For our nurses on the front lines and in the background, be sure to remember to take some time for yourself to reduce burnout.
Welcome to Nursing License Map
Learn more about the nursing licensure requirements in your state with our guides below:
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
SPONSORED
The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in January 2026. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
Most popular states for nurses
Here are the states that employ the most nurses and those with the highest median salaries for nurses, by specific nursing profession, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the May 2024 dataset.
States with the highest employment and the highest pay for nurses.
| Nursing career | States with the highest employment | Highest paying state | Annual mean wage in the highest paying state |
|---|---|---|---|
Licensed practical/licensed vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) | – California – Texas – New York – Florida – Ohio | Washington | $79,970 |
Registered nurse (RN) | – California – Texas – Florida – New York – Pennsylvania | California | $148,330 |
Nurse practitioner (NP) | – Florida – Texas – California – New York – Ohio | California | $173,190 |
Nurse midwife | – California – Florida – Pennsylvania – New York – Georgia | California | $179,630 |
Nurse anesthetist | – Florida – Texas – Michigan – North Carolina – Pennsylvania | Montana | Equal to or greater than $239,200 |
Information on the states with the highest employment for nurses and states with the highest pay for nurses was retrieved from the BLS occupational employment statistics (OES), as of May 2024:
Nursing licensure and certifications
Each state has its own set of nursing licensure certifications that nurses can apply for after completing the required nursing education and the certification exam.
Our list of states above may help you understand the requirements for each level of your future nursing career. However, no matter what state you pursue nursing licensure in, both licensed practical/licensed vocational nurses and registered nurses (RN) must maintain their license to practice. For advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), the typical prerequisite is an active RN license before application.
Nursing licensure compact
Although each state has its own licensure process, it is getting easier for nurses to transfer active licenses to other states through the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). As of January 13, 2026, 43 jurisdictions are participating in the Nursing Licensure Compact. Learn more about the NLC.
Nursing career paths
Whether you have a high school education and want to assist patients as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) or are looking to get a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner, there are careers in nursing for people of all ages and experience levels.
- Education: CNA requirements vary by state, but most CNAs complete a state-approved nurse aide training program, then pass a state-approved competency exam and become listed on the state Nurse Aide Registry. In Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities, federal rules set a minimum standard for nurse aide training programs (at least 75 total hours, including 16 hours of supervised practical training), though many states require additional hours.
- Main duties: Assist patients with basic care, including bathing, transferring, and dressing; checking vital signs; and recording health concerns.
- Autonomy: CNAs are supervised by LPN/LVNs or RNs.
- Median annual wage, 2024: $39,430
Information on CNA careers is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for nursing assistants and orderlies.
Licensed practical nurse (LPN)/licensed vocational nurse
- Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. and a one-year certificate program typically must be completed. Prospective LPNs must also take the NCLEX-PN exam.
- Clinical hours: A state-approved practical nursing program (often about 1 year) will include supervised clinical experience.
- Main duties: Basic patient care, including bandage changes, maintaining patient health records, and discussing care with patients. Some states allow properly trained LPNs to insert intravenous (IV) drips, but others do not.
- Autonomy: Typically supervised by RNs and/or physicians; team/oversight structures vary by state and facility.
- Median annual wage, 2024: $62,340
Information on CNA careers is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.
- Education: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program is required. A passing score on the NCLEX-RN is also required.
- Clinical hours: Programs will include a clinical component, though the number of hours will vary.
- Main duties: Record patient health, treat, medicate, and test patients, create care plans, instruct patients and families on how to care for illness or injury, and consult with doctors. Many RNs work within a specific population, such as in neonatal care or addiction settings.
- Autonomy: RNs work with physicians and may have autonomy in overseeing other RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.
- Median annual wage, 20242: $93,600
Information on RN careers is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for registered nurses.
- Education: An active RN license is required, and many programs prefer (or require) RN experience. Passing an exam in a specialty is also required.
- Clinical hours: Varies by specialty; clinical experience is required.
- Main duties: Provide primary care, promote preventive health, and treat patient illness and injury.
- Autonomy: In many states, nurse practitioners can open their own practices, prescribe medications, and order lab tests. Sometimes nurse practitioners may work collaboratively with physicians.
- Median annual wage, 2024: $129,210
Information on nurse practitioner careers is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.
- Education: A CNS is prepared by a master’s, doctoral, or post-graduate certificate CNS program. An active RN license is also required, and many programs prefer (or require) RN experience. Additionally, most states require CNSs to meet APRN licensure requirements, and many require national certification; requirements vary by state.
- Clinical hours: A minimum of 500 clock hours of faculty-guided supervised practicum for CNS master’s and post-master’s certificate programs, and programs may require more.
- Main duties: Caring for patients in a specific population; working with other nurses to improve care delivery within a setting; leading and educating other nurses; researching; and advocating.
- Autonomy: CNSs often serve as leaders, directing and educating other nurses, and are integral in developing change in their organizations. A CNS can write prescriptions in some states.
- Median annual wage, 2024: $93,600
Information on CNS careers is from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for registered nurses.
- Education: CNMs complete a graduate-level, ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program and pass the AMCB national certification exam (admission expectations, such as whether prior RN work experience is required or preferred, vary by program).
- Clinical hours: Although the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) doesn’t outline specific hours, there is an expected clinical experience component to the master’s degree.
- Main duties: Family planning, gynecological care, delivering babies, and providing primary care.
- Autonomy: CNM scope of practice varies by state; some allow independent practice and prescribing, while others require a physician relationship/collaboration or other restrictions, which can affect whether a CNM can run an independent practice, prescribe medications, and order tests.
- Median annual wage, 2024: $128,790
Information on certified nurse midwife careers is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.
- Education: CRNAs complete a COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program, and students accepted into entry-level programs on or after January 1, 2022, must graduate with a doctoral degree. Applicants typically must hold an unencumbered RN license, have at least one year of critical care RN experience, and pass the NBCRNA National Certification Examination (NCE) after graduation.
- Clinical hours: 2,000-hour minimum and 600 case experiences in the administration of anesthetics are required, according to the Council on Accreditation (COA) standards.
- Main duties: Administer anesthesia and provide care before, during, and after procedures. CRNAs also provide pain management and some emergency services.
- Autonomy: CRNAs practice as part of a perioperative care team, but the level of independence varies by state and setting. Separately, Medicare/Medicaid facility reimbursement rules include a physician-supervision condition that states can opt out of, so “supervision” can vary depending on state practice authority and whether the state has opted out for federal reimbursement purposes.
- Median annual wage, 2024: $223,210
Information on certified registered nurse anesthetist careers is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.
The nursing shortage and the growing demand for nurses
Overall employment for healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034, with about 1.9 million openings per year. A big reason: an aging population, which drives greater demand for healthcare. Registered nurses’ jobs alone are expected to increase 5% from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for registered nurses, creating about 166,100 job openings each year. In those same years, employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to increase 35%, much faster than the overall growth of all jobs.
And when you look at sheer job creation, home health and personal care aides, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners are all among the occupations projected to add the most jobs between 2024 and 2034. An increase in age and chronic disease among Americans underscores the need for nurses of all kinds. Here are some reasons why nurses are needed and why it is a great time to become a nurse.
An aging population
By 2030, all baby boomers will be at least 65 years old, according to the Census Bureau, with the baby boom generation accounting for about 73 million people.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) reports the following health conditions for the baby boomer generation (PDF, 4.1 MB):
- More than six of every 10 baby boomers will be managing more than one chronic condition.
- More than one of every three will be considered obese.
- One of every four will be living with diabetes.
- One of every two will be living with arthritis.
The size of this generation, along with improvements in life expectancy, means that soon, a much greater portion of Americans will be older than 65 than ever before. With age comes increased medical needs and chronic disease. The National Council on Aging reports that about 93% of older adults have at least one chronic condition.
An aging nursing workforce
Some of those aging Americans are nurses themselves. In findings released by NCSBN in April 2025 from its most recent national workforce study (data collected in 2024), the median age of registered nurses was 50, and 39.9% of RNs reported an intent to leave the workforce or retire within the next five years, underscoring how retirements and exits could continue to strain staffing.
Nursing leaders often describe a catch-22: experienced nurses bring deep clinical judgment and stability to care teams, but physical demands, stress, and burnout can make it harder to stay at the bedside—especially as NCSBN notes that many of the last baby boomers are expected to reach retirement age in the next few years.
HPSAs – the primary care shortage and growing autonomy
Nurses aren’t just needed to ease the nursing shortage; advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are also needed to aid in the shortage of primary care doctors. Since there are many health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) in the United States, ensuring accessible primary care for everyone is a challenge.
With a growing shortage of primary care physicians, the AAMC projects a shortfall of about 20,200 to 40,400 primary care doctors by 2036. Expanding access isn’t as simple as “training more doctors,” because physician training includes medical school and years of supervised residency (typically 3–5 years, and longer for some specialties).
Nurse practitioners can help close access gaps: in full practice authority jurisdictions, NPs can evaluate patients, diagnose, order/interpret tests, and initiate/manage treatment, including prescribing medications, while other states require ongoing collaboration/supervision for at least one element of practice, so the ability to run an independent practice and prescribe varies by state.
As of December 2025, 30 U.S. states/territories (plus Washington, D.C.) allow full practice authority, meaning NPs can evaluate and diagnose patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, initiate and manage treatments, and prescribe medications (including controlled substances), consistent with AANP’s full-practice model.
In addition, 15 states/territories are considered reduced practice, and 11 are restricted practice, with reduced and restricted states requiring ongoing collaboration/supervision for at least one element of NP practice (rules vary by jurisdiction).
Nursing education and testing
To start a career in nursing at any level, some form of training must be completed. Additionally, many roles within nursing require the passing of an examination to become certified and/or earn nursing licensure in your state.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA) education
In most states, nursing assistants need a state-issued certification/credential (often called “CNA”) after completing training and passing a competency exam; BLS states that nursing assistants often need a state-issued license or certification, and titles vary by state. Most states require CNAs to keep their credentials active (often through periodic renewal tied to paid work hours and/or other eligibility requirements), which is handled through state registries or testing/registry vendors. Nursing assistant education consists of a training program at a high school, college, or hospital. There is no degree involved, but the program prepares students to take a competency exam so they can be entered into the state registry. New CNAs usually receive facility orientation and unit-specific training after hire.
Learn more about how to become a certified nursing assistant.
Licensed practical nurse (LPN) education
Licensed practical nurses are required to complete a state-approved practical nursing education program, which typically takes about one year and is commonly offered through community colleges and technical schools (including some high schools). These programs may have a clinical experience component in addition to classroom learning. LPNs must pass the NCLEX-PN examination to obtain licensure. LPNs can also gain expertise and earn certificates in specific areas of nursing.
Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.
Registered nurse (RN) education
An associate’s, bachelor’s degree, or diploma from an approved nursing program is required to become a registered nurse, though employers may only seek candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree. No matter which path is chosen, there is a clinical component to education. Nursing students must pass the NCLEX-RN to become certified as registered nurses. It is also important to note that RNs with bachelor’s degrees may have more opportunities to serve as leaders and researchers.
Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.
Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) education
All nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists are licensed RNs who complete graduate-level education aligned to a specific role and patient population (master’s, post-master’s, or doctoral pathways vary by role and school).
Programs may be designed for BSN-prepared RNs, and some schools offer bridge pathways for RNs who start with an associate degree.
After completing an accredited APRN program, graduates must pass a national certification exam for their role/population focus (and for CRNAs, students admitted to entry-level programs on/after Jan 1, 2022, must graduate with a doctoral degree).
Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Online nursing programs
Nursing bridge programs
Additional nursing information
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
SPONSORED
Information last updated: January 2026