How to become a registered nurse

What RNs do

Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about health conditions, and support patients and their families. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home health, schools and more. See pay and job outlook.

Step 1: Choose an education path

BLS describes three paths:

• Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN): typically 4 years.
• Associate degree in nursing (ADN): offered by many community colleges.
• Diploma programs: usually run by hospitals or medical centers, typically 2 to 3 years.

All three include supervised clinical experience. Some schools also offer accelerated BSN programs for people who already have a bachelor's degree in another field. Compare ADN and BSN.

Step 2: Graduate from an approved program

Your program must be approved by a state board of nursing. That approval is what makes you eligible to take the licensing exam. Check the board's approved list before you enroll.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN

The NCLEX-RN is the national licensing exam for registered nurses, developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. You apply for your license with your state board and register for the exam.

Step 4: Get licensed where you'll work

You need a license from the state where you practice. If you live in a Nurse Licensure Compact state, you may qualify for a multistate license. Learn about compacts.

California

California's Board of Registered Nursing issues RN licenses, and applicants must submit fingerprints for background checks. California is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs renew every 2 years with 30 contact hours of continuing education; the first renewal after passing the NCLEX is exempt.

Step 5: Keep growing

Many RNs earn specialty certifications or go on to graduate degrees, for example to become a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioner career profile.