How To Become a Registered Nurse: Career Guide

Q: What are the requirements to become a registered nurse?

To become an RN, candidates must complete a nursing degree from an accredited program and pass the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam for registered nurses. After passing, candidates apply for licensure through their state's board of nursing. Requirements can vary slightly by state, so it's a good idea to check with the relevant state board for specifics.

Q: What degree do you need to become an RN?

There's more than one degree path to becoming an RN. Some nurses may choose to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), while others can choose a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Both can prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for state licensure.

Q: Can you become an RN without a BSN?

Yes. Aspiring RNs can begin their careers with an ADN or a nursing diploma rather than a BSN. After completing a program and passing the NCLEX-RN, graduates can apply for RN licensure just like BSN graduates.

Job Description

What Is a Registered Nurse?

A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional who assesses patients, coordinates care, administers treatments and helps improve patient outcomes. RNs are often a patient's primary point of contact, helping them navigate the healthcare system and receive quality care.

Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings and specialties. Some focus on specific patient populations, such as children or older adults, while others specialize in areas such as oncology, cardiac care, emergency nursing or critical care.

Role

What Do Registered Nurses Do?

Registered nurses deliver direct patient care, such as assessing and treating patients. Nurses are expected to demonstrate sound nursing judgment and clinical best practices while performing duties such as administering medications, documenting care, performing wound care and operating medical equipment.

RNs generally care for multiple patients at a time. They work as members of a collaborative healthcare team while coordinating care.

Assess and Diagnose

Nurses conduct head-to-toe assessments, review test results and use clinical judgment to support nursing diagnoses.

Develop and Implement Care Plans

They develop and implement nursing care plans, such as performing wound care, for example.

Deliver Patient Education

Nurses help patients and family caregivers understand instructions for at-home care and lifestyle choices.

Outlook

Is Nursing a Good Career?

Nursing can be a good career for people seeking a healthcare profession with strong job demand, which can come with career stability and opportunities for advancement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth of registered nurses is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.^{(See disclaimer 1 )}The BLS projects about 166,100 RN job openings each year during the decade, driven by workforce shortages, retirements and ongoing demand for healthcare services.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Additionally, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 as of May 2024, according to the BLS.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Employment

3.5 Million

Projected employment for registered nurses by 2034^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Salary

$93,600

Median annual wage for registered nurses as of May 2024^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Growth

5%

Projected job growth rate for RNs from 2024 to 2034^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Workplace

Where Can Registered Nurses Work?

According to the BLS, registered nurses can work across many different healthcare settings.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Many nurses, such as those who work in hospitals and long-term care facilities, may work overnight, holiday and/or weekend shifts, as these facilities must provide 24/7 patient care. Some nurses travel for work, such as home health nurses, who provide patient care in private homes.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Some common workplace options for nurses include:^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Hospitals

As of 2024, about 59% of nurses work in a state, local or private hospital setting.

Ambulatory healthcare services

These settings include physicians' offices, home healthcare and outpatient care centers, and can include a variety of different nursing positions and specialties.

Residential care

Nurses may work in nursing homes and other residential care facilities. They care for senior patients who may have complex health needs.

Schools

School nurses work in K-12 schools or at universities and colleges, providing care to students and maintaining student health records.

Career Path

How To Become a Registered Nurse

When learning how to become a registered nurse, it’s important to note that not all RNs follow the same path. At the base level, to become a registered nurse, you must earn a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN® to obtain an RN license.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Review the following steps to becoming an RN:

Enroll in an Accredited Nursing Program

Begin by enrolling in an accredited nursing program that aligns with your educational background and career goals. Depending on the pathway you choose, this can include an associate (ADN) or bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).

Earn Your Nursing Degree

Complete the required coursework, skills labs and clinical experiences within your nursing program. Upon graduation, you'll earn the degree needed to pursue RN licensure.

Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

After earning your degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and satisfy any additional state licensure requirements before practicing as an RN.

ADN vs. BSN vs. ABSN: Which Nursing Pathway Is Right for You?

There are multiple educational pathways that can help prepare you to become a registered nurse. Associate degree in nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs can each support different goals, timelines and educational backgrounds. The right option depends on where you are in your academic journey, how quickly you want to enter the nursing field and whether you are starting college for the first time or changing careers.

While BSN and ABSN programs offer bachelor’s-level preparation that may support broader clinical knowledge, leadership development and long-term career growth, and ADN can help get you into the nursing workforce sooner. Comparing these options can help you choose the nursing degree pathway that best aligns with your experience and goals.

Nursing Pathway

Best For

Program Focus

Key Considerations

ADN

Students who want a shorter pathway into nursing

Foundational nursing courses, clinical skills and preparation for RN licensure

Some employers may prefer or require a BSN^{(See disclaimer 4)}

BSN

First-time college students or students pursuing a bachelor’s degree

Nursing theory, clinical practice, patient care, leadership, research and community health

Provides bachelor’s-level nursing preparation and may support more career options over time^{(See disclaimer 4)}

ABSN

Career changers who already have college experience

Same program focus as traditional BSN, designed for students with prior college experience

Can provide an accelerated route into nursing for eligible students who are ready for a rigorous pace

Education

Registered Nurse Education Requirements

High School Diploma

If you’re aspiring to become a nurse and are still in high school, connect with your school counseling team. They can help suggest classes that may be applicable to a career as a registered nurse, such as various science courses. According to NurseJournal, high school electives in anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry and first aid may prove useful.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Recommended Degrees for Aspiring RNs

420 Matching Degrees

Skills

What Skills Do You Need To Be a Nurse?

Registered nurses need to be proficient in a variety of clinical skills, such as IV placement and nasogastric tube insertion. These clinical skills, along with others, are taught in BSN programs. Additionally, RNs can benefit from having a diverse range of soft skills, including communication skills and emotional resilience.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Some of the most important soft skills for RNs include:^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Communication

Nurses must be able to communicate clearly with patients, family caregivers and colleagues.

Critical thinking

They use critical thinking skills to evaluate their patients and develop nursing interventions.

Attention to detail

Being detail-oriented helps nurses reduce the risk of making nursing errors.

Compassion

Patients can benefit from compassionate, empathetic care.

Organization

Organization skills help nurses coordinate care while managing multiple patients.

Emotional resilience

An emotionally stable personality helps nurses stay calm under pressure.

FAQ

Registered Nurse Career FAQs

Explore common questions about becoming a registered nurse that can help you better understand RN education pathways, licensure requirements and career options before choosing the nursing program that fits your goals.

What's the difference between an RN and a BSN?

"RN" stands for registered nurse, which is a license and professional title, not a degree. A registered nurse has passed the NCLEX-RN exam and holds a state nursing license. A BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is one type of degree that can prepare someone to become an RN. Some nurses become licensed through an associate degree program, while others earn a BSN first, but all RNs take the same licensing exam to practice.

How long does it take to become a registered nurse?

The timeline depends on the educational path. Traditional BSN programs are designed for incoming students who are new to nursing. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs are designed for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field or have some college credits and are structured to move efficiently through nursing coursework. Because timelines vary by program, course load and individual circumstances, a university counselor can provide a personalized estimate. Regardless of path, every future RN must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed.

What are the requirements to become a registered nurse?

What degree do you need to become an RN?

Can you become an RN without a BSN?

What is the fastest way to become an RN?

For those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program can offer one of the quickest paths to RN licensure by condensing nursing coursework into a shorter timeframe than a traditional BSN. For those without a prior degree, an ADN program is typically faster to complete than a BSN. Whichever path fits best, every option still requires passing the NCLEX-RN to become licensed.

Career Fit

Is Nursing Right for Me?

Nursing may be a rewarding career fit if you feel called to care for others and want to make a difference in patients’ lives. This career can be fit for people who are compassionate, detail-oriented, adaptable and comfortable working with others in fast-paced environments. Registered nurses play an important role in healthcare by assessing patients, coordinating care, communicating with families and supporting treatment plans.

A nursing career can also come with challenges, including long shifts, physical activity, changing priorities and emotionally demanding situations. If you prefer highly predictable routines, limited interaction with others or work that does not involve direct patient care, you may want to compare nursing with other healthcare career paths before choosing a degree program. Understanding your strengths, interests and long-term goals can help you decide whether becoming a registered nurse is the right path for you.

How To Know if Nursing Is the Right Fit for You

Nursing may be a good fit if you:

Nursing may not be the best fit if you:

Are interested in healthcare and patient care

Prefer working alone most of the time

Communicate clearly with patients, families and coworkers

Want a highly predictable daily routine

Can stay calm in fast-paced or high-pressure situations

Are uncomfortable with direct patient care

Pay close attention to details

Dislike fast-paced environments or changing priorities

Are comfortable working as part of a healthcare team

Prefer work with limited emotional or physical demands

Want a career with multiple specialties and workplace settings

Do not enjoy frequent communication with others

Explore More on Nursing

Qualities of a Nurse: Top Traits That Make a Difference

Discover the qualities of a nurse and how to build the traits of a good nurse. Learn how GCU’s nursing program can help you improve your nursing strengths.

08/14/2026

|

6 min read

What Does a Nurse Do?

What does a nurse do? Learn the purpose of a registered nurse here and earn your nursing degree at GCU.

12/08/2020

|

7 min read

What To Expect in Nursing School

Knowing what to expect in nursing school can help nursing students succeed in their program. Pursue a career as a registered nurse by earning your ABSN degree.

05/05/2022

|

5 min read

Take The Next Step Toward a Career in Nursing

Prepare for a career as a registered nurse by earning a BSN at GCU. Explore multiple nursing degree pathways designed to support different educational backgrounds and career goals.

Request More Information

COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, retrieved June 2026.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses as of May 2024, retrieved June 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as registered nurses, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Registered Nurses: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How To Become a Registered Nurse. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 2026.
Dunn, A. (2025, Dec. 22). How High School Students Can Prepare for Nursing School. NurseJournal. Retrieved June 2026.