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Ohio Board of Nursing
Processing time
4–6 weeks
Temporary license typically issued within one week
Fees
License: $75
Renewal: $65
Compact state
Yes
Application links
Ohio eLicense
Biennially, every two years prior to September 15th
RN
Renew every two years in ODD-numbered years
LPN
Renew every two years in EVEN-numbered years
Yes
Valid for a period of 180 days or until permanent license is issued or denied
24 hours of continuing education required within each 2-year licensing period
Continuing education hours are not required for the first year of holding licensure
A nurse licensed in Ohio by reciprocity for less than or equal to one year before the first Ohio license renewal must complete at least 12 contact hours, rather than 24
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information in our Nursing Licensing Guide, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Regulations, requirements, and processes can change frequently. Healthcare travelers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult directly with the respective state board's official website to ensure they have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Fusion Medical Staffing is not liable for any outdated information or errors in the guide.
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$75
Renewal: $65 · Temp license available
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
24 hours
Every 2 years
Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member; travelers holding a multistate compact license from another NLC state can practice immediately under compact privilege while the Ohio endorsement application processes (4-6 weeks), but multistate privilege requires Ohio residency verification and is lost if primary residence changes to a non-compact state.
For travelers, this means you can begin an Ohio assignment immediately if your home state is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member and your license is set to multistate status. However, if you establish Ohio residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for an Ohio license through endorsement.
Ohio uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for registered nurses already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $75 application fee.
License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Ohio requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a registered nurse license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Ohio Board of Nursing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Ohio Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $75 |
| Renewal | $65 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $130–$180 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Ohio issues temporary nursing licenses valid for 180 days, allowing registered nurses to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
Issuance timeline:
Denial risks:
Important for travelers: Temporary license automatically expires after 180 days; if assignment ends before expiration, licensure lapses and applicant cannot renew the temporary license—they must obtain permanent endorsement if returning to Ohio. Conviction of a crime or receipt of a disciplinary order in another state while temporary license is active can trigger immediate revocation and refusal to issue permanent endorsement. Failure to apply for permanent endorsement before temporary license expiration results in practice termination; there is no grace period and no re-application for temporary licenses.
Ohio registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3 weeks (complete application submitted, immediate Nursys verification from compact state, temporary license issued same week, full endorsement fast-tracked through next board meeting).
Common sources of delay:
Ohio does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Ohio requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Ohio Board of Nursing's official website.
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