How To Become a Nurse Without a Degree

Nursing can be a great career choice for many, and many nursing careers exist for those interested in healthcare. You can take many different paths to become a nurse and not all require a degree. Although registered nurses (RN) need to hold a degree, some nurses do not. Keep reading to learn how to become a nurse without a degree.

Can You Become a Registered Nurse Without a Degree?

You cannot become a registered nurse without earning a nursing degree, either an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. Nurses are an important part of the healthcare system, and as a result, they need to hold a nursing degree and pass an exam to become licensed.

Can You Take the RN Exam Without a Degree?

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses is the exam that nurses in all states must pass to receive their registered nursing license. You cannot take the NCLEX-RN without a degree.

Steps To Becoming a Registered Nurse

If earning a nursing degree isn't in the cards for you now, there are other steps you can take to prepare for nursing school. We've broken these down below.

1. Determine Your Nursing Goals

There are many types of nurses. Some require more education than others. For example, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) don't require a degree. Meanwhile, to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), also called a nurse practitioner, you'll need either a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

To become a nurse practitioner, you'll first need to become a registered nurse. Planning out your nursing goals allows you to see what steps you'll need to take to achieve those goals.

2. Pursue Certifications

Multiple types of certification registered nurses should hold. In some states, these certifications are required to obtain your RN license.

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Basic Life Support certifications require students to participate in a course that teaches them how to recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies. They cover topics like how to:

• take vital signs
• perform CPR on adults, children, and infants
• use an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• deliver ventilations using a barrier device
• stop someone from choking

Organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross create these courses. They are often offered through local universities and healthcare facilities.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support builds on the skills learned in BLS courses. These programs teach how to read and interpret ECGs and cardiovascular pharmacology. ACLS certification is provided through organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. Healthcare facilities and healthcare training facilities typically offer these courses.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Pediatric Advanced Life Support is a life support certification for working with children. This certification teaches students how to do the same things the other certifications teach. However, they teach how to do those things when a child is distressed. PALS certification is provided through organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross and is usually offered by healthcare training facilities.

3. Enroll in a Nursing Program

As mentioned above, you must enroll in nursing school and earn a degree to become a registered nurse. There are a few different degree options for students, but all prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN and obtain RN licensure.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program

An Associate Degree in nursing is a two-year nursing education program. They are typically offered by:

• community colleges
• technical colleges
• nursing schools

These programs cover topics such as:

• patient care
• medical ethics
• public health

They also require students to complete in-person clinical experiences.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

The Bachelor of Science in nursing program is a four-year degree program for nurses. Four-year colleges, universities, and nursing schools offer BSN programs. These programs include core general education courses as well as nursing courses. While students can become an RN with an associate degree, a bachelor's degree can look more favorable to employers and may help them get promoted into a leadership role.

Some students opt to earn their ADN, get their RN license, and start working as a registered nurse. After that, they go back to school through an RN-to-BSN program. Many colleges and universities offer these degrees online, and they only take a year to complete, allowing you to earn your BSN in less time.

A second bachelor's program is another option for students with a bachelor's degree in another field who want to switch to nursing in an accelerated BSN program. This program allows you to focus solely on the nursing education requirements and bypass the general education requirements typically needed for a bachelor's degree.

LPN to RN Bridge Program

LPN to RN bridge programs are for those with experience working as licensed practical nurses and who want to become RNs. These programs usually lead to associate degrees, but LPN to BSN programs exist.

These nursing programs give you credit for working as an LPN. This allows you to finish your degree in less time than typically required for an associate degree.

4. Complete Required Coursework

Once in your nursing degree program, you must complete all necessary coursework to enter the nursing field. This often includes courses like:

• anatomy and physiology
• medical ethics
• medical terminology
• mental health
• microbiology
• pharmacology
• population and public health

You'll also be required to fulfill clinical hours. These hours are completed in a healthcare setting, where you'll gain hands-on experience in patient care under the guidance of experienced registered nurses and other healthcare professionals.

5. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

You've done it, you've completed your undergraduate degree in nursing and are ready to jump into the nursing field. But first, you'll need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The NCLEX-RN is a computer-based, adaptive test that covers various topics like patient needs and clinical judgment. Students may be asked anywhere from 85-150 questions and have five hours to complete the exam.

Some states have other additional requirements for obtaining RN licensure. This may include passing a background check or holding life support certifications, as outlined above.

Alternative Nursing Career Paths for Non-Degree Holders

Sometimes, earning a degree just isn't possible. Thankfully, some nursing jobs don't require a degree.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses, or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, provide basic medical care. This may include:

• taking vital signs
• helping patients with bathing or dressing
• documenting patient care

You must complete a certificate or diploma program to become an LPN or LVN. Community colleges provide these programs, but some high schools also offer these programs.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified nursing assistants are entry-level nursing careers. They measure vital signs and give help with basic daily living, like bathing, eating, and changing. CNAs most commonly work in nursing care facilities, but can also work in hospitals, assisted living, and home health services.

To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved education program. These are offered by:

• high schools
• community colleges
• hospitals
• nursing homes

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants primarily work in doctors' offices. Their job is to do administrative and clinical tasks, like taking vital signs, collecting blood samples, scheduling appointments, and entering patient information into medical records. Most medical assistants complete a certificate or associate degree program. Some states require medical assistants to be licensed or certified, but not all.