Overview
The Arizona State Board of Nursing oversees the licensing of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the state to ensure the safety and health of patients in Arizona. A career in nursing requires an individual to complete an approved education program and have the skills and compassion to help patients suffering from illness and medical conditions.
Arizona State Board of Nursing – Mission
The mission of the Arizona State Board of Nursing is to protect and promote the welfare of the public by ensuring that each person holding a nursing license or certificate is competent to practice safely. The Board fulfills its mission through the regulation of the practice of nursing and the approval of nursing education programs. The mission, derived from the Nurse Practice Act, supersedes the interest of any individual, the nursing profession, or any special interest group.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) & Registered Nursing (RN) Licensure by Examination
Applicant Requirements:
- U.S. EDUCATED APPLICANTS:
- RN applicants hold a Diploma, Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an approved program. LPN applicants hold a Diploma or Certificate from an approved program. Visit https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/rn-lpn-examination-faq to view RN or LPN exceptions.
- Passing score on NCLEX exam.
- Arizona Graduates – Certificate of Completion from an approved nursing program. More details.
- Graduates of out of state schools – Transcripts, including graduation dates and type of degree, sent by your school to AZBN.
- Board approval for applicants who are under investigation.
- FOREIGN EDUCATED APPLICANTS; Including Canada and Puerto Rico
- Visit here for application requirements
ITEMS APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE FOR LICENSURE:
- SUBMIT A PAPER APPLICATION WITH FEE
- Print a copy of the application from the website
- Complete the application in black ink and sign
- Answer all required questions
- Application must be mailed to AZBN (No Faxes)
- COMPLETE THE NCLEX REGISTRATION by phone 866-496-2539
- Request a Certificate of Completion – sent by the program directly to AZBN (for AZ graduates only)
- Request Official Transcripts – Sent by the program directly to AZBN (for out of state graduates)
- CITIZENSHIP/NATIONALITY/ALIEN STATUS DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
- All applicants must submit a copy of documentation regarding citizenship/nationality/alien status. A copy of the document must be submitted on an 8½ x 11 sheet of plain white paper and submitted with the application.
- SUBMIT A FINGERPRINT CARD
- You are required to submit a full set of fingerprints for the purpose of obtaining State and Federal criminal record checks. You are exempt from this if you have submitted a fingerprint card to the AZBN within the previous two years.
- A fingerprint card will be mailed to you when we receive your application.
- The fingerprint card you receive from AZBN must be the card you use for fingerprints, since it has specific agency data pre-printed on it.
- It can take a minimum of 4-5 weeks to receive fingerprint results. You cannot receive permanent licensure until these results are received.
- Fingerprint Clearance Cards are not acceptable.
Fees and Payment Methods:
- Application Fee: $300.00
- Fingerprint Fee: $ 50.00 (required, unless submitted within the previous 2 years)
- Credit/Debit Card – Complete and include authorization form & submit with the application.
- Personal Checks – Pre-printed with your name/address and make payable to AZBN.
Note: All payments must be in US Dollars and are non-refundable.
More information can be found on the official Arizona State Board of Nursing website.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) & Registered Nursing (RN) Licensure by Endorsement
Applicant Requirements:
- U.S. EDUCATED APPLICANTS:
- Have a passing score on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) or the State Board Test Pool Exam (SBTPE)
- Have previous or current license in another state or territory
- Have met one of the following practice requirements:
- Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past 5 years or
- Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within past 5 years or
- Completed an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past 5 years or
- Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past 5 years (i.e. LPN to RN, RN to BSN, masters, or doctorate).
- RN applicants hold a Diploma, Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an approved program or
- LPN applicants hold a Diploma or Certificate from an approved program. To view RN exceptions or LPN exceptions Visit www.azbn.gov/RNLPNExceptions
- Have Board approval for applicants under investigation
- APPLICANTS EDUCATED IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY, INCLUDING CANADA & PUERTO RICO
ITEMS APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE FOR LICENSURE:
- SUBMIT A PAPER APPLICATION WITH FEES
- Print a copy of the application from website here.
- Complete the application in black ink and sign.
- Answer all required questions.
- Applications must be mailed to AZBN (no faxes).
- VERIFICATION OF YOUR ORIGINAL STATE OF LICENSURE
- Go to nursys.com and submit a request for verification.
- CITIZENSHIP/LAWFUL PRESENCE DOCUMENTATION
- All applicants must submit a copy of documentation regarding citizenship/nationality/alien status. A copy of the document must be submitted on an 8½ x 11 sheet of plain white paper and submitted with the application.
- FINGERPRINTS
- You are required to submit a full set of fingerprints, for the purpose of obtaining State & Federal criminal record checks. You are only exempt from this requirement if you have submitted a fingerprint card to the AZBN within the previous two years.
- A fingerprint card will be mailed to you when we receive your application.
- The fingerprint card you receive from AZBN must be the card you use for fingerprints, since it has specific agency data pre – printed on it.
- It can take 4 – 5 weeks to receive fingerprint results from the FBI. Permanent licensure cannot be issued until these results are received.
- Fingerprint Clearance Cards are not acceptable.
Fees and Payment Methods:
Application Fee: $150.00 (Required)
Fingerprint Fee: $50.00 (Required)
Temporary License Fee: $50.00 (Optional)
Credit/Debit Card – Complete and include authorization form & submit with the application.
Personal Checks – Must be pre-printed with your name and address. Payable to Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Note: All payments must be in US Dollars and are non-refundable.
More information can be found on the official Arizona State Board of Nursing website.
References:
https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/apply-for-a-license