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Getting Started in Nursing
1: Get your high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
Taking these classes in high school will give you a head start on your nursing prerequisites in college:
- 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)
2: Choose your nursing school and apply
Here are the different paths you can take to become a Registered Nurse:
- 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.
Another way to start your nursing career is by first becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse/ Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN).
- 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.
?Here are some tips to help you decide on a school:
- 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.
3: Apply for Financial Aid
- You can find hundreds of scholarships, grants, loans and other opportunities for financial assistance.
4: Get licensed as an RN
You’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX–RN) in order to practice as a RN. Research shows that students who take the test soon after graduating have higher success rates—something to keep in mind when scheduling your exam.
Here are a few things you’ll need to do before taking it:
- 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.
Content Courtesy of The Campaign for Nursings Future Johnson & Johnson
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Associate Degree in NursingPractical Nursing
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