Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
What do I need to become a Registered Nurse (RN)?
Each state has a Board of Nursing which is responsible for setting requirements and licensing nurses who practice in that state. Registered Nurse is the name of the license granted to professional nurses. To earn an RN license, you must pass a comprehensive nursing test, called the NCLEX® examination, which is administered by each state. But to qualify to sit for the NCLEX examination, you must first complete a nursing education program that is approved by your state's Board of Nursing.
Many states also require continuing education after you are licensed to keep your nursing license current.
What types of RN programs qualify me for the NCLEX examination?
There are three options: a Hospital Diploma program, an Associates Degree in Nursing, or a Bachelor Degree in Nursing. To understand the differences between these different options, see the Q&A on Choosing the Nursing School That's Right for You.
What are typical nursing school prerequisites?
Each school has their own set of prerequisites and requirements for admission, but this section gives you some general guidelines for what to expect. Be sure to consult the detailed requirements for each school before applying.
- SAT or ACT exam, minimums vary widely by school
- GPA range from 2.0-3.25, depending on the school
- 3 years of math, including geometry and algebra II
- 3 years of science, including biology and chemistry
- 4 years of English
- 2 years of foreign language
Most BSN programs at 4 year colleges require you to first apply to the college or university in general, and then after completing prerequisite courses at the school you apply to the nursing program specifically. There are no standards here, so be sure to check with each school on their procedures.
How long does it take to become an RN?
- Diploma - 3 years
- Associate Degree - 2 years
- BSN - 4 years
- RN to BSN can be 2-3 years
How much does it cost to become a registered nurse?
There is a huge range of tuition costs, which depend on the type of school, whether it is public or private, and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident. Community colleges might cost $3,000-5,000 per year, while a private 4-year college can cost more than $20,000 per year.
Is financial aid available to aspiring RNs?
There is usually a wide range of private and government options for financial aid. The key to getting on the band wagon with government aid of all types is to fill out the FAFSA - the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It's about 8 pages long and can be filed via paper or online. After filing the application you'll receive back a Student Aid Report (SAR), which determines what government financial aid you qualify for.
Different schools follow different paths from here, so be sure to check with the financial aid office. There are also a wide range of non-governmental financial aid sources. While All Nursing Schools does not provide financial aid information, there is a wide range of information easily available by searching the internet.
What is nursing school accreditation?
Accrediting organizations evaluate schools against a rigorous set of standards that are deemed necessary for providing a quality education. Schools are accredited for a number of years (often 5-10 years) and then may renew their accreditation. Accreditation speaks to the quality of education at a school, and it is also crucial in that most states require a degree from an accredited institution before you can take the NCLEX examination.
Is accreditation important?
Yes - and we recommend that you read our section on accreditation for more information.