RN Education and Prerequisites
To become a registered nurse, you typically need a diploma, associate degree in nursing (ADN), or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program. The BSN path usually takes four years, while ADN programs take about two to three years. Many employers now prefer or require a BSN, and bridge programs exist for career changers with prior degrees. For current program listings and accreditation standards, see the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Prerequisites often include biology, chemistry, anatomy, and statistics, with a minimum GPA around 2.5 to 3.0 depending on the school. Most programs require a background check, drug screening, immunizations, and CPR certification before clinical placements. Admission tests such as the TEAS or HESI are common, and competitive programs may list score cutoffs. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing provides the NCLEX-RN exam blueprint and candidate resources.
Licensing and Certification Steps
After graduating, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam administered by the National Council of Licensure Examination. The exam costs about $360, and candidates can register through their state board of nursing and Pearson VUE. Most states require a criminal background check, application fees, and proof of education. State boards set additional requirements, such as jurisprudence exams or specific clinical hours.
RNs can pursue specialty certifications through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Common certifications include Medical-Surgical, Critical Care, and Oncology Nursing. Certification usually requires a current RN license, work experience, and passing an exam. Maintaining certification often involves continuing education and renewal every few years.
RN Salary, Job Outlook, and Employers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual wages for registered nurses, with the top earners in hospitals and government sectors. Pay varies by state, specialty, and experience, and travel nursing roles can offer higher compensation. Major employers include hospital systems, health networks, and outpatient care centers. The BLS projects faster than average job growth for RNs over the next decade.
Large healthcare systems such as Kaiser Permanente, HCA Healthcare, and Ascension Health are among the top employers of RNs in the United States. Technology companies like IBM and Oracle also hire RNs for health informatics and product design roles. Freelance and travel nursing platforms connect RNs with short term contracts across multiple states. For detailed occupation data and wage estimates, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.