Are you interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN)? If so, congratulations. Nursing ranks among the most challenging—yet rewarding—professions one may aspire to. Nurses are highly respected individuals who bring years of training and expertise to the front lines of healthcare delivery. Depending on an individual’s educational attainment, a nurse may bear responsibility for attending to the needs of numerous types of patients across a wide range of healthcare settings. But the level of responsibility—and the degree of compensation you may expect as a working nurse—are largely a reflection of the level of nursing education you’ve achieved.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), for example, are not qualified to perform all the important duties that may be required of a registered nurse. Nor may they work without direct supervision. Rather, the most crucial tasks, such as administering intravenous medications, supervising other nurses, performing simple procedures, and other technical duties, are usually reserved for registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor’s degree. Baccalaureate prepared nurses typically earn significantly more than their less-educated peers.
Although there are plenty of opportunities for LPNs to find employment in today’s healthcare workplace, increasingly there’s a trend towards hiring RNs to fill vacancies, especially in the acute care setting. Accordingly, most nurses enter nursing with the understanding that they will eventually earn their baccalaureate degree. While it’s possible to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), capped by earning one’s RN license by taking and passing the standardized NCLEX-RN exam, many nurses choose to further their education—and career prospects—by obtaining their baccalaureate degree.
So what does it take to become a registered nurse (RN)? Requirements vary by state, but at the very least the path to RN usually involves earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which will qualify a candidate to take the standardized, national licensure examination known as NCLEX-RN. Only after taking this exam and passing may a nurse work as a RN. This is true of all states and the District of Columbia. Some localities may also have additional requirements.
The ADN Route
Most ADN programs involve at least two years of study after high school graduation, usually in a community college or hospital-based school of nursing that provides opportunities for obtaining one’s ADN. The second pathway involves earning one’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN. As noted above, either approach will prepare a student to take the NCLEX-RN.
ADN students typically focus on topics related directly to human anatomy, physiology, and medicine. Examples include adult and family health, psychiatric nursing, pharmacology, human development and other core science topics. Upon completion of required coursework, and graduation, ADN students are typically prepared to take and pass the NCLEX-RN.
The BSN Route
Increasingly, employers are interested in hiring RNs with additional education. For that, they look to candidates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Typically taking about four years to complete, some nurses with work experience and existing RN certification may be able to complete a BSN faster, through an accelerated RN-to-BSN program. Courses required of BSN students typically involve a broader approach to one’s education, with a deeper exposure to humanities-related subjects. This approach is common among virtually all bachelor level degrees, whether one is pursuing a degree in education, marketing, journalism, or nursing. BSN coursework tends to delve more deeply into areas related to administration, leadership, and critical thinking skills. Courses may include topics such as community health, professional issues in nursing, healthcare management, nursing research, etc.
Conclusion
To become a registered nurse (RN) you will need to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), at least, followed by successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam. Degrees are available through traditional, face-to-face programs as well as online nursing programs. Many associate degrees prepared nurses to choose to further their education by enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program, to obtain their BSN degree. Other students may choose to skip the ADN route altogether and pursue their BSN straight out of high school.
FAQs
Today in order to become a Registered Nurse, (RN), you must take one of two paths. The first is to attend a two-year community college for an associate degree. While the second is to attend a four-year university for a baccalaureate degree.
What degree is required to be an RN? ›
What educational steps do I need to take to become a nurse? ›
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Nurse? The minimal qualifications needed to become a practicing registered nurse (RN) are an associate degree (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses.
What do you need to be a nurse in Florida? ›
How to Become an RN in Florida. Individuals seeking a Florida nursing license must earn a two-year associate degree in nursing (ASN) or a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). Program duration depends on the degree and a student's previous academic experience.
What are the requirements to work as a nurse in USA? ›
Registered nurses must have a nursing license issued by the state in which they work. To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Other requirements for licensing, such as passing a criminal background check, vary by state.
What is the lowest degree in nursing? ›
The entry-level credential for licensed nursing work is an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Like most associate degrees, an ADN takes two years to complete, though some programs can be completed in 18 months.
What are the 4 types of degrees? ›
The four types of college degrees are associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees. Colleges classify associate and bachelor's degrees as undergraduate degrees and master's and doctoral degrees as graduate degrees.
What are the five steps to become a nurse? ›
Steps to Becoming a Nurse
- Choose Your Career Path. The first step in becoming a nurse is to choose the career path that you would like to follow, at least initially. ...
- Earn the Required Degree. ...
- Obtain Your License. ...
- Choose a Specialty. ...
- Pursue Advanced Training.
To work as a nurse in the U.S., foreign nationals must demonstrate that they have: A degree from an accredited nursing education program in their home country. A Registered Nurse (RN) license in their home country. Experience as a practicing Registered Nurse for at least two years.
What a registered nurse does? ›
A registered nurse provides and coordinates care for patients in hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics, schools, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. As an RN, you'll also support physicians and other medical professionals, as well as communicate with patients' families about their progress.
The way to become an RN with the lowest level of education is to go through an associate's degree in nursing or ADN program. Most ADN programs are two years long and are held at community colleges. There are numerous options to choose from, including part-time and full-time programs.
How much is RN school in Florida? ›
Generic RN Program Costs
| SFSC Generic Nursing (RN) Program Expenses | Semester 1 12 Credit Hours | Semester 2 12 Credit Hours |
|---|
| *Estimated Costs for Florida Residents | $3,612.04 | $2,572.04 |
| *Estimated Costs for Non-Florida Residents | $7,089.52 | $6,049.52 |
15 more rowsYou Can Get Your Nursing License by Endorsem*nt in Florida
After the state board has received all required documentation and fees, most nurses receive their Florida RN or LPN license within 4-5 weeks. Timing varies by seasonal demand. The state does not issue temporary licenses.
Do you need a degree to be a nurse in the US? ›
After you've decided that you would like to pursue a career in nursing, the steps to becoming a registered nurse are fairly straightforward. First, you must earn the appropriate degree. Then, you must pass the NCLEX Exam. And finally, you must obtain a license in the state that you wish to practice in.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse USA? ›
Typically it takes anywhere from two to four years to become a registered nurse. But exactly how long it will take you depends on the degree program you choose, your clinical experience and the licensing requirements in your state.
How long does it take to become a RN nurse in USA? ›
Many entering the nursing profession start as generalist RNs before moving to other roles. You can become an RN in two years, but many employers now prefer nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes four years to complete.
What is the difference between RN 1 and 2? ›
RN1: Under supervision, provides professional nursing care in accordance with nurse protocols, policies and/or procedures. RN2: Under general supervision, provides professional nursing care in accordance with nurse protocols, policies and/or procedures.
Is pre nursing the same as LPN? ›
The credits earned from a pre-nursing program may help you qualify for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and a position as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), a nursing aide or a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
What is the difference between a nursing degree and a diploma? ›
Diploma programs are a good option for adult students who can't afford to be unemployed for long. The curriculum is similar for all nurses, but degree programs are more in-depth. Vocational school LPN programs focus on practical skills while degree programs delve into nursing theory.
Why is a BSN better than an ADN? ›
Advanced Knowledge and Skills. ADN and nursing diploma programs prepare students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs, but the BSN curriculum offers greater expertise and a broader knowledge base.
