What Education Do I Need To Become a Nurse?

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare industry, so it's no surprise that there are a few educational requirements to becoming a registered nurse. These include earning an undergraduate nursing degree, passing the nursing exam, and obtaining a state license. Typically, it takes a little over two years, at a minimum, to become a nurse.

Keep reading to discover what education you need to become a nurse.

Educational Requirements for Nurses

To become a registered nurse (RN), you'll need to earn either an Associate Degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). You'll then need to pass an exam to obtain licensure. Many students choose to earn their ADN, get their RN license, and then continue their studies to earn a BSN degree. A BSN degree can help you land jobs and earn higher-level nursing professions.

Below, we've broken down the basic nursing education requirements to become a registered nurse.

Associate Degrees in Nursing

An Associate Degree in nursing is a two-year nursing program that leads to a nursing license. Many community colleges and four-year colleges offer ADN degrees; you'll want to check that the program is accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Some colleges and universities offer online, accelerated ADN degrees for students with experience in healthcare settings. We've listed a few of these below.

Minnesota West Community & Technical College ?Associate of Science in Nursing

Minnesota West Community & Technical College is a system of five community and technical colleges throughout Minnesota. It also has an online campus that offers an Associate of Science in nursing for licensed practical nurses (LPNs). This program requires 64 credits and students with their LPN license can complete it within three semesters. All courses are online except clinical experiences.

Weber State University ?Associate of Science in Nursing

Weber State University is a public university in Ogden, UT. It offers several online programs, including an Associate of Science in nursing to help LPNs become RNs. LPNs can finish the program within two semesters. This nursing program offers cutting-edge technology and innovative activities that allow students to experience advanced practice applications.

Western Kentucky University ?Associate of Science in Nursing

Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, KY. It offers an online Associate of Science in nursing for licensed practical nurses. Most LPN students can finish the program within a year. While most courses are online, there are a handful of times throughout the program where students must appear in person for labs and clinical hours.

Registered Nurse (RN) License

Once you have earned your ADN, you can pursue your nursing license. This license is required for nursing practice. The specific licensing requirements vary from state to state but generally include graduating from an accredited nursing degree program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses.

The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that nursing students must take to prove their competency. Your state board may have other licensing requirements, such as passing a background check.

Bachelor's Degrees in Nursing

Many nursing students earn a BSN to further their nursing career. If you already have your ADN and RN license, you can return to school through an online RN to BSN program, which allows you to complete your BSN degree in two semesters of full-time study.

We've listed a few top online RN to BSN programs below.

Arizona State University ?Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, AZ. It offers a variety of online programs, including an online RN to BSN program. This program is designed so students can elevate their nursing careers while maintaining their current responsibilities. A total of ten courses are required.

University of Central Florida ?Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The University of Central Florida is a public research university based in Orlando, FL. It offers an online RN to BSN program for registered nurses. The program requires 30 credits of coursework, which students can finish in as few as three semesters of full-time study or as many as ten semesters of part-time study. The program is designed specifically to be flexible for working professionals.

University of Cincinnati ?Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The University of Cincinnati is a public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio. It offers a flexible RN to BSN program online. This program requires nine courses or just 27 credit hours. Students also have the option to choose a minor in public health.

Additional Nursing Certifications

After earning their nursing license, many registered nurses choose to earn additional certifications in a particular specialization of nursing care. We've listed a few common specialty certifications below.

Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN)

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) offers the Certified Critical Care Nurse credential. This is for nurses with experience in acute or critically ill patient care, and specific certifications are available for adult care, pediatric care, and neonatal care.

You'll need at least two years of clinical experience with acute or critically ill patients to earn this credential. You'll also need to pass the certification exam, and exam prep materials are available on the AACN website.

Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

The Certified Pediatric Nurse credential is a certification offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). This certification validates the knowledge and expertise of pediatric nurses beyond basic RN licensure. To receive this certification, you'll need at least two years of experience in pediatric nursing. An exam is also necessary for this certification, and the PNCB provides study materials.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Certified nurse midwives are advanced practice registered nurses focusing on women's health, specifically pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. The American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) administers this certification. You'll need to complete a graduate-level nurse-midwifery program to obtain this certification. This requires additional education beyond an undergraduate nursing degree.

FAQs About the Educational Requirements for Nurses

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about the educational requirements for nurses.

How Long Is Nursing School?

The length of nursing school depends on whether you earn an ADN or a BSN. ADN degrees usually take two years, while BSN degrees take four. However, if you earn your ADN, get your license, and then proceed to a BSN program, you may be able to shorten the total time you're in school. As RN to BSN programs take a year on average, you can earn a BSN in about three years this way.

What Is the Difference Between an ADN and a BSN in Nursing?

ADN degrees are associate degrees. They take two years to complete and focus primarily on nursing courses. BSN degrees are four-year degrees that include general education courses and nursing courses. While both degrees qualify students to take the NCLEX and receive their nursing license, many healthcare facilities prefer to hire nurses with a BSN. Additionally, studies have found that care facilities with more BSN nurses have better patient outcomes.

Do I Need To Continue My Education After Becoming a Nurse?

Many healthcare settings require healthcare professionals, including nurses, to stay up-to-date by earning continuing education credits. Many states also require nurses to earn continuing education credits to maintain licensure. Continuing education credits may include coursework, certification programs, conferences, and more.

To become an advanced practice registered nurse, also known as a nurse practitioner, you must earn either a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. These programs often offer multiple nursing specialties