Licensure by Endorsement

What is endorsement?

This application should be used to obtain licensure in Mississippi if a currently licensed registered nurse or licensed practical nurse from another state has never held a Mississippi license.  

If you are an APRN, you may use your Compact RN license from another compact state if your primary residence is out of state.  If your primary residence is Mississippi then you would need to obtain a Mississippi RN endorsement license (single or multi-state)

  • If you have held a Mississippi license before and wish to reactivate, please refer to the reinstatement application. For further information see Reinstatements.
  • Applicants from countries outside the United States or territories, who have not taken the NCLEX, please refer to the Licensure by Examination application. For further information see Examinations.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS (click here)

ONLINE APPLICATION

Submit the online Endorsement Application and Criminal Background Check (CBC) registration.

FEES (all fees are non-refundable)

RN $100

LPN $60

CBC $75

NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT

Your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) is the state of your declared fixed permanent and principal home for legal purposes; domicile. If Mississippi is your primary state of residence and you meet the Uniform Licensure Requirements you will be issued a multistate license. If you do not meet the ULRs and/or Mississippi is not your PSOR you may be issued a single-state license giving privilege to practice in Mississippi only.

If you hold a compact license from another state and have moved to Mississippi, you may continue to practice on your compact license while your endorsement process is under review.

Click here for more information on the NLC

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN)

You must have a valid Social Security Number. You will not be able to complete the application without including your SSN.

*Please do not submit any supporting documentation prior to completing the online application and submitting payment*

NURSING PROGRAM TRANSCRIPT

You must request your nursing program to submit an official transcript to the MS Board of Nursing. The Board will accept transcripts sent:

1. electronically through Parchment transcript service (the recipient will be MS Board of Nursing)
2. National Clearinghouse, the email is transcripts@msbn.ms.gov or
3. mailed directly from the registers office of your nursing program to the MS Board of Nursing (see address below).

Choose only one of the above methods to send transcripts. Transcripts cannot be mailed by the applicant to the Board, hand delivered, faxed, or emailed to Board staff.

713 Pear Orchard
Suite 300
Ridgeland, MS 39157

VERIFICATION

Submit verification of your original license by visiting www.nursys.com. Click the link titled "Nurse License Verification for Endorsement."

If you were originally licensed in a state that is not listed through the NURSYS verification, you will need to contact your original Board of Nursing to request verification.

CURRENT LICENSE

A current/active license is required to endorse your license to Mississippi; however, if you have only held a license in a compact state and are not able to reinstate your license due to your primary state of residence you may still endorse into Mississippi as long as your lapsed license is unencumbered.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK :Only the fingerprints and CBC performed by the Mississippi Board of Nursing will beaccepted.

After submitting the endorsement application, you will be able to register for your CBC (criminal background check). You can select either to schedule an appointment to be printed at our office or you may request to have a fingerprint card mailed to you. Please contact our office to speak with the CBC department for additional information. 

PROOF OF RESIDENCY

If you are declaring MS as your primary state of residency. The MS Board is requesting that you please upload one of the following as proof of your MS residency in your gateway portal;

  • Current MS driver's license
  • MS voter's registration
  • MS Federal income tax
  • W2 from US government or any bureau, division or agency thereof indicating MS as declared state of residence
  • Military form number 2058

Any other forms will not be accepted

 

FAQs

GENERAL FAQs

May I have someone else complete the online application for me?

It is the applicant’s responsibility to complete the Endorsement Application.

What name(s) am I expected to provide on my application?

The first, middle, & last name that you list on the application will be the name under which you are licensed. There is no option to select use of the maiden name in lieu of the middle name on the application. You may list your maiden name in the appointed section of the application. If you use your maiden name as your middle name you may list it twice

What information do I list about previous licensure?

You must submit information regarding the following:

  1. State and License # of original licensure.
  2. State and License # of current licensure

What if I do not currently hold an active license?

Mississippi Board of Nursing law requires endorsement applicants to hold a current/active license in another state or territory or evidence of eligibility for reinstatement of licensure in a compact state if that compact state were the applicant’s primary state of residence.

How long does it take to get a license?

There is no timetable for issuing licenses. A license will only be issued when all requirements are completed. Applications are processed on a first-in, first-out basis

Do I need to endorse if I had an Mississippi license in the past?

It depends on the type of license to which you are referring. If you have ever held an Mississippi LPN or RN license but did not keep it current, then the status is Lapsed and you should reinstate it.

For further information see the Reinstatement.

How much does it cost?

The costs are: Application Fee (RN$100/LPN $60), Criminal Background Check/CBC ($75).

How do I pay?

Payment is accepted electronically via credit/debit card or PayPal after submission of the online application

May I get a refund?

No. FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

How long do I have to complete the application process?

Your application and fees will remain active for one year. You would be able to complete the endorsement process at any time within that period. After a year, you would need to submit a new application and application fee.

May I apply for an LPN license in Mississippi based on LPN licensure in another state that allowed me to take NCLEX-PN® because I partially completed an RN program?

No. In order to apply for LPN licensure by endorsement, you must have graduated or successfully completed an approved practical nursing program in Mississippi, or an approved practical nursing program located in another state or territory that substantially meets the same educational criteria as Mississippi programs

How may I check the status of my application?

The endorsement status check provides you with a checklist of items that the Board is still waiting to receive.  Once the license is issued, you will be able to verify your license on the Board’s website or through your nursing profile/gateway. You may check the status of your application here.waiting to receive. Once the license is issued, you will be able to verify your license on the Board’s website or through your nursing profile/gateway. You may check the status of your application here.

How may I verify that my license has been issued?

You may view licensure information under the License Verification section of the Board’s website here or by logging in to your profile/gateway.

How long is the license period once it is issued?

The license period is for two years based upon the renewal cycle of the license. LPN renewal is every ODD numbered year and RN renewal is every EVEN numbered year. Thus, a license issued prior to August 31 will expire December 31 of that same year if it is a renewal year for that license type. For example, an RN license issued 08/31/2016 will expire 12/31/2016; whereas an LPN license issued 08/31/2016 will not expire until 12/31/2017. (Renewal begins September 1 each year.)

 

NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT (NLC) FAQs

Click here for more info and list of participating states

I live in a noncompact state. Can I get a multistate license?

Only nurses who declare a compact state as their primary state of residence are eligible for a multistate license. As a resident of a noncompact state, you may apply for a license in a compact state, although your eligibility will be limited to a single state license that is valid in that state only.

I live in a compact state and have a license. How do I get a compact license?

When you applied for that license, if you declared that state as your primary state of residence and met the licensure requirements of that state, the license you were issued should already be a multistate license, assuming you are currently in good standing.

I have a compact license. How long can I work in another compact state?

There is no time limit. As long as your home state is a compact state, is declared as your primary state of residency and you remain in good standing, you may practice in other compact states.

My primary state of residence is a noncompact state; it is also where I am licensed. I am applying for a license in a compact state, however. Do I have to give up my original license?

No, you may maintain your current license. Residents of noncompact states are not bound by compact rules, which permit a licensee to hold only one compact multistate license in the primary state of residence.

What if I move to another compact state?

Upon permanently relocating to another compact state, apply for licensure by endorsement and complete the Declaration of Primary State of Residence for the new home state, which can be found on your board of nursing (BON)’s website.The declaration form is generally a page within the application. It is important to note that you must apply once you are a legal resident of the new state, as a compact state will not issue a license to a resident of another compact state. Notify the former compact BON that you are no longer a resident. You can practice on your former license while your

Please note: States are in the process of amending rules regarding the period of time a nurse can practice on the license issued by a former state of residence. The number of days is based on the rule in effect in the new state. Visit ncsbn.org/nlc to confirm your state’s current status.

I live in a noncompact state, but I will be changing my primary state of residence to a compact state in a few months for a job. Can I apply for a license in that state now so I can work immediately after moving?

Yes. It’s recommended you start the application process prior to the move - however, you will be eligible for a single-state license only. A new compact license will not be issued until you provide a Declaration of Primary State of Residence form and any proof of residence that may be required by the board of nursing. This can be submitted to the board of nursing at a later date, and the license can be converted to multistate.

I live in a noncompact state, but own property in a compact state. Can I get a compact license?

In order to be eligible for a compact license, your declared primary state of residence must be a compact state. Owning property in a compact state is not sufficient to meet residence requirements. Proof of residence includes obtaining a driver’s license, voting/registering to vote or filing federal taxes with an address in that state.

I have a compact multistate license and have accepted a temporary assignment in another compact state. My employer or staffing agency is telling me that I need to get that state’s license.

When hired in a remote state for a temporary position or commuting to a remote state from the primary state of residence (usually an adjacent state), employers cannot require you to apply for licensure in the remote state when you have lawfully declared another state as your primary state of residence. Primary state of residence is based on where you pay federal income tax, vote and/or hold a driver’s license. The remote board of nursing cannot issue a license to a nurse who has declared another compact state as the primary state of residence, since the compact license from the home state applies to both states and having multiple compact licenses is therefore redundant. You have the privilege to practice in any remote compact state with your home state compact license.

 

NURSING EDUCATION FAQs

May I apply for licensure by endorsement if my school is not accredited?

No. You must have graduated from a nursing program (RN or PN) which substantially meets the same educational criteria as Mississippi Board of Nursing. All accreditation is done through the Institute for Higher Learning. Click here to visit the IHL website.

What types of questions are in the Education section of the application?

The application requires you to identify the nursing program from where you graduated. Programs in the US have the NCLEX® Program Codes readily available for you to choose from in the application. You will have to identify the degree or certificate awarded upon completion of your nursing program. You must also include your graduation date.

Applicants educated outside the US, please refer to the International Nursing Program Graduates info

What do I need to have my Nursing Program submit to the Board?

You must request your nursing program to submit an official transcript to the MS Board of Nursing. The Board will accept transcripts sent

  1. electronically through Parchment transcript service (the recipient will be MS Board of Nursing)
  2. National Clearinghouse, the email is transcripts@msbn.ms.gov or
  3. mailed directly from the registers office of your nursing program to the MS Board of Nursing (see address below).

Choose only one of the above methods to send transcripts. Transcripts cannot be mailed by the applicant to the Board, hand delivered, faxed, or emailed to Board staff.

 713 Pear Orchard 
Suite 300
Ridgeland, MS 39157

How do I obtain a transcript if my nursing program has closed?

If you are trying to locate your academic records from a closed school, you should contact the state licensing agency in the state in which the school was located to ask whether the state made arrangements to store the records. Information about financial aid and closed schools is also available. Click here to visit the website.

You may also contact the Board of Nursing in the state where your school was located and inquire who was appointed receivership of the school’s records

VERIFICATION FAQs

How do I know if I am supposed to request a verification of my original licensure from NURSYS®?

You may check with the Board of Nursing that issued your original nursing license for how that Board processes verification requests. Alternatively, you may check with NURSYS® at www.nursys.com and follow their instructions for requesting verification.

What if my original Board of Nursing does not participate in NURSYS?

If your original Board does not participate in NURSYS verifications, you will need to contact your Board to inquire how to request the verification.

May I have the verification submitted via fax?

No. Only an original verification received directly from your original Board of Nursing is accepted

Is a copy of my license adequate for verification?

No

 

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK FAQs

What are Discipline Questions?

These are questions that aid the Board in determining the applicant’s “good moral character” as required by law. The discipline questions ask about your past history in the following areas: Criminal History, Substance Use, Physical or Mental Health, Discipline or Investigations of Other Licenses or Professions, and Military Discharge. Affirmative responses do not preclude an individual from licensure. Applicants are expected to read the questions carefully and answer honestly.

What documentation will I have to submit if I have to answer “Yes” to a Discipline Question?

You must submit a detailed written explanation of the circumstances surrounding the event(s) which you are disclosing on your application. You must also submit additional supporting documentation. Examples of supporting documentation include: Certified copies of court documents for criminal activity; Admission & Discharge Summary for previous substance use or mental health treatment; Military DD214.

ENDORSEMENT APPLICATION

NOTE: The application for licensure as a nurse in the state of Mississippi is intended for completion only by the individual applying for licensure and should not be completed by any third party on behalf of the applicant. The application requires an attestation by the applicant as to the accuracy and completeness of the information to the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Please note that any applicant or licensee of the Board who provides incomplete or inaccurate information on an application is subject to discipline against his or her license.

  • Click here to access the Endorsement Application
 

APPLICATION STATUS

 

NURSING EDUCATION AND ACCREDITATION INFO

  • You must have graduated from a nursing program (RN or PN) which substantially meets the same educational criteria as Mississippi Board of Nursing. All accreditation is done through the Institute for Higher Learning. Click here to visit the IHL website.

  • Your basic nursing transcript is required. Please contact your nursing program to request your transcript to be sent to the MS Board of Nursing. The Board will accept transcripts sent (1) submitted electronically through Parchment transcript service (the receipt will be MS Board of Nursing) or (2) mailed directly from the nursing program. Choose only one of the above methods to send transcripts. This is the only way transcripts will be accepted by the MS Board of Nursing. Transcripts cannot be mailed by the applicant to the Board, hand delivered, faxed, or emailed to Board staff.

    713 Pear Orchard 
    Suite 300
    Ridgeland, MS 39157

  • If you are trying to locate your academic records from a closed school, you should contact the state licensing agency in the state in which the school was located to ask whether the state made arrangements to store the records. Information about financial aid and closed schools is also available.
 

VERIFICATION INFO

  • You must request verification of licensure from your original state of licensure to be sent to the MSBN.
    • Submit verification of your original license by visiting www.nursys.com. Click the link titled "Nurse License Verification for Endorsement."
    • If you were originally licensed in a state that is not listed through the NURSYS verification, you will need to contact your original Board of Nursing to request verification.
 

CBC (CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK) INFO

  • You must complete the Endorsement application before registering for the CBC.
  • Complete the CBC registration using the exact name as used on the endorsement application. If you have undergone a name change different from the name on your photo identification, you must present the necessary legal documents (i.e., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal name change document) as proof at the time of fingerprinting.
  • Only the fingerprints and CBC performed by the Mississippi Board of Nursing will be accepted
  • If you answered yes to any of the discipline questions, please allow additional time for the CBC process to be completed because of additional follow-up by board staff.
 

GRADUATES OF FOREIGN NURSING SCHOOLS

  • Applicants that were educated outside the states and territories of the United States must have evidence of nursing education and credential evaluation submitted by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.
  • Visit www.cgfns.org to request reports, more information, and questions regarding the evaluation process.
 

CONTINUED COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

  • Any RN or LPN applying for a license must submit evidence of continuing basic nursing competencies when such nurse has not practiced nursing for compensation or performed the function of a RN or LPN in a voluntary capacity with or without compensation within the five (5) year period immediately prior to such application for a license, renewal, reinstatement or change of status.
  • Evidence of continuing basic nursing competencies shall include submission of written documentation of one of the following:
    • Successful completion of a board-approved Reorientation Program for RNs or LPNs within the five (5) year period immediately prior to such application for renewal or reinstatement of the nursing license. The board may issue a temporary permit to any nurse during the time enrolled in a board-approved nursing reorientation program upon submission of required application and fees;
    • Completion of twenty contact hours of continuing education directly related to nursing practice within the two (2) year period immediately prior to such application for renewal or reinstatement of the nursing license. Acceptable continuing education offerings are those which are currently approved, accredited, provided, or offered by a recognized credentialing agency;
    • Successful completion of a minimum of three (3) semester hours of nursing credit offered by a nursing education program within the two (2) year period immediately prior to such application for renewal or reinstatement of the nursing license. An acceptable nursing program is one which is approved or accredited by the appropriate agency within the state.