[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs earn a median $93,600 annually with 5% job growth from 2024-2034.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Registered nurses provide nursing care to patients across the lifespan, including administering treatment, assessing patients, maintaining medical records, and educating patients and families.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More than 3.3 million [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our guide provides a step-by-step plan covering how to become a registered nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]2-4 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]ADN or BSN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Job Outlook[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]5%[/hen-ui-text] Growth from 2024-2034 for all RNs[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an ADN or BSN Degree From an Accredited Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can earn a two-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a four-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link]. Both may require common [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/prerequisites-for-nursing-school/”]prerequisites for nursing school[/hen-ui-link], such as basic anatomy, physiology, biology, and psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While an ADN is the fastest [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-rn-programs-by-state/”]nursing school path[/hen-ui-link] to become an RN, a BSN can increase your job opportunities. If you start your nursing career with an ADN, you can pursue a BSN later with an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-BSN program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each prospective RN must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] and apply for RN licensure from their state board of nursing. The NCLEX-RN includes a minimum of 75 questions and tests skills in four areas: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensure may also require a criminal background check. Your educational mentors and state nursing board can answer your questions about other potential requirements in your state.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Your Desired Specialty Area[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an RN license, nurses can begin their [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/finding-nursing-jobs/”]nursing career search[/hen-ui-link], gain experience, and explore specialties [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/surviving-nursing-clinicals/”]during clinical rotations[/hen-ui-link]. Working in a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office can build clinical expertise in a specialty area.[/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″]Become Certified in Your Specialty[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pursuing certification in a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-certifications/”]nursing specialty[/hen-ui-link] can lead to greater recognition, more career opportunities, and a higher salary potential. To qualify, you often need two or more years of full-time clinical RN experience in your specialty and a passing score on an exam. RNs can also pursue specialized graduate degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][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 RN-to-BSN 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″]What Is a Registered Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]Registered nurses[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Registered Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/how-to-become-a-crna/”]certified registered nurse anesthetists[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your ideal education pathway depends on your unique timeline, budget, and career goals. Be sure to understand the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences/”]differences between ADN and BSN[/hen-ui-link] degrees, including which option can better help you achieve your goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN is the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/fastest-paths-to-becoming-a-nurse/”]faster way to become an RN[/hen-ui-link]. 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: Each applicant needs a high school diploma or GED certificate to enroll in an ADN program. Schools may require a minimum 2.0-3.0 GPA. Required application materials may include personal essays, SAT or ACT scores, and transcripts.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: ADN courses include nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, nutrition, and health system concepts. These programs also require clinical hours.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: ADN programs typically take two years for full-time students. The length depends on enrollment status and transfer credits.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN provides a broad education in leadership, critical thinking, and coordinating patient care. ADN-prepared nurses can earn a BSN with an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN program[/hen-ui-link], while those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can earn an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]accelerated bachelor of science in nursing degree (ABSN)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: BSN admissions requirements often include SAT or ACT scores, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and 2-3 letters of recommendation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Core topics include leadership and management in nursing, cultural awareness, evidence-based nursing practice, and contemporary issues in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 only 12-18 months.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Registered Nurse Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs must hold a state-issued license to practice. While not required for employment, certifications acknowledge an RN’s expertise in specific areas. Certification can also boost an RN’s career in terms of pay and responsibility.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Licensure[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an RN license is the last step to becoming an RN. A prospective RN must apply for a license from their state board of nursing after earning their degree, completing clinical hours, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]passing the NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education hours[/hen-ui-link] to renew their RN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Optional certifications showcase an RN’s skills to potential employers. RNs specializing in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/er-nurse/”]emergency care[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/pediatric-nurse/”]pediatrics[/hen-ui-link], or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/cardiac-care-nurse/”]cardiac nursing[/hen-ui-link], among many other areas, may benefit from certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Registered Nurse Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-salary/”]RN salaries[/hen-ui-link] vary depending on degree, specialization, and the workplace. According to BLS data from May 2024, RNs earn a median salary of $93,600.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Hospitals (State, Local, and Private)[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs work in every hospital unit. Depending on their specialty, RNs might help treat patients in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/surgical-nurse/”]operating rooms[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/critical-care-nurse/”]intensive care units[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/neonatal-nurse/”]neonatal units[/hen-ui-link]. They administer medication, complete patient assessments, establish patient care priorities, and intervene in emergencies to save lives.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Percent of nurses who work in this setting: 59%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median annual salary: $97,260[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Ambulatory Healthcare Services[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This category includes physicians’ offices and is sometimes known as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/ambulatory-care-nurse/”]ambulatory care nursing[/hen-ui-link]. 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Percent of nurses who work in this setting: 19%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median annual salary: $83,780[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Government[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Percent of nurses who work in this setting: 5%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median annual salary: $106,480[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nursing and Residential Care Facilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Percent of nurses who work in this setting: 6%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median annual salary: $81,820[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest you can become an RN?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can become an RN in just two years by enrolling in a two-year ADN program. These degrees build the clinical and patient care skills needed for RN licensure and entry-level RN jobs. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, an accelerated BSN program can prepare you for RN licensure in as little as one year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I become an RN in one year?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can become an RN in one year if you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Accelerated BSN programs, also known as “second-degree BSNs,” take 12-18 months and prepare you for RN licensure and professional work. If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, becoming an RN typically takes two years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become an RN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes two years to meet the minimum education requirement to become an RN. Nursing students in ADN programs complete nursing courses and clinical placements to earn their RN license. Many nurses enter the profession with a BSN, which takes four years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are the requirements to become an RN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each aspiring RN must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and apply for an RN license from their state board of nursing. Meeting these requirements to become an RN typically takes 2-4 years, depending on whether nurses earn an ADN or BSN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]