Massachusetts nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Massachusetts license by endorsement: the application fee ($275 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Enacted, not yet implemented |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $275 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $275 |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | The board lists none |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $120 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 15 contact hours. 15 contact hours within the 2 years before renewal; none required for first renewal; keep records for 4 years. |
How to get your Massachusetts license, step by step
- Plan for endorsement. Massachusetts has enacted the compact but has not implemented it as of October 15, 2026. A nurse licensed elsewhere applies to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for licensure by endorsement before working here, even with a multistate license.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $275 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Massachusetts
- RN licenses expire on the birthday in even-numbered years; LPN licenses in odd-numbered years.
- Applications must include a Social Security number; a separate $30 per-license verification fee applies.
- One-time training on cognitive impairments (including Alzheimer's disease) required for initial licensure; no prescribed hours.
What RNs earn in Massachusetts
The BLS median for registered nurses in Massachusetts is $49.03 per hour, about $101,970 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Massachusetts.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA | $49.76 | $103,490 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $49.25 | $102,440 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $48.96 | $101,840 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $47.97 | $99,780 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $47.68 | $99,170 |
| Springfield, MA | $43.74 | $90,970 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Massachusetts · Massachusetts state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-nursing-license-by-reciprocity (endorsement application)
- mass.gov/info-details/check-eligibility-for-a-nursing-license-by-rec (temporary license)
- mass.gov/doc/nursing-requirements-and-application-aprn-exam-and-reci
- mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-nursing-license (renewal)
- mass.gov/info-details/mandatory-continuing-education-for-nurses (continuing education)
- mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-nursing (board website)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Massachusetts nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing lists an application fee of $275 for an RN and $275 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Massachusetts a nurse licensure compact state?
Massachusetts has enacted the compact but has not implemented it as of October 15, 2026. A license by endorsement is the route for nurses licensed elsewhere.
Can I work in Massachusetts while my license is processed?
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing lists no temporary license for endorsement applicants, so plan the start date around the full license.
How much continuing education do Massachusetts nurses need?
RN renewal requires 15 contact hours of continuing education. 15 contact hours within the 2 years before renewal; none required for first renewal; keep records for 4 years. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Massachusetts license?
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing does not publish a fixed time. It depends on how fast your verification and background check arrive, so apply before you accept a start date.
Does Valorem Health help with Massachusetts licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
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Your RN pay reportMassachusetts · pay published by hospitals, collected October 15, 2026
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