How to become a Nurse
There are a few steps for completion to become a registered nurse.
1. The first step is the successful completion of an accredited nursing program or options such as an associate's or bachelor's degree, or nursing diplomas with additional training.
2. The next step is the successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination.
3. Third, obtain a license that allows you to practice. Licenses are issued at the state level, and the requirements will differ. The type of license you obtain will depend on the nursing specialty you pursue.
4. Search job boards to find nursing positions that match your qualifications and skills. While in school, you will also likely complete a shadowing program, which will help you build connections in the industry and learn quickly about open positions in your area.
Additional training or education, such as a master's degree, is often needed for roles as certified nursing specialists, or nursing practitioners and RNs can also be certified for roles in critical care or nursing management.
Apart from the certification and educational requirements, some desirable qualities for success as a nurse include critical thinking, attention to detail and good communication skills.
What skills help Nurses find jobs?
- Acute care
- Addiction counseling
- Bilingual
- Care plans
- Communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Computer skills
- Contracts
- Critical care experience
- Customer service
- Data collection
- Discharge planning
Career progression for Nurse
Education levels for Nurses
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 40.1% |
| Associate's degree | 32.2% |
| High school diploma or GED | 17.2% |
| Master's degree | 9.5% |
| Doctoral degree | 1.1% |
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $39,100 |
| 4 - 8 | $45,300 |
| 8 - 12 | $50,000 |
| 12 - 16 | $51,800 |
| 16 - 20 | $55,500 |
| 20 - 24 | $55,500 |
Common qualifications for Nurses
Explore popular schools to earn these qualifications
Common questions about career advices for a Nurse
Do I need a degree to become a nurse?
It depends on the actual role of the nurse. Roles such as licensed vocational nurses need certifications, but they do not need college degrees. However, most registered nursing positions and advanced nursing positions require at least a bachelor's degree.
