Registered Nurse FAQ

Both prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN. A BSN is a four-year degree with more coursework in leadership, research and public health; many hospitals prefer or require it for hiring or advancement.

About two years for an ADN or four years for a BSN, plus a few months to take the NCLEX-RN. Accelerated BSN programs for people with a prior bachelor’s can take 12 to 18 months.

Specialize (ICU, ER, OR, labor and delivery), move into education, management or informatics, or earn a graduate degree to become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist or clinical nurse specialist.

The median annual wage for registered nurses was $97,550 ($46.90 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $68,940 and the highest 10% earned more than $137,470.

Most people need about 2–4 years of training. You need an associate degree in nursing (ADN, about two years) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN, about four years) from a state-approved program, then you must pass the NCLEX-RN. Many hospitals prefer or require a BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs let ADN nurses complete a bachelor’s while working.

Yes. You need at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s (BSN) and must pass the NCLEX-RN. BLS lists a bachelor’s as the typical entry-level education, and many hospitals prefer BSN-prepared nurses.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +5.6% from 2025–35 (faster than average), with about 180,800 openings each year. Upsides include strong pay, with a median near six figures; a common challenge is that demanding education and a rigorous licensing exam.

Key technical skills include patient assessment, medication administration and dosage calculation, iv therapy, and care planning and documentation. Employers also value critical thinking, compassion and emotional resilience, and clear communication under pressure.

Common credentials include NCLEX-RN license, BLS, ACLS and PALS, Specialty certifications, and Nurse Licensure Compact. All states require RNs to be licensed by the state board of nursing after passing the NCLEX-RN. Many states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows practice across member states with one multistate license.