What education is needed to become a nurse?

Nursing is a well-respected, popular, in-demand career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects above-average job growth for the profession in the decade between 2024-2034.¹ Nursing routinely top Gallup's annual polling of the most honest professions in the country.² Further, the profession is highly rated for offering advanced flexibility in working arrangements, strong earning potential (the BLS estimates the median annual salary for registered nurses is $93,600¹), stable job security, and significant personal satisfaction.³

If you want to follow a career path that offers meaningful, purpose-driven work, helps people, commands respect, and has strong prospects for long-term growth, nursing is high on the list of options to consider. Of course, it takes training and expertise to enter the nursing profession.

This article outlines what education is needed to become a nurse and the various educational pathways you can follow to begin or advance a career in nursing.

Entry-level nursing education options

Many nurses start their careers with one of two entry-level options: Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse certifications.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified Nursing Assistants provide basic patient care, ranging from monitoring vital signs to bathing and feeding patients and generally assisting the nurses supervising them.⁴

Administered at the state level, certification typically requires a written exam and an assessment of clinical skills. Training programs, which take between four and 12 weeks, usually require a high school diploma to qualify for entry.⁴

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)

Training to become a licensed practical or vocational nurse typically takes about 12 months. Courses are administered at the state level, with the designation Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) essentially being different terms used to describe the same role; usage of each term tends to vary by state.⁵

After completing their training, LPN/LVNs are usually required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Licensure usually has to be renewed periodically, as required by state regulations.⁵

LPN/LVNs work under Registered Nurses (RNs) or physicians, performing medical tasks such as changing dressings, collecting samples for testing, and helping patients dress or bathe. They might also supervise orderlies or nursing assistants.⁵

Registered Nurse (RN) education pathways

The Registered Nurse—a credentialed, licensed professional—is the backbone of the nursing profession. The most common pathway to RN status is through a college degree.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Typically a two-year program, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides thorough clinical training and education in the scientific concepts that underpin medical practice. Graduates take the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify for the RN designation.⁶

ADN coursework largely focuses on basic technical skills of nursing. This can lead to limited advancement opportunities, as employers may favor nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The most common and comprehensive education needed to become a registered nurse is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This is a four-year college degree that equips prospective nurses with advanced research and leadership training, as well as the technical and practical training necessary to become a Registered Nurse.⁶

BSN graduates qualify to work as RNs (after passing the NCLEX-RN exam) and are eligible for master's level specializations.

Licensing and examination requirements

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) or Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is an essential qualification for licensure in most states. As previously noted, Registered Nurses need to pass the NCLEX-RN; LVN/LPNs must pass the NCLEX-PN.⁷

Each state may have additional licensing requirements. Check with the state licensing authority in the state(s) where you are most likely to practice.

Advanced nursing education

To advance into more specialized roles or to pivot from clinical practice to research, it is often necessary to take your nurse education to the postgraduate level.

Specialized types of nursing roles, such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, require you to have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to earn certification. Doctoral degrees in nursing, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing, typically signal a desire to move from clinical practice to academia or research roles. They can also serve as pathways to leadership positions.

Continuing education and certifications

To maintain licensure, states typically require a demonstrated commitment to continuing education, which creates an incentive for nurses to pursue additional certifications. Some certifications, such as the Certified Burn Registered Nurse (CBRN) designation, can also facilitate career advancement through specialization.⁸

How long does it take to become a nurse?

From a four-week CNA certificate course to a four-year college degree, there are a variety of pathways and timelines for a career in nursing. The quickest path to RN status is typically the two-year associate degree pathway. A four-year bachelor's degree in nursing gives you more options for advancement. Some colleges offer 18-to-24-month accelerated programs for career-changers who already have an undergraduate degree in a non-nursing field.

Advance your career in nursing with OCU

The variety of nursing education pathways offers aspiring nurses considerable flexibility in determining preferred routes into the profession. For some, the right path starts with CNA or LPN/LVN experience. Others may choose to jump in at the undergraduate degree level, get their RN qualification, and consider post-graduate and specialization thereafter.

Ultimately, the best path for you is the one aligned with your personal and professional goals. Nursing is a highly rewarding, purpose-driven career choice, whether your interest is in working on the wards of a hospital or pursuing doctoral-level research.

For early and mid-career RNs who did not first acquire a bachelor's degree, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Online from Oklahoma City University is a stable path to career advancement. The degree offers an RN-to-BSN curriculum designed to raise your level of nursing education and open up new career possibilities. The online program offers you, as a working RN, flexibility while you continue your career, and the no-waitlist admissions process helps you get started quickly.

Contact us directly for more information, or schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to discuss how an OCU nursing degree can move your career forward.