The Old Dominion University School of Nursing is committed to providing clear and accurate information to current and prospective students to help inform career planning.
National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX)
The BSN program prepares students to take the National Council Licensure exam (NCLEX) to practice in a field where professional licensure is required. Eligibility for licensure varies by state and includes earning a degree from an accredited institution that meets eligibility requirements for that state, completing the required number of clinical hours, and passing the NCLEX.
Reciprocity
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at ODU meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Virginia is a part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), therefore nurses with a Virginia RN license may apply for a compact license to be eligible to practice in 38 U.S. states, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands without obtaining additional licenses.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
As a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), ODU is authorized to provide BSN education to students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more about NC-SARA and professional licensure.
The BSN major at Old Dominion University meets the educational requirements for professional RN licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Some jurisdictions require additional modules covering state laws for mandatory reporting, human trafficking, etc. when seeking licensure. Puerto Rico is an associate member of the NCSBN and not part of the NLC jurisdiction. Applications must apply to the Puerto Rico Board of Nursing for licensure.