If you have an innate desire to care for others (or are say, a caregiver already), are compassionate, and are able to collaborate well and relate to others on a personal level, then a career as a registered nurse may be the perfect option for you. Prospects in the field of healthcare are ever-increasing, largely due to the aging baby-boomer population, but also due to the fact that the healthcare landscape is changing so rapidly. In fact, according to recent data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for registered nurses (RNs) is projected to increase by about 7 percent between the years 2019 and 2029. Not only are there ample job opportunities, but the salaries that registered nurses can earn also makes this career path quite appealing; the median yearly income of an RN is about $75,000.
In addition to the lucrative nature of this position and the ample employment opportunities, a career as a registered nurse can be personally rewarding. Knowing that you are helping others at their time of need is very fulfilling. All of these factors combined mean that pursuing a career as an RN may be something that piques your interests.
There are a lot of entrance opportunities for those who are interested in a career as a nurse, and there are lots of different ways that you can get there. As such, if you are interested in obtaining employment in this field and you’re looking for the fastest way to achieve your goal of becoming a registered nurse, keep on reading! Below, we’ve put together a list of some helpful information that you can use to help you obtain a career as a registered nurse as quickly as possible.
How to Obtain a Nursing License
There are so many career opportunities in nursing, which is great news, as it means that you will have the opportunity to decide between a wide range of specialties, some of which may require additional education and qualifications; however, the first thing you’ll need to do in order to practice nursing is to obtain a license.
Once you’ve successfully completed and graduated from a nursing program from an accredited school, and you have met the requirements for obtaining a nursing license in your country or state, you will need to complete an examination. This exam is a computer-adaptive, standardized test that is graded on a pass-fail basis. If you pass it, you will obtain your license, and if you fail it, you will not. In all 50 United States, the NCLEX-RN exam is administered. This exam was developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), an organization that assesses the application of theoretical knowledge and practical skill that was obtained during nursing school, and determines whether or not you are capable of practicing nursing in an entry-level position safely.
Becoming a Nurse
While the NCLEX-RN exam determines whether or not you are ready to start providing nursing services, before you take this examination, you will need to first complete an accredited registered nursing program that teaches the basics of nursing. There are various types of nursing degrees, and the amount of time it takes to complete these programs and the knowledge and skills you will obtain from each one, varies and depends on the career path that you intend on pursuing.
To qualify for an entry-level nursing position, a registered nurse will usually have to complete one of three types of programs, which includes the following:
- A diploma from an approved nursing program
- An associate’s degree in nursing
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing
It’s important to note, however, that for the vast majority of employers – from hospitals to office settings – will require a bachelor’s degree in nursing in order to be employed; though with this degree, you will usually also be paid more.
What’s the Fastest Way to Become a Nurse?
If providing compassionate care for others in health-related capacities is something that appeals to you, there’s no doubt you’re wondering how you can become a registered nurse as quickly as possible. The good news is that there are ample opportunities for you to achieve your goal, and those opportunities depend on the amount of time you would like to and can invest in a nursing program, as well as the path that you would like to take for your nursing career. The following is some helpful information about the different program options for registered nurses that are available that you may want to further investigate.
An Associate Degree in Nursing Program
One of the fastest ways to become a registered nurse is by enrolling in and successfully completing an associate degree in nursing (AND) program. At the completion of this program, you will receive an undergraduate degree, which is the minimum level of education registered nurses are required. Typically, it takes between two and three years (depending on the amount of credits you will be taking) to complete this program.
The requirements to be admitted to an ADN program vary from school to school; for instance, some programs may require an interview as a part of their admissions process, while others may require the submission and approval of written essays related to nursing. Other requirements may include the following:
- A high school diploma or a GED
- Developmental coursework
- Transcripts that prove the completion of classes or programs from colleges or universities you previously attended
- A minimum GPA requirement
- A certification in CPR
- SAT scores
Through the ADN program, you will gain both the theoretical knowledge, as well as the clinical training that is necessary to take – and hopefully successfully pass – the NCLEX-RN examination. Coursework varies from program to program and may include courses that focus on the foundations of the practice of nursing, human anatomy, nursing pathophysiology, clinical experiences, and other nursing related foundational coursework. Once you successfully complete and receive an associate degree and certification as a registered nurse, there are multiple healthcare settings where you will be able to seek gainful employment. Examples of these settings include:
- Acute hospital settings
- Urgent care facilities or clinics
- Home health care agencies
- Nursing care facilities
- Facilities that provide mental health care services
If you are looking to become a registered nurse, an associate’s degree is an excellent option to consider, as it is one of the fastest routes to achieve your goal.
A Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Program (BSN)
Though this route does take longer to complete, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) is certainly worth considering – particularly if you are interested in seeking more advanced opportunities once you start working as a registered nurse. In order to receive a BSN, you will need to complete about 120 credit hours, which takes about four years to do. What sets this program apart from other options mentioned on this list is that not only will you receive the basic skills and theoretical knowledge that is required to perform the services of a registered nurse, but you will also gain knowledge in the social and physical sciences. Additionally, a BSN program teaches students things like critical thinking, management, and leadership skills – all skills that are essential for registered nurses. Furthermore, upon completion of a BSN, you will be qualified to further your education by completing a master’s or doctoral program in nursing, which would be ideal if you would like to further advance your career. A Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree is usually considered a prerequisite for a variety of positions that relate to nursing, such as research, administrative work, teaching, and consulting. While there are more requirements, the coursework is more in-depth, and it may take longer, completing a BSN program is an option worth considering if you would like to further advance your career.
Admissions requirements for a BSN program vary from academic institution to academic institution. The following are examples of some of the qualifications that may be required to be admitted to a BSN program:
- A high school diploma
- A minimum GPA requirement
- A certification in CPR
- A personal essay
- A personal interview
- Letter of intent/statement of purpose
- Professional recommendations
The curriculum required for BSN programs varies; however, all programs do involve the completion of coursework in the classroom, as well as hands-on practical clinical practice. Examples of courses that are often required in a BSN program include evidence-based practice, nursing research, nursing systems and ethics, health assessments, clinical experience, and nursing leadership.
The following are possible career options for those who have successfully completed a BSN program:
- Registered nurse
- Emergency room nurse
- Case management nurse
- ICU nurse
- Medical-surgical nurse
- School nurse
- Public health nurse
- Informatics nurse
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
If you have already successfully completed and received a bachelor’s degree in another discipline but would like to change your career path and want to become a registered nurse, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is an option worth considering. The length of time it will take to complete an ABSN program varies; however, it typically takes between 12 to 19 months, though some programs can take up to two years to complete.
If you like learning in a fast-paced environment and you have the ability to commit your time and energy to a more intensive schedule in regard to classes, studying, clinicals, and the like, an ABSN program may be the right option for you. It’s important to note that due to the fast-paced environment and the more intensive program of study, if you enroll in an ABSN program, you may not be able to work while you are completing your studies. With that said, however, successfully completing this program does have the potential to provide you with more opportunities for a career as a registered nurse.
Like the previously mentioned programs, admissions requirements for a BSN program vary; however, as mentioned, accelerated programs are intended for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree program in a non-nursing discipline. In addition, other admissions requirements for a BSN program may include the following:
- Transcripts from previous colleges or universities
- A minimum GP requirement
- A personal interview
- A personal essay/letter of intent
- Successful completion of prerequisite courses in science disciplines with a minimum average grade of C
- A certification in CPR
- A resume
- Professional recommendations
There are numerous career opportunities for those who successfully complete an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Examples of career options include:
- Registered nurse
- School nurse
- Emergency room nurse
- ICU nurse
- Obstetrics nurse
- Case management nurse
- Public health nurse
- Medical-surgical nurse
- Informatics nurse
Nursing Diploma and Certificate Programs
Another route that can lead you toward becoming a registered nurse is a nursing diploma or a certificate program. Typically, these options are offered by hospitals and community colleges, and the areas of study are more focused on curriculums that are specifically related to nursing as opposed to the more expansive curriculums that nursing degree programs provide. On average, it can take between one to three years to complete a nursing diploma or certificate program, and the length of time largely depends on the institution that you will be attending. It should be noted that these programs do not provide full academic degrees, which is why they aren’t as common as degree programs, as employers prefer registered nurses with academic degrees. With that said, however, completion of an accredited diploma or certificate program will still allow you to qualify for taking the NCLEX-RX program, which will earn you your RN license if you successfully pass.
RN Salaries and Opportunities for Growth
As stated above, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn a median annual salary of around $75,000. Additionally, the projected growth rate of 7 percent for RNs is faster than the average growth rate for the 10 year period between 2019 and 2029. Registered nurses who hold a BSN do tend to have a higher earnings potential than their counterparts who hold an ADN; however, the best way to maximize income potential is in the variety of nursing specialties, as well as the numerous managerial roles that are available to nurses with BSN degrees.