1. Educational Requirements: First, an individual must graduate from an accredited nursing program. This could be a diploma, an associate degree (ADN), or a bachelor’s degree (BSN) in nursing.
2. Passing the NCLEX: After completing the educational requirements, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN for registered nurses or NCLEX-PN for practical nurses). This standardized exam tests the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level nursing practice.
3. Application to the State Board: Once the NCLEX is passed, the candidate must apply for licensure with their respective state’s Board of Nursing. Each state may have additional requirements such as background checks or specific coursework.
