steps To Getting A Nursing License In Ohio?
In order to obtain a nursing license in Ohio, applicants must first meet the educational requirements set forth by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN). This includes holding a valid registered nurse (RN) license, obtaining a master’s or doctoral degree with a major in nursing specialty or related field, and completing a two-hour course in Ohio rules and laws.
Applicants must then create an account with eLicense.Ohio.gov and submit the application along with all required documents, including transcripts. The application fee is $75.00, and it typically takes 7-14 business days from the submission of all documents for the license to be granted. Nurses who already hold a valid license in another jurisdiction may be eligible for licensure by endorsement and will need to provide evidence of such when applying for their Ohio nursing license.
What Is The NCLEX Exam, And How Do I Prepare For It?
The NCLEX Exam is the National Council Licensure Examination and is required to obtain nursing licensure in Ohio. The exam is a computerized adaptive test, which means each test is adapted to the individual test-taker based on their knowledge of the material. In order to prepare for the NCLEX, aspiring nurses must complete an accredited nursing program and register with Pearson Vue.
It is important to register for the exam during the last semester of nursing school and before submitting the licensure application. The exam produces a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions in order to pass. For those who wish to take the NCLEX-PN, there is an additional cost of $200 upon registration.
To ensure success on the exam, it is important for nursing students to be familiar with their course materials, study resources, and practice tests in order to be fully prepared for the exam.
What Happens If I Fail The NCLEX Exam?
If you don’t pass the NCLEX exam, you will be allowed to retake it after a 45-day waiting period. Candidates have unlimited attempts to retake the NCLEX in Ohio, but all applicable exam fees are required each time.
The NCSBN requires that an individual wait a full 45 days from the date of their first test before retaking the exam. The earliest you can retake the NCLEX-RN is forty-five days after your previous test was completed and submitted for scoring. You’ll receive a NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR) which is an individualized document that shows how a candidate has performed on each area tested.
Every State Board of Nursing can have separate rules for taking the test, such as California allowing you to take the exam every 45 days as many times as you want. Pearson VUE administers the RN and LPN NCLEX examination for the National Council and candidates can register for their NCLEX at any time. The Texas BON allows test-takers to retake the NCLEX exam, however they must continue to submit an application and pay applicable fees each time.
How Much Does It Cost To Obtain A Nursing License In Ohio?
The cost of obtaining a nursing license in Ohio depends upon the type of license and the method of application. The RN and LPN renewal fee from July 1 to September 15 is $65, plus a $3.50 transaction fee charged by Ohio eLicense. An additional fee of $50 is applied for late renewals.
For licensure by examination or endorsement, the application fee is $75, plus a $200 exam fee to PearsonVUE for taking the NCLEX-RN. Endorsement applicants may need to pay an additional fee to OBN, depending on the state they are transferring their license from.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Nursing License In Ohio?
Obtaining a nursing license in Ohio can take up to 30 days for initial review of applications once the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) receives your Program Completion Letter.
The NLC allows nurses to hold a multistate license in their primary state of residence while practicing virtually or across state lines in 37 other states. A temporary permit is also valid for 180 days, however, it can only be issued one time to those with valid licensure from another state.
Furthermore, after submitting all the required information and applying for RN licensure/testing, applicants should allow up to 1-2 weeks for the temporary license to be issued. Lastly, applicants must complete all steps of obtaining their license before the 180 day period expires.
Licensure by Endorsement: Transfer My License to Ohio
Nurses who are already licensed in another state or U.S. territory can apply for licensure by endorsement in Ohio. This process, also known as reciprocity, requires nurses to request verification of their original licensure via Nursys and have the official license verification sent to the Ohio Board of Nursing.
To complete the process, nurses must apply for licensure endorsement at least 1 to 2 months in advance of a move, pay any applicable fees, and submit all required documents (including transcripts) which must be valid for 180 days upon receipt. Converting to a Multistate Licensure Compact is an option but not a requirement.
The application can be found on the Ohio Board of Nursing website and has a fee of $75.00. Once approved, nurses can then take the NCLEX exam if necessary and follow all other steps necessary for obtaining their nursing license in Ohio.
How To Verify Nursing License in Ohio
Verifying a nursing license in Ohio is a simple process. The Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) offers an online license lookup system for individuals and businesses.
By entering the search criteria, such as name, license type, and location, individuals can easily verify a license. The OBN also requires applicants to submit fingerprints for criminal record verification.
Additionally, nurses who wish to transfer their license to Ohio can do so by applying for licensure by endorsement. Individuals can check the status of their application by logging onto their dashboard and reviewing the status. To ensure that healthcare workers meet the statutory and regulatory requirements to practice in Ohio, individuals are encouraged to use these methods to verify their nursing license in the state.
How Do I Renew My Nursing License In Ohio?
In Ohio, nursing license renewal is required every two years, with a renewal fee of $65. RNs and LPNs must complete at least 24 contact hours of continuing education (CE) to renew their license. The renewal period opens up on July 1st in the even year and the deadline is September 15th. If you fail to renew your license by the deadline, a late fee of $50 will be charged.
The Ohio Board of Nursing provides an online renewal portal for easy processing. Alternatively, you can request verification of licensure from your original state of licensure and the state where you are transferring.
The 24 hours of CE required to renew each APRN license are in addition to the 24 hours of CE required to renew the RN license. For those who wish to convert their single state nursing license to a Multistate Licensure Compact (MSL), this is an option as well.
How Do I Restore My Nursing License in Ohio?
Restoring a nursing license in Ohio requires completing a licensure application and paying the required fees. A nurse whose license or certification has expired within the past five years is eligible for the Licensure by Endorsement process, which allows the licensee to temporarily restore their license.
The Ohio Board of Nursing will investigate any evidence that a violation has occurred and may require additional documentation, such as proof of continuing education credits or background checks. Once all requirements are met, the Board will review the application and issue a new license.
Requirements for a Nurse Practitioner License in Ohio?
In order to obtain a Nurse Practitioner license in Ohio, an advanced practice nurse must earn a graduate degree in an approved program that meets the educational requirements for the state.
This may include completing a master’s or doctoral degree with a major in a nursing specialty or related field. After obtaining the necessary qualifications, the graduate must be issued a license by the Ohio Board of Nursing that authorizes them to practice as an APRN.
In addition, all NPs must complete 24 hours of continuing education for each APRN license, and at least 12 of those hours must be in pharmacotherapeutics. Finally, they are required to pass the NCLEX-PN examination in order to qualify for licensure.
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