STEP 1: Read the 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.
STATUTES, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES
STEP 2: Check eligibility for a nursing license by Reciprocity by clicking below. READ CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING THE PROCESS.
ELIGIBILITY FOR A MA NURSING LICENSE BY RECIPROCITY
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 all PN license verification from each state of licensure to be sent directly to PCS (whether active or inactive).
- PCS will confirm receipt of all license verification and confirm initial license issue dates, 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.
- Fees may apply.
- Verification must be mailed directly to PCS from state board.
STEP 5: Request to have your final official transcript and Certification of Graduation sent directly to PCS from your educational program.
U.S Educated: Request to have your CERTIFICATION OF GRADUATION – OUT OF STATE NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAM FORM AND FINAL OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT that led to initial RN licensure sent directly to PCS from your educational program. If you have multiple nursing degrees, please submit the transcript from your first RN nursing diploma/degree 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 - All CERTIFICATION OF GRADUATION – OUT OF STATE NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAM FORMS must be completed by the education program that led to your initial LPN degree and mailed directly to PCS. The form must come directly to PCS from the nursing education program. We cannot accept them electronically. PCS cannot accept forms received from the applicant.
ATTN: MA Board of Registration in Nursing
C/O MA Nurse Coordinator
P.O. Box 198788 Nashville, TN 37219 - PCS cannot accept transcripts received from the applicant. The nursing program must send the Certificate of Graduation and Official Final Transcript directly to PCS.
Non-US educated: Complete a Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluation. CGFNS International, Inc. – Nursing Credentials Evaluation. The CGFNS evaluation report of foreign nurse education credentials must be made available to PCS. Applications for Licensure by Reciprocity that do not include the CGFNS evaluation will be considered incomplete and will not be processed by PCS.
Please contact CGFNS and request for the CES report to be released to MA. Please contact PCS when the CES report has been made available to MA. Alternatively, PCS will also accept the CES report directly from another state Board of nursing that evaluated your CES report for licensure purposes. The state Board of nursing will need to mail your CES report to PCS at the address below. CES reports that state “applicant copy” will not be accepted.
PCS
Attn: MA Nursing Coordinator
P.O. Box 198788
Nashville, TN 37219
STEP 6: Go to Mass.gov website to Complete the online application and submit fees. Before starting your application, have the following information available:
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- A list of all your licenses (whether active, inactive, PN, RN, APRN), including license number, status and initial issue date.
- Information about your education program that led to your initial PN licensure, including school name, location and graduation date.
- A recent 2×2 Passport style photo. Photo must be passport style with a solid background. Driver’s license photos or photos of identification cards/passports will not be accepted. Photos are good for one year.
- Payment will be made by credit card. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please call 877-887-9727.
Please contact CGFNS and request for the CES report to be released to MA. Please contact PCS when the CES report has been made available to MA. Alternatively, PCS will also accept the CES report directly from another state Board of nursing that evaluated your CES report for licensure purposes. The state Board of nursing will need to mail your CES report to PCS at the address below. CES reports that state “applicant copy” will not be accepted.
PCS
Attn: MA Nursing Coordinator
P.O. Box 198788
Nashville, TN 37219
STEP 7: PCS reviews application for completeness and accuracy. Upon receipt of all required documentation, PCS will notify the applicant via email of all discrepancies.
STEP 8: PCS, on behalf of the Board, emails License Letter to applicant.
STEP 9: Applicant confirms license number on the Massachusetts Health Care Safety & Quality: License Verification Website.
*You must have a United States Social Security Number (SSN) in order to apply by reciprocity using this application.
Applications are good for one year. Fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.