RN License Transfer to Texas

See how to transfer your nursing license to Texas (TX)

Written by Nurses Link on January 17th, 2013

People travel all of the time. Nurses are no exception. People who already have a nursing license and are planning to move to the state of Texas will be able to transfer an RN license to Texas without a lot of hassles.

First, depending on the state where the RN license was issued, the RN may be able to use a reciprocal agreement with another compact state. The states that currently participate are: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. Although there are many states that recognize the compact, there are states that do not offer this option.

Second, the nurse needing to transfer an RN license to Texas will need to research the license requirements for that state. Additional classes may be required or an RN may need to take an additional test to earn a license in the state of Texas.

Third, if the state of the original license is not part of the compact agreement, the RN will need to obtain Texas licensure through endorsement. To be eligible for an endorsement, the nurse must have graduated from an approved program and have taken the NCLEX in the previous four years. In Texas, an RN can apply for license in two ways; online or on paper.

Applying for Texas transfer licensure online is quick and easy. If all requirements are met, the RN will need to submit a criminal background check and finger printing. Next the nurse will need to pass the Texas jurisprudence examination. This is a basic test of the state nursing laws. The RN will also need to send in the names of all states where he or she has ever held an RN license. Once all of the information is complete and processed, a permanent Texas license will be issued.

If applying for a Texas RN license transfer on paper, the basic steps from above will need to be completed. Instead of uploading the information online, the documents will be sent to the licensing office for verification. Once all paperwork is checked and processed, a license will be issued.

Traveling to other states can be lucrative for RN’s who are not tied to a certain area. Many states have a shortage of qualified RN’s and a good nurse should be able to find a good job. RN’s who choose to travel between the compact states will have an easier time getting a job, without the hassle of paperwork. Nurses who need to take CEU’s or continuing education units can keep up with the latest trends in the field of RN nursing. When getting ready to move to another state, be sure to check out the licensing requirements and be prepared with the necessary documents to make the transition go smoothly.

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