Learn how to become a nurse in this step-by-step guide, including requirements, specialties, and advanced nursing careers.
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.
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 Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: 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 Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: 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 Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: 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.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
RN-to-BSN - ExcelTrack
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As a working RN, you need a flexible, transfer-friendly program to help you save time and money as you take the next step in your nursing career. In our CCNE-accredited4
RN to BSN program, you can transfer in up to 134 credits—which is nearly 75% of program requirements. Your transfer credits can be reviewed in one business day (on average).
Enrollment: FL
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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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
