Nursing License Requirements in Florida

Florida is one of those states who are popular for having most retirement people that is why it is sometimes referred to as a retirement state. Now as it is a retirement state, it means that a lot of nurses are required here.

This has come into the knowledge through various surveys that the young generation is very keen to pursue this career in nursing. They believe that this is one of the best ways to serve humanity and old people.

If you are interested in becoming a nurse in Florida, you are required to follow some major steps.

These steps are the basic requirement to become a nurse which will further guide in becoming an advanced nurse. These requirements are the sole structure for the start of your nursing career.

You must first apply through the nursing board of the state, and when you get the clearance, only then you can continue your nursing practice, and the practice is only possible when you get your nursing license. To get your nursing license, you must follow the below-mentioned steps.

Educational proof

Choose a program

Florida offers over 160 different undergraduate and graduate nursing colleges where you can apply for the required program or diploma. You must first get familiar with different types of diplomas and degree that a nursing board supports.

When you have selected the course, then you must get acknowledge with the requirement of the college and apply in it. Once you have entered the college, complete the studies.

Education requirements

To sit in the examination, you must fulfill the credit hour requirement that is 15 credit hours in science and arts, including English, biology, math, and psychology.

Only after the completion of the course, you will be able to appear in the NCLEX examination. Once you have cleared the examination; the board will then give you the license to work.

Other verifications

Before you appear in the exam, the board must check your character report and your behavioral reports through thumb imprint, police report and other such reports to confirm that you do not have any criminal history or such behavioral disorders which are not appropriate for the nursing career.

Proof submission

When you have cleared your exam, then you can submit your report or proof of the education which you obtained to become a nurse.

The proof is submitted to the nursing board of the state of Florida in an application form. That application form can be obtained from the state board. Then it is up to the board to decide further.

Fees submissions

You must deposit the fees with your application for the license which you are looking for. If you don’t have the fee, you must write another application and provide with proof as to why you don’t have the fee and what are you going to do about it.

License arrival

Usually the license arrives via post at your current postal address. If not then you must ask from the board yourself. It takes up to the period of two weeks before your license shows up.

Once your application is approved by the board, you will get the license. Your license allows you to continue practicing and remember that without a license, you are not authorized to work as a nurse.

Renewal

Every two years, the license must be renewed or else it will get cancel or null and void. The terms and conditions for license renewal are different, and you must understand them before it’s too late.