How to Become a Nurse
Become a Registered or Licensed Practical Nurse
There are a couple of ways to become a nurse but all of them involve going to school and obtaining the knowledge and education required for the profession. One can become a nurse after one year of college education while others may choose to pursue degrees lasting two or more years.
Every program available for those who want to become a nurse involves classroom study time and clinical practice time. At the completion of every nursing program the graduate must pass a licensure exam (NCLEX) in order to be licensed and practice as a nurse.
The fastest way to become a nurse is to enroll in an LPN program and become a Licensed Practical Nurse. LPN programs take about one year. There are also hospital programs which after one year of study and clinical practice offer a one year diploma to those interested in becoming a nurse.
Community colleges in particular offer two year programs to students who want to become nurses. Some universities also offer two year nursing programs. Specific high school courses are needed for admission in these programs (such as algebra, biology, etc.) and the nursing student needs to maintain at least a grade of C in all coursework. You can become a nurse upon graduation from a two year program if you pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Nurses who finish associate degree nursing programs and pass the NCLEX examination obtain the title RN, ADN – Registered Nurse, Associate Degree in Nursing.
Universities offer four year nursing degree programs to students interested in becoming a nurse. This degree is called a BSN degree, meaning Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The title one receives upon graduating from this nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam is RN, BSN.
Those interested in changing careers when already holding a Bachelor Degree in a field other than nursing can enroll in special accelerated programs to become a nurse.
Accelerated degree nursing programs, also referred to as fast-track nursing degrees or second-degree accelerated programs are geared to individuals who wants to become a nurse and possess a BS degree in another field. These nursing programs last one to one and a half years, are designed for mature, motivated people, and award a Bachelor Degree in Nursing upon completion.
For those who wish to become an advanced practice nurse there are a variety of Master degree nursing programs to choose from. These advanced degrees are only offered at universities and candidates must possess at least an associate degree in nursing in order to enroll.
If you want to become a nurse the first step is to make sure you have your GED or high school diploma and to set up an appointment with the person responsible for admission in the nursing program. This person may be a counselor or a nursing program admission officer.
Each nursing school has an individual who is responsible for providing information, and guiding you on how to become a nurse.