How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (2024)

Your nursing journey will differ depending on your educational background, goals, and priorities. Luckily, the diverse field of nursing will almost certainly have a path that suits your needs.

In the following sections, we'll explore how to become a nurse your way, no matter what that looks like. Read on to learn more.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

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The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN or BSN online, both designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (2) CCNE

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How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (3) Online

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How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (4) RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (7) CCNE

Location

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (8) Online

Prerequisite

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (9) RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (12) CCNE

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How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (13) Online

Prerequisite

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (14) RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.

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How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (17) CCNE

Location

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (18) Online

Prerequisite

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (19) RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

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At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 30+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

Accreditation

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (22) CCNE

Location

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (23) Online

Prerequisite

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (24) RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

How Do I Become a Nurse: A Step-By-Step Guide

Whether you attend a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or start with baby steps as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), there are four basic steps to becoming a nurse:

  1. Attend an Accredited Nursing Program: Accredited programs set you up for success in the job market and future educational endeavors. Read ournursing school accreditation guide to learn more.
  2. Become Licensed: All types of nurses need a license to practice, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). For LPNs and RNs, you must pass theNCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN, respectively, to earn your licensure.
  3. Earn Additional Certifications: Certain specialty areas of nursing require certifications. If you pursue a specialization, you may need to earn these additional credentials.
  4. Continue Your Nursing Education Journey: Each state has different nursing continuing education units (CEUs) that nurses must complete regularly to maintain licensure. Additionally, if you want to climb the career and salary ladder, you must return to school to earn higher degrees.

Nursing Programs & Requirements

Every nurse's journey begins with attending a nursing program. The following section explores how to become a nurse at every level, including major requirements, programs, and certifications.

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (26)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

  • Requirements: Accredited CNA Program and Certification/Licensure
  • Program Length: 4-12 weeks
  • Annual Salary: $38,130, via the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Certified nursing assistants are entry-level healthcare professionals who work under the direct supervision of an RN. Starting as a CNA is not necessary, but a great way to quickly enter the nursing field and learn whether it's right for you. CNA requirements include attending an accredited program and earning a certification or license, depending on the state.

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)

  • Requirements: Accredited LPN/LVN program and NCLEX-PN
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Annual Salary: $59,730 (BLS)

LPNs and LVNs are entry-level nurses who provide essential care to patients and assist RNs and doctors. Becoming an LPN requires attending an accredited program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. LPN programs are easy to get into and affordable, making them ideal for waitlisted students and aspiring nurses on a budget.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - RN

  • Requirements: Accredited ADN program and NCLEX-RN
  • Program Length: 2-3 years
  • Annual Salary: $80,321 (ZipRecruiter)

Earning an ADN is the fastest way to become a registered nurse. Most ADN programs last just two years and are available at community and technical colleges. At the end of the program, you take the same NCLEX-RN exam as those who complete a bachelor's education.Since some hospitals pay for RNs to earn a BSN, many nurses earn an ADN first to quickly enter the workforce and save money.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - RN

  • Requirements: Accredited BSN program and NCLEX-RN
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Annual Salary: $102,263 (ZipRecruiter)

A BSN is the gold standard in nursing degrees, allowing you to become a registered nurse in four years. Typically found at universities, BSN programs prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN exam and enter the workforce. Employers at coveted hospitals tend to prefer BSNs over ADNs, and the degree sets you up to easily advance your education later.

Second-Degree Registered Nurse

  • Requirements: Accredited ABSN program and NCLEX-RN
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Annual Salary: $102,263 (ZipRecruiter)

Attending an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program allows you to quickly and affordably change careers and become a nurse. Designed for students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees,ABSN programs qualify you to enter the nursing field in as little as one year.

>> Related: Top Online Nursing Programs for Non-Nurses

Choosing a Nursing Speciality

Your professional goals will largely influence which nursing specialty, if any, you'll select. For example, aspiring nurse-midwives will need obstetrics experience before attending a graduate program.

Some common specialty areas for new graduates include the following:

  • Ambulatory care
  • Cardiac care
  • Dermatology
  • Diabetes
  • Emergency room
  • Genetics
  • Geriatrics
  • Home health
  • Hospice
  • Medical-surgical
  • Metabolic
  • Neurology
  • Neonatal
  • Occupational health
  • Operating room
  • Orthopedics
  • Pulmonology
  • Wound care

>> Show Me Online Nursing Programs

AdvancingYour Nursing Education

Continuing your nursing education allows you to expand your scope of practice, take on leadership roles, and earn higher salaries.

RN to BSN

  • Program Requirements: Active & Unencumbered RN License
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Annual Salary: $102,263 (ZipRecruiter)

As an ADN-RN, you can take the skills and experience you already have and use them in an accelerated RN-to-BSN program. Some RN to BSN programs don't include clinical hours, and you may complete them entirely online.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (27)

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN or BSN online, both designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (28) CCNE

Location

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (29) Online

Prerequisite

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (30) RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (32)

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (33) CCNE

Location

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (34) Online

Prerequisite

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (35) RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (37)

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (38) CCNE

Location

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (39) Online

Prerequisite

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (40) RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (42)

At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.

Accreditation

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (43) CCNE

Location

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (44) Online

Prerequisite

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (45) RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (47)

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 30+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

Accreditation

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (48) CCNE

Location

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (49) Online

Prerequisite

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (50) RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

  • Program Requirements: BSN & 2 years clinical experience
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Annual Salary: $129,480 (BLS)

MSN degrees open advanced opportunities in clinical, education, information, and administrative fields. While traditional MSN programs require a BSN, you may also attend an RN-to-MSN program or, if you have a bachelor's in another field, a direct-entry MSN.

>> Show Me Online MSN Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

  • Program Requirements: ADN, BSN or MSN & 2 years clinical experience
  • Program Length: 2-6 years (Previous education dependent)
  • Annual Salary: $129,480 (BLS)

A DNP is a terminal nursing degree for APRNs. DNP graduates are leaders in advanced nursing practice who bring evidence-based knowledge to clinical and academic settings. While many DNP degrees require a BSN or MSN, RN-DNP programs exist for qualified ADN-RNs.

>> Show Me DNP Programs

Why Should You Become a Nurse?

Why do you want to become a nurse? Many aspiring nurses are driven by a desire to help others and make the world a better place. But there are several other reasons why becoming a nurse is a practical and exciting career move:

  • High Demand: Nurses and APRNs are some of the most in-demand careers nationwide. The BLS predicts RN jobs will grow by 6% over the next decade, and APRNs will grow by 38%.
  • Recession-Proof:When the nation faces mass layoffs and recessions, healthcare and nursing jobs remain due to their necessity and demand.
  • Good Money:The BLS reports that all RNs earn a median annual salary of$86,070 or $41.38 per hour. This figure reflects a higher-than-average annual income compared to all other professions.
  • Diverse Opportunities: You'll never get bored working as a nurse because there are so many lateral and advancement opportunities in the field. Check out this list ofall the types of nurses to learn about different nursing paths.

>> Show Me Online Nursing Programs

How to Become a Nurse FAQs

  • How long does it take to become a nurse?

    • Becoming a nurse takes two to four years, depending on whether you attend an ADN or BSN program. However, this timeline may change depending on your ability to attend classes full-time and prior education.
  • What is the job outlook for nurses?

    • The BLS predicts RN jobs will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, while APRN jobs will grow by 38% in that time. These predictions are much faster than the average growth of all other professions.
  • What are the most popular nursing specialties?

    • The most popular nursing specialties include maternity, neonatal intensive care nursing, cardiac catheterization lab, pediatrics, and post-anesthesia care nursing.
  • Where do nurses work?

    • Most commonly, nurses work in hospitals. However, they can also work in outpatient care centers, surgery centers, academia, nursing care facilities, home healthcare, and nontraditional nursing settings.

How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (52)

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How to Become a Registered Nurse in 4 Steps | 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What are 4 tasks that a registered nurse perform? ›

11 Responsibilities of a Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Assessing patients' symptoms and observing problems or abnormalities. ...
  • Recording patient medical histories and current health. ...
  • Collecting lab samples and performing diagnostic tests. ...
  • Administering medications, treatments, and other interventions.
May 1, 2023

What are the requirements for an RN in NJ? ›

Prospective nurses in New Jersey must earn an ADN or a BSN and pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed RNs. Nurses interested in APRN roles can complete an MSN or a DNP program and pursue certification in a specialty area.

What are the three main paths to becoming a registered nurse? ›

Three Main Paths

The three main entry-level paths to becoming a Registered Nurse are: Diploma program. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

What are the 4 steps of the nursing process? ›

These are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Assessment is the first step and involves critical thinking skills and data collection; subjective and objective.

Is becoming an RN hard? ›

Nursing can be a rewarding career, but earning your nursing degree requires hard work due to demanding coursework, long hours with clinical placements, and high-pressure exams. You'll need strong time management and the ability to handle a heavy workload.

What is the minimum RN salary in NJ? ›

RN salaries in NJ range from $70,920 per year and $34.10 per hour among the bottom 10th percentile to $117,990 per year and an hourly rate of $56.73 for the top 90th percentile.

How long does it take to become a RN in NJ? ›

The typical time frame to get a Registered Nursing degree is 2 to 4 years. However, Eastwick College offers a Registered Nurse Program at their Ramsey, New Jersey location that allows you to get an associate degree in 18 months.

How much is RN school in NJ? ›

Table
Search Search in School Graduation Rate In State Annual Tuition Out of State Annual Tuition NCLEX Pass Rate Accreditation Nursing Programs Score Rank
SchoolGraduation RateIn State Annual Tuition
The College of New Jersey85.00%$17,307
Seton Hall University70.00%$46,380
Rutgers University--New Brunswick81.00%$12,536.00
7 more rows
Dec 18, 2022

What is the shortest path to become a registered nurse? ›

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.

What is the highest paid nurse? ›

CRNAs also safely deliver pain management care, primarily where no physicians are available. According to Medscape's 2023 APRN Compensation Report, CRNAs earn, on average, $235,000 annually, making it the highest-paid nursing profession.

How many levels are there in RN? ›

What Are the Levels of Nursing? There are five levels of nursing: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

What is the 7 steps in the nursing process? ›

The mnemonic ADOPIE is an easy way to remember the ANA Standards and the nursing process. Each letter refers to the six components of the nursing process: Assessment, Diagnosis, Outcomes Identification, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation.

What are the stages of nursing in order? ›

What are the different levels of nursing?
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

How long does it take to get to nurse? ›

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 qualifications do I need to nurse? ›

Bachelor's Degree (Bachelor of Nursing 4-Year programme at a university. On completion, you register with the SANC as a Professional Nurse and Midwife.

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