Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Massachusetts requires a structured process combining educational achievement with specific state-level regulatory steps. The pathway involves meeting educational standards, passing a national examination, and completing a detailed application process with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN). BORN administers these requirements, ensuring every licensed RN is qualified to provide safe, effective care.
Educational Prerequisites for RN Licensure
Initial eligibility for an RN license requires the successful completion of a pre-licensure nursing education program formally approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN). This approval verifies that the curriculum meets the standards necessary for entry-level professional nursing practice.
Three main educational pathways are recognized for RN licensure: the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. All three degrees qualify a graduate to take the licensure examination, provided the program is BORN-approved and includes comprehensive clinical instruction.
The educational institution must send an official transcript directly to the credentialing service contracted by the Board to confirm the fulfillment of all academic requirements. Graduates of out-of-state programs must verify that their program was approved by their state’s licensing board and is substantially equivalent to Massachusetts standards.
Passing the National Council Licensure Examination
After graduating from an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized, nationwide exam demonstrates competency for safe entry-level practice.
The NCLEX application requires candidates to register simultaneously with the Board’s contracted testing service and with Pearson VUE, the examination provider. Once the Board confirms eligibility, Pearson VUE issues an Authorization to Test (ATT), allowing the candidate to schedule the exam. Passing the NCLEX-RN is required before the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing can issue a license.
The Massachusetts Licensing Application Process
After passing the NCLEX-RN, new graduates must complete the formal licensing application with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN). A mandatory component of this application is the Criminal Information Background (CIB) check, required for all healthcare licensees. This process includes checking the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and the Sex Offender Registry (SORI).
Applicants must formally declare they meet the statutory requirement of “Good Moral Character” (GMC) as defined under Massachusetts General Laws. This involves answering questions regarding past criminal convictions or disciplinary history. Affirmative answers require submitting additional documentation for the Board’s review, which may extend the application timeline.
The application requires payment of a non-refundable fee, currently $230 for initial licensure by examination. Official transcripts must be received directly from the nursing school to verify the degree conferred. Once all documentation and checks are complete, the Board conducts a final review and issues the license.
Requirements for Licensure by Endorsement
Registered Nurses licensed in another U.S. state or territory may apply for a Massachusetts license through licensure by endorsement. This pathway accepts the original NCLEX-RN passing score, bypassing the need to retake the exam. The process begins with verifying the original license from the state of initial licensure.
Nurses whose original state participates in the Nursys electronic verification system can use that service to transmit their license data to Massachusetts. Applicants must prove their current license in the other jurisdiction is active and in good standing. All endorsement applicants must meet Massachusetts’ standards for Good Moral Character and submit to the mandatory Criminal Information Background (CIB) check.
The endorsement application requires the submission of official transcripts from the original pre-licensure nursing program. The application fee for licensure by endorsement is $275. The Board issues the Massachusetts license only after receiving all required verifications, documentation, and background check results.
Maintaining Your Massachusetts RN License
Once licensed, Registered Nurses must adhere to requirements for maintaining the license and ensuring continued competency. The RN license operates on a biennial renewal cycle, expiring every two years on the licensee’s birthday during even-numbered years. Timely renewal is necessary to continue practicing legally.
The renewal process requires the completion of Continuing Education (CE). Nurses must complete a minimum of 15 contact hours of Board-acceptable continuing education during each two-year renewal period. These hours must be earned in programs or courses that enhance nursing knowledge and skills.
Acceptable CE includes lectures, workshops, academic courses, and web-based programs. Nurses must retain documentation of their completed contact hours for at least two renewal cycles, as the Board may conduct random audits to verify compliance. Practicing with an expired license constitutes unlicensed practice and can result in disciplinary action.