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Getting Started in Nursing

• English: 4 years
• Math: 3-4 years (including algebra and geometry)
• Science: 2-4 years (including biology and chemistry; physics and computer science are recommended)
• Social Studies: 3-4 years
• Foreign Language: 2 years (recommended, but not required)

• Get your Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN/ADN): it takes two to three years and qualifies you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
• Get your Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN): it takes four years at a college or university and prepares you for bedside and leadership roles. You’ll also be qualified to take your NCLEX-RN.
• Get your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): it takes two years at a college or university, after you earn your BSN. It qualifies you to work as a Nurse Educator or manager, and is a prerequisite to get your PhD.
• Go through a hospital: earning your Nursing Diploma takes approximately three years through a participating hospital. You’ll likely take your courses at a nearby school.
• Go through the Military: You can train for two, three, or four years in an ROTC Nursing program at a college or university.

• As a Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN), you can start working in the profession as early as one year after you begin your training. You’ll need to enroll in a Vocational training program or LPN School, which will qualify you to take your National Council Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN).  Working as an LPN/LVN is a great way to gain experience, and many hospitals have funding opportunities available to help LPNs/LVNs continue their education.

• Visit the school website or campus that interests you the most.
• Find out which entrance exams they require, such as the SAT, ACT, or others.
• Know the application deadlines by checking the school's website or contacting them.
• Give yourself options by applying to more than one school, or check out nursing schools without waiting lists.

• You can find hundreds of scholarships, grants, loans and other opportunities for financial assistance.

FIND SCHOLARSHIPS 

• Make sure you’ve met the eligibility requirements, then submit an application to the board of nursing where you want to be licensed.
• After you apply, you’ll get an Authorization to Test letter, from the board, that you’ll need in order to register for the exam.
• Register with Pearson VUE, then schedule your exam.
• Familiarize yourself with the NCLEX test plan and find your test site.