Individual State Boards of Nursing uses the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX®) prepared by National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to measure competence for entry-level practice for graduates of pre-licensure nursing education programs. Professional nurses are prohibited in all states from practicing nursing until the NCLEX® examination is successfully completed and licensure has been granted.

Upon completion of degree requirements, each student enrolled in the traditional BSN option must make application to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Professional nurses are prohibited in all states from practicing nursing until the examination is successfully completed and licensure has been granted. Specific information regarding licensure will be provided to the student during the last quarter of the nursing program.

State Boards of Nursing have the responsibility and right to deny licensure to persons who have been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation. Persons having a criminal record should consult the Rules and Regulations of the Tennessee Board of Nursing available on line at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/nursing-board/nursing-board/applications.html or other applicable state nursing board. For North Carolina, it is available online at: https://www.ncbon.com/laws-rules-overview

The “SAVE Act” requires Tennessee Department of Health (including all Boards, Commissions, and contractors), along with every local health department in the State, to verify that every adult applicant for a professional license is either a U.S. citizen, a “qualified alien,” or a nonimmigrant who meets the requirements set out at 8 U.S.C. 1621. For more information please visit https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/nursing-board/nursing-board/applications.html.

For more detailed information about the NCLEX, please visit the website of National Council of State Boards of Nursing at http://www.ncsbn.org.

Last updated 2/23/2024

State Licensure/Professional Certification Disclosure Information – July 2024