New York Nursing License Guide: Getting Licensed for Travel Nursing

If you’re considering travel nursing opportunities in New York, securing your New York nurse license is an essential first step. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler who has already taken assignments with another travel nurse agency, or an experienced staff nurse curious about making the leap into travel nursing for the very first time, this guide is designed to confidently walk you through the process of getting licensed in New York clearly and concisely.

At Nomad Health, we welcome travel nurses with at least one year of experience in their specialty. This ensures you’re fully prepared for the clinical demands of travel assignments while giving you the freedom to explore new opportunities across New York.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• A step-by-step walkthrough of the New York nursing license application process
• A breakdown of requirements for education, exams, and background checks
• Tips on handling common challenges—whether you’re applying for the first time or endorsing a license from another state
• Guidance on fees, costs, and how to budget for licensure
• A clear overview of renewal requirements and continuing education once you’re licensed
• Links to official resources and supportive online communities
• Insight into how Nomad Health helps both new and experienced travelers obtain their licenses and transition seamlessly into assignments

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a complete roadmap for obtaining and maintaining your New York nurse license—whether you’re taking your very first travel assignment or expanding your experience as a seasoned traveler.

How to Get Licensed as a Nurse in New York

To legally practice as a registered nurse (RN) in New York, you must hold an active license issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of the Professions. Unlike many states, New York is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means:

• If you’re licensed outside of New York: You must apply for a separate New York license by endorsement before you can begin working in the state.
• If you’re already licensed in New York: Your main responsibility is making sure your license is active, current, and in good standing.

For Nurses Already Licensed in New York

If you currently hold an active RN license in New York, you will need to verify your license status before pursuing a travel assignment:

• Use the NYSED license verification system to confirm your license is active.
• If your license is close to its expiration, you can renew your license online. New York requires nurses to renew their license every three years, which also requires mandatory courses in infection control and child abuse reporting.

Why Nurses Might Let Their License Lapse

Even experienced RNs sometimes let their licenses lapse, especially if they:

• Nurses stepping away from bedside nursing: Nurses who move into education, administration, or non-clinical roles may not renew their license because they aren’t actively practicing.
• Nurses that take extended personal leave: Time away for family, travel, or health reasons may cause nurses to miss important renewal deadlines.
• Nurses that relocate out of state: If you moved to a different state and obtained a new nurse license, you may have overlooked renewing your New York license and your license lapsed.
• Nurses missing renewal reminders: Nurses often rely on email or mail reminders, and missing these notices can result in an expired license.

Reinstatement vs. Renewal

• Renewal (active license):

  • Completed online through NYSED every three years.

  • Renewing an active license requires a $73 fee (as of 2025) and proof of completion for infection control and child abuse coursework.

• Reinstatement (lapsed license):

  • Reinstating a lapsed license may require additional fees and paperwork.

  • You may be required to submit verification of any licenses that may be held in other states during the lapse.

  • If your license has been expired for an extended period, NYSED may request evidence of continued competence (such as proof of recent nursing practice or continuing education).

  • Processing times are often longer for a lapsed license than a standard renewal.

Tip for Travel Nurses: If you already have a New York license, even if lapsed, reactivating it is usually faster than applying for a brand-new license. It’s important to start early to ensure there are no delays for your next travel assignment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a New York RN License

Here’s an overview of the process to obtain a New York RN license:

1. Graduate from an Approved Nursing Program

   • Complete an NYSED-approved nursing program or hold an equivalent degree from another state or country.

2. Apply Online

   • Submit your application through the .

3. Provide Official Transcripts

   • Request that your nursing school send transcripts directly to NYSED.

4. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

   • If this is your first license, you must take and pass the NCLEX. Nurses applying by endorsement (already licensed elsewhere) likely will not need to retake the exam.

5. Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check

   • A criminal history and background check is required through a state-approved vendor.

6. Pay Application Fees

   • Application fees typically range from $143–$200, depending on pathway and additional requirements.

7. Wait for License Issuance

   • Processing times range from 6–12 weeks. 

Why Get Licensed for Travel Nursing in New York?

New York is one of the most in-demand destinations for travel nurses, especially in metro areas like New York City and Long Island. Beyond competitive pay, a New York license opens doors to:

Career Benefits

• Access to a wide range of hospitals and specialty units

• Exposure to diverse patient populations and cases

• Flexibility to explore both urban and upstate assignments

• Competitive weekly pay packages and stipends

Job Opportunities and Market Demand

There is steady demand for travel nurses in New York due to healthcare staffing shortages in specialties like Medical-Surgical, Emergency Room, Medical Surgical - Telemetry, Medical ICU (MICU), and Step-Down.

New York RN License Requirements

Education and Experience

• Completion of an accredited nursing program

• Foreign-trained nurses must submit credential evaluations (e.g., CGFNS)

Examination Requirements

• NCLEX-RN (for first-time licensure)

Background Checks

• Fingerprinting and criminal history review are mandatory for all applicants

Navigating the Application Process

Application Submission

• Apply directly on the .

Timeline and Key Milestones

• Application review: 2–4 weeks

• Verification of out-of-state licenses (endorsement): 2–3 weeks

• Total time to licensure: 6–12 weeks, depending on documentation and background checks

Child Abuse and Maltreatment Training

All nurses in New York must complete a one-time Child Abuse and Maltreatment Training course. Proof of completion is required when applying for an initial license or limited permit, and again at each renewal. This requirement applies broadly to professionals designated as mandated reporters, including nurses, social workers, dentists, and others, ensuring they are equipped to recognize and report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

Infection Control and Barrier Precautions Training

In addition to the child abuse training, New York requires nurses and other healthcare professionals to complete Infection Control and Barrier Precautions Training every four years. This recurring training must be renewed consistently after initial licensure and applies to clinicians such as nurses, dental hygienists, optometrists, podiatrists, and dentists. The training ensures healthcare providers stay current with best practices for preventing the spread of infections and maintaining patient and workplace safety.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Licensing

Even experienced nurses may face hurdles when applying for a New York RN license.

Frequent challenges include:

• Delays caused by missing or incomplete transcripts

• Extended processing times for background checks

• Verification delays from other state boards

• Additional steps for internationally educated nurses

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Start early if you are thinking about taking an assignment in New York

• It’s important to double-check application forms before submission

• Confirm your nursing school has sent transcripts promptly

• Use a trackable mail service for any required documents

Helpful Online Resources and Communities

• New York State Education Department – Nursing
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing
• Nursing forums, Reddit threads, and Facebook travel nurse groups for peer advice

The Cost to Obtain an RN License in New York

Estimated Costs:

• Application fee: $143
• Fingerprinting/background check: $50–$100
• NCLEX exam (if required): $200
• Total out-of-pocket cost: $200–$450

You may be eligible for reimbursement for part or all of your licensing expenses when you take an assignment.

Ongoing Education and Renewal Requirements

• License renewal every 3 years
• Continuing Education (CE): Required for all specialties
• Mandatory courses for infection control and child abuse reporting
• 18 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every three years for Registered Nurses (RNs) to maintain their licensure. 
• Renewal fee: $73 (as of 2025)

Note: When you have completed the required coursework or training, the approved provider will give you a Certification of Completion. Please DO NOT submit this form to the State Education Department. Instead, keep the certificate in the event that you are required to submit it at a later date. There is an additional cost for the required child abuse course and the infection control course.  The prices range from $25-$40 depending on which education provider you use.