Nurse Licensure Compact
With the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), nurses can practice in multiple states with a single license. As of October 2023, 41 jurisdictions have enacted NLC legislation or have pending legislation, which recognizes the multi-state license. For a full list of NLC states, see below.
The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in September 2021. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. The programs combine live classes, engaging coursework, and hands-on clinical experiences to help you advance your career as an NP. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care. Explore Nursing@Simmons programs for RNs who hold a BSN or bachelor’s degree.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown enables RNs to earn their MS in Nursing online from Georgetown University. Through a research-based curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences, the program prepares students to pursue certification in an APRN specialty area and provide specialized care for patients in their communities. BSN required.
- 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
Master of Science in Nursing
Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. The online pathway combines live classes, 600 hours of clinical rotations, and on-campus immersions to prepare you to pursue NP licensure in one of four specialties: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, or AGPCNP.
- Part-time and accelerated tracks available
- Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP
Benefits of NLC States
Nurses who have the Nurse Licensure Compact can work across multiple states without complications, eliminating the need for separate licenses, renewal requirements and fees. This doesn’t just make it easier for nurses to work with more patients—it also facilitates faster mobilization in the event of a crisis or disaster.
Eligibility for Multi-State License
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), nurses applying for a multi-state nursing license must meet the following criteria:
- Reside in and declare an NLC state as your primary state of residence.
- Meet the licensure requirements for your primary state of residence.
- Be in good standing as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed professional nurse (LPN)/licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in your primary state of residence.
- Other requirements listed by NCSBN.
Keep in mind that nurses who are moving to another state must update their primary state of residence even if their license status will not be affected by the move. Additionally, when practicing outside of your home state, you will be held to the standards of the state where the patient or practice is located.
Nurse License Compact States
*Indicates partial implementation
**Indicates enactment, waiting for implementation
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Guam*
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania*
- Rhode Island**
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virgin Islands**
- Virginia
- Washington*
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Information on nurse compact licensure states was last retrieved on October 25, 2023. For the most up-to-date information, check with your state board of nursing.
Information last updated: July 2026