STEP 1: Read the Statutes, Rules, Regulations and Policies linked below. This is a signature requirement on the application. Your electronic signature on the online application will attest that you completed this requirement.
STATUTES, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES
STEP 2: Check if you are eligible for a nursing license by Reciprocity by clicking below.
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: Request your license verification(s) from each state of licensure that does NOT participate in Nursys to be mailed directly to PCS (whether active, inactive, PN, RN, or APRN).
STEP 5: Request your license verification(s) from participating Nursys states (whether active, inactive, PN, RN, or APRN) to be released to MA Board.
STEP 6:
U.S Educated: Request to have your CERTIFICATION OF GRADUATION (COG) – 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 or COGs received from the applicant. BOTH the Out of State COG and Transcript are required.
Non-US educated: Complete a Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) 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.
STEP 7: 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. Obtain a 2×2 color passport style photo.
STEP 8: Go to Mass.gov website to Complete the online application and submit fees.
STEP 9: 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.
STEP 10: PCS reviews applications upon receipt of all required documentation. PCS will notify applicant via email with any discrepancies.
STEP 11: PCS emails the License Letter via email from PCS on behalf of the Board
STEP 12: Applicant confirms license 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.