- Completion of an accredited nursing program: Candidates must have successfully completed an accredited nursing education program that meets the standards of their state board of nursing. Accredited nursing programs provide both theoretical and clinical components that prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe nursing practice.
Clinical Experience: As part of their nursing program, candidates must have gained supervised clinical experience in a healthcare setting. Clinical experiences allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations and develop the competencies required for nursing practice. The specific amount of clinical experience required may vary from state to state.
- Passing a criminal background check: Some state boards of nursing require candidates to pass a criminal background check before being eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. The purpose of this check is to ensure the protection of patients and the public.
- Meeting additional state-specific requirements: States may have additional requirements for NCLEX-RN eligibility. These may include meeting certain GPA thresholds, passing a pre-licensure exam, or completing a specified number of continuing education credits.
Please note that these are general guidelines and the eligibility requirements may vary among different state boards of nursing. It is important for aspiring nurses to refer to the specific regulations of their state board to determine the exact requirements for taking the NCLEX-RN examination.