What state is the hardest to get a nursing license?

Asked by: Coralie Yost  |  Last update: July 26, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (30 votes)

The Buckeye State actually takes the cake as the longest state to get licensed in, on average, and with attractive Midwestern cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, many nurses in the surrounding states (and beyond) go through Ohio's long licensure process.

Which state is easiest to get an RN license?

While each state has its own requirements, New York, Connecticut, and Montana stand out as the easiest states to apply for NCLEX to obtain a nursing compact license. We highly recommend considering these options if you want to make your journey easier. Good luck!

What state is the hardest to pass the NCLEX?

There were some regional differences between the 50 states in the NCLEX RN pass rate for U.S. educated candidates. Florida had the lowest overall state pass in 2020 with a percentage of 68.8. New Hampshire placed highest with a percentage of 96.2.

What state has the easiest NCLEX?

If you are looking for the best state for NCLEX or easiest state to pass NCLEX, here are the top 5:
  • #1 Connecticut. ...
  • #2 Montana. ...
  • #3 New York. ...
  • #4 Northern Mariana Islands. ...
  • #5 South Dakota.

What state has the strictest nursing laws?

Florida's nurse practitioner supervision laws are among some of the strictest in the nation. State law requires that nurse practitioners work under the supervision of a physician when it comes to practice and prescribing.

NLC 101: Everything you need to know about Nursing Compact States

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What state needs RN the most?

The most severe shortages in 2025 and on are projected in states like California, Georgia, and Washington, while North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah have a surplus of nursing staff compared to demand, making them states with the highest demand for registered nurses.

Which state is hardest to get a medical license?

With that in mind, then, here are the most difficult states in which to acquire a medical license:
  • Texas.
  • Arkansas.
  • Mississippi.
  • Florida.
  • New Jersey.
  • North Dakota.

What state has the lowest NCLEX pass rate?

Of note, certain states' pass rates are markedly lower than others. Florida ranked the lowest in the nation for first-time pass rates among U.S.-educated candidates in 2020 and 2021, with a rate nearly 18 percentage points below the national average.

What are the 27 compact states?

These states include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, ...

What is the hardest nursing exam?

The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, is a critical exam that every nursing student must take to become a licensed nurse. Passing the NCLEX is essential to begin your nursing career, but it is also one of the most challenging exams you will ever take.

Which state does not require NCLEX?

Do nurses have to be licensed in each state? In Washington, D.C., and all 50 states, prospective RNs must apply through their state licensing boards and pass the NCLEX exam.

Is the NCLEX harder than the bar?

The Bar Exam is often considered more challenging than the NCLEX due to its comprehensive coverage of intricate legal subjects and a lower average pass rate of around 60%. Conversely, the NCLEX concentrates on nursing principles and boasts a higher average pass rate of approximately 80%.

What school has the highest NCLEX pass rate?

Union College-Nebraska's nursing program is an exceptional one. In 2020, the college posted an astonishing 100% NCLEX pass rate, and its graduates are in such high demand that 100% of them land a job within three months of graduation, with an out-of-state hospital system in Ohio guaranteeing graduates a job.

What state pays the highest for RN?

  1. 1. California: $137,690. With an average salary of $137,690 annually, the Golden State is the highest-paying state for registered nurses. ...
  2. Hawaii: $119,710. ...
  3. Oregon: $113,440. ...
  4. Washington: $111,030. ...
  5. Alaska: $109,210. ...
  6. Massachusetts: $108,850. ...
  7. Washington, D.C.: $106,850. ...
  8. New York: $106,620.

Can I have 2 RN license in two states?

So, can you hold a nursing license in multiple states? The answer is yes! While it is possible to hold multiple state-specific licenses, a great option for nurses is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). An added bonus: it's less paperwork, too.

What state is nursing school the easiest in?

Which state is the easiest to get into nursing school? States with more community colleges and a higher number of nursing programs, like Texas and California, often have more accessible entry points due to their larger number of ADN and BSN programs.

How to get a multi-state RN license?

So, the summary of the steps include:
  1. Apply for or have a registered nurse license, making sure you meet all your state's requirements.
  2. Show proof of residence in your home state which must be a compact state.
  3. Apply for a multi-state license on your state 's board of nursing website.
  4. Wait for it to be approved.

How many states are not compact nursing?

Which States Are Currently Not in the Compact? Nevada and Oregon are the only two states currently not in the compact nor with pending status. Furthermore, the following states have pending status: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York.

Do you have to take the NCLEX in the state you graduated?

Yes, the NCLEX can be taken in any state convenient to you.

Which U.S. state is best to work as a nurse?

Based on current data, California is often cited as the state with the highest average salaries for nurses in the United States. Factors contributing to this include the state's relatively high cost of living and strong labor protections for healthcare workers.

How many times can you retake the NCLEX?

Number of attempts: You'll have 8 attempts each year to retake the NCLEX, but keep in mind that state regulations may vary. Wait period: You'll need to wait a minimum of 45 days before attempting again.

What are good signs you passed NCLEX?

Here are four telltale signs that signify your triumphant passage of the NCLEX.
  • Absence of a New Authorization to Test (ATT) ...
  • "Nurse of the Future" Title on Your License. ...
  • Termination of Test Attempts on Your Pearson VUE Account. ...
  • Official Notification from Your State Nursing Board.

What state is the hardest to get licensed in?

According to a study done by a personal injury law firm Zanes Law, the two states bordering Washington, D.C. – Virginia and Maryland – are the two hardest states in the country to get a driver's license in!

What is the hardest medical degree?

What is the most difficult type of doctor specialty? Neurosurgery is known to be particularly challenging because of the intricate nature of the nervous system and the significant risks involved in surgical procedures.

What state pays doctors the most?

When it comes to the best-paying states and cities for doctors in the US, you may be surprised to find out that Wisconsin, Indiana, and Georgia are at the top of the list. Of course, a physician's specialty can also have a major impact on which state may be the highest paying for their specific role.