Ohio Nursing License: Lookup, Renewal, CE, and Fees

Ohio is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which means a registered nurse who holds a multistate license from another compact state and makes Ohio their primary state of residence can practice in Ohio without applying for a new license, though converting that multistate privilege to Ohio requires current BCI and FBI background checks and a $100 conversion fee. A nurse moving from a non-compact state, or one who does not hold a multistate license, must apply for licensure by endorsement instead.

Licensure by endorsement is handled through eLicense Ohio and carries a $75 application fee. Applicants must have their original license by examination verified by the issuing jurisdiction or through Nursys, pass a BCI and FBI fingerprint-based criminal records check, and complete 2 contact hours of Category A continuing education on Ohio law and rules. Ohio requires no separate state jurisprudence exam. A temporary permit may be issued while the application is pending, expiring at 180 days or upon licensure, whichever comes first.

Ohio requires RN candidates to complete a nursing education program approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing or by another NCSBN jurisdiction. The board does not distinguish between diploma, associate, and bachelor's degree programs in its rules. All candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN examination, which is the sole examination Ohio recognizes for RN licensure. Ohio does not administer a separate state jurisprudence exam; instead, knowledge of the Ohio Nurse Practice Act and Board rules is reinforced through required continuing education.