A Simple Guide on How to Become an RN in New Hampshire

Want to become a registered nurse in New Hampshire? We’re here to help! 

Becoming a registered nurse takes a few years, and if you don’t know how to go about the application, you might face delays in getting your license. You might even experience unnecessary stress because of the documents you need to pass. 

But take it from us, the application process is not that complicated. 

So if you’re ready to start your RN journey, keep reading for our step-by-step guide on how to become an RN in New Hampshire.

Read even further along to see our answers to some FAQs that you may be thinking of. 

Ready? Let’s go! 

How to Become a Registered Nurse in New Hampshire in 3 Steps

There are three steps to getting an RN license in New Hampshire. We told you, it’s not a complicated process. 

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Graduate from a Nursing Education Program
2. Apply for an RN License Online
3. Apply for and Pass the NCLEX-RN

Each step will be explained in the following sections. 

How to Become an RN in New Hampshire Step #1: Graduate from a Nursing Education Program

I’m sure you already know that you need to graduate from a nursing education program to become eligible for the NCLEX, which is the exam for aspiring registered nurses. 

When deciding where to enroll, you can choose from two RN education programs – an ADN or a BSN. 

ADN stands for Associate Degree in Nursing, a two-year program that focuses on the basic health procedures usually performed in clinics. It also has courses teaching you how to monitor and record patient charts. 

As you’ll notice, an ADN does not have management and scientific research courses. While this is not to say that the ADN program is lacking, it does focus only on basic tasks for nurses. 

Most RNs who graduate from this program may have limited career options. 

On the other hand, those who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) often have more career opportunities. They can even continue higher education or study in more specialized areas in medicine. 

This is the advantage of a BSN degree. Moreover, you can take on managerial roles because your curriculum also has management classes. 

So is it ADN or BSN? 

At the end of the day, it’s your choice, depending on your career path. 

Either program still makes you eligible to take the NCLEX and become an RN. 

If you’re more interested to work as an RN right away, then you can also choose to take an ADN first, and then proceed to take a BSN later on in life. There are bridge programs that can help you do this. 

How to Become an RN in New Hampshire Step #2: Apply for an RN License Online

After graduation, you can already apply for an RN license online. This isn’t the final application yet. Instead, it’s the first part where you will receive the authorization to take the NCLEX. 

Taking the NCLEX requires an Authorization to Test (ATT). The only way to get that is by applying to your state’s Board of Nursing. In this case, you can apply by creating an account at New Hampshire’s Nursing Portal.

Creating an account in this portal is important because you will need to login and upload documents and check your application status. 

During this process, be ready to submit a copy of your driver’s license, criminal background check, and transcript of records. 

For the transcript of records, the nursing education school where you graduated from should submit the transcripts. This document should be emailed directly to board.questions@oplc.nh.gov. 

As for the criminal background check, print the form found here and get your fingerprints scanned by the Department of Safety of New Hampshire. 

When you have all of these documents printed out, the last step would be to pay an application fee worth $140. This is non-refundable. 

How to Become an RN in New Hampshire Step #3: Apply for and Pass the NCLEX-RN

Once your online application at the New Hampshire Online Licensing portal is approved, you will receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) via email. This will let you apply for the NCLEX-RN successfully. 

To apply for a test schedule, here are the following steps: 

1. Apply via PearsonVue online
2. Choose a testing schedule and a venue
3. Pay the exam fee of $200 online (via credit or debit card)
4. Wait to receive your final testing schedule and venue via email

You must get your ATT because, without it, you won’t be allowed to take the exam. The ATT will be sent via email, so best to check your email for updates on your ATT. 

During the period between application and testing day, make sure to prepare well for the NCLEX. While you can always retake the exam, this will cause a month and a half delay because you can only take the exam after 45 days. 

To prepare well for the exam, you can check the tips here. There’s also an online practice exam that you can take on the website. 

Wait for a few weeks to get your exam results. You will receive an email with the test results. If you pass, you will receive your license. 

License by Endorsement

New Hampshire is part of the Nursing License Compact (NLC). This means that if you came from another state that’s part of the NLC, you can practice in New Hampshire through a license by endorsement. 

To apply via endorsement, you need to complete a Criminal Background Check at the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Only when the Board of Nursing has your criminal records can they check your application. 

While waiting, you can fill up the forms here and submit them to the NH Board of Nursing. 

Lastly, log in at NURSYS and submit the verification of your RN license. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Registered Nurse in New Hampshire

How much does it cost to become an RN in New Hampshire?

Depending on what program you’re taking, the cost may vary. In general, ADN programs are much more affordable than BSN programs. 

When it comes to the application process, the total fee is $180.25, where $140 of that is the application fee. The full fee is non-refundable. 

As for the NCLEX-RN, it’s $200 which is paid separately from the application fee. 

How long is the nursing program in New Hampshire?

The ADN takes two years to complete, while getting a BSN degree takes four years. If you’re studying part-time, this may take longer. 

How long does it take to get an RN license in New Hampshire?

Once you’re done with your nursing education program and NCLEX, the waiting period is about 4-6 weeks. After this period, you will get your license if you pass the NCLEX.

Helpful Resources for New Hampshire RNs

• New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (Official)
• Information for RN Applicants (Official)
• New Hampshire RN Continuing Education Requirements (Official)
• Associate Degree Programs (ADNS) Approved by New Hampshire OPLC
• Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) approved by New Hampshire OPLC

List of Associate Degree Programs (ADNs) in New Hampshire

Here’s a list of ADN programs approved by the New Hampshire OPLC:

Visit the New Hampshire OPLC website for updates.

List of Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) in New Hampshire

Here’s a list of BSN programs approved by the New Hampshire OPLC:

Visit the New Hampshire OPLC website for updates.

In Summary

Despite taking a few years to complete, becoming a registered nurse in New Hampshire is not complicated. 

As you’ve seen in our step-by-step guide, you’ll mostly just need to have your application documents ready and prepare well for the NCLEX. 

So if you’re decided to become an RN in the state, just follow these steps, and you can get your license in a few years! 

We wish you all the best and hope that you found this article helpful!