To become a registered nurse (RN) in the US, you'll complete one of three education paths, a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a diploma from an approved nursing program, then pass the NCLEX licensing exam and get a license from your state's board of nursing.
All three paths can lead to an entry-level staff nurse job, but they don't open the same doors later. That's the decision worth getting right at the start.
Figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), both read on 26 October 2026. This page covers nursing as a career and doesn't give health advice.
Registered nurses in numbers
| Measure | BLS figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $97,550 a year, $46.90 an hour |
| Lowest 10 in every 100 earned less than | $68,940 |
| Highest 10 in every 100 earned more than | $137,470 |
| Jobs in 2025 | 3,465,400 |
| Projected growth 2025 to 2035 | 6%, faster than average |
| Openings each year | About 180,800 on average |
Those pay figures are as of October 2026.
BSN, ADN or diploma?
| Path | What BLS says |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Typically 4 years; adds communication, leadership and critical thinking; often needed for administration, research, consulting and teaching |
| Associate's degree (ADN or ASN) | Qualifies licensed graduates for entry-level staff nurse jobs; can be topped up through an RN-to-BSN program |
| Diploma program | Usually offered by hospitals or medical centers; typically 2 to 3 years; far fewer programs exist |
Here's the catch. BLS says licensed graduates of any of the three paths qualify for entry-level staff nurse positions, but employers, particularly hospitals, may require a bachelor's degree. If you start with an ADN or diploma, RN-to-BSN programs let you upgrade later, and some employers offer tuition reimbursement. If you already have a bachelor's in another subject, accelerated programs exist for career changers.
How to become a nurse, step by step
- Choose your education path. BSN, ADN or diploma, based on your time, budget and where you want to work.
- Complete an approved nursing program. Courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology and social and behavioral sciences, and every program includes supervised clinical experience.
- Register for the NCLEX. You register with Pearson, using your program code, and your state nursing regulatory body (NRB) makes you eligible.
- Pass the NCLEX and meet state requirements. Other licensing conditions, such as a criminal background check, vary by state.
- Get licensed in the state where you'll work. RNs must hold a license issued by that state.
- Add certifications. Many jobs need CPR, basic life support or advanced cardiac life support certification, and specialty certification in areas such as gerontology or pediatrics can help.
The NCLEX 365-day rule
This is the bit nursing graduates don't hear about until it's urgent. NCSBN says NCLEX registrations stay open for 365 days while you wait for your nursing regulatory body to make you eligible. If you aren't made eligible, or are denied eligibility, within that 365-day window, you forfeit both the registration and the exam fee and have to register and pay again.
NCSBN also says you can't have two open registrations for the same exam at once, and if you re-register before the first one expires, the second is denied and its fee isn't refunded. So register when your state application is moving, keep your name identical to your ID, and once you get your Authorization to Test email, book within its validity dates.
Where nurses work and what they earn
| Employer | Share of jobs | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | 59% | $100,220 |
| Ambulatory healthcare services | 19 in every 100 | $91,230 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | 6 in every 100 | $84,300 |
| Government | 5 in every 100 | $110,780 |
| Educational services | 3 in every 100 | $78,620 |
Government paid the highest median, as of October 2026. Hospital and care home nurses usually work shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays, while nurses in offices and schools are more likely to keep business hours. Once you're experienced, there are also remote registered nurse jobs to consider, and these nursing resume templates help when you apply.
Going further
A bachelor's or higher degree is often needed for administrative, research, consulting and teaching roles. Clinical nurse specialists need a master's degree in nursing and typically at least a year of RN experience, and those who do research usually need a doctorate. Many nurses build on their first license this way over time.
My verdict
Nursing has three ways in, a strong median of $97,550 and about 180,800 openings a year. If you want a hospital job or plan to move into leadership, the BSN is the safer bet; if you need to start earning sooner, an ADN or diploma gets you licensed, and you can top up later. Whatever you choose, manage the NCLEX timeline carefully, because the 365-day rule can cost you a fee.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a nurse?
A BSN typically takes 4 years. Hospital diploma programs typically take 2 to 3 years. You then pass the NCLEX and get your state license.
What is the difference between a BSN and an ADN?
Both can lead to an entry-level staff nurse job, but a BSN adds leadership and critical thinking and is often needed for administration, research and teaching. Hospitals may require a BSN.
How much do registered nurses make?
BLS reports a median of $97,550 a year in May 2025, with government nurses earning a median of $110,780.
What is the NCLEX?
The licensing exam nursing graduates pass to become registered nurses. You register with Pearson, and your state nursing regulatory body makes you eligible.
How long is an NCLEX registration valid?
NCSBN says registrations stay open 365 days while you wait for eligibility. If you're not made eligible in that time, you forfeit the registration and fee.
Can I become a nurse if I already have a degree?
Yes. BLS says accelerated programs exist for people who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field.
Do nurses need extra certifications?
Many positions require CPR, basic life support or advanced cardiac life support certification, and some employers require specialty certification.
Is nursing a growing career?
Yes. BLS projects 6% growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average, with about 180,800 openings a year.
