Mass. Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

Time to renew your nursing credentials in Mass.? Nursing license renewal procedures in Massachusetts are similar to other states, but keep reading to learn more about the specifics of MA RN license renewal, as well as the process for LPNs, CNAs, and NPs.

Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations are among the job categories with the highest employment numbers in Massachusetts. And with more than 7 million residents — 18% of whom are age 65 and older — the Bay State has a lot of people who need quality care. That’s where you come in.

If you’re a nursing professional in Massachusetts, nursing license renewal is mandatory in order to remain legally cleared to practice. For information about general regulations regarding nursing in this state, check out our articles on becoming an RN in MA and the Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act.

Massachusetts Nursing Facts

If you have questions about MA nursing license renewal requirements or want to apply for a Massachusetts nursing license, here are some useful resources.

Is Massachusetts part of the nursing licensure compact (NLC)?

Yes, Massachusetts is an NLC state. Learn more about gaining compact licensure.

How much do nurses in Massachusetts earn?

See a breakdown of the average nursing salary in MA by profession:

• The average CNA salary in Massachusetts is $46,130 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Massachusetts is $76,400 per year.
• The average RN salary in Massachusetts is $112,610 per year.
• The average NP salary in Massachusetts is $145,140 per year.

How can I contact the Massachusetts State Board of Nursing?

Massachusetts Board of Nursing Email: nursing.admin@state.ma.us

Massachusetts Board of Nursing Phone Help Line: 617-973-0800

Massachusetts Board of Nursing Alternate Help Line: 617-973-0900

Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-nursing

Massachusetts Board of Nursing Mailing Address:
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108

Mass. Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

If your nursing license is issued by Massachusetts, follow the steps below. If you’re an out-of-state nurse without compact licensure, you can apply for a Massachusetts nursing license by endorsement, also called a license by reciprocity.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

Before you can proceed with the Massachusetts nursing license renewal process, figure out when your current license expires. The dates are as follows:

• APRN and RN licenses: 11:59 p.m. on your birthday in even-numbered years
• LPN licenses: 11:59 p.m. on your birthday in odd-numbered years

If you’re a CNA in Massachusetts, your certification is up for renewal every two years. Not sure when you’ll need to renew? Look up your status on the Massachusetts nursing license verification site. If you don’t remember your number, you can check a nursing license in MA (or a certification) on their Check a License page.

Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements

One of the requirements to renew a nursing license in Massachusetts is the completion of continuing education. LPNs, RNs, and NPs must amass 15 contact hours within the two years before their license expires. If you’re renewing for the first time, you won’t need to complete this requirement. NPs will need to meet additional prescriber training requirements.

Need help fulfilling your continuing education? IntelyEdu has a variety of courses and is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

To be eligible for CNA renewals, nurse aides must have worked for at least eight hours within the past year, performing nursing-related duties. There is no continuing education requirement for nurse aides in MA.

Step 3: File Your Mass. Nursing License Renewal Online or Via Mail

You may renew an LPN, RN, and APRN nursing license 90 days before your license expires. To renew a nursing license online, visit the Mass Department of Public Health Online Licensing homepage.

For first-time users, you’ll need to create an account and link it to your nursing license. If you need technical assistance with the license system, you can call the help desk at 800-414-0168. For questions about licensing requirements, contact the Board of Nursing.

Once you’re logged in, and your license is linked, look for your nursing license and click on the “Show Details” button. If you’re within the 90-day renewal timeframe, you’ll see a renewal application link. Click that link and then on the “Start Application” button.

Fill out each page of the application. You will eventually come to the Payment page. When you click on “Pay Fee,” you’ll be brought to a secure e-pay vendor page. The Massachusetts Board of Nursing license renewal fees are as follows:

• RN and LPN renewal fee: $120
• APRN renewal fee: $180

After you pay, click the “Continue to Application” button to return to the Massachusetts nurse licensing system and then review all the information. If it’s correct, click “Submit.” Most renewal applications are automatically renewed upon submission. If you’re looking for a way to confirm your Massachusetts Board of Nursing application status, your renewed license will be attached to an email.

The state no longer provides paper licenses, but you can check a nursing license in Massachusetts online and print a license verification if you need it.

Prefer to renew a Massachusetts nursing license by mail? Request a form by emailing renew.bymail@state.ma.us. Fill out the form and return it to:

Mass Department of Public Health
Division of Health Professions Licensure
P.O. Box 414394
Boston, MA 02241-4394

CNAs can download the MA Nurse Aide Registry Renewal Employer Form, which has a code and instructions that explain how your employer can upload the completed, signed document.

You can check your status by visiting the Massachusetts Health Professions License Verification site.

Great Cities in Massachusetts for Nursing Jobs

When your renewal process is complete, you can begin searching for opportunities in Massachusetts.

• CNA jobs in Massachusetts
• LPN jobs in Massachusetts
• RN jobs in Massachusetts
• NP jobs in Massachusetts

Get specific in your search by focusing on some of the state’s more populous areas, such as:

• Boston
• Lowell
• New Bedford
• Springfield
• Worcester

Search Massachusetts Nursing Jobs by Employer

Whether you’re looking for opportunities in acute care, long-term care, home health, or another care setting, Massachusetts needs nursing professionals with your skills. Search for roles with some of the leading healthcare employers in the state:

• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Boston Medical Center
• Massachusetts General Hospital
• UMass Memorial Health
• Baystate Health
• Cape Cod Healthcare
• South Shore Health
• Athena Health Care System
• UnitedHealthcare
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Sturdy Memorial Hospital

Find Top MA Nursing Jobs

Now that you’ve finished your Mass. nursing license renewal, are you looking for a new nursing job? Check out all nursing jobs in Massachusetts that are available right now, and pick the one that is the best fit for you.