As healthcare needs in the United States continue to grow and evolve, nurses are more essential than ever. Fortunately, the path to becoming a nurse has also changed — and become more accessible. This is due in part to online learning, which has made the educational process far more convenient.
If you’re thinking about taking the first step in joining the nursing field, here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to becoming a nurse. Taking these steps could result in you working in the field within two years.
Consider the Type of Nurse You Want to Be
The field of nursing is much more broad than you might think initially. Some nurses work solely at patients’ bedsides, while others are distanced from bedside care in roles like nurse writer, researcher, or consultant. Also, some nursing positions allow you to earn higher salaries, such as registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These certifications involve additional training and education.
Take time to decide the type of nurse you want to be so you can plan your educational path accordingly. Consider which specialty or nursing type best fits your personality and interests.
Earn Your Nursing Degree
After you decide on the type of nursing career you want to pursue, you can start working toward earning your nursing degree from an accredited nursing school. Here are the types of certificates and degrees you will need based on your desired nursing position:
- A certified nursing assistant (CNA) diploma or certificate to become a CNA. This course usually lasts between one and three months.
- A licensed practical nurse (LPN)/licensed vocational nurse (LVN) diploma or certificate to become an LPN or LVN. These courses usually last between 12 and 18 months.
- An associate degree in nursing to become an RN, which usually takes up to two years.
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing to become an RN, which usually takes up to four years.
- A master’s degree in nursing to become an APRN, which usually takes another two years.
You can earn your nursing degree online or in person from an accredited nursing school. If you demonstrate financial need, consider applying for a scholarship or grant that may cover some or all of your tuition fees.
Pass the NCLEX
The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX for short, is the nursing exam you must take to qualify for a nursing license. The NCLEX features 75 to 145 nursing-related questions and a combination of multiple-choice, multiple-response, and fill-in-the-blank questions.
You have five hours to take the NCLEX, which requires a passing score of at least 50%. In 2020, the national first-time pass rate for the NCLEX was 86.6%. After passing the NCLEX, you can contact your state licensure board to obtain your nursing license.
Get Your Nursing License
Nursing licenses are issued by your state, and each state has its own requirements. In most instances, you need the following to qualify for a nursing license:
- Verification of graduation, or eligibility for graduation from an approved pre-licensure RN or LPN/VN nursing education program
- Proof or verification that you passed the NCLEX
- Completion of a criminal background check (in select states)
If you meet the above requirements, your next step is to contact your state’s board of nursing directly. This information is available on the website of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Land a Nursing Job
After you receive your nursing license, you can officially begin working as a nurse. At this point, you’re ready to start your job search if you haven’t already.
Consider the setting in which you want to work. Hospitals, private practices, schools, community centers, and assisted-living facilities are some of the many medical settings where nurses are in high demand. Then, refer to job boards, classified ads, your instructors, and fellow nursing students to hunt for and find open nursing positions.
When browsing job boards online, try websites that are dedicated solely to aspiring and licensed nurses, such as the American Nurses Association or Nurse.org. These sites are ideal resources you can use to land your first job as a nurse.
Continue Your Education
As a nurse, you must refresh or continue your education every few years to maintain licensure. Each state has different laws and requirements in place, so check with your state’s board of nursing to learn more.
In addition to maintaining your education and licensure, you may want to consider earning extra certifications that could expand your job options and increase your salary. For instance, if you want to play an important role in helping patients deal with chronic pain in ways that don’t require opioids, consider earning the Pain Management Nursing Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This gives you the extra experience needed to treat and help people who are living with chronic pain.
Your earnings potential and career options are open if you want to become a nurse. By following the above steps to becoming a nurse, you’ll be well on your way to working in this role in the medical field.
Resource Links
- “2020 NCLEX® Examination Statistics” via National Council of State Boards of Nursing
- “Be Ready for Exam Day” via NCLEX
- “Licensure” via National Council of State Boards of Nursing
- “Drug Overdose Death Rates” via National Institute on Drug Abuse
- “Pain Management Nursing Certification (PMGT-BC™)” via American Nurses Credentialing Center