The Bachelor in Science with a major in Nursing and the Entry Level Masters of Science in Nursing program at Pacific Lutheran University meets the educational requirements for professional RN licensure in all 50 US states and the following jurisdictions:
| Alabama | Illinois | Montana | Rhode Island | Wyoming |
| Alaska | Indiana | Nebraska | South Carolina | |
| Arizona | Iowa | Nevada | South Dakota | |
| Arkansas | Kansas | New Hampshire | Tennessee | |
| California | Kentucky | New Jersey | Texas | |
| Colorado | Louisiana | New Mexico | Utah | |
| Connecticut | Maine | New York | US Virgin Islands | |
| Delaware | Maryland | North Carolina | Vermont | |
| District of Columbia | Massachusetts | North Dakota | Virginia | |
| Florida | Michigan | Ohio | Washington | |
| Guam | Minnesota | Oklahoma | West Virginia | |
| Idaho | Missouri | Pennsylvania | Wisconsin |
Date Reviewed: July, 2022 Will be reviewed annually.
Note: The educational requirements for professional RN licensure requirements for American Samoa cannot be determined at the time of the last review.
The Family and Psychiatric Mental Health programs at Pacific Lutheran University meet the requirements for national certification through the ANCC and AANP certifying body.
Licensure in each state is managed through each state’s legislation. Students should research any state they wish to become licensed in to determine the requirements and restrictions on practice.
Graduate Students Switching Specialty Concentrations
At times graduate nursing students may request a change in concentration from the concentration they originally were admitted to in the School of Nursing. This may occur when new concentrations are available or when students develop a passion for a new area of nursing. A formal process is required in order for there to be a consistent approach to students who desire to change their concentration.
Switching concentrations is not guaranteed.
Students who wish to change their concentration must:
1. Depending on what program you are in; meet with the Graduate Program Coordinator, PMHNP Lead Faculty Member, or FNP Lead Faculty Member to discuss their desire to change concentrations.
2. Write a formal letter addressed to [RAP] and the Dean requesting a change in concentration and their reason for the request.
3. The RAP committee chair will assign reviewer(s).
4. Students in the DNP concentrations will have an interview with the lead faculty for the concentration to determine if they are a good “fit” for the specialty area.
5. Lead faculty will forward interview review sheet to reviewers, as additional data for
6. Assigned reviewers will review data and forward recommendation to the Dean.
7. Once change in concentration is approved:
a. A new Academic Program Contract will be developed by the Graduate Program Coordinator, PMHNP Lead Faculty Member, or FNP Lead Faculty Member depending on what program you are in.
b. The Graduate Program Coordinator, PMHNP Lead Faculty Member, or FNP Lead Faculty Member will notify the registrar of the change in concentration to ensure the student is coded correctly.
c. A new advisor may be assigned.