Job Search & Hiring
How To Become a Registered Nurse
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | Jan 1, 2024
Are you thinking of becoming a Registered Nurse or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Registered Nurse, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Registered Nurse job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Registered Nurse
A career caring for patients as a registered nurse can be very rewarding. If you are solutions-oriented and enjoy working with people, a career as a registered nurse may be right for you. In this article, we discuss the steps required to become a registered nurse.
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Fulfill Prerequisites for a BSN or ADN Degree
To pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you must complete prerequisite courses in human anatomy, biology, psychology, physiology, and math. Many nursing schools require students to earn a C or better in these courses. -
Earn an ADN, BSN, or ABSN Degree
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): An ADN program takes approximately two years to complete. An ADN is the fastest way to enter nursing, but it may limit your career options in the future, as most employers prefer candidates with a BSN degree.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): In addition to advanced nursing classes, BSN students must complete a required number of clinical hours. Requirements vary from program to program, but many BSN programs require three clinical hours for every one hour of class time. A BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Students who have earned an ADN may complete a BSN program in two years.
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN): An ABSN degree program allows those with a bachelor's degree to earn an accelerated nursing degree in 12 to 18 months. ABSN students do not need to have a degree in a medical field, just a degree from an accredited institution.
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Become Licensed
To become licensed as a nurse, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse exam (NCLEX-RN). You can apply for your license and register for the NCLEX-RN six weeks after earning an ABN, BSN, or ABSN degree. Test questions cover nursing fundamentals, behavioral interventions, pharmacological therapies, and more.Those who do not pass the exam can retake it after 45 days. Licensed nurses must periodically renew their licenses by completing continuing education credits. License renewal requirements vary from state to state. -
Find Entry-Level Employment
Many registered nurses find employment through their colleges or on job boards. Professional nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association, offer assistance in finding a registered nurse job as well. -
Become Certified in a Specialty
- Pediatric: Specialized care for children.
- Neonatal: Care for newborn infants, often in intensive care units.
- Gerontology: Provide medical care for elderly patients, often in nursing or rehabilitation centers.
- Ambulatory care: Perform tests and educate patients at urgent care and outpatient centers.
- Oncology: Care for patients with cancer, usually in hospitals or cancer treatment centers.
- Critical care: Work with critically ill patients in emergency departments or intensive care units.
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Earn Advanced Degrees
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