Professional Nurse Industry Information

Industry Licensure

Registered Nurse License Requirements in New Jersey

There are three elements that are required for licensure as a Professional Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey: 

• Graduation from an approved school for professional nursing;
• Criminal history background check clearance; and
• Passing the Professional Registered Nurse NCLEX licensure examination.

Additional Information

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) makes the following information available through its website https://www.ncsbn.org/newnurses.htm, and states that “Completing an approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX are the first steps to beginning a successful nursing career. It is important that nurses understand how their profession is regulated and are aware of issues relating to professional responsibility, including knowing what constitutes a violation of the nurse practice act.”

NCSBN also makes the following video, “New Nurse: A License to Practice,” available on its website https://www.ncsbn.org/8243.htm. A helpful brochure titled, “What You Need to Know About Nursing Licensure and Boards of Nursing,” can be found at https://www.ncsbn.org/Nursing_Licensure.pdf.

Students enrolled in the LPN to B.S.N. program are encouraged to visit the NCSBN website and to peruse the many resources that are available.