Summary of Process
RN and APRN License Applications
Fees
$200 standard RN licensing fees
$75 APRN Application Fee
$30 Fingerprint/Background Check fee
$100 Prescriptive Authority Endorsement
If you currently hold an RN license with a Multistate privilege in a Compact state, you do not need an RN license in Montana. No need to pay that fee or complete the RN application.
Total cost: $405.00 if you have to apply for the RN license. $205.00 if you are in an RN multistate license compact.
Timeline
Initial review within 3-4 weeks of receipt of the application. If your application is complete and all fees are paid, your license should post within 4-5 weeks of the board receiving your application.
Application
Online Application for RN and APRN licensure are completed on your ebiz.mt.gov account. Remember, you do not need your RN license if you are in an RN multistate compact.
- Access the RN License by Endorsement online instructions here.
- Access the APRN Initial Application online instructions here.
Note: Your RN license (compact or otherwise) must be granted as a prerequisite to your APRN license being granted. You can complete your RN and APRN license applications simultaneously so they are processed at the same time.
Other Critical Steps
Fingerprinting
In order for your APRN license to be granted, you must have fingerprints taken for a federal background check. Their process is explained online in detail. The fastest way to have your prints taken is through your local law encorcement agency or a certified fingerprinting service, then priority mail those fingerprint cards to the state Board.
Fingerprints hold up licenses in Montana more than anything else, we suggest you take care of fingerprinting as soon as possible and make sure the prints taken are clear. You want to avoid any delays from having to redo them.
DEA Registration
You will need a Montana address on your DEA license. This is not a prerequisite for your APRN license to be granted, but you will need to register your DEA license in Montana prior to starting work in the state in order to prescribe legally.
There are two ways to ensure you have a DEA license registered in the state you will work in. Some providers decide to purchase an additional DEA license to devote to locums work, but most choose to simply transfer their existing DEA license to Montana immediately prior to their assignment starting. Whichever path you choose, you can apply for a new license or make changes to your existing DEA registration at the DEA website.
Keep in mind if you choose to transfer your existing DEA license to a new state, the process can take up to 5 business days so you must account for that transition time.
Official Transcripts
Before you submit your application, you must order official transcripts from your university for your post-graduate Nurse Practitioner degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montana a compact state?
Yes, Montana is a compact state but only for Registered Nurses. If you are a Nurse Practitioner, you will still have to apply for your APRN license in Montana and pay that fee.
Am I able to apply for RN and APRN licenses simultaneously?
Yes. We recommend that providers submit both applications up-front to minimize processing times.
How long will it take for my licenses to post?
If you submit a complete application, your license will take about a month to post.
What is the Montana ICEC?
The Montana ICEC (Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate) is a necessary certificate for independent contractors that exempts the state from providing them worker’s compensation benefits. You can think of this document as Montana’s version of a business license. You must have an active ICEC prior to practicing as an independent contractor in Montana, unless you have a corporation (i.e LLC, PLLC, S-Corp) registered in Montana.
Independent contractors can be fined up to $1000 for operating without a valid ICEC.
I need 15 "points" to qualify for an ICEC. What are these?
The State of Montana requires independent contractors to provide sufficient business-related documentation that demonstrates they truly are established in a trade. The department of labor and industry developed this point system to prove you qualify as an independent contractor.
For most medical providers working with WMS as a locum, some combination of the below documents will add up to the 15 necessary points:
- Montana APRN license: 3 points
- National Board Certificate (proof of professional membership): 3 points
- MSN Diploma: 3 points
- Signed & dated list of tools & equipment (i.e stethoscope, reference books, scrubs, laptop): 6 points
- WMS Contract and Rate Sheet: 6 points.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
Wilderness Medical Staffing (WMS) is a team of experienced staffing experts. We provide locum tenens staffing of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. We specialize in placing excellent, compassionate providers in rural clinics, hospitals, and communities across the continental Northwest and Alaska.
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