Healthcare licensing guide by state
Getting licensed in healthcare doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can feel that way when every state plays by different rules. Training hours, exam requirements, registry names, renewal timelines, they all vary depending on where you live and what credential you’re going after.
Whether you’re just starting out as a CNA, working toward an LPN or RN, adding a medication aide certification to your resume, or relocating and trying to figure out how your license transfers, this page gives you the information you need in one place.
We cover seven states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Florida. And five credential types: CNA / STNA, LPN / LVN, RN, Medication Aide, and Home Health Aide (HHA). For each, you’ll find training requirements, costs, exam details, timelines, renewal rules, and how to transfer your credentials if you’re moving states.
Once you’re credentialed with MyShyft, you can start picking up shifts right away, no waiting, no long hiring processes.
Not sure where to start? Here’s how to choose
If you’re new to healthcare or just exploring your options, it can be hard to know which credential makes sense for your situation. Here are four common scenarios, find the one that sounds most like you.
“I have no healthcare experience and want to start working in the next 2 months” CNA or STNA (Ohio’s title for the same role) is your path. Training takes 3 to 10 weeks depending on your state, and you can be fully certified and working in under two months in most cases. It’s the fastest way into direct patient care with no prior experience required.
“I’m already a CNA and want to be able to give medications” Look into your state’s Medication Aide certification. The title varies, it’s called a CMT in Illinois, QMA in Indiana, MA-C in Ohio, and CMA in Tennessee, but the idea is the same. It’s an add-on credential for active CNAs that expands what you’re allowed to do on the floor.
“I want to care for patients in their homes” HHA (Home Health Aide) is the credential you need. In many of the states we cover, if you already hold a CNA, you automatically qualify as an HHA, no separate training required. Check your state’s section to confirm.
“I want a clinical career with more responsibility and better pay” An LPN program runs 12 to 18 months and is the most practical next step up. If you want to go further, an RN takes 2 to 4 years but opens significantly more doors, specializations, higher pay, and stronger career mobility. Bridge programs exist in all 7 states covered here that let you move from CNA to LPN, or LPN to RN, faster than starting from scratch.
How the credentials connect, the healthcare career ladder
If you’re thinking beyond just getting your first credential, it helps to understand how all five roles build on each other. The CNA isn’t just a starting point, it’s the foundation that feeds into almost every other healthcare career path.
Most LPN and RN programs prefer applicants with CNA experience. Medication Aide is an add-on, not a standalone career path, you need an active CNA to pursue it. And in most states, CNAs automatically qualify as HHAs, meaning you can expand into home care without additional training.
| Credential | Training Time | Avg. Hourly Pay | Next Step Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA / STNA | 3–10 weeks | $14–$21/hr | Medication Aide or LPN program |
| Medication Aide | +4–10 weeks on top of active CNA | $17–$24/hr | LPN program |
| LPN / LVN | 12–18 months | $22–$30/hr | RN via bridge program |
| RN | 2–4 years | $30–$45/hr | BSN, NP, or specialty certification |
| HHA | 75 hrs, or CNA qualifies automatically | $14–$19/hr | CNA → LPN path |
LPN-to-RN and CNA-to-LPN bridge programs are available in all 7 states we cover. If you’re already working in one of these roles, it’s worth looking into a bridge program before committing to a full-length program.
License requirements by state, side-by-side comparison
Every state has its own rules, and some differences are significant enough to change your timeline, your costs, or your ability to transfer a credential from somewhere else. This table gives you the full picture across all 7 states at once.
| State | CNA / STNA Hours | Med Aide Title | Exam Administrator | NLC Compact? | Renewal Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 120 hrs | CMT | SIUC | No | 24 months |
| Indiana | 75 hrs | QMA | State board | Yes | 24 months |
| Michigan | 75 hrs | Medication Aide | Prometric | Pending | 24 months |
| Ohio | 75 hrs (STNA) | MA-C | Pearson VUE | Yes | 24 months |
| Tennessee | 75 hrs | CMA | Pearson VUE | Yes | 24 months |
| Texas | 100 hrs | Medication Aide | Pearson VUE | Yes | 24 months |
| Florida | 120 hrs | Medication Aide | Pearson VUE | Yes | 24 months |
Four things worth flagging before you read on:
Ohio calls CNAs “STNAs”, State Tested Nurse Aide. It’s the exact same role with the exact same scope of practice. The different title trips up a lot of out-of-state applicants when they’re searching for Ohio jobs, always search “STNA” alongside “CNA” when looking in Ohio.
Texas requires 100 training hours: 25 more than the federal minimum of 75 that most other states follow. If you trained in a 75-hour state and want to transfer your credentials to Texas, you may need to verify that your program meets the Texas equivalency standard before your application is approved.
Illinois and Florida both require 120 hours: the highest of any state in our network. Programs take longer to complete, but the extra training time means graduates tend to be well-prepared for both the exam and real-world patient care.
Michigan’s compact status is pending: the legislation passed, but the implementation wasn’t live as of 2026. If you hold a multistate compact license from another state, you still need a separate Michigan single-state license to work there until implementation is confirmed.
Browse by state, full licensing guides for every credential
We currently publish full licensing guides for seven states. Each state page covers every credential type available in that state, training requirements, exam details, costs, timelines, renewal rules, and reciprocity. Pick your state below.
| State | Licenses Covered | What Makes This State Different |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | CNA, LPN, RN, CMT, HHA | 120-hour CNA training requirement, one of the highest in this network. Illinois is also not part of the NLC compact, meaning nurses still need a separate Illinois license even if they already hold a multistate license. |
| Indiana | CNA, LPN, RN, QMA, HHA | Indiana uses the QMA (Qualified Medication Aide) credential, a title unique to the state. QMA certifications generally do not transfer directly into other states without retraining. |
| Michigan | CNA, LPN, RN, Medication Aide, HHA | Michigan passed NLC compact legislation, but implementation is still pending as of 2026. Nurses currently still require Michigan-issued single-state licenses. |
| Ohio | STNA, LPN, RN, MA-C, HHA | Ohio refers to CNAs as STNAs (State Tested Nursing Assistants). Same role, different terminology, which matters when searching for jobs or transferring credentials. |
| Tennessee | CNA, LPN, RN, CMA, HHA | Strong rural healthcare demand makes Tennessee one of the more accessible states for newly certified CNAs. Compensation is also competitive relative to local living costs. |
| Texas | CNA, LVN, RN, Medication Aide, HHA | Texas requires 100 CNA training hours, above the federal minimum. The state also uses the title LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) instead of LPN. |
| Florida | CNA, LPN, RN, Medication Aide, HHA | Florida requires 120 CNA training hours, similar to Illinois. Its large retiree population creates steady, year-round demand for CNAs and HHAs statewide. |
Browse by role, find what you need by credential type
Looking for information on a specific license rather than a specific state? Jump to the role that applies to you. Each role page covers all 7 states with full detail on requirements, costs, and renewal.
| Role | Training Time | Est. Total Cost | Transfers Between States? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA / STNA | 3–10 weeks | $500–$2,000 | Via reciprocity through each state’s Nurse Aide Registry. Generally straightforward, though Texas includes an additional 100-hour equivalency review. |
| LPN / LVN | 12–18 months | $10,000–$25,000 | Transfers through endorsement via the Board of Nursing. If both states are part of the NLC compact, a separate license may not be required. |
| RN | 2–4 years | $20,000–$80,000 | Typically transferred via endorsement. Compact-state RNs can often practice across member states without applying for a separate license. |
| Medication Aide |
+4–10 weeks
(active CNA required first) |
$200–$800 add-on | Does not transfer cleanly between states. Titles and training requirements vary widely, so most states require retraining even for currently certified aides. |
| HHA | 75 hrs, or CNA qualifies automatically | $200–$600 | If you already hold a CNA, transfers generally follow the CNA reciprocity path. Otherwise, review each state’s standalone HHA requirements. |
The Nurse Licensure Compact, What it is and how it affects you
If you’re an RN or LPN and you’re thinking about working in multiple states or relocating, the Nurse Licensure Compact (formally the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, or eNLC) is one of the most important things to understand.
Five of the seven states in our network are full compact members. Two are not, and that distinction matters a lot if you’re planning to relocate.
| State | NLC Status | What This Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Full member | A Texas nursing license allows eligible nurses to practice in all 43 compact states without applying for additional single-state licenses. |
| Indiana | Full member | An Indiana multistate license is valid across all active NLC compact states. |
| Ohio | Full member | Ohio nurses with a compact license can legally practice in participating compact states without separate endorsements. |
| Tennessee | Full member | Tennessee is fully integrated into the NLC, allowing multistate nursing practice privileges. |
| Florida | Full member | A Florida compact nursing license grants practice access throughout all participating NLC states. |
| Michigan | Pending | Michigan passed NLC legislation, but implementation is not active as of 2026. Nurses still require a Michigan-issued single-state license. |
| Illinois | Not a member | Illinois has not joined the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses must always obtain a separate Illinois nursing license, even if they already hold a valid compact license. |
One important thing the compact does not cover: The NLC applies to RNs and LPNs/LVNs only. CNAs, Medication Aides, and HHAs are not included. If you hold one of those credentials and you’re relocating, you’ll always need to go through the state-specific reciprocity process regardless of which state you’re coming from.
Moving states? Here’s how license transfers actually work
Transferring a healthcare license sounds straightforward in theory, but the process is completely different depending on which credential you hold. There are three distinct transfer pathways, and getting them confused can cost you weeks of delay.
- Reciprocity is how CNAs and HHAs transfer credentials. You apply to the destination state’s Nurse Aide Registry, provide proof that your certification is active and in good standing, and the new state adds you to their registry. It’s generally the simplest of the three processes.
- Endorsement is how LPNs and RNs transfer credentials. You apply to the destination state’s Board of Nursing. If both your home state and destination state are NLC compact members, you may be able to skip this process entirely, your existing license is already valid there.
- Retraining is effectively what happens with Medication Aide credentials. Because state titles and requirements are so different from one state to the next, most states won’t accept out-of-state med aide credentials at face value. In most cases you’ll need to complete the destination state’s approved medication aide program from the beginning, even if you’ve been certified and working in another state for years.
| Credential | Transfer Method | Difficulty | Key Thing to Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA / STNA | Reciprocity via state Nurse Aide Registry | Straightforward | Certification must remain active and in good standing. Texas also requires a 100-hour training equivalency review, and a new background check is required in the destination state. |
| LPN / LVN | Endorsement via Board of Nursing | Moderate | If both states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), a separate license may not be required. |
| RN | Endorsement via Board of Nursing | Moderate | The same NLC compact rule applies. Compact-state RNs can often practice without completing endorsement again. |
| Medication Aide | Usually requires full retraining in the new state | Difficult | Medication aide titles, regulations, and training standards vary heavily by state, so most states do not accept out-of-state medication aide credentials. |
| HHA | Follows CNA reciprocity if CNA-qualified | Straightforward | If you are not CNA-qualified, review the destination state’s standalone HHA training requirements before applying. |
Background checks, what to expect and what happens
Every credential type we cover requires a background check before you can start working in most healthcare settings. This is true across all 7 states regardless of the role.
Here’s what the process looks like for each credential type:
For CNAs, STNAs, and HHAs, the check is typically a state or county-level criminal background screening. Some states go further, Illinois, for example, requires fingerprinting as part of the process. The check is coordinated either through your training program or your employer.
For LPNs and RNs, the background check is part of the Board of Nursing licensure application. It’s more thorough than the CNA process and looks at a broader range of offenses and licensing history.
For all credentials, even if you completed a background check in another state, your new state will require its own, this is a consistent rule across all 7 states in our network.
Common Disqualifying Offenses
- Abuse or neglect of a patient
- Misappropriation of resident property
- Certain drug-related convictions
- Fraud or violent criminal offenses
Exact rules vary by state. An offense that blocks certification in one state may still qualify for review in another.
Waiver & Appeal Process
Most states provide a formal waiver or appeal process allowing applicants to be reviewed case-by-case instead of receiving an automatic denial.
Other states offer similar review systems under different names.
You Can Usually Start Training First
In most states, students are allowed to enroll in and complete CNA training programs before their background check review is finalized.
The background check is typically required before employment, not before training. That means you can continue preparing while the waiver or review process is underway.
BLS and ACLS, the certifications every healthcare worker needs
Regardless of which state you work in or which credential you hold, almost every direct-care role in healthcare requires a current BLS certification. It’s not state-specific and it’s not credential-specific, it’s a baseline requirement across the board.
| Certification | Who Needs It | Valid For | Accepted Providers | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BLS
Basic Life Support
|
Almost all direct-care roles including CNA, LPN, RN, and HHA. | 2 years | American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross | $30–$80 |
|
ACLS
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
|
RNs working in ICU, emergency departments, cath labs, and acute-care settings. | 2 years | American Heart Association | $150–$200 |
|
CPR
General CPR Certification
|
Often required before enrolling in CNA or HHA training programs. | 1–2 years | AHA, Red Cross, and other approved providers | $25–$60 |
A few things worth knowing before you book a course:
Online-only BLS and CPR courses are not accepted by most healthcare employers. The skills portion, compressions, AED use, rescue breathing, has to be demonstrated in person. Hybrid courses that combine online learning with an in-person skills check are widely available and accepted.
If your BLS is expiring, you don’t need to redo the full course from scratch. A shorter BLS renewal (also called a recertification or HeartSaver renewal) is available from approved providers and takes about 30–60 minutes compared to the 3–4 hours for initial training.
MyShyft requires a current BLS card for nearly all shifts on the platform. When you credential through the app, you’ll upload your card as part of the process. Make sure the card shows your name, the issuing organisation (AHA or Red Cross), and a valid expiration date.
Renewing your license, what every credential requires
All five credential types require renewal on a regular cycle, but the rules are quite different depending on which credential you hold. CNAs and STNAs renew based on work activity. LPNs and RNs renew based on continuing education hours. Medication Aides are tied directly to their CNA renewal. And BLS and ACLS follow their own 2-year cycle regardless of the clinical credential.
| Credential | Renewal Cycle | Work / Activity Requirement | CEUs Required? | If Your Certification Lapses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNA / STNA | Every 24 months | At least 8 hours of paid CNA work during the renewal period. Volunteer hours do not count. | No, renewal is work-activity based, not CEU based. | Retraining through a state-approved program or retesting is usually required before returning to active status. |
| LPN / LVN | Usually every 1–2 years | Active clinical practice hours | Yes, typically 20–30 continuing education hours per renewal cycle. | Board of Nursing reinstatement process required. Requirements vary by state. |
| RN | Usually every 1–2 years | Active clinical practice hours | Yes, typically 20–30 continuing education hours per renewal cycle. | Board of Nursing reinstatement process required. Requirements vary by state. |
| Medication Aide | Every 24 months with CNA renewal | Tied to CNA work-hour requirements | Varies by state | The Medication Aide credential lapses if the underlying CNA certification lapses. |
| HHA | 12–24 months depending on state | 12 hours of in-service training during the renewal period | In-service hours required instead of formal CE credits | Retraining is commonly required before reinstatement. |
| BLS / ACLS | Every 24 months | N/A | Recertification class required | Full retake required. Expired certification cannot be used for employment. |
One practical note for CNAs: the 8-hour work requirement is easy to satisfy even if you’re not working full time. Even occasional per-diem or PRN shifts count toward the requirement. If you’re taking a break from full-time work, keeping a few shifts on your schedule every couple of months is the simplest way to protect your active status and avoid the retraining requirement that comes with a lapse.
How to Start Working Through MyShyft
If you already hold an active healthcare license or certification in one of our supported states, you can begin the credentialing process immediately.
Download the MyShyft app and create your profile
The MyShyft app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Profile setup typically takes around 10 minutes.
Upload your documents
Submit your active license or certification, current BLS card, and a valid government-issued ID.
Start claiming shifts
Browse open shifts by location, date, facility type, and pay rate.
Every shift clearly displays experience requirements, certifications, and specialty expectations before you claim it.
Contact Us
Experience requirements vary by shift, not by platform. Some facilities are comfortable with new graduates; others ask for 6 to 12 months of experience in a specific setting like long-term care or acute care. The app shows you exactly what’s required before you commit to a shift.
Already licensed and ready to go? Download the MyShyft app, complete credentialing, and start claiming shifts at facilities near you, on your schedule.