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So, you decided you want to become a nurse in Minnesota.
The first step to accomplishing your dream is getting a license issued by the Minnesota Nursing Board.
To do that, you first need to learn more about the Board in this state.
So, check out the article below to find out more.
Table of Contents
What Does the Board Do?
In Minnesota, like in other states, the Board of Nursing is the body that governs the nursing profession and licenses.
Here are the main tasks of the Board:
- Issuing licenses to future nurses
- Renewing the credentials of already licensed personnel
- Ensuring the candidates meet the requirements by analyzing the submitted documents
- Issuing disciplinary actions
- Maintaining the rules and regulations up-to-date
- Maintaining accurate records
In this state, the Board will license only RNs and LPNs.
Getting Approval to Take the NCLEX
To be able to look for a job as a nurse in this state, you must pass the NCLEX exam.
The NCLEX exam is recognized throughout the country, but also in Canada and Australia.
The exam is offered through The National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
You are allowed to take the exam at any Pearson Vue testing center in your region.
These centers are spread all over the nation.
You should know that you have to match some criteria to qualify for the exam.
The prerequisites are:
- Completing a training course for nurses
- Complete the CGFNS International Certification Program – if you’re a foreigner
- Fill out the online application
- Pay the fee – 180 USD
- Have a clean criminal record
Beware that no fee is refundable.
You can submit your exam registration while filling out the nursing license application.
In Minnesota, you can only get a nurse license online.
This means you have to get the required paperwork and mail it.
The documents will be sent to the address below:
- 1210 Northland Dr #120, Mendota Heights, MN 55120, United States
The Council and the Board have to approve your application first.
Then, you can take your exam on a date you choose.
Not everyone passes on their first try.
You’ll have to wait 45 days before you can retake the exam, and you can only do so 8 times before you have to reapply.
Some nurses may have a license in another state.
If you are one of them, you should know it is not required to pass the exam again.
Renewing Your License
A reminder postcard is sent to you 90 days before the license expiration date.
A reminder email notice is also submitted if you have provided an email address.
You will have to renew your nurse license in the month and year of your birth.
The period in which your license is valid varies between 6 and 29 months.
After the first period of licensure, your license will be valid for 2 years.
If you are an RN, have to finish 24 extra education hours within 2 years
How To Do A License Lookup
If you need to see whether if your license is in good standing, you can do a license lookup.
You can also search for other nurses using the same method.
To look up a nursing license, submit a name and/or license info.
Submit numbers in the “number” box.
This is the link you need to follow to start the verification process:
- https://mbn.hlb.state.mn.us/#/services/onlineEntitySearch
You can get a license verified on the site by choosing the Verify an RN or LPN License button on the home page.
If you choose an advanced practice registered nurse, you can do a lookup by choosing the Verify and APRN License button on the home page.
The Minnesota Board of Nursing is the main source for the info shown in the online lookup.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing will offer to lookup our Minnesota license to another state board
To ask for this service, you can access www.nursys.com to start an online verification.
Minnesota Board of Nursing Contact Information
The address of the Board of Nursing is:
- 1210 Northland Dr #120, Mendota Heights, MN 55120, United States
The phone number of the organization is +1 612-317-3000.
You can also reach the Board by fax at 651-688-1841.
Its website is at mn.gov/health-licensing-boards/nursing/.
The Board receives emails at nursing.board@state.mn.us.
Conclusion
Now that you have this info, you can start your nursing career with ease.