How to Become a Nurse: Degrees, the NCLEX, and Steps

By Maya R., College Admissions Specialist

The short answer: to become a registered nurse you complete a nursing program, either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), then pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for a license in your state. The BSN is increasingly preferred by employers and opens more roles. This guide walks the steps and the real differences between the paths.

Becoming a Nurse at a Glance

Is Nursing Right for You?

Consider these first.

• Do you stay steady in high pressure, caring work? Nursing demands both.
• Can you handle shift work and physical tasks? The job is active.
• Are you detail oriented with safety? Medication and records leave no room for carelessness.
• Do you want a clear license path? Nursing has one well defined exam.

If you prefer independent practice, see how to become a doctor.

Step 1: Choose Your Nursing Program

You can enter through an ADN, a BSN, or a hospital diploma program. The ADN meets the minimum for RN licensure and is shorter. The BSN gives broader preparation and is preferred by many hospitals and for leadership or specialty work. Some nurses earn an ADN, then finish a BSN later through an RN to BSN bridge.

Employer preference is not subtle. In a 2023 survey of 643 nursing schools, 25% of healthcare employers required new RN hires to hold a BSN, and 69.8% expressed a strong preference for BSN prepared graduates AACN, Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences. The BSN is the safer default for most students.

Step 2: Complete the Coursework and Clinicals

Nursing programs mix classroom science with supervised clinical hours. You study anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nutrition, then practice in real care settings. Treat the clinicals as your audition for the job. Strong performance there often leads to a job offer.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is the national test for registered nurses. It uses computer adaptive testing and covers the judgment new nurses need. Register through your state board, then prepare with practice questions and review. The NCSBN publishes annual pass rate data by candidate type and degree NCSBN, NCLEX Examination Statistics.

Step 4: Apply for State Licensure

After you pass, you apply to your state board of nursing. Most states require a background check. Your license is state specific, so moving may mean a new application or a compact license if your states participate.

Step 5: Consider Specialty and Advancement

With experience you can move into critical care, public health, school nursing, or leadership. A BSN supports these steps, and further credentials open advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner, which need graduate study.

Skills You Need

• Clinical judgment and calm under pressure.
• Clear communication with patients and teams.
• Precise documentation and safety habits.
• Physical stamina for shifts.
• Empathy paired with professionalism.

BSN Versus ADN

The ADN is the faster, lower cost route to the RN title. The BSN aligns with employer preference and supports advancement, and some states encourage BSN completion within a set period after licensing. If your goal includes management or graduate study, start with the BSN.

ADN Versus BSN: Cost and Payoff

The ADN is the faster, lower cost route to the RN title, often at a community college. The BSN costs more years and tuition, but the employer preference is real: in that 2023 AACN survey, only 25% of employers required a BSN while 69.8% preferred it AACN Research Brief. Many hospitals also pay a small differential for the BSN and require it for advancement.

A common path is to earn an ADN, pass the NCLEX, work, then finish an RN to BSN online while employed. That spreads the cost and keeps income flowing. If you can afford the four year BSN up front and want leadership or graduate study later, start there.

Specialties and Advancement

With experience you can move into critical care, emergency, public health, school nursing, or operating room work. A BSN supports these steps, and further credentials open advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, which require graduate study and a separate certification.

A Sample Timeline

• Months 1 to 24: ADN program, then the NCLEX.
• Or months 1 to 48: BSN program, then the NCLEX.
• After passing: apply to your state board and start work.
• Year 1 to 3 of work: finish an RN to BSN if you started with an ADN.
• Later: specialize or pursue graduate study.

The license is the gate. Everything else builds on it.

Common Misconceptions

• "An ADN is all I need." Many employers prefer the BSN, and advancement often requires it.
• "The NCLEX is like a final exam." It is a separate national license test; practice matters.
• "Clinical performance does not count." Sites often hire their strong students.
• "License renewal is automatic." States require continued education.
• "All states share one license." Licensure is state based, with compact exceptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a BSN to become an RN?

No. An ADN meets the minimum for licensure. But the BSN is preferred by many employers and supports advancement.

What is the NCLEX-RN?

It is the national exam registered nurses must pass to become licensed. It tests the judgment expected of new nurses and uses computer adaptive testing.

How long does it take to become a nurse?

An ADN takes about two to three years, a BSN about four. Add exam and license steps after graduation.

Can I become a nurse with a prior degree?

Yes. Accelerated BSN programs are built for people who already hold a bachelor's in another field.

What is an RN to BSN program?

It lets working RNs add a bachelor's through flexible or online study while they work.

Do nurses need a license in each state?

Licensure is state based. A compact license lets eligible nurses practice across participating states.

Sources

• AACN, Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences (2023)
• NCSBN, NCLEX Pass Rates
• AACN, Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet