This is good news for anyone who has considered a career as a registered nurse. Increased demand has translated into high levels of job security and competitive wages. These benefits, paired with a desire to make a difference for patients, is what inspires many to start the journey toward becoming a nurse. Show
Are you interested in pursuing a career as a registered nurse? If so, it can be helpful to understand the steps that you’ll have to take to get there. Below, we explore the steps to becoming an RN, including a look at how long it will take, so that you can begin planning for your career and your future. Steps to Become an RNThe exact steps involved in becoming an registered nurse will vary somewhat depending on the state that you live in and where you hope to practice, so it’s important to research the specific requirements. That being said, all states will require aspiring RNs to complete the following requirements:
So, How Long Does it Take to Become an RN?The answer to this question is: It varies. The factor that will impact your timeline the most will be which degree you choose to pursue. Depending on the specific nursing program that you enroll in, it could take anywhere from 16 months to four years to become a registered nurse. “I chose to earn my BSN, which takes four years,” says ChiChi Akanegbu, who completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Regis College as a part of the Class of 2020. “After that, I needed to take my board exams, which added a bit of time.” What is the Fastest Way of Becoming an RN?Many people might think that pursuing an associate’s degree in nursing is the quickest way of becoming a registered nurse, particularly as opposed to earning a four-year BSN. After all, an associate’s degree in nursing takes an average of only two years to complete. But as mentioned above, while an associate’s degree in nursing may fulfill the technical requirements of becoming an RN, more and more employers now require that any new hires earn their BSN in order to be considered for an RN position. With this in mind, if speed is important to you, you are likely to be better served by pursuing an accelerated BSN program which will allow you to earn your bachelor of science in nursing in less than the standard four years. For example, Regis College offers multiple degrees which are specifically designed to help students graduate as quickly as possible so that they can start their career, including:
Choosing the Right ProgramWhether you choose to pursue a traditional four-year BSN, an accelerated degree, or your MSN, it’s important to first do your homework so that you are sure you are choosing the best program to help you reach your goals. In selecting a program to enroll in, Akanegbu recommends students find a program that offers a curriculum specifically designed to help them pass the NCLEX. “Out of everything, I would have to say the most challenging part of becoming an RN was the NCLEX,” she says. “High-quality programs understand the importance of this exam and use that understanding to shape their curriculum so that graduates will be prepared to take and pass the exam.” Additionally, Akanegbu recommends finding a program where you know you will be learning from faculty who are actively practicing in the field of nursing. “I feel as though one of the most positive things about Regis’s Nursing program is that our faculty aren't people that have been retired for 10 or so years,” she says. “They’re actively working in hospitals, which means they’re not just going off the textbook, but teaching us about what they've been through and what they continue to experience as a nurse.” Related BlogsWhat is the fastest way to become a nurse in California?Those interested in becoming a nurse in California in the shortest amount of time should pursue an associate degree in nursing, as this can be completed within a two-year timeframe. Upon completion of the program, passing the NCLEX-RN and applying for a license can take an additional 10-12 weeks.
How do I become a registered nurse in California?If you are looking to become a nurse in California, you can begin by earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a diploma in practical nursing. With either of these credentials, you can pass the NCLEX-PN exam, earn your license, and work as a licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse.
Is becoming an RN hard?You're headed for a great career, one that's rewarding, challenging, and always exciting. But nursing school is notoriously difficult. Most nursing programs require high GPAs and impressive scores in math, chemistry, biology, psychology, and other demanding subjects.
How many years before you become a registered nurse?Depending on the specific nursing program that you enroll in, it could take anywhere from 16 months to four years to become a registered nurse. “I chose to earn my BSN, which takes four years,” says ChiChi Akanegbu, who completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Regis College as a part of the Class of 2020.
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