Massachusetts Nursing License Guide: Getting Licensed for Travel Nursing

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping clam chowder by the harbor after a shift, hiking the Berkshires on your days off, or working alongside some of the nation’s top healthcare professionals in Boston, Massachusetts could be your next travel nurse destination.

But before you can start your assignment in the Bay State, you’ll need to secure your Massachusetts nursing license.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• The requirements for Massachusetts RN licensure
• The step-by-step application process
• Renewal rules and continuing education
• Common challenges (and how to avoid them)
• How Nomad Health can help you get licensed faster

Why Massachusetts Is Worth the License Effort

Massachusetts offers incredible job opportunities for nurses — whether you’re looking for fast-paced work in academic medical centers or a slower pace in charming coastal towns.

Here’s why many travel nurses love Massachusetts:

• Top-ranked hospitals like Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women’s
• Strong demand for experienced RNs in multiple specialties
• Competitive travel nurse pay rates
• Beautiful seasonal changes — from Cape Cod summers to New England fall foliage

Massachusetts is in the process of joining the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and is currently in the implementation phase, with completion anticipated by November 2025. Until implementation is finalized, nurses holding a multistate license from other NLC states are not yet authorized to practice in Massachusetts without obtaining an endorsement from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. However, applicants seeking reciprocity may benefit from the state’s expedited conditional approval process.

The top Massachusetts travel nursing specialities include: 

• Emergency Room 

• Medical Surgical - Telemetry

• Operating Room

• Psychiatry

• Medical Surgical

• Telemetry

• Labor & Delivery

• Medical ICU (MICU)

Massachusetts RN License Requirements

Before applying, make sure you meet the state’s eligibility standards.

You’ll need:

• Proof of graduation from an approved nursing program
• Passing score on the NCLEX-RN
• Completion of a criminal background check
• Proof of English language proficiency (if you were educated outside the U.S.)
• Are of Good Moral Character, as defined by state law

Two Paths to Licensure: Initial or Endorsement

Initial Licensure (First-Time Nurses)

For those just starting their careers:

1. Graduate from an approved nursing program
2. Apply online through the Massachusetts Health Professions Licensing Portal
3. Register and pass the NCLEX
4. Complete the CORI background check
5. Receive your license and start your career in MA. You can start working as a nurse once your license number appears on the Massachusetts Health Professions License Verification website

Licensure by Endorsement (Experienced Out-of-State Nurses)

For nurses who already hold an active license in another U.S. state:

1. Verify your license through Nursys
2. Apply for endorsement via the online licensing portal
3. Complete the CORI background check
4. Wait for your license approval — typically a few weeks

How to Apply for a Massachusetts Nurse License: Step-by-Step

1. Gather Documents First
   Have your transcripts, license verification, and proof of identity ready.
2. Apply Online
   Use the official Massachusetts nursing portal.
3. Pay the Required Fees
   • $230 for initial licensure or endorsement $275 application fee & $30 license verification/state
   • Renewal is $120 every two years
4. Complete the Background Check
   Massachusetts requires a CORI check before issuing your license.
5. Track Your Application
   Log in regularly to check for updates and any missing documents.

Tips to Avoid Licensing Delays

• Double-check that your name matches exactly across all documents
• Apply early — processing can take 4–6 weeks
• Upload clear, legible PDF files for faster review
• Follow up with the Board if you haven’t heard back after 30 days

Renewing Your Massachusetts Nurse License

Your license is valid for two years and must be renewed before your birthday in your renewal year.

Renewal requirements:

• 15 contact hours of continuing education every renewal cycle. In addition, nurses must complete a separate mandatory training on domestic and sexual violence.
• Renewal completed through the online licensing portal
• Renewal fee of $120

Helpful Resources for Massachusetts Nurses

• Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing – official licensing authority
• Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act
• NCSBN Massachusetts – national guidance on licensing and regulation
• Nomad Health’s Travel Nurse FAQs - free resources to help you navigate the process