(a) Any applicant who meets the requirements of this Code section shall be eligible for licensure as a registered professional nurse.

(b) An applicant for licensure by examination shall:

(1) Submit a completed written application and fee;

(2) Have graduated from a nursing education program, approved by this board, or which meets criteria similar to, and not less stringent than, those established by this board;

(3) Pass a board recognized licensing examination; provided, however, such examination may not be taken prior to graduation from the nursing education program; and

(4) Meet such other criteria as established by the board.

(c) An applicant for licensure by endorsement shall:

(1) Submit a completed written application and fee;

(2) Have passed a board recognized licensing examination following graduation from the nursing education program;

(3) Submit verification of initial and current licensure in any other licensing jurisdiction administering a board recognized licensing examination;

(4) Have practiced nursing as a registered professional nurse for a period of time as determined by the board or have graduated from a nursing education program within the four years immediately preceding the date of the application; and

(5) Meet such other criteria as established by the board.

(d) An applicant for reinstatement who has previously held a valid license in Georgia shall:

(1) Submit a completed written application and fee;

(2) Have practiced nursing as a registered professional nurse for a period of time as determined by the board or have graduated from a nursing education program within the four years immediately preceding the date of the application; and

(3) Meet such other criteria as established by the board.