RN Licensure

All states require licensure in order to practice professional nursing. Requirements for licensure as a registered professional nurse in New York State include: education in accordance with the Commissioner of Educations regulations, achievement of a satisfactory grade on the NCLEX and fulfillment of a good moral character requirement by the State Education Department. A child abuse class is incorporated into the curriculum of the Masters Direct Entry (MDE) Program. Additional information can be requested from the New York State Education Department (518-474-3845). 

Graduates of the School of Nursing are eligible for licensure in all states. However, most states outside of New York require that candidates have their degree conferred prior to issuing the license although candidates can sit for the NCLEX. Columbia University confers degrees only three times a year (February, May & October). Candidates should check with the specific state for requirements. Any licensure paperwork for states outside of NY should be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs.