The NCSBN was founded in 1978 when the American Nurses Association (ANA) Council on State Boards of Nursing recognized the need for an organization to regulate nursing--created separately from the organization representing nurses--to guard the safety of the American public through competent nursing. Only state boards of nursing are allowed to become members of the NCSBN. As state governmental agencies, they are responsible for ensuring regulatory excellence for public health, safety and welfare.
Aspiring LPNs wishing to sit for the NCLEX-PN must have completed a practical nursing training program, and it must be approved by the board of nursing of the state the candidate wishes to practice in. PN programs can be completed within a year from a variety of places: community colleges, technical/vocational schools, high schools and hospitals. Comprised of both classroom study and supervised clinical work in a hospital, typical coursework is in subject areas such as anatomy and physiology, medical-surgical nursing, nutrition, pediatrics and pharmacology.
To sit for the NCLEX-RN, candidates must have at least a state-approved associate degree in nursing, although a few candidates have bachelor's and master's degrees. Associate degrees can be completed in two years in a community college or technical school, while bachelor's and master's degrees can be obtained from a four-year institution in four years and two years, respectively. Master's degrees in particular are for those aspiring to be advanced practice nurses or specialists such as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse administrators.
Candidates register for the NCLEX by submitting a completed licensure application to the board of nursing where they wish to practice, with the application fee of $200. Registration can be carried out by mail, over the phone or online at the NCSBN website. Today, it is required of all aspiring nurses to pass the NCLEX to get licensure for practicing nursing.