Liberty meets education requirements.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-MSN) – Washington

Liberty University meets education requirements; however, Liberty University School of Nursing (LUSON) is unable to place students in practicums in the state of Washington, due to Washington State Nursing Commission educational and license regulations for nurse practitioners. Students may be eligible to complete practicum in an approved state. Please contact your School of Nursing Practicum Coordinators for more information regarding approved practicum states.

Washington State License Requirements:

a. RN License.

i. You must maintain a current, unencumbered RN license for any Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner program.
ii. Washington is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact Administration, therefore, to participate in practicum in an approved state the student must hold, at minimum, an active RN license in the approved practicum state, or a multi state license, if applicable.
iii. Any change in licensure status must be reported to the Liberty University School of Nursing Online Student Support Coordinator

b. APRN License Application Requirements

i. Education
Applicants must provide a transcript reflecting a graduate degree from an advanced nursing education program, accredited by a national nursing accreditation body recognized by the United States Department of Education, within one year of applying for licensure. Applicants must request an official transcript, with an official university seal, be sent directly to the Washington State Nursing Commission from the educational institution. The transcript must show courses, grades, and the degree or certificate granted. The applicant must also submit program objectives and course descriptions, if so requested by the commission.

ii. Requirements beyond Education for Licensure
An ARNP applicant who does not apply for licensure within one year of earning a graduate degree from an advanced nursing education program may be eligible to receive an ARNP interim permit for the purpose of completing one hundred twenty-five hours of advanced clinical practice for every additional year following graduation, not to exceed one thousand hours. The ARNP interim permit expires one year after the submission of the application.

iii. Certification
This program meets requirements for eligibility to sit for national certification examinations.

Board Link:

The Board is very specific about education and certification requirements. Students must be able to demonstrate that these requirements have been met.
Please visit the Washington State Nursing Commission for specific steps and guidelines for seeking ARNP licensure in this state: Agency (State Board of Nursing): ARNP Licensure

Practicum Placement Support – Frequently Asked Questions:

a. Will LUSON support practicum placement in Washington?

Liberty University School of Nursing students are not approved for practicum in the State of Washington. However, LUSON will support practicum placement in an approved state.

b. Are there any specific requirements to consider when completing practicum as a non-resident of an approved state?

i. Students must hold, at minimum, an RN license in the state where they plan to complete their practicum experience, or a multi-state license, if applicable.
ii. Some states require the student or educational institution to submit a report detailing student, faculty and preceptor information for all students completing practicum in the state.