Core RN Nurse Qualifications and Education Pathways
Registered nurses typically complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The most common pathways are the Associate Degree in Nursing, which takes about two years, and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which takes four years. Employers increasingly prefer the BSN, and many hospitals require or incentivize it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow faster than average through 2032, with a median annual wage of approximately $81,220. For current labor statistics and wage data, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics page on registered nurses.
Accelerated BSN programs allow career changers with a bachelor's degree in another field to earn an RN credential in as little as 12 to 18 months. Many online and hybrid programs now offer didactic coursework online while requiring in-person clinical rotations at approved healthcare sites. Accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a key qualification that ensures the program meets national standards. Some employers partner directly with universities to fund tuition for working nurses pursuing a BSN or higher.
Licensure, Certification, and State Requirements
All states require RNs to obtain a license by passing the NCLEX-RN and completing a state-specific application. Requirements for clinical hours, background checks, and continuing education vary by state board of nursing. For example, some states mandate specific coursework in pain management or infection control. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing administers the NCLEX-RN and provides state-by-state licensure information.
Beyond the base license, many RNs pursue specialty certifications from organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the National Certification Corporation. Common specialties include medical-surgical nursing, critical care, oncology, and gerontology. Certification often requires a period of clinical practice in the specialty and passing an exam. Some large health systems use certification status as a factor in hiring, promotion, and pay decisions.
Career Outlook, Employers, and Compensation
Major employers of RNs include hospital systems, ambulatory care centers, government agencies, and home healthcare services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the largest employers of registered nurses are hospitals, followed by physicians' offices and home healthcare services. Wage levels vary by experience, specialty, and location, with the top 10 percent of earners making well above the median. For detailed occupational employment and wage data, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook for registered nurses.
Advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners, typically require a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and additional certification. Some RNs move into healthcare administration, informatics, or education with a master's or doctoral degree. The Institute of Medicine has recommended that 80 percent of nurses hold a BSN by 2020, and many health systems now report BSN or higher rates above 60 percent for their nursing workforce. For industry data and workforce reports, see the American Nurses Association workforce resources.