Becoming a registered nurse (RN) requires completing an accredited nursing program and passing a national licensing exam called the NCLEX-RN. The fastest route takes about two years through a community college, while a four-year bachelor’s degree opens more career options. Either way, you’ll need to clear prerequisite courses, complete supervised clinical training, and apply for a state license before you can practice.
Choose Between a Two-Year and Four-Year Degree
Two educational paths lead to RN eligibility, and both qualify you to take the same licensing exam.
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program typically offered at community colleges, though some accelerated versions finish in 18 months. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, and community health. This is the most affordable and fastest entry point into the profession.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program at a college or university. It covers everything the ADN does, plus deeper coursework in public health, nursing ethics, pathophysiology, and theoretical nursing concepts. You also get more extensive clinical experience. A BSN is required if you ever want to pursue a graduate degree in nursing, and many hospitals now prefer or require it for hiring.
If you already hold an ADN and want to upgrade later, RN-to-BSN bridge programs let you earn a bachelor’s degree while working, usually in 12 to 18 months.
Complete Your Prerequisites First
Before you can enter a nursing program, you need to finish a set of science and general education courses. Most programs require:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Chemistry with lab (general or inorganic chemistry; organic chemistry and biochemistry typically don’t count)
- Microbiology
- Statistics
- Nutrition (human nutrition or nutrition science preferred)
- Developmental psychology (must cover the full lifespan; intro psych or child psych alone won’t satisfy this)
You’ll generally need a C or better in every prerequisite, and most schools require these courses to have been completed within the last 10 years. If you took anatomy in 2012, you may need to retake it. Prerequisites can often be completed at a community college before transferring into a nursing program, which saves money.
What Happens During Nursing School
Nursing programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. BSN students at programs like the University of Michigan complete over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience before graduating. ADN programs include clinical hours as well, though the total is generally lower.
Clinical rotations cycle you through different specialties: you’ll spend time in medical-surgical units, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric care, and community health. This is where you learn to assess patients, administer medications, work with interdisciplinary teams, and handle the physical and emotional demands of patient care. Rotations also help you figure out which area of nursing interests you most.
Pick an Accredited Program
Accreditation means an independent organization has reviewed a nursing program and confirmed it meets national standards for curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and ongoing improvement. Attending an accredited program is not optional if you want to sit for the licensing exam.
Two organizations handle nursing accreditation. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) focuses on BSN, master’s, and doctoral programs. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) covers a broader range, from practical nursing certificates through doctoral degrees, including most ADN programs. Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Before enrolling anywhere, verify its accreditation status on the CCNE or ACEN website.
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
After graduating, you need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. This is a computerized adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of each question adjusts based on how you answered the previous one. The exam runs up to five hours and delivers between 85 and 150 questions. You can’t go back to previous questions once you’ve submitted an answer.
Registration is a two-step process. First, you apply to your state board of nursing for licensure by examination, which involves submitting proof of graduation, background check documentation, and a state-specific application fee. Second, you register with Pearson VUE, the testing service, and pay a $200 exam fee. Once both your state board and Pearson VUE approve your eligibility, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) by email, which lets you schedule your exam date.
Most nursing graduates spend four to eight weeks studying for the NCLEX-RN after graduation. Commercial review courses and practice question banks are popular preparation tools. If you don’t pass on the first attempt, you can retake it, though each state sets its own rules on waiting periods and attempt limits.
Apply for Your State License
Passing the NCLEX-RN doesn’t automatically make you licensed. You still need to complete your state’s licensing application. Most states now offer online applications. In California, for example, you create an account through the state’s BreEZe system, submit your application and transcripts, and pay fees by credit card.
Your nursing school typically sends transcripts directly to the board if you graduated in that state. If you attended school in another state, you’ll need to arrange for official transcripts through an approved electronic vendor. International graduates must have transcripts mailed directly to the board.
Every state requires a criminal background check, and many require fingerprinting. If you have any prior discipline on a healthcare license, you’ll need to provide a signed letter of explanation along with supporting documentation. Processing times vary by state but generally range from a few weeks to a couple of months.
The LPN-to-RN Bridge Option
If you’re already a Licensed Practical Nurse, bridge programs offer a faster route to becoming an RN. These programs grant experiential learning credits for skills you’ve already mastered, such as nursing fundamentals, so you don’t repeat coursework you’ve already done in practice. At Broward College in Florida, for instance, LPN-to-RN transition students can receive up to 10 nursing course credits for prior learning.
You’ll still need to complete clinical rotations in areas like health alterations, psychiatric nursing, pediatric nursing, and women’s healthcare. Admission requires an active, unrestricted LPN license, a physical examination, a background check, drug screening, and completion of certificate courses in CPR, HIV/AIDS, infection control, domestic violence, and medical error prevention. After finishing the program, you take the NCLEX-RN just like any other graduate.
Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. RN employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That growth is driven by an aging population, increasing rates of chronic conditions, and a wave of retirements among current nurses.
Your actual salary will depend on where you work, your specialty, and your education level. BSN-prepared nurses generally earn more than ADN-prepared nurses and have access to a wider range of positions, including leadership roles, research, and public health. Nurses in metropolitan areas and in specialties like critical care, operating room, and emergency tend to command higher pay.