Note: Prior to Applying for an APRN in the state of Massachusetts, you must have a permanent current Massachusetts RN license.
STEP 1: Read Statutes, Rules, Regulations and Policies linked below. This is a signature requirement on the application. Your signature will attest that you have completed this requirement.
STEP 2: Read what you need to apply for APRN authorization by clicking the link below.
APPY FOR APRN AUTHORIZATION – MASS.GOV
For questions on how to apply to because a Massachusetts Health Provider CLICK HERE. This is a requirement to apply for APRN Authorization and a question on the application.
STEP 3: Read Good Moral Character Requirements for Licensure.
GOOD MORAL CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE
- Applicants for initial nurse licensure or initial APRN authorization by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (Board) must comply with the “good moral character” (GMC) requirement specified at Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112, sections 74, 74A and 76. The Board requires applicants who answer “yes” to questions related to criminal or disciplinary history to provide specific documentation for GMC evaluation directly to the Board after submitting a completed application inclusive of fees to PCS.
- An applicant for employment or for housing or an occupational or professional license with a sealed record on file with the commissioner of probation may answer ‘no record’ with respect to an inquiry herein relative to prior arrests, criminal court appearances or convictions. An applicant for employment or for housing or an occupational or professional license with a sealed record on file with the commissioner of probation may answer ‘no record’ to an inquiry herein relative to prior arrests or criminal court appearances. In addition, any applicant for employment or for housing or an occupational or professional license may answer ‘no record’ with respect to any inquiry relative to prior arrests, court appearances and adjudications in all cases of delinquency or as a child in need of services which did not result in a complaint transferred to the superior court for criminal prosecution.
STEP 4: Before beginning the online application, request license verification from each state of licensure to be sent directly to PCS (whether active, inactive, PN, RN, or APRN). PCS will confirm receipt of all license verification and confirm license numbers and jurisdictions listed on your application. Failure to list all licenses accurately on your application will cause processing delays.
- CLICK HERE to request license verification from participating Nursys states.
- CLICK HERE to download the Verification of Nurse Licensure form if the state is NOT a participating Nursys state.
- CLICK HERE to download the Verification of APRN Authorization form if the state is NOT a participating Nursys state.
- Fees may apply.
- Verification must be mailed directly to PCS from state board.
STEP 5: Request to have your Official Final APRN Transcript sent directly to PCS from your educational program. PCS cannot accept transcripts received from the applicant.
- To send your transcript, please choose one of the two following options:
- Electronic Transcripts: PCS will accept final official electronic transcripts received directly from the primary source (such as the School, Parchment, or the National Student Clearinghouse) via secure server to transcripts@pcshq.com.
- Transcripts via Postal Mail: Official Final Transcripts must be mailed by the educational program directly to PCS at:
ATTN: MA Board of Registration in Nursing
C/O MA Nurse Coordinator
P.O. Box 198788 Nashville, TN 37219
STEP 6: Request verification of certification status be Emailed from Massachusetts Board approved APRN certification organization directly to PCS. CLICK HERE for more information.
STEP 7: Go to Mass.gov website to Complete the online application and submit fees.
- Before starting your application, have the following information available:
- A list of all your licenses (whether active, inactive, PN, RN, APRN), including license number, status and initial issue date.You must list all licenses completely and accurately. PCS will confirm this information. Leaving a license off your application or not listing it accurately, will require you to complete a new application.
- Information about your advanced practice certification, including certifying body, certification number, and expiration date.
- Your advanced practice nursing education program name, location and graduation date.
- If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please call customer service at 877-887-9727.
STEP 8: Once logged in to your application in ELX (healthprofessionlicensingadmin.mas.gov), go to the Application Data Tab and select the pencil in the upper right of the Demographic box.
- Click on Photo and then a box will appear where upload in the upper right needs to be selected.
- Please upload a standard 2×2 photograph portrait which must be a passport style with a solid background. Driver’s license photos are not accepted.
- Your photo is good for one year. You do not need to upload a new photo with a resubmitted application or re-exam application if your previous photo was uploaded less than one year ago.
STEP 9: PCS reviews applications upon receipt of all required documentation. The applicant will be notified via email with any discrepancies.
STEP 10: PCS, on behalf of the Board, emails the Letter of Authorization to applicant.
STEP 11: Confirm license number on the Massachusetts Health Care Safety & Quality: License Verification Website.
Applications are good for one year. Fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.