[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career that allows you to make a difference in the lives of others? [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]Registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link] benefit from a strong employment outlook, abundant job opportunities, and a solid salary range.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores the steps to becoming a nurse, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/work-settings-for-nurses/”]common RN work settings[/hen-ui-link], and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-salary/”]RN salary outlook[/hen-ui-link]. Is this versatile healthcare career right for you? Here are all the details to help you decide.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”mb-0″]What Does a Registered Nurse Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs work in almost every healthcare environment imaginable, and their duties can vary tremendously from job to job and day to day.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs are an integral part of the care team and work closely with every team member to deliver and coordinate patient care and accommodate or advocate for patients when necessary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs provide care to patients by assessing and monitoring their condition, coordinating with physicians during certain medical procedures, including surgery, and administering prescribed treatments. They also perform diagnostic tests, operate medical equipment, and educate patients on follow-up care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”mb-0″]A nurse’s key traits and responsibilities include the following.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Key Responsibilities[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Performing physical examinations and gathering patient health histories before making critical decisions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administering medications and performing personalized medical interventions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educating and supporting patients by providing health promotion, counseling, and emotional support[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collaborating with other healthcare professionals on the care team to coordinate patient care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advocating for each patient’s health and well-being[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Career Traits[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Communication Skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Empathy and Compassion[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/the-value-of-critical-thinking-in-nursing/”]Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attention to Detail[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Integrity and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-advocate/”]Advocacy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Willingness to Learn[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the American Nursing Association, nurses must also be even-tempered, flexible, and hard-working. A healthy sense of humor doesn’t hurt, either.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Where Do Registered Nurses Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs work in virtually every traditional healthcare setting, including hospitals, private physician practices, residential facilities such as nursing homes, and health clinics including urgent care centers. They also work in less traditional settings like [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/school-nurse/how-to-become/”]schools[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/public-health-nurse/”]government agencies[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/flight-nurse/”]airplanes[/hen-ui-link], and even [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/cruise-ship-nurse/how-to-become/”]cruise ships[/hen-ui-link]. If there’s a need for healthcare expertise, there’s a good chance an RN might be nearby.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most common work settings for RNs include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Hospitals[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In hospitals, RNs often monitor patient health, perform tests, deliver care like dressing wounds or administering treatments, supervise other professionals such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/cna/”]certified nursing assistants (CNAs)[/hen-ui-link], and collaborate with physicians and other healthcare providers. Hospitals are the most common practice setting for RNs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 59% of all RNs in the U.S. worked in a hospital as of 2024.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Outpatient Offices[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In outpatient or ambulatory care settings, such as a doctor’s office or clinic, RNs may administer medications and vaccines, communicate with patients in person and over the phone, take medical histories, and educate patients.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nursing and Residential Care Facilities[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In facilities like nursing homes and residential facilities, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/long-term-care-nurse/”]long-term care RNs[/hen-ui-link] take care of patients each day, many of whom have complex or serious health problems. These RNs perform medical tests and monitoring and act as liaisons to families and other care team members.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Home Care Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to working in a healthcare facility, RNs can provide care in patients’ homes as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/home-healthcare-nurse/”]home care nurses[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/palliative-care-nurse/”]palliative care nurses[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/how-to-become-a-wound-care-nurse/”]wound care nurses[/hen-ui-link], and more. Depending on the patient, these nurses perform assessments, provide day-to-day assistance as well as more complex care, manage medication, educate patients, and much more.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Registered Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the results of a 2024 Gallup poll, nursing is the most trusted profession in the United States.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are other benefits, too. The average RN salary of about $93,600 is well above the BLS national average of $49,500 for all occupations. Salary and professional opportunities can further increase with more advanced education credentials.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, nurses whose highest degree is the two-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] earn an average annual salary of $80,707, according to ZipRecrtuier. Graduates of the four-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree program earn an average of $90,046 per year. Meanwhile, nurses who complete a graduate-level [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] program earn an average of $172,199 per year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The demand for RNs continues to grow as the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown/”]nation’s nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link] continues.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, the nursing profession comes with its challenges. While it’s a rewarding career for millions of people, it is not for everyone. Here is a list of common advantages and disadvantages to being an RN. This list is general and not intended to apply to every workplace.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RN, you must complete four broad steps.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate from an accredited program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]Pass the NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Receive your nursing license from your state board of nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Get hired as an RN, gain experience, maintain licensure[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The minimum educational requirement for RNs is an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences/”]RN diploma or associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link]. However, more states and employers now [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/reasons-why-rns-should-pursue-their-bsn-degree/”]require or prefer BSN degrees[/hen-ui-link]. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Publications/Benefits-of-the-BSN.pdf” target=”_blank”]Research has shown[/hen-ui-link] that BSN-trained nurses help reduce patient mortality, shorten the length of stay in a hospital or similar facility, and lower the rates of readmission back into the hospital.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduating from an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing program[/hen-ui-link], candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN to get a state nursing license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To qualify for the NCLEX-RN, a candidate must have graduated from an accredited program and meet the requirements for licensure in their state (check with your state board of nursing for more information). Specific application processes and fees usually apply.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Registered Nurse Specializations[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can focus their careers in dozens of different ways, specializing in specific patient populations, such as children, or a specific type of patient care, such as heart surgery. After acquiring the necessary experience, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-certifications/”]RNs may obtain a certification[/hen-ui-link] to prove their expertise in a given specialty.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certifications validate an RN’s knowledge in a given specialty and illustrate their commitment to professional development. Certifications can also increase earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are six common nurse specialties including average annual salary data from [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link], but please note that there are [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-specialties-guide/”]many more nursing specialties[/hen-ui-link] and salary ranges available.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Pediatric Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/pediatric-nurse/”]Pediatric RNs[/hen-ui-link] specialize in caring for children at family care physician practices, hospitals, or schools. They also educate families on child health in general and how to address a specific health need.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Pediatric_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]$72,173[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Neonatal Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/neonatal-nurse/”]Neonatal RNs[/hen-ui-link] can care for newborn infants in various settings. They may work in hospital maternity units, neonatal intensive care units (NICU), or in the community, helping parents care for their newborns.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Neonatal_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]$79,253[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Critical Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/critical-care-nurse/”]Critical care RNs[/hen-ui-link] provide care to patients with the most serious conditions or injuries, usually in intensive care units or emergency departments. This specialty requires steadiness under pressure, specialized knowledge, and quick decision-making.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)%2C_Critical_Care/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]$85,027[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Gerontology Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/geriatric-nurse/”]Gerontology RNs[/hen-ui-link] work with older patients, often in long-term residential care (nursing homes) or rehabilitation settings. They may care for patients for a long time, which can be both emotionally challenging and rewarding.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate/12064987/Geriatrics” target=”_blank”]$78,063[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Oncology Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/oncology-nurse/”]Oncology RNs[/hen-ui-link] specialize in helping cancer patients, generally in hospitals and specialized care facilities. Like gerontology, oncology nursing can be emotionally stressful and rewarding.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Oncology/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”] $85,936[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Emergency Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/er-nurse/”]Emergency nurses[/hen-ui-link] care for patients from birth to death and treat every patient demographic and medical condition in the emergency department. This specialty requires steadiness under pressure, broad medical knowledge, hustle, and excellent critical thinking skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)%2C_Emergency_Room/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]$79,048[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-certifications/”]nursing certification[/hen-ui-link] is a credential that demonstrates expertise in a specific area of nursing. Nurses earn it through a combination of experience and passing an exam. While it’s not necessary to obtain a certification, it can increase your opportunities and earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requirements to take a certification exam typically include an active, unencumbered license in Canada or the U.S., 24 months and at least 2,000 hours of experience in the specialty, and employment in the specialty within the last 24-36 months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Money Do RNs Make?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, the average annual salary for RNs is $93,600. However, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-salary/”]the amount an RN makes[/hen-ui-link] is influenced by several factors, including experience level, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-salaries-by-state/”]geographic location[/hen-ui-link], work setting, certifications, and more.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS estimates that RNs in the lowest 10% of the pay range earn an average annual salary of $66,030. Those in the highest 10% of the workforce earn $135,320.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The biggest employers include general medical and surgical hospitals, where nurses earn an annual mean salary of $97,260. Nurses in educational services have the lowest pay for RNs, with an annual mean salary of $74,360. Even the lower salary averages, however, still significantly outpace the national average of $49,500.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location can make a major impact on your salary. Keep in mind, of course, that the cost of living also varies and can greatly affect spending power and earnings. Below is a list of the top-paying states for RNs and the total number of RNs employed there.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Earning States for Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State [/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Mean Wage[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Total Number of RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]California [/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Wage”]$148,330[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Total Number of RNs”]326,720[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Hawaii[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Wage”]$123,720[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Total Number of RNs”]13,100[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Oregon[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Wage”]$120,470[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Total Number of RNs”]39,900[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Washington[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Wage”]$115,740[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Total Number of RNs”]64,690[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Massachusetts[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Wage”]$112,610[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Total Number of RNs”]90,190[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the role of the registered nurse?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Registered nurses work just about anywhere healthcare is delivered. They are essential to the healthcare team, whether in the operating room or the family doctor’s office. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/best-specialty-career-choices-for-nursing/”]Nursing specialties[/hen-ui-link] vary tremendously, and RNs deliver many types of care to many different patient groups. RNs also use their expertise to become leaders and advocates away from the bedside.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does it mean to be registered as a nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming an RN is a significant responsibility and privilege. Nurses are the nation’s most trusted profession and are tasked with caring for patients, many of whom are at their most vulnerable. RNs provide expertise, education, advocacy, emotional support, and much more.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a registered nurse?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes about 2-4 years to become an RN, but the length of time varies based on your schedule, education level, and the nursing program you wish to pursue. Associate degrees in nursing programs typically take two years, while bachelor’s programs take about four years. There are, however, a variety of other programs with differing lengths, and different steps you can take to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/how-long-is-nursing-school/”]make nursing school shorter or longer[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between a nurse and a registered nurse?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nurse profession includes registered nurses, but other nurses, including non-RNs, are also part of it. This includes [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVN)[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link], with the latter category including [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nm-vs-crna-vs-np/”]nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, and nurse anesthetists[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a registered nurse the highest-paid nurse?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though RNs can and do earn competitive salaries, the highest-paid nurses are typically APRNs, particularly [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/”]certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)[/hen-ui-link], for whom the minimum training requirement is a doctoral degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CRNAs had an average annual salary of $223,210 as of 2024.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]