Become a Nurse in District of Columbia - Licensure & Requirements
Important Note: Nursing licensure and practice requirements are subject to change. Nursing License Map makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official source is the State Board of Nursing. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the District of Columbia Board of Nursing before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 1/20/2015
| Nursing Licenses in District of Columbia | Master's Required? |
|---|---|
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | Yes |
| Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | Yes |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Yes |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | Yes |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | No |
| Nurse Aide | No |
District of Columbia Nursing Salary Average
There are many paths to become a nurse in District of Columbia. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.
In addition to nursing salaries in District of Columbia, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of District of Columbia nursing licensure. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in District of Columbia, please let us know!
Compact State Status
District of Columbia is not a Nursing Licensure Compact State.
Prescriptive Authority in District of Columbia
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses may apply for prescriptive authority for Schedule II-V drugs.
District of Columbia Nursing Licensure Renewal
The District of Columbia Board of Nursing sends renewal notifications by mail every two years when expiration is approaching. Nurses may apply for renewal and pay a $145 renewal fee online. Continuing education records are maintained online, but nurses should keep personal records in the event of an audit.
Nursing@Georgetown is an academically rigorous, evidence-based program that culminates in a Master of Science degree in Nursing, delivered online by Georgetown University’s nationally ranked School of Nursing & Health Studies.
Nursing@Simmons is an online Family Nurse Practitioner program designed for currently licensed RNs who are at various stages of their career.
The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing offers an online Master of Science in Nursing program for aspiring family nurse practitioners through Nursing@USC.
MPH@Simmons, the online Master of Public Health from Simmons College, is designed to give you the real-world skills you need to address health inequity on a local, national, and global level.
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Sponsored Online Healthcare Programs
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse - Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in District of Columbia
No Transcript Is Required for Application; However, Many National Certifications Require Masters Degree or Higher
Examination
Varies for Different Certifications
Fees
$230 Application Fee, Certification Examination Fee (Varies for Different Certifications)
Experience
No Minimum Proof of Experience is Required for Application; However, Many National Certifications Impose Additional Experience Requirements
Certification Required
National Certification as a Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, or Clinical Nurse Specialist
Renewal
$375. APRNs should complete 24 hours of continuing education — 15 must be in pharmacology, and nine of those hours must be specific to the APRN specialty. If certified in more than one APRN specialty, nurses may use the same course to count toward the continuing education requirements for each specialty certification. Renewal with the APRN’s national certification company is also required.
Additional Information
An Active District of Columbia Registered Nurse License Is Required for Application
Registered Nurse (RN) in District of Columbia
Completion of an Approved Registered Nurse Program
Examination
NCLEX-RN
Fees
$187 Application Fee, $200 Examination Fee
Experience
None
Renewal
R.N.’s are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education.
Additional Information
None
Endorsement
Individuals Licensed as a Registered Nurse in Another State May Apply for Licensure through Endorsement, Subject to Board Approval. A $230 Application Fee Is Required.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in District of Columbia
Completion of an Approved Licensed Practical Nurse Program
Examination
NCLEX-PN
Fees
$187 Application Fee, $200 Examination Fee
Experience
None
Renewal
Licensed practical nurses are required to complete 18 hours of continuing education.
Additional Information
None
Endorsement
Individuals Licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Another State May Apply for Licensure through Endorsement, Subject to Board Approval. A $230 Application Fee Is Required.
Nurse Aide in District of Columbia
Completion of DC Department of Health approved training program or fundamentals of nursing course.
Examination
NNAAP Examination for certification as a nursing assistant
Fees
$127 Examination Fee
Experience
None
Renewal
Fee: $12. Must have worked at least 8 hours during prior certification period.
Additional Information
None