What a Registered Nurse RN Does and Where RNs Work
A registered nurse RN is a licensed healthcare professional who coordinates patient care, administers medications, and educates patients and families. RNs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses held about 3.1 million jobs in 2023, making nursing one of the largest occupations in healthcare. Many RNs enter the field through college-based programs that combine classroom instruction with clinical rotations. BLS occupational outlook for registered nurses
RN responsibilities include performing physical exams, reviewing patient histories, operating medical equipment, and collaborating with physicians and specialists. Employers increasingly prefer candidates who have completed an accredited college program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. The profession requires knowledge of anatomy, pharmacology, and patient safety standards. RNs may specialize in areas such as medical-surgical care, pediatrics, or critical care after gaining experience. Medscape RN compensation and role data
Types of College RN Programs and Admission Requirements
Associate Degree in Nursing ADN Programs
An ADN program typically takes two to three years to complete at community colleges and some university campuses. Students take courses in microbiology, nutrition, and nursing fundamentals, plus supervised clinical hours. Admission usually requires a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite science courses, and a minimum GPA. Many programs list competitive GPA cutoffs and require TEAS or HESI entrance exam scores. ANA position on ADN education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN Programs
A BSN program takes about four years at colleges and universities and covers leadership, research, and population health in addition to clinical skills. Accelerated BSN options exist for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and can be completed in 12 to 18 months. Admission criteria often include prerequisite coursework in chemistry and statistics, a competitive GPA, and letters of recommendation. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits many BSN programs in the United States. AACN BSN enrollment and accreditation data
Costs, Financial Aid, and Licensure Pathways for RN Students
Tuition and Program Expenses
Public community college ADN programs charge average tuition of around $6,000 to $10,000 per year for in-district students, while private institutions may charge $15,000 to $30,000 or more annually. BSN programs at public universities typically cost $10,000 to $25,000 per year for in-state residents, with out-of-state and private programs costing significantly more. Students should factor in expenses for textbooks, clinical uniforms, background checks, and licensing exam fees. Many colleges offer payment plans and tuition reimbursement arrangements with local health systems. NCES college navigator for nursing programs
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Federal Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study funds are available to eligible students in accredited college RN programs. Many states offer nurse scholarship grants that require a service commitment in underserved areas. Individual colleges and private foundations also