(a) Qualifications. An applicant for a license to practice psychiatric technician nursing shall submit to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing evidence, verified by oath, that the applicant:
(1) Has completed an approved high school course of study or the equivalent thereof as determined by the appropriate educational agency; and
(2) Has completed a prescribed curriculum in a state-approved program for the preparation of psychiatric technician nurses and holds a diploma or certificate therefrom. However, the board may waive this requirement if the board determines the applicant to be otherwise qualified.
(b) Issuance of License. A license to practice as a psychiatric technician nurse may be issued:
(1) By Examination. The applicant shall be required to pass a written examination in such subjects as the board may determine. Each written examination may be supplemented by an oral examination. Upon successfully passing the examination, the board shall issue to the applicant a license to practice as a psychiatric technician nurse. All such examinations shall be conducted by an examiner, who shall be a registered nurse, and by an assistant examiner, who shall be a licensed psychiatric technician nurse; or
(2) By Endorsement. The board may issue a license to practice psychiatric technician nursing by endorsement to an applicant who has duly been licensed or registered as a licensed psychiatric technician nurse or a person entitled to perform similar services under a different title under the laws of another state, territory, or foreign country if, in the opinion of the board, the applicant meets the requirements for licensed psychiatric technician nurses in this state at the time of graduation and if the board so recommends.
(c) Person Licensed Before March 29, 1971. Any person holding a license to practice as a psychiatric technician issued by the board in accordance with Acts 1953, No. 124 [repealed], and which was valid on March 29, 1971, shall be deemed to be licensed as a psychiatric technician nurse under the provisions of this chapter.
(d) Title and Abbreviation. Any person who holds a license to practice psychiatric technician nursing in this state shall have the right to use the title “licensed psychiatric technician nurse” and the abbreviation “L.P.T.N.”.