The Road to Becoming a Registered Nurse

the-road-to-becoming-a-registered-nurseHome to a number of widely-respected professions, the medical field is well-known for its high level of educational requirements. Intimidating as the thought of so much school can be for many young people, a clear, organized look at the education needed makes any career easier to digest. Taking a specific look at nurses, the process to become a registered nurse does indeed take time and effort, but is very possible with some dedication.

As with any career, the path to becoming a nurse can take many different forms. Typically speaking, a hopeful nurse has three choices in higher education after high school: A bachelor’s degree, an associate degree or a nursing diploma. Of the three, a bachelor’s degree typically takes the longest to earn, at a standard four years. In comparison, an associate degree requires two to three years of education, while a diploma program usually takes about three years. Unlike the standard college system to earn a degree, nursing programs are most often available through hospitals, though usually operating under a school-like structure. Nursing curriculum is usually similar no matter the specific course, nursing students are expected to learn through a combination of classroom studying and hands-on experience.

the-road-to-becoming-a-registered-nurse-2After receiving their relevant nursing degree or diploma, one must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination, NCLEX-RN for short. This exam is the end product of education received in any nursing program, testing future nurses on their readiness for the job through a series of several questions. With a passing rate of 70 to 75 percent, the exam should be manageable for anyone that treated their education with due diligence. After the successful completion of the NCLEX-RN, a potential nurse is eligible for a state nursing license within their home state. Specific research is suggested, however, some states require additional steps such as a background check on top of a passing exam.

Looking at the entire process, a nurse’s path isn’t nearly as overwhelming as many would expect. Further education may be required for more specialized nursing pursuits, but the central, essential education is very straightforward. Nurses are a profession in constant demand, in no small part thanks to the United States’ nursing shortage in recent years. If any medical student really wants to make a difference, a nursing career might just be their perfect match.