Updated October 2026
Registered nursing is one of the most in-demand careers in America. There are about 3.47 million RN jobs, around 180,800 openings every year, and a median salary of $97,550. The path is clear: complete an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and get licensed by your state. Here is exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Choose your nursing program
| Path | Length | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) | About 2 years | The fastest, lowest-cost route to becoming an RN, usually at community colleges | Some hospitals (especially Magnet) prefer or require a BSN. Many ADN nurses later complete an RN-to-BSN online. |
| BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) | About 4 years | Leadership, specialty roles, and graduate school (NP, CRNA) | Higher cost and a longer program |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | About 12–18 months | People who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field | Intense, full-time schedule. Often costly. |
| LPN-to-RN bridge | About 1–2 years | Licensed practical nurses who want to upgrade | Must be an LPN first |
| Direct-entry MSN | About 2–3 years | Career changers who want a master’s degree | Expensive. Check the new graduate loan limits. |
How to choose a school: it must be approved by your state board of nursing, and ideally accredited by ACEN or CCNE. Ask for its first-time NCLEX pass rate for the last three years. Aim for 85% or higher (the 2026 national rate for first-time US-educated candidates is 88.6%).
Step 2: Meet the admission requirements
- A high school diploma or GED.
- Prerequisite courses, typically anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, statistics, English and psychology. Many programs want a B or better in each.
- An entrance exam, usually the ATI TEAS or HESI A2.
- A background check, a drug screen, immunizations and CPR certification before clinicals.
Step 3: Complete nursing school
You’ll combine classroom learning (pharmacology, medical-surgical, maternal-child, pediatric, mental health and community nursing) with clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics. Most programs end with a final practicum or capstone alongside an experienced RN preceptor.
Step 4: Apply to your state board and register for the NCLEX-RN
- Apply to your state board of nursing for licensure by examination. The fee is usually $75–$400, and you will need fingerprints and a background check.
- Register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-RN ($200).
- Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) and book a date.
Step 5: Pass the NCLEX-RN
The Next Generation NCLEX is a computer-adaptive exam of 85–150 questions in up to 5 hours, with clinical judgment case studies. Read our NCLEX pass rates and first-time tips.
Step 6: Get licensed and land your first job
- Once you pass, your state issues your RN licence. If you live in a Nurse Licensure Compact state, you can get a multistate licence that lets you practise in more than 40 member states.
- Apply for new graduate residency programs. Many hospitals offer 6–12 months of structured support.
- Renew your licence on your state’s cycle (usually every 2 years) and complete any required continuing education.
How much does nursing school cost?
Costs vary enormously. Community college ADN programs are often the cheapest route, in-state public BSN programs sit in the middle, and private and accelerated programs cost the most. Ask about hospital-sponsored programs and employer tuition reimbursement. HRSA’s Nurse Corps scholarship and loan repayment program helps nurses who commit to working in high-need areas.
How long does it take to become an RN?
- ADN route: about 2–3 years, including prerequisites.
- BSN route: about 4 years.
- Accelerated BSN (with a prior degree): about 12–18 months.
- Add about 1–3 months after graduation for the NCLEX and licensing.
What can you earn?
The median RN salary is $97,550, rising to $140,270 in California. See every state in our RN salary by state guide. With a graduate degree you can become a nurse practitioner (median $132,300) or a nurse anesthetist (median $236,590).
FAQ
What is the fastest way to become an RN? For most people, an ADN at a community college (about 2 years). If you already have a bachelor’s degree, an accelerated BSN can take 12–18 months.
Can I become an RN online? You can take theory courses online, but every RN program requires in-person clinical hours. RN-to-BSN programs, for nurses who are already licensed, can be completed largely online.
Is an ADN or BSN better? Both lead to the same RN licence. A BSN opens more doors in hospitals and graduate school, so many nurses start with an ADN and finish an RN-to-BSN while working.
Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses (May 2025 data); NCSBN NCLEX data via Becker’s Hospital Review (2026); UWorld NCLEX cost breakdown (2026).
Leave a Reply