Welcome to the Old Dominion!
" The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one license but the ability to practice in other states that are part of the agreement.
Originally developed in 2000, in 2024 the license had grown to include at least 25 states. To help streamline the process for nurses the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) was implemented in 2018 and included standards for licensure which the originally compact license was lacking.
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Each state needs a competent medical workforce to meet the needs of it’s citizens. However, the requirements for some health care professions are not the same in each state. That is why it is important to find out what is required of you as a future or current registered nurse before moving across state lines. Contact information is located at the bottom of this page.
Virginia is a compact state. If you are moving to Virginia or claiming it as your primary state of residence, you will need to apply for application by endorsement in order to use your license in Virginia. General instructions are listed below.
You may apply for your initial license online. The Virginia Board does not accept paper applications. Below are some general requirements
You must be a graduate from an approved nursing program
Your license must be in good standing
You must satisfy the same requirments of an applicant seeking an original Virginia license
If your education program does not provide 500 hours of direct, supervised client care, then you must have at least 960 hours of clinical practice
Passing licensure examination results (i.e. NCLEX, SBTPE)
Proof of original licensure
Official transcripts
Renewals take place every two years
The following is a list of general requirements for continuing competency:
Specialty certification (must be from a national certifying organization), or
three credit hours of relevant, academic education.
Completion of a refresher course that is approved by the Board
Practice projects or research that is nursing-related and evidence-based
Teaching three semester hours of college coursework
must be nursing-related
must be a 15 week course or,
a specialty certification
Teaching 30 contact-hours of continuing education
640 hours of active practice as an RN and 15 contact hours including
workshops
conferences
seminars
relevant coursework, or
30 contact hours including
workshops
conferences
seminars
relevant coursework
You will be exempt from competency requirements for your first renewal. Maintain documents proving your participation in a continuing education program for at least two years. For more information on continuing education, down load the Regulations Governing the Practice of Nursing and click on Continuing competency requirements for renewal of an active license in the table of contents.
Web Address: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/
Virginia Department of Health Professions Perimeter Center 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463 - Directions
Office Hours are from Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays
Phone: (804) 367-4400
Fax: (804) 527-4475
Click here for Virginia Board of Nursing FAQs.