Healthcare Licensing Center
State-board-accurate licensing guides covering application fees, renewal cycles, continuing education requirements, compact state status, and official board links — for every major healthcare profession across all 50 states.
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Nurses with a multistate license can practice in all 40 NLC member states without obtaining additional state licenses. Over 4 million nurses hold multistate licenses.
Check compact status by state →Nursing Licensing
Advanced Practice Licensing
Physician Licensing
Therapy Licensing
Pharmacy Licensing
Imaging Licensing
Licensing FAQs
What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
The NLC allows nurses to have one multistate license and practice in all member states. As of 2024, 40 states participate. Check individual state pages for compact status.
How long does a state nursing license take to process?
Processing times vary by state. Most states process initial licensure in 4–8 weeks. Compact states and states with online verification may be faster. See individual state pages for current estimates.
Do I need a separate license for travel nursing?
If you hold a multistate (compact) license and your primary state of residence is an NLC member, you can practice in all compact states. Non-compact states require individual licensure — many travel agencies assist with this.
How often do nursing licenses need to be renewed?
Most states renew every 1–2 years. Renewal typically requires continuing education hours (20–30 hours for most states). Check individual state pages for exact requirements.