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The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recently launched a new licensing system for all health professionals and facilities in Washington state on April 29, 2025. The Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) was developed to create efficiencies, improve user experience, streamline processing, strengthen data access, and reduce paper-based activities. Please note, you will need to manually add the HELMS Portal when renewing or applying in HELMS for the first time. We are also experiencing longer than usual application processing times due to this recent implementation. Thank you for your patience as we process applications in date order received.

Nursing Technician (NTEC) License

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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.

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

To apply for your Nursing Technician (NTEC) License, complete an online application.

To apply for your license online, you will need:

  • All your supporting documents and payment method are ready, so your application is complete to avoid delays.
  • SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account
  • Department of Health (DOH) online application portal called Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) added to your SAW account.

DOH HELMS Portal

Download step-by-step instructions with graphics.

Steps to add the DOH HELMS Portal 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 Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS).
  6. Click "Apply"
  7. Click "OK"

You will be returned to your SAW account page. You should see Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (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.

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.

Contact Us

111 Israel Road SE
PO Box 47864
Olympia, WA 98504
360-236-4703