Become a Registered Nurse (RN) – Education, Licensure & Salary

Nursing is one of the most rewarding and in-demand career choices today. It is also a highly versatile field, with opportunities to work in various settings, from hospitals and clinics to schools and community health centers. With the aging Baby Boomer population, the demand for qualified nurses will continue to grow in the coming years. Nurses play a critical role in promoting health and well-being, and they are uniquely positioned to positively impact their patients’ lives.

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is compelling for many people because of the relatively low barrier to entry into this growing and lucrative career. After graduating from high school or earning a GED, aspiring RNs need to complete a nursing degree. This can be in the form of a two-year associate of science in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Both degrees prepare graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam to become licensed as registered nurses.

With a degree, a passing exam score, and a registered nurse license from their state’s nursing board, nurses are ready for entry-level work in this field. Increasingly, facilities offer residencies or on-the-job training to help nurses gain the skills they need to work in a specialization or with a particular population, such as oncology, pediatrics, surgery, or hospice. RNs can obtain voluntary certification in a wide variety of fields to further demonstrate their competency in a given area.

Currently, over three million nurses are working across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2021), RNs earn an average of $82,750 per year. This field is expected to grow 6 percent, with an anticipated 195,400 new jobs between 2021 and 2031 (BLS 2022).

Becoming a registered nurse is a great way to enter the healthcare field and make a difference in people’s lives. The guide below provides everything you need to know about getting started, including education requirements, state licensure requirements, and salary prospects.

How to Become a Registered Nurse (RN)

Step 1: Complete High School Or Equivalent (Four Years)

For aspiring RNs, completing high school or earning a GED is essential. Most RN programs require applicants to have either a diploma or a GED, as this demonstrates a minimum level of education as well as a commitment to completing an educational program. Students should focus on classes such as science and math to prepare them for additional studies.

Step 2: Attend A Nursing Program At An Accredited School (Two to Four Years)

All nurses must complete an associate’s of science in nursing (ASN) or a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) degree to be eligible for licensure. These rigorous educational programs ensure that RNs have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality patient care. Depending on the level of education completed, it can take anywhere from two to four years to complete this step. While either degree is sufficient to work in this field, employers increasingly require that applicants have completed at least a BSN.

Step 3: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) (Timeline Varies)

Upon completing a nursing program, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination- Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam. This comprehensive exam measures a candidate’s fitness to provide entry-level care to patients. The test covers a wide range of subjects, from basic nursing concepts to more advanced topics such as pharmacology and pathophysiology. In order to pass the exam, students must demonstrate their understanding of these topics by answering multiple-choice questions and completing simulated patient care scenarios.

Step 4: Meet The Requirements For State Licensing

All nurses must obtain an RN license from their state’s nursing board or licensing agency. The requirements will vary by state, so it is essential that nurses contact their local board to ensure they know the steps they will need to take. Below is a state-by-state guide to licensing requirements.

What Does a Registered Nurse (RN) Do?

RNs can be found working in a variety of settings, from hospitals to private homes, clinics, outpatient centers, community organizations, and government agencies. Their duties vary depending on their place of employment and job title. An RN’s day-to-day job duties can vary depending on their specialization but may include:

Administering medication and treatments
Recording patients’ vital signs
Assisting with medical examinations
Educating patients about their health condition and how to manage it
Coordinating care for patients discharged from the hospital
Providing emotional support to patients and their families

How Much Do Registered Nurses Make?

Over three million nurses are working in the US. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2021), nurses earn $82,750 per year on average. Earnings can vary based on the level of education completed, employer, urban versus rural, and job duties. Here were the percentiles for wages:

10th percentile: $59,450
25th percentile: $61,790
50th percentile (median): $77,600
75th percentile: $97,580
90th percentile: $120,250

Registered Nurse Certifications

National certification is a voluntary step RNs can take to demonstrate competency with a particular population or specialization. There are over 180 different certifications that an RN can earn. Some employers may require that an RN hold a particular certification in order to work in a given role. While the requirements for each certification will vary, in general the requirements will include:

Hold a current, active, and unencumbered RN license
Have a required number of years of work experience in the field or with that population
Complete continuing education in that field
Submit a completed application and pay the application fee
Pass a comprehensive exam

Agencies that offer nurse certifications include:

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN)
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE)
Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC)
Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI)
Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation (INCC)
National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC)
National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)
National League for Nursing (NLN)
Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)
Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
The National Certification Corporation (NCC)
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB)

Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure Requirements By State

State	Licensing Authority	Eligibility & Details	Renewal Requirements
Virginia	Virginia Department of Health ProfessionsVirginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing	Virginia requires applicants for an RN license to: Submit a criminal fingerprint background check Complete an application Pay the $190 fee Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and pay the $200 fee Proof of a completed nursing degree from a board certified program	RN in Virginia must renew their licenses every two years by submitting an application, paying the $140 renewal fee, and completing one of the following continue competency requirements: Current specialty certification by a national certifying organization Completion of a minimum of three credit hours of post-licensure academic education relevant to nursing practice, offered by a regionally accredited college or university A board-approved refresher course in nursing Completion of nursing-related, evidence-based practice project or research study Completion of publication as the author or co-author during a renewal cycle Teaching or developing a nursing-related course resulting in no less than three semester hours of college credit, a 15-week course, or specialty certification Teaching or developing nursing-related continuing education courses for up to 30 contact hours 15 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses relevant to the practice of nursing and 640 hours of active practice as a nurse 30 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses relevant to the practice of nursing.

State

Licensing Authority

Eligibility & Details

Renewal Requirements

Virginia

Virginia Department of Health ProfessionsVirginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing

Virginia requires applicants for an RN license to:

Submit a criminal fingerprint background check
Complete an application
Pay the $190 fee
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and pay the $200 fee
Proof of a completed nursing degree from a board certified program

RN in Virginia must renew their licenses every two years by submitting an application, paying the $140 renewal fee, and completing one of the following continue competency requirements:

Current specialty certification by a national certifying organization
Completion of a minimum of three credit hours of post-licensure academic education relevant to nursing practice, offered by a regionally accredited college or university
A board-approved refresher course in nursing
Completion of nursing-related, evidence-based practice project or research study
Completion of publication as the author or co-author during a renewal cycle
Teaching or developing a nursing-related course resulting in no less than three semester hours of college credit, a 15-week course, or specialty certification
Teaching or developing nursing-related continuing education courses for up to 30 contact hours
15 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses relevant to the practice of nursing and 640 hours of active practice as a nurse
30 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses relevant to the practice of nursing.

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

Kimmy Gustafson is a freelance writer with extensive experience writing about nursing careers and education. She has worked in public health, at health-focused nonprofits, and as a Spanish interpreter for doctor’s offices and hospitals. She has a passion for learning, which drives her to stay up to date on the latest trends in healthcare. When not writing or researching, she can be found pursuing her passions of nutrition and an active outdoors lifestyle.