LicenseCompass

NURSE, PRACTICAL License in District of Columbia

Quick Answer

DC licenses practical nurses through the Board of Nursing. Complete an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN. Contact the DC Board of Nursing for specific fees.

Exam
NCLEX-PN
Timeline
12-18 months
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every 2 years

Requirements

NURSE, PRACTICAL license in District of Columbia

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Licensing Agency

Department of Health~Health Regulation Administration

NURSE, PRACTICAL Salary in District of Columbia

Entry Level

$58,500

Median

$70,420

Experienced

$81,410

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed NURSE, PRACTICAL in District of Columbia.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — NCLEX-PN

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 12-18 months.

NURSE, PRACTICAL Licensing in District of Columbia: What to Know

DC's COS keyword search returned 'NURSE, PRACTICAL' but did not match the LPN search criteria used. DC licenses practical nurses through the Board of Nursing. Standard requirements: approved nursing program and NCLEX-PN. Contact the DC Board of Nursing for specific fees and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a NURSE, PRACTICAL license in District of Columbia?
The process typically takes 12-18 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a NURSE, PRACTICAL license in District of Columbia?
You need to pass the NCLEX-PN. Third-party exam required

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.