Last updated: February 2026 | Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
How to Become a Nurse: Your Complete Roadmap
Nursing is one of the most in-demand, rewarding, and well-compensated careers in healthcare. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth for registered nurses from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 189,100 openings per year — far more than most professions. With a nationwide nursing shortage, there has never been a better time to enter the field.
But "how to become a nurse" isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. There are multiple entry points and career levels, from Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) earning their certification in weeks, to Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNPs) practicing as independent providers. This guide covers every path.
Quick Facts: Nursing Career Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Fastest Path to Start | CNA: 4-12 weeks |
| Most Common RN Path | ADN (Associate Degree): 2 years |
| BSN Path | 4 years (or 12-18 months for RN-to-BSN) |
| RN Median Salary | $93,600 (BLS, May 2024) |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | ~87-89% first-time (U.S.-educated) |
| Job Growth (2024-2034) | 5% for RNs (faster than average) |
| Annual Openings | ~189,100 for RNs |
| Nursing Shortage | Projected shortage of 500,000+ RNs by 2030 (HRSA) |
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Nursing Career Ladder: Every Level Explained
One of nursing's biggest advantages is its career ladder. You can start at the bottom and work your way up — or jump in at a higher level if you have the education.
The Nursing Career Progression
| Level | Title | Education | Required Exam | Time to Complete | Median Salary (BLS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) | State-approved certificate program | State CNA exam | 4-12 weeks | $39,530 |
| Level 2 | LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse) | Diploma/certificate program | NCLEX-PN | 12-18 months | $62,340 |
| Level 3 | RN (Registered Nurse - ADN) | Associate Degree in Nursing | NCLEX-RN | 2-3 years | $93,600 |
| Level 4 | RN (BSN) | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | NCLEX-RN | 4 years (or 12-18 months RN-to-BSN) | $93,600+ |
| Level 5 | MSN (Master's) | Master of Science in Nursing | Varies by specialty | 2-3 years post-BSN | $120,000-$132,000 |
| Level 6 | DNP/PhD | Doctor of Nursing Practice/PhD | Varies | 3-4 years post-MSN | $130,000-$223,210 |
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Path 1: Become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
The fastest entry into nursing is becoming a CNA. This is an excellent option if you want to start working in healthcare quickly while deciding if nursing is right for you.
Steps to Become a CNA
- Complete a state-approved CNA program (75-180 hours, typically 4-12 weeks)
- Complete clinical hours (usually included in the program — at least 16 hours required by federal law)
- Pass the state CNA competency exam (written/oral + skills demonstration)
- Get listed on your state's nurse aide registry
CNA Key Facts
- Education: 4-12 week certificate program
- Cost: $600-$2,000 for the program; exam fee $25-$125
- Median salary: $39,530 (BLS)
- Job growth: 2% (2024-2034)
- Settings: Nursing homes, hospitals, home health, assisted living
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Path 2: Become an LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
LPNs (called LVNs in California and Texas) provide basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs and physicians. This path takes about a year and offers a solid salary with opportunities for advancement.
Steps to Become an LPN/LVN
- Complete a state-approved LPN program (typically 12-18 months at a community college or vocational school)
- Complete clinical rotations (included in the program)
- Apply to your state board of nursing
- Pass the NCLEX-PN (85-205 questions, computerized adaptive testing)
LPN/LVN Key Facts
- Education: 12-18 month diploma/certificate program
- Cost: $10,000-$25,000 for the program
- NCLEX-PN pass rate: ~80-86% first-time (U.S.-educated)
- Median salary: $62,340 (BLS)
- Job growth: 3% (2024-2034)
- Settings: Nursing homes, clinics, home health, hospitals
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Path 3: Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
The RN is the most common nursing level and the one most people think of when they hear "nurse." There are two main educational paths to become an RN:
Option A: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Duration: 2-3 years
- Cost: $6,000-$20,000 (community college) or $30,000-$80,000 (private school)
- Pros: Faster, less expensive, qualifies you for the same NCLEX-RN as BSN graduates
- Cons: Many hospitals prefer or require BSN; may need to bridge to BSN later
Option B: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Duration: 4 years (or 12-18 months for RN-to-BSN bridge programs)
- Cost: $40,000-$120,000 (varies by school type)
- Pros: Preferred by hospitals; required for many management roles; higher starting pay at some institutions
- Cons: Longer and more expensive than ADN
Option C: Accelerated BSN (ABSN) — For Career Changers
- Duration: 11-18 months (most commonly 12-16 months)
- Cost: $20,000-$80,000 (varies by school)
- Prerequisite: You must already hold a bachelor's degree in any non-nursing field
- Pros: Fastest path to a BSN for career changers; over 500 ABSN programs exist in the U.S.
- Cons: Extremely intensive pace; requires full-time commitment; prerequisite science courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology) needed before starting
Who it's for: If you already have a bachelor's degree in business, education, science, or any other field and want to switch to nursing, an ABSN program is the fastest route. You'll earn the same BSN degree and take the same NCLEX-RN as traditional students.
Steps to Become an RN
- Complete prerequisite courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition)
- Pass the TEAS or HESI exam for nursing program admission
- Complete an ADN or BSN program (includes classroom and clinical rotations)
- Apply to your state board of nursing
- Pass the NCLEX-RN (85-150 questions, computerized adaptive testing)
- Obtain your state nursing license
RN Key Facts
- Median salary: $93,600 (BLS, May 2024)
- Mean salary: $98,430 (BLS)
- Top 10%: Over $135,320
- NCLEX-RN pass rate: ~87-89% first-time (U.S.-educated)
- Job growth: 5% (2024-2034)
- Annual openings: ~189,100
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Path 4: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
After gaining RN experience and earning an MSN or DNP, nurses can pursue advanced practice roles with significantly higher salaries and greater autonomy:
APRN Roles and Salaries
| Role | Required Education | Median Salary (BLS) | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | MSN or DNP | $132,000 | Diagnose, prescribe, treat patients; may practice independently in many states |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | DNP (required by 2025) | $223,210 | Administer anesthesia; one of the highest-paid nursing roles |
| Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | MSN or DNP | $125,450 | Prenatal care, deliver babies, women's health |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | MSN or DNP | $95,000-$120,000 | Expert clinical practice, research, education |
CRNA is consistently one of the highest-paid nursing specialties, with a median salary of $223,210 — among the highest of any profession that requires less than a medical degree.
Nursing Specialization Options
Once you become an RN, you can specialize in dozens of areas:
| Specialty | Certification | Setting | Salary Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Care (ICU) | CCRN | Hospitals | +$5,000-$15,000 |
| Emergency Room (ER) | CEN | Hospitals, urgent care | +$5,000-$12,000 |
| Operating Room (OR) | CNOR | Hospitals, surgery centers | +$5,000-$15,000 |
| Pediatrics | CPN | Children's hospitals, clinics | +$3,000-$8,000 |
| Oncology | OCN | Cancer centers, hospitals | +$5,000-$12,000 |
| Labor & Delivery | RNC-OB | Hospitals | +$3,000-$10,000 |
| Cardiac/Telemetry | — | Hospitals | +$3,000-$8,000 |
| Travel Nursing | RN license + experience | Temporary assignments | +$15,000-$50,000+ |
Travel nursing offers the highest short-term income potential, with experienced travel nurses earning $80,000-$120,000+ annually through temporary assignments in high-demand areas.
NCLEX Exam: What You Need to Know
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the required exam for both RNs and PNs. It's a computerized adaptive test (CAT) that adjusts difficulty based on your answers.
NCLEX-RN Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Questions | 85-150 (CAT format) |
| Time limit | 5 hours |
| Question types | Multiple choice, select-all-that-apply (SATA), hot spots, drag-and-drop, case studies |
| Passing standard | Set by NCSBN; not a percentage score |
| First-time pass rate | ~87-89% (U.S.-educated BSN); ~85-87% (ADN) |
| Repeat pass rate | ~45-50% |
| Cost | $200 registration + state fees |
| Results | Available in 2-6 weeks (unofficial "quick results" in 48 hours for $8) |
NCLEX Content Areas
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Management of Care | 15-21% |
| Safety and Infection Control | 10-16% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 6-12% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 6-12% |
| Basic Care and Comfort | 6-12% |
| Pharmacological Therapies | 13-19% |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | 9-15% |
| Physiological Adaptation | 11-17% |
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How Much Does Nursing School Cost?
| Program Type | Duration | Typical Cost | Financial Aid Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA certificate | 4-12 weeks | $600-$2,000 | Some employer-sponsored programs |
| LPN diploma | 12-18 months | $10,000-$25,000 | Federal financial aid eligible |
| ADN (community college) | 2-3 years | $6,000-$20,000 | Federal/state aid; often the best value |
| BSN (public university) | 4 years | $40,000-$80,000 | Full financial aid; scholarships available |
| BSN (private university) | 4 years | $80,000-$160,000 | Scholarships; loan forgiveness programs |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | 11-18 months | $20,000-$80,000 | For career changers with non-nursing bachelor's |
| RN-to-BSN bridge | 12-18 months | $10,000-$30,000 | Employer tuition reimbursement common |
| MSN | 2-3 years | $35,000-$90,000 | Employer sponsorship common |
| DNP | 3-4 years | $50,000-$120,000 | Limited scholarships; high ROI for CRNAs |
Financial Aid Specifically for Nursing Students
NURSE Corps Scholarship Program:
- Covers full tuition + fees + educational costs (books, supplies, uniforms)
- Provides a monthly living stipend (~$1,400/month)
- Requirement: 2 years of full-time service at a critical shortage facility after graduation
- Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident, accepted/enrolled in nursing program, financial need
NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program:
- Repays a significant percentage of qualifying nursing education loans
- Additional 25% of original loan balance repaid for each additional year of service
- Requirement: 2-year initial service commitment at a critical shortage facility
- 2026 applications open through March 12, 2026
Other financial aid:
- Hospital tuition reimbursement — Many hospitals pay for nursing school in exchange for a work commitment (typically 2-3 years)
- State-specific nursing scholarships — Most states offer scholarships for nursing students committed to working in-state
- Federal FAFSA — All nursing programs (except some short CNA programs) qualify for federal financial aid
The Nursing Shortage: Why Now Is the Time
The nursing shortage is real and projected to intensify:
- BLS projects 189,100 RN openings per year through 2034
- HRSA projects a shortage of over 500,000 RNs by 2030, with non-metro areas facing a 24% shortfall vs. 7% in metro areas
- The AACN reported that nursing schools turned away 65,766 qualified applications in the 2022-2023 academic year due to insufficient faculty, clinical sites, and classroom space
- The median age of an RN is now 50 years, with nearly 40% of the workforce age 55+, signaling a wave of retirements
- COVID-19 accelerated burnout and early retirements — over 1 million nurses are expected to exit the workforce by 2030
- The LPN shortage is projected to double from 8% to 28% over the next decade
What this means for you: High demand = job security, signing bonuses, competitive salaries, and your pick of employers and specialties.
Tips for Getting Into Nursing School
Competition for nursing programs can be fierce. Here's how to improve your chances:
- Ace your prerequisite courses — GPA in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology matters most
- Score high on the TEAS or HESI — Many programs have minimum score requirements and rank applicants by test scores
- Get healthcare experience — Working as a CNA shows commitment and gives you clinical exposure
- Apply to multiple programs — Don't put all your eggs in one basket
- Consider community colleges — ADN programs are less competitive and less expensive; you can bridge to BSN later
- Write a compelling personal statement — Share your motivation and any relevant experience
GPA Requirements: What You Actually Need
| Program Type | Minimum GPA | Competitive GPA | Average Accepted GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | 2.0-2.75 | 3.0+ | 3.4+ |
| BSN | 2.5-3.0 | 3.25+ | 3.4+ |
| ABSN | 2.8-3.0 | 3.2+ | 3.4+ |
| MSN | 3.0 | 3.3+ | 3.5+ |
Reality check: While minimums may be 2.5-3.0, the average accepted GPA for competitive programs is 3.4 or higher. At top programs like UCLA (1% acceptance rate), you need near-perfect grades. But schools like University of Iowa, UTEP, and Rasmussen have acceptance rates near 100%.
TEAS and HESI Score Benchmarks
Most nursing programs require either the ATI TEAS or HESI A2 exam for admission. Here's what you need:
ATI TEAS:
| Score Range | Category | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 40-58% | Basic | Below most program minimums |
| 59-79% | Proficient | Meets requirements for many ADN programs |
| 80-91% | Advanced | Competitive for BSN programs; top 10% nationally |
| 92-100% | Exemplary | Highly competitive for any program |
- National average TEAS score: 60%
- ADN programs typically require: 60-66%
- BSN programs typically require: 70-75%
- Most competitive programs: 80%+
- Tip: Aim to score 10% above your target school's cutoff
HESI A2:
- Most schools require: 75% cumulative or 75% in each section
- Competitive programs: 85-90%+
- Excellent score: 90%+
Prerequisite Courses: The Full List
Nursing school prerequisites typically require 55-60 credit hours and take 1-2 years to complete. Here's what you'll need:
| Course | Credits | Difficulty Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology I | 4-5 | Very hard | Most students' hardest prerequisite |
| Anatomy & Physiology II | 4-5 | Very hard | Builds on A&P I; more physiology |
| Microbiology | 4 | Hard | Lab component is intensive |
| General Chemistry | 4-4.5 | Hard | Required at most BSN programs |
| General Biology | 4 | Moderate | Foundation for A&P |
| General Psychology | 3 | Easy-moderate | Required everywhere |
| Lifespan/Developmental Psych | 3 | Moderate | Growth and development focus |
| Statistics | 3 | Moderate | Required at most programs |
| Sociology | 3 | Easy-moderate | Common requirement |
| English Composition | 3 | Easy-moderate | Communication foundation |
| Nutrition | 3 | Moderate | Required at most programs |
| Total | 38-42+ | — | Plus general education courses |
Warning: Many prerequisites have their own prerequisites. For example, A&P often requires General Biology first, and Chemistry may require college-level math. Plan your course sequence carefully — taking them out of order can add an extra semester.
Application Timeline: When to Do What
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 18-24 months before | Start prerequisite courses; research programs |
| 12 months before | Complete science prerequisites; register for TEAS/HESI |
| 6-8 months before | Take TEAS/HESI (allow 6 weeks of study); collect recommendation letters |
| 4-6 months before | Submit applications (priority deadlines are often December-March) |
| 2-3 months before | Interview (if required); complete background check |
| Decision day | Receive acceptance (typically 6-8 weeks after deadline) |
Apply to 4-6 programs. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Consider a mix of competitive BSN programs and more accessible ADN programs.
What If You Don't Get Accepted?
Don't give up. Here's what to do:
- Get CNA certified while waiting (4-12 weeks) — Many nursing schools prefer applicants with healthcare experience, and it proves your commitment
- Retake weak courses — Focus on anything below a B, especially in science courses
- Retake TEAS/HESI — You can often retake once or twice to improve your score
- Consider LPN first — LPN programs are less competitive (12-18 months), and you can bridge to RN later through LPN-to-RN programs (12-18 more months)
- Cast a wider net — Apply to programs in neighboring states or consider schools with high acceptance rates (University of Iowa, UTEP, Rasmussen all have near-100% acceptance)
- Try community college ADN — Less competitive than BSN programs, same RN license, and you can bridge to BSN later
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Start Your Nursing Career Today
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- NCLEX-RN Practice Questions --> — For aspiring and current RNs
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