What It Means to Become a Registered Nurse
A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional who provides patient care, coordinates treatment plans, and works in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient settings. In the United States, RNs must complete an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive a state license. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses held about 3.1 million jobs in 2023, making it one of the largest healthcare occupations. The typical entry path includes either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), followed by passing the licensing exam.
Employers increasingly prefer candidates with a BSN, and many hospitals use data-driven hiring metrics to track nurse qualifications. For example, large health systems such as HCA Healthcare and CommonSpirit Health publish workforce reports that highlight the share of nurses with bachelor's or higher degrees. The American Nurses Association provides standards and continuing education resources that support RNs throughout their careers.
Steps to Become a Registered Nurse
Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
Students can pursue an ADN, BSN, or accelerated BSN if they already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. Programs include classroom instruction and supervised clinical rotations in hospitals and community health settings. Accreditation from bodies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) ensures the program meets national standards.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and Obtain State Licensure
After graduating, candidates register with their state board of nursing and schedule the NCLEX-RN exam. The exam uses computerized adaptive testing to assess knowledge in areas such as safe care environments, health promotion, and psychosocial integrity. Once a candidate passes, the state board issues a license, and the nurse can apply for positions in hospitals, physician offices, and home healthcare services.
Registered Nurse Salary, Job Outlook, and Top Employers
Salary Ranges and Compensation
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for registered nurses was $81,220 in May 2023, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $61,290 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $124,680. Pay varies by experience, specialty, and location, with RNs in metropolitan areas and certain specialties such as critical care or labor and delivery often earning higher salaries.
Job Growth and Major Employers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of registered nurses to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Large employers of RNs include HCA Healthcare, CommonSpirit Health, UnitedHealth Group, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For information on healthcare workforce trends and labor statistics, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Registered Nurses at BLS Registered Nurses Overview. Additional data on nursing education standards can be found at the American Nurses Association website at American Nurses Association.