Before You Apply
To become an ARNP, you must have an active Washington state RN license or an active RN multistate license (MSL) in another state, and meet ALL ARNP requirements.
- You may have to complete an FBI fingerprint background check
- We will email you if you need to do so, after we get your ARNP application
If you already have an active Washington state ARNP license and want to add prescriptive authority to your license, see Prescriptive Authority below.
Application Requirements
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You’ll Need Proof of Active National Certification
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You must request that your national certification be sent directly from your certifying body to us at WABONlicensing@doh.wa.gov.
Note: If this is your first ARNP license, you must take your national certification exam.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Designation:
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Designation:
- American Midwifery Certification Board
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Designation:
- National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Designation:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
See WAC 246-840-302 for more information.
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You’ll Need Official Transcripts
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All ARNP applications for initial licensure by examination or endorsement must include an official transcript with the degree and graduation date, submitted directly from the nursing education program to WABON.
Note: Please do not have official transcripts sent until you have completed your nursing education program and your degree has been posted.
Electronic Transcripts
If your school uses one of the approved electronic transcript services below, please have them send your official transcripts to WABONlicensing@doh.wa.gov.
- Parchment
- Student Clearing House
Paper Transcripts
If your school doesn't use an electronic transcript service, please request transcripts be mailed to the address below. Make sure your transcripts show your degree and graduation date.
Mail Transcripts To:
WABON Licensing
111 Israel Road SE
Mail Stop 47864
Olympia, WA 98504
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Supervised Clinical Practice Hours Under an Interim Permit (If Applicable)
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If you graduated more than one year ago AND this is your first ARNP license (you have not practiced as an ARNP in another state), you must complete the following:
- Apply for a license and indicate that you have not yet practiced as an ARNP
- Complete the Supervised Clinical Practice Agreement (PDF) form and submit to WABON for approval (upload to your online application)
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Obtain an ARNP interim permit with the Washington State Board of Nursing to complete 125 hours of supervised clinical practice for each year following graduation, not to exceed 1,000 hours
- For more information, please see WAC 246-840-340
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You’ll Need an Underlying RN License
- You can apply online for your WA state RN License at the same time as your ARNP license, or you may indicate in your ARNP application that you hold an active RN MSL in another state.
Application Instructions Based on ARNP License Type:
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ARNP with an Active RN MSL from Another State
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If you are an ARNP with an active RN multistate license (MSL) from another state, please apply online.
- Indicate in the online application that you hold an active RN MSL in another state and will not be applying for a Washington state RN
- Make sure you meet all requirements
- Request that supporting documents (official transcripts and national certification) be sent to WABONlicensing@doh.wa.gov
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Attach required forms and documents to your online application
- Any “yes” responses to personal data questions must have supporting documents, such as court documents and written statements
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ARNP with an Active/Pending Washington State RN License
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- Make sure you meet all requirements
- Request supporting documents (official transcripts and national certification) be sent to WABONlicensing@doh.wa.gov
- Complete your forms and upload them to the HELMS Portal when applying online
- Complete an online application
- Pay the application fee online
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Attach required forms and documents
- Any “yes” responses to personal data questions must have supporting documents, such as court documents and written statements
- Submit your application online
We will email you if we need anything or have issues with your application.
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Adding a Prescriptive Authority
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Requirements
- If you graduated less than 2 years from the date of the application, your official transcripts must include a course in advanced pharmacology completed within the last 2 years
- If you graduated more than 2 years before the date of application, you must submit proof of 30 hours of pharmacology training completed in the last 2 years
- Please document your hours using thePharmacology Continuing Education Report form (PDF)
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If you are requesting a pharmacology exemption for prescriptive authority, you must submit:
- A copy of your Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license reflecting schedules 2-5, including 2n & 3n. The state where you hold your DEA license must have independent prescriptive authority equivalent to that of Washington State. Please use the following link to verify before submitting your application: State Practice Environment (aanp.org)
- Verification from your current or previous employer of at least 250 hours of ARNP practice with independent prescriptive authority within the last two years. This verification must be on their letterhead, and from the same state where your DEA license was issued.
Application Process
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If you already have an active Washington state ARNP license and want to add prescriptive authority submit the following form:
- Prescriptive Authority Application for already licensed Washington state ARNPs (PDF)
- There is no fee to add prescriptive authority to an already active Washington state ARNP license.
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Mail Prescriptive Authority Forms to:
WABON Licensing
111 Israel Road SE
Mail Stop 47864
Olympia, WA 98504
Next Steps
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How to Apply for Your License Online
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To apply for a license, you'll need to complete an online application through the HELMS Portal.
- Visit the Online Portal Instructions for step-by-step instructions on applying online
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Submitting Forms and Documents
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- 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 through SAW
- If you have more documents to submit after 14 days, please email them to WABONlicensing@doh.wa.gov
These forms may or may not apply to your situation. We will contact you if we need any of these forms.