How do I apply for an American Samoa nursing license by endorsement?

Apply through the American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board. Requirements, fees, and processing times are set by the board and change, so use the official board site for specifics — we do not list them here to avoid giving outdated figures.

Is endorsement the same as a compact license?

No. Endorsement gives you that state's own single-state license. A compact license is one multistate license that covers all compact states. See our endorsement vs compact guide.

CompactStates

How to get a nursing license in American Samoa by endorsement

If you are already licensed in another state, endorsement is usually how you get licensed in American Samoa. Here is how it works and when the compact is the better path.

How do I get a nursing license in American Samoa by endorsement?

You apply to the American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board for an American Samoa license by endorsement, based on your existing license. Because American Samoa is not a compact state, endorsement is the main route to practice here — a multistate license from another state does not authorize American Samoa practice.

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

What licensure by endorsement means

Endorsement is applying for American Samoa’s own license based on an existing license in good standing. You end up holding an American Samoa license. It is different from a compact license, which is one multistate license covering all compact states.

Applying through the American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board

Applications go through the American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board. Requirements and fees are set by the board and change over time, so we point you to the official source rather than listing specifics that could go stale.

Why the compact does not help here

Since American Samoa is non-compact, there is no American Samoa multistate license and privilege from other states does not reach American Samoa. Endorsement is the route. See non-compact states.

Next-step checklist

Confirm your current license is active and unencumbered (Nursys).
Open the American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board endorsement application.
Follow the board's current requirements and fees (do not rely on third-party figures).
Plan for processing time before you need to start work in American Samoa.

Frequently asked questions

No. American Samoa is not a compact state, so a multistate license does not authorize practice in American Samoa. You generally need an American Samoa license by endorsement.