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How to Become a Registered Nurse? Steps to Become an RN

Introduction On Becoming a Registered Nurse RN

How do you become a registered nurse? This is a great question that a lot of potential nurses ask when they first become interested in this profession. Registered Nursing is a popular profession within the medical field, and most career research centers project an increased demand for RNs over the next decades. With this increased demand and competitive salaries, it is easy to see why more and more people are interested in becoming a registered nurse.

How to Become a Registered Nurse RN

  1. Visit the Board of Nursing for your state to determine the educational requirements and additional certifications you need. Most states require a degree from an accredited university or nursing school, clinical hours in a nursing field, and the successful completion of the NCLEX test. Review all of these requirements before enrolling in a nursing school, so you can be sure that the school you choose will provide the training and certifications you need.
  2. Enroll in an accredited nursing school that offers a degree in nursing. Depending on the nursing school you decide to go to, there are usually two types of degrees you can get in order to become an RN. The two types of degrees are the ADN (associated degree of nursing) or the BSN (bachelor degree of nursing). ADN degree programs are usually completed in two years. BSN programs are traditionally four-year programs. During this time, each student must successfully complete all courses in the nursing curriculum, and any designated clinical hours.
  3. Take the state board exam, also know as the NCLEX, after graduation to obtain your RN license. Some people think that once they graduate from nursing school they are a RN, but instead they just have a degree in nursing, and they do not yet have the RN title.
  4. Once you successfully pass the NCLEX test (and pay any applicable licensing or testing fees), your state will issue your Registered Nurse License. At that point, you are officially licensed as a registered nurse. You can then apply for an RN position at any hospital, government facility, or other employer.
  5. Renew your nursing license at the required time intervals (usually every 1-2 years) to keep the license active. In addition, most states require RNs to work a specified amount of hours each year and/or accumulate continuing education classes to maintain the license.


By following the tips above, you can become a registered nurse in your state. Make sure to read the requirements set forth by the Board of Nursing in your state to keep your license active.

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