License requirements by state
What each board asks for at initial licensure and at renewal, step by step, for RN, APRN and prescribing credentials.
Informational guidance only. Confirm current requirements with the appropriate licensing authority before applying, renewing or practicing. Read the disclaimer
Virginia: APRN, initial licensure
Prepare the state-specific education, certification, application and practice documents below. Separate prescribing approvals appear under Prescriptive Authority and State Rx / CS.
NP application checklist
Maintain active Virginia or multistate RN authority. Provide a qualifying graduate-program transcript with the required advanced clinical coursework, current specialty certification, application and fee. Apply using the nursing board’s first-time or endorsement route; prescriptive authority requires its own approval.
- Timing
- Before initial state authorization
- Conditions
- Standard NP application. Additional documents apply to international education, reentry, discipline, name changes and other nonstandard routes.
NP practice and prescribing
NPs ordinarily maintain a patient-care-team physician practice agreement. A qualified NP may receive a license designation allowing practice without it. Prescribing authority and any applicable agreement remain governed by the NP’s authorization and prescribing law.
- Timing
- During practice
- Conditions
- The pathway requires the equivalent of three years of qualifying full-time clinical experience and board verification. Independent NPs still consult, collaborate and arrange referrals when clinically indicated.
5,400 Hours / 3 full-time years
Virginia defines one full-time practice year as 1,800 hours. The patient care team physician or an eligible attesting NP attests to the experience (other evidence is accepted when no attestation can be obtained), and the Boards issue a license designation before practice without the agreement.
- Timing
- Before independent practice or prescribing, as specified
- Conditions
- Clinical practice hours are not continuing-education hours. Board approval may be required.
Coverage and conditions
- Use the checklist for the standard NP route. International education, reentry, military pathways, older educational exceptions and disciplinary history can require additional board documents. Submit the board’s current application; this site does not submit it for you.
Maintained by The Multistate NP from board sources and updated on review. Confirm against the board’s current application before you file. National certification and federal DEA requirements are separate.