Nursing License vs Nursing Degree vs Nursing Certification

So you’ve graduated, and you want to celebrate being DONE with school, but it seems there are still so many steps to becoming official to practice!

One of the biggest surprises students face is that the process to becoming “official” as a nurse or advanced practice nurse can take weeks to months AFTER graduation - but being prepared for the process can help you plan accordingly!

First, it’s important to understand these key terms:

• Nursing degree - obtained at or just after graduation (official notice typically received via mail or conferred on transcripts) - this is the first step to becoming official.

• Nursing certification - every nurse and advanced practice nurse must take a NATIONAL board exam to obtain the specific certification that your nursing degree qualifies you for. This is done AFTER graduation and is required to demonstrate basic competency and safe patient care before you begin practice as a healthcare professional.

• Nursing license - everyone wants to start here, but this is actually the LAST step. You have to have a degree and pass the national board exam (obtaining certification) before applying for a state nursing license. Once you receive the state nursing license (and prescriptive authority for APPs), you are official!

It’s a good idea to work closely with your current or future employer for any specific paperwork requirements needed to begin practice as well.

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Categories: Nursing Student Success, Nursing 101, Tips for Nurses