.png)
Struggling to Get Licensed for Telemedicine? 5 Roadblocks Nurse Practitioners Face—and How to Overcome Them
- Lori Fauquier, APN-C, WHNP
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
If you're a nurse practitioner thinking about jumping into telemedicine, one of the first questions you'll face is: "How do I start getting licensed in more states?"
The opportunity is huge—but let’s be honest: the process can feel overwhelming. From paperwork to fees to simply figuring out where to start, there are real challenges that can stop even the most motivated NP in their tracks.
But here’s the good news: I’ve been there. And if I can go from one license and no plan to working in multiple states and building a telemedicine career I love, so can you.
Let’s break down the 5 most common roadblocks holding NPs back—and what you can do to move forward.
GETTING LICENSED FOR TELEMEDICINE STRUGGLES
1. “I don’t even know where to start.”
This is the most common thing I hear. Every state has its own rules, forms, and timelines. Without a plan, it’s easy to put it off… indefinitely.
Solution: Start small. Choose one state. Focus on states that offer full practice authority or high patient volume. I created a licensing strategy video that walks you through how I made those choices.
2. “It’s too expensive!”
Licenses cost money. Application fees, background checks, verifications—they add up. But here’s the thing: you don’t need 10 licenses tomorrow.
Solution: Build gradually. Create a licensing budget and space out applications over the year. Many of the jobs I’ve had in telemedicine paid for themselves quickly because I was licensed where the demand was.
Worried about costs adding up?
My State License Application Tracker doesn’t just help you stay organized—it also lets you track what you’ve spent on each license, from application fees to verifications and more. It’s helped me stay on budget and plan my next steps smarter.
3. “I don’t have the time.”
Working full-time, managing life, and trying to squeeze in state licensing? Yep. It's a lot.
Solution: Start with just 30-60 minutes a week. Block the time. Fill out one application. Request one transcript. You’ll be shocked what consistent baby steps can do.
Be sure to grab my FREEBIE State License Application Checklist — a simple Google Sheet that helps you keep track of all the info you typically need when applying for a new license (like NP school info, DEA, NPI, references, etc.) — all in ONE place.
4. “I don’t want to apply in the wrong states.”
Wasting time (and money) applying to a low-demand state? No thanks.
Solution: Look for:
Full practice authority states
Compact RN states (if you’re still practicing as an RN)
High patient volume states (Think: Florida, Texas, California, New York, etc.)
5. “I’m afraid I’ll mess it up.”
You’re not alone. Getting licensed is just the beginning—but maintaining those licenses? That’s where things can get really overwhelming.
Between renewal deadlines, CEU requirements, varying state regulations, and remembering login credentials for every single portal... it’s a lot to manage. One missed email or forgotten renewal date can set you back, cost money, or even put your ability to work at risk.
This fear is valid—and it’s something I’ve felt too. Especially when you’re juggling multiple licenses across different states, it can feel like a full-time job in itself. That’s why it’s so important to put a system in place from the start. Trust me, it will save you time, stress, and energy down the road.
The more organized you are now, the more confident and in control you’ll feel later—and that’s the key to staying successful in telemedicine long-term.
Final Thoughts:
You're Not Failing—You Just Need a Framework
You’re not the only NP feeling stuck. But just like clinical practice, the key is progress, not perfection.
I started with one license. I was overwhelmed. But I kept going. Today, I’m licensed in multiple states, working from wherever I want, building the life and career I used to only dream about.
And you know what? You can too.
Comments