How to Become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the USA

✅ Step-by-Step Process

1. Foreign Credential Verification

If you studied nursing outside the US or US territories, your academic and professional credentials must be verified. This is done through TruMerit™️ (formerly CGFNS International), which evaluates your qualifications and provides a verified report to the concerned state board.

Eduint4u’s Role:

Application assistance

Attestation service (collecting and arranging forms from institutes/councils)
Following up with CGFNS for clarifications and timely release of reports

2. State Board Application

Each US state has its own Board of Nursing with unique requirements for RN registration. Choosing the right state board depends on your preferences, profile, and long-term career plans.

Eduint4u’s Role:

Assessing client’s profile and preferences
Suggesting the best state board options
Supporting the application process

3. Fingerprinting & Background Check

Most boards require a fingerprint verification using the FD-258 fingerprint card. This is done at authorized centers and is mandatory for background checks.

Eduint4u’s Role:

Guiding on how to fill fingerprint cards
Clarifying common doubts (actual fingerprinting must be done by the client at authorized centers)

4. State-Specific Courses/Exams

Some states require additional online courses or exams before granting eligibility. For example:
Texas Board of Nursing: Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE)
New York State Board of Nursing: NYSED-approved Infection Control Course & Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Course

Eduint4u’s Role:

Guidance on registering and completing these courses/exams

5. Language Proficiency (If Required)

Certain state boards mandate English proficiency scores (IELTS, OET, or TOEFL), while others don’t.

Eduint4u’s Role:

Advising on state-specific language requirements
Helping clients choose the right pathway
Train Nurses for English Test

6. NCLEX-RN Examination

The NCLEX-RN is the final licensing exam for nurses. Once registered with Pearson Vue, eligibility is checked, and an Authorization to Test (ATT) is issued. The exam must be scheduled and completed within the ATT’s validity.

Eduint4u’s Role:

NCLEX coaching
Registration & scheduling assistance
Step-by-step guidance until exam success

7. Licensure Grant

After clearing NCLEX, the nursing board issues your RN license. In some cases, additional paperwork may be required before the license is finalized.

Eduint4u’s Role:

Assisting with final application procedures
Ensuring smooth completion of licensure