Career roadmap
How to Become a Registered Nurse
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a registered nurse, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a registered nurse: (1) complete prerequisites, (2) earn an ADN or BSN, (3) pass the NCLEX-RN, (4) land your first nursing job, (5) specialize and advance. Most people need about 2–4 years. BLS lists “bachelor's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a registered nurse
Complete prerequisites
Most nursing programs require courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry and statistics, plus an entrance exam such as the TEAS or HESI.
Earn an ADN or BSN
Choose a state-approved, accredited program. ADN programs take about two years; BSN programs about four. Accelerated BSN options exist for people with a prior bachelor’s degree.
Pass the NCLEX-RN
Apply to your state board of nursing, complete a background check and pass the national licensing exam.
Land your first nursing job
New-graduate residency programs at hospitals provide structured orientation and mentoring in your first year.
Specialize and advance
Earn specialty certifications, complete a BSN or MSN and consider roles such as charge nurse, educator, manager or nurse practitioner.
Education and training requirements
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.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Typical training time | 2–4 years |
Certifications and licenses
- NCLEX-RN license: Required in every state; issued by the state board of nursing after you pass the NCLEX-RN.
- BLS, ACLS and PALS: Life-support certifications from the American Heart Association, required in many units.
- Specialty certifications: Such as CCRN (critical care), CEN (emergency), CMSRN (medical-surgical) and PCCN (progressive care).
- Nurse Licensure Compact: A multistate license lets RNs practice in participating states without separate licenses.
Skills to build now
Start with patient assessment, medication administration and dosage calculation, and iv therapy, and practice critical thinking and compassion and emotional resilience. Learning the registered nurse vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Registered Nurse: Deliver and coordinate patient care.
- Charge Nurse or Specialty RN: Lead a shift or specialize in ICU, ER, OR or pediatrics.
- Nurse Educator, Manager or Case Manager: Move into teaching, leadership or care coordination.
- Advanced Practice RN: Earn an MSN or DNP to become a nurse practitioner, CRNA or clinical nurse specialist.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Registered Nurse training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long does it take to become an RN?
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.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse?
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.
Do you need a degree to be a registered nurse?
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.
What certifications are available for registered nurses?
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.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1141 (Registered nurses).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Registered nurses (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.