Key Takeaways
- To become an RN, students typically complete an accredited associate degree (two years) or bachelor's degree (four years), then pass the NCLEX-RN for state licensure.
- RNs earn a median $93,600 annually with 5% job growth from 2024-2034.
- Registered nurses provide nursing care to patients across the lifespan, including administering treatment, assessing patients, maintaining medical records, and educating patients and families.
Nearly 3.4 million registered nurses (RNs) provide essential patient care in healthcare settings nationwide. New RNs can enter the profession in as few as two years. Thanks to many job openings and a median pay of $93,600 per year, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it's a great time to become an RN.
Our guide provides a step-by-step plan covering how to become a registered nurse.
Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse
How do prospective nurses become RNs? The process starts with an accredited nursing program, which builds the clinical knowledge and patient care skills required to work as an RN.
What Is a Registered Nurse?
Registered nurses provide nursing care to patients of all ages. Their duties include administering medication and treatment, assessing patients, maintaining medical records, and educating patients and their families. RNs can specialize in areas like medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, critical care, and oncology.
An RN career offers flexibility and diverse opportunities. As licensed medical professionals, RNs can work in various practice settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, patients' homes, and even medical spas. Nursing careers also offer many chances for growth and advancement.
Registered Nurse Education
Nursing students spend a minimum of two years to become RNs. However, a four-year BSN can offer several advantages for employment and career advancement. For example, RNs need a BSN degree to become advanced practice nurses, such as or nurse practitioners.
Your ideal education pathway depends on your unique timeline, budget, and career goals. Be sure to understand the differences between ADN and BSN degrees, including which option can better help you achieve your goals.
ADN Degree
An ADN is the faster way to become an RN. While this two-year degree meets the minimum eligibility requirements for the NCLEX-RN exam and RN licensure, many employers prefer or require BSN-level candidates.
- Admission Requirements: Each applicant needs a high school diploma or GED certificate to enroll in an ADN program. Many two-year ADN programs require a minimum high school GPA of 2.0, though some community colleges accept students regardless of GPA. Required application materials may include personal essays, SAT or ACT scores, and transcripts.
- Program Curriculum: ADN courses include nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, nutrition, and health system concepts. These programs also require clinical hours.
- Time to Complete: ADN programs typically take two years for full-time students. The length depends on enrollment status and transfer credits.
- Skills Learned: Students develop the nursing skills necessary to work in a clinical setting. ADN graduates can deliver nursing care across diverse populations, such as older adults, children, and infants.
BSN Degree
A BSN provides a broad education in leadership, critical thinking, and coordinating patient care. ADN-prepared nurses can earn a BSN with an RN-to-BSN program, while those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree can earn an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing degree (ABSN).
- Admission Requirements: BSN admissions requirements often include SAT or ACT scores, a minimum 3.0 GPA, though more selective schools may expect a 3.25 or higher, and 2-3 letters of recommendation.
- Program Curriculum: Core topics include leadership and management in nursing, cultural awareness, evidence-based nursing practice, and contemporary issues in healthcare.
- Time to Complete: Traditional BSN programs take four years to complete. RN-to-BSNs take 1-2 years, while accelerated programs are the fastest — typically requiring 11-18months.
- Skills Learned: BSN students gain fundamental nursing skills in leadership, research, and public health. Students can also develop specialized knowledge in areas like psychiatric nursing and community health nursing.
Registered Nurse Licensure and Certification
RNs must hold a state-issued license to practice. While not required, many employers require or strongly prefer certification for certain roles, and these credentials acknowledge an RN's expertise in specific areas. Certification can also boost an RN's career in terms of pay and responsibility.
Licensure
Earning an RN license is the last step to becoming an RN. After earning their degree and completing clinical hours, a prospective RN must first apply for a nursing credential from their state licensing board before registering for and passing the NCLEX-RN.
Each state board sets different standards and may require additional training courses to qualify for and renew licensure. RNs typically must renew their licenses every two years. Individuals must complete training courses and to renew their RN license.
Certification
Optional certifications showcase an RN's skills to potential employers. RNs specializing in emergency care, pediatrics, or cardiac nursing, among many other areas, may benefit from certification.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center and other nursing organizations offer certifications for RNs. Qualifying RNs typically must complete a specific number of clinical hours and pass an exam to earn these credentials.
Registered Nurse Salary and Career Outlook
The career outlook for RNs remains strong. Many RNs work in hospitals, physicians' offices, nursing facilities, and outpatient care centers. The number of RN jobs will grow 5% from 2024-2034, according to BLS projections (BLS). That translates into around 189,100 RN job openings annually.
RN salaries vary depending on degree, specialization, and the workplace. For example, BSN-prepared RNs make an average of $18,000 more annually than ADN holders. According to BLS data from May 2024, RNs earn a median salary of $93,600.
Nursing students can find positions through their schools, hospitals, medical offices, and job boards. For example, the American Nurses Association offers a career center where members can find open positions.
Hospitals (State, Local, and Private)
RNs work in every hospital unit. Depending on their specialty, RNs might help treat patients in operating rooms, intensive care units, and neonatal units. They administer medication, complete patient assessments, establish patient care priorities, and intervene in emergencies to save lives.
Ambulatory Healthcare Services
This category includes physicians' offices and is sometimes known as ambulatory care nursing. Outpatient care is the second-largest employer of RNs. Nurses in these settings typically work the day shift and assess patients' overall health, monitor vital signs, administer medications, educate patients and their families, and help manage pain.
Government
Nurses in government are a relative minority of the total RN workforce but earn the highest median salary in the profession. Government nurses may find work in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system, public health clinics, and local healthcare positions.
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
In nursing and residential care facilities, RNs work day and night shifts. They implement infection-control policies, administer medications, coordinate care plans, and monitor residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
