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Online Portal Maintenance

Online applications through HELMS will be unavailable Friday (02/14/2025) from 5 p.m. - the morning of Wednesday (02/19/2025)

First Set Up Your SAW Account

Before you apply, you must set up a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account and sign in to the Department of Health Online Application Portal. Information about how to set up or login to your SAW Account can be found on the Apply for a License main page.

 
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What A Nursing Technician Does

A nursing technician (nurse tech) is a nursing student preparing to get an RN or LPN license. Nurse techs are licensed to work in hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics.

Before You Apply

Requirements

To become a licensed nurse tech you must be enrolled in good standing in an approved RN or LPN program and haven't graduated.

Your nursing technician registration must remain valid until 30 days after graduation.

See RCW 18.79.340 for details.

These forms are required to process your application:

  • NTEC Education Verification form (PDF)
    • Education verification form must be completed by your Director of Nursing.
  • NTEC Employment Verification form (PDF)
    • Employment verification form must be completed by your prospective nursing director or employer. This is to certify you have been offered a position as a nursing technician registered.

How to Apply

Steps to Apply

  1. Make sure you meet all requirements
  2. Get your forms signed and ready to upload
  3. Complete an online application
  4. Pay the application fee online
  5. Attach required forms and documents
    1. Any “yes” responses to personal data questions must have supporting documents, such as court documents and written statements.
  6. Submit your application

We will email you if we need anything or have issues with your application.

Online Application Instructions

We recommend applying online for your Washington state nurse license as it’s the easiest and quickest way to get your license. We will send you a one-time paper license in the mail 7 to 10 business days after we approve and activate your license.

Reasons You May Not Be Able to Apply Online

You won’t be able to apply online if the following situations apply, and you will need to submit a paper application instead:
  • You have previously applied for the license in Washington state and your application was closed as incomplete.
    • If your application was closed, you will need to submit a new application and fee.
    • If your application was closed more than 6 months ago, you will need to resubmit all required supporting documents with your application.
  • You don’t have enough information in the public record to verify your identity.
  • You need to reactivate a previous Washington state license.

To apply for your license online you will need:

  • All your supporting documents and payment method ready, so your application is complete to avoid delays.
  • SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account
  • Department of Health (DOH) Online Application Portal referred to as the Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) added to your SAW account.

DOH Online Application Portal

Download step-by-step instructions with graphics.

Steps to add the DOH Application Portal- HELMS to your SAW account:
  1. Log in to your SAW account
  2. Click "Add a New Service"
  3. Click on "I would like to browse a list of services by agency"
  4. Select "Department of Health"
  5. Scroll to Online Application Portal- HELMS
  6. Click "Apply"
  7. Click "OK"

You will be returned to your SAW account page. You should see Online Application Portal- HELMS provided by Department of Health in your list of services.

When you are ready to apply click Access Now and follow the online instructions.

Tips

  • Apply on a desktop computer. Mobile and tablets tend to have more issues.
  • Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge for best results.

Need help?

If you have trouble with HELMS or the online application process, you can contact us during business hours.

  • Phone: 360-236-4703
  • Email: nursing@doh.wa.gov

Submitting Forms and Documents

  • You have 14 days after you submit your application to upload your documents online.
  • After 14 days you won’t be able to access your application though SAW.
  • If you have more documents to submit after 14 days, please email them to WABONlicensing@doh.wa.gov

Credential Number

After you submitted your application and payment you will get an email with your pending credential number.

Refer to this credential number any time you contact us or submit documents.

We will email you if we need more information.

Questions?

We're available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sending Payment by Check

We encourage you to apply and renew online, but if you are unable to, then please make checks payable to the Department of Health and mail them to the following address:
Department of Health
PO Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98507-1099

SecureAccess Washington (SAW) Account

We use SecureAccess Washington (SAW) to protect your personal information. To apply, renew, or manage your license online you need to either create or login to a SAW account.