Key Takeaways
- Graduate from a nursing program acceptable to NYSED.
- Complete approved infection-control and child-abuse identification coursework.
- File the Application for Licensure (Form 1) and the $143 licensure and first-registration fee.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN; New York is not a compact state.
The Steps
- Finish an approved nursing program. Complete an ADN or BSN from a program acceptable to the New York State Education Department.
- Complete required coursework. Finish a NYSED-approved infection-control course and a child-abuse identification and reporting course, or qualify for an exemption.
- File your licensure application. Submit the Application for Licensure (Form 1) and the $143 licensure and first-registration fee to NYSED.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN. Register with NCSBN and receive your Authorization to Test.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN. Schedule and sit the exam at a Pearson VUE center.
- Consider a limited permit. Graduates who meet every requirement except the exam can apply for a limited permit to practice under RN supervision while awaiting results.
- Receive and maintain your license. Once you pass, NYSED issues your RN license. Register to practice and renew on the state's cycle.
Pay and Outlook
New York is one of the highest-paying states for nurses. Nationally, the median registered-nurse wage was $93,600 in May 2024, and RN employment is projected to grow 5% through 2034 (Bureau of Labor Statistics); New York City and other metros run above the national median.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York a compact nursing state? No. New York has not enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a New York license is single-state. Nurses from other states apply by endorsement.
What does it cost to apply for a New York RN license? The licensure and first-registration fee is $143, paid to NYSED with the Application for Licensure (Form 1).
What coursework does New York require beyond nursing school? A NYSED-approved infection-control course and a child-abuse identification and reporting course, unless you qualify for an exemption.
Can I work before I pass the NCLEX in New York? Yes, with a limited permit. Graduates who meet all requirements except the exam can practice under RN supervision until they take the NCLEX-RN.
Which exam do I take to become an RN in New York? The NCLEX-RN, administered through NCSBN and Pearson VUE.
Who regulates nursing in New York? The NYSED Office of the Professions licenses and regulates RNs and LPNs statewide.