Nursing Career Guide
How to Become a Registered Nurse (RN)-Education, Licensure, Career Paths, and What to Expect
Learn about the education, clinical training, NCLEX-RN examination, and state licensure steps involved in becoming a registered nurse. Compare nursing pathways and understand what nursing school and an RN career may involve.
Introduction
Understanding the Path to Registered Nursing
Registered nurses are part of patient care teams in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, home health organizations, public health agencies, and many other healthcare settings.
Becoming a registered nurse involves more than completing nursing classes. Prospective nurses must choose an appropriate nursing education pathway, complete required classroom and clinical education, graduate, satisfy examination requirements, and obtain authorization to practice from the applicable state board of nursing.
Education, graduation, examination, licensure, and employment are separate milestones. Completing a nursing program does not automatically grant a nursing license or guarantee employment.
Quick Answer
How Do You Become a Registered Nurse?
To become a registered nurse, a person generally completes an approved prelicensure nursing education program, participates in required clinical education, graduates, applies for licensure, passes the NCLEX-RN examination, and satisfies any additional requirements established by the applicable state board of nursing.
Common prelicensure pathways include an associate-level nursing program, such as an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. A Practical Nursing program can provide an earlier entry point into nursing, but additional education is required before an LPN can qualify for RN licensure.
At Beckfield College, the AASN program is designed to be completed in approximately 24 months, while the prelicensure BSN program is designed as a three-year pathway. Actual completion time can vary based on academic progress, scheduling, transfer credit, course availability, and other individual circumstances.
Key Takeaways
What Prospective Nursing Students Should Know
Choose the Right Path
AASN and prelicensure BSN programs can provide educational preparation for graduates seeking RN licensure.
Complete Clinical Education
Nursing education combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, simulation, and clinical learning experiences.
Meet Licensure Requirements
Graduation alone does not authorize someone to practice as an RN. Examination and state board requirements also apply.
Education Can Continue
Licensed RNs may later pursue BSN completion, graduate nursing education, leadership, education, or other advanced pathways.
Registered Nursing
What Is a Registered Nurse?
A registered nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who provides and coordinates patient care, performs assessments, administers treatments and medications within the nurse’s authorized scope of practice, documents care, educates patients, and collaborates with other healthcare professionals.
An RN’s exact duties depend on the nurse’s education, experience, employer, specialty, patient population, workplace policies, and applicable state law. Nursing practice is regulated, and nurses must work within the scope established by the state in which they are licensed.
Registered nursing is different from practical nursing. Licensed practical nurses and registered nurses both contribute to patient care, but their education, licensure examinations, scopes of practice, and responsibilities are not identical.
RN Is a License, Not a Degree
AASN, ADN, and BSN describe educational credentials or degree pathways. RN describes a professional license. A graduate must satisfy the applicable licensure requirements before practicing as a registered nurse.
Role and Responsibilities
What Does a Registered Nurse Do?
Registered nurses may care for individuals across the lifespan and at different levels of health and illness. Responsibilities vary considerably by workplace and specialty, but common nursing functions may include the following.
Assess Patients
Collect health information, observe symptoms, measure vital signs, and recognize changes that may require intervention.
Plan and Coordinate Care
Contribute to care planning and communicate with physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians, and other members of the team.
Administer Medications
Administer medications and treatments as authorized, monitor patient response, and follow medication-safety procedures.
Educate Patients
Explain care instructions, medications, follow-up needs, prevention strategies, and other health information.
Document Care
Record assessments, interventions, patient responses, and other required information in the health record.
Advocate for Patients
Communicate patient concerns, support informed participation, and help protect safety, dignity, and patient rights.
Respond to Changes
Recognize changes in a patient’s condition, establish priorities, and take appropriate action within the RN role.
Support Families
Provide information and support to family members and caregivers while respecting privacy and patient preferences.
Healthcare Settings
Where Do Registered Nurses Work?
Many people first associate registered nursing with hospitals, but RNs may work in a broad range of healthcare, educational, community, government, and organizational settings.
Workplace qualifications vary. Some positions may require experience, a particular degree, specialty education, certification, multistate privileges, or additional employer requirements.
The RN Process
Six Steps to Become a Registered Nurse
The details differ by state and individual circumstances, but the following sequence provides a general overview of the process.
Choose a Nursing Education Pathway
Prospective RNs generally choose an associate-level prelicensure nursing program or a prelicensure BSN program. The appropriate pathway depends on the student’s goals, previous education, desired credential, financial planning, schedule, and admissions eligibility.
Practical Nursing is a separate licensed pathway. It may be a starting point for someone who later pursues RN education, but completing a PN program alone does not meet the education requirement for RN licensure.
Complete Nursing Coursework
Nursing students study scientific foundations, nursing concepts, clinical judgment, communication, patient safety, healthcare technology, professional responsibilities, and care for different patient populations.
Participate in Clinical Education
Clinical education gives students opportunities to apply knowledge in supervised healthcare environments. Skills laboratories and simulation may help students practice procedures, decision-making, communication, and teamwork before or alongside clinical rotations.
Graduate From the Nursing Program
Students must complete the academic, clinical, financial, conduct, and graduation requirements associated with their program and institution.
Graduation confirms completion of the degree requirements. It does not independently grant RN licensure.
Pass the NCLEX-RN Examination
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, commonly called the NCLEX-RN, evaluates whether a candidate demonstrates the knowledge and judgment needed for safe entry-level nursing practice.
Candidates must follow the registration and authorization procedures required by the testing organization and the applicable nursing regulatory body.
Meet State Licensure Requirements
Candidates apply through the nursing regulatory body responsible for the jurisdiction in which they intend to practice. Requirements may include an application, examination, education verification, fees, background checks, fingerprinting, disclosures, and other eligibility criteria.
Students planning to practice in Kentucky should consult the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Those planning to practice elsewhere should review the requirements of the appropriate state or jurisdiction.
Important Licensure Notice
Passing the NCLEX-RN is generally required for RN licensure. Graduation from a nursing program alone does not guarantee authorization to take the examination, examination success, licensure, employment, salary, or career advancement.
Licensure eligibility is determined by the applicable nursing regulatory body and may include education, examination, background-check, character and fitness, application, and other requirements. Prospective students should review current requirements for the jurisdiction in which they plan to practice.
Compare Your Options
Which Nursing Education Path May Fit Your Goals?
There is no single pathway that is appropriate for every nursing student. Consider your starting point, career objective, educational goal, preferred timeline, and admissions eligibility.
“I want to begin with practical nursing.”
Practical Nursing Diploma
Practical Nursing can prepare graduates to pursue LPN licensure after satisfying examination and state requirements. An LPN who wants to become an RN must later complete an appropriate RN education pathway.
- Beckfield program length: approximately 15 months
- Credential: Diploma in Practical Nursing
- Licensure examination: NCLEX-PN
- Does not independently lead to RN licensure
“I want an associate-level path toward RN licensure.”
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
An AASN program combines nursing coursework, general education, laboratory learning, and clinical experiences. Graduates may apply to pursue RN licensure after meeting all applicable requirements.
- Beckfield program length: approximately 24 months
- Credential: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
- Licensure examination: NCLEX-RN
- Prelicensure registered nursing pathway
“I want to begin with a bachelor’s degree.”
Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A prelicensure BSN program integrates professional nursing preparation with broader bachelor’s-level coursework. Graduates may pursue RN licensure after meeting examination and state requirements.
- Beckfield program length: approximately three years
- Credential: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Licensure examination: NCLEX-RN
- Prelicensure registered nursing pathway
“I am already a licensed RN.”
Online RN-to-BSN
RN-to-BSN is a post-licensure degree-completion pathway for qualified registered nurses who already hold an eligible nursing degree and want to complete a BSN.
- Beckfield program length: six quarters or 18 months
- Credential: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Designed for eligible licensed RNs
- Not a prelicensure RN program
Program Timelines
How Long Does It Take to Become a Registered Nurse?
The time required depends on the educational pathway and the student’s academic progress. At Beckfield College, the AASN and three-year prelicensure BSN are the pathways designed to provide initial educational preparation for prospective registered nurses.
| Pathway | Beckfield Length | Credential | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing | Approximately 15 months | Practical Nursing diploma | Prepares graduates to pursue LPN licensure; additional education is required to pursue RN licensure. |
| AASN | Approximately 24 months | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Prelicensure education designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level RN practice. |
| Prelicensure BSN | Approximately three years | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor’s-level prelicensure education designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN and RN practice. |
| RN-to-BSN | Six quarters or approximately 18 months | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Post-licensure bachelor’s-completion pathway for qualified registered nurses. |
Program length represents the published program design and is not a guarantee of individual completion time. Completion may be affected by course scheduling, transfer credit, academic performance, leaves, repeated coursework, and other factors.
Degree Comparison
AASN Versus BSN: What Is the Difference?
Both an associate-level nursing degree and a prelicensure BSN can provide an education pathway toward RN licensure. The main differences typically involve program length, credential level, breadth of coursework, and longer-term educational objectives.
AASN Pathway
- Associate-level nursing degree
- Shorter published program length at Beckfield
- Includes nursing, general education, labs, and clinicals
- Designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN
- May later be followed by an RN-to-BSN program
Prelicensure BSN Pathway
- Bachelor’s-level nursing degree
- Broader bachelor’s-level curriculum
- Includes nursing, general education, labs, and clinicals
- Designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN
- Begins the RN pathway with a bachelor’s credential
Neither credential automatically grants an RN license. Graduates must satisfy applicable examination and licensure requirements.
Read the complete ADN/AASN versus BSN comparison Learn how ADN and AASN terminology is used
Educational Progression
Can You Become an RN After Becoming an LPN?
Yes. A licensed practical nurse may later pursue additional education to become eligible for RN licensure. Becoming an LPN, however, does not automatically convert into RN status.
The nurse must enroll in and complete an appropriate registered nursing education pathway, satisfy the program’s admissions and graduation requirements, apply for RN licensure, pass the NCLEX-RN, and satisfy the applicable state board requirements.
Transfer credit and advanced placement are not automatic. Acceptance of prior coursework is determined according to the receiving institution’s policies and individual evaluation.
Nursing Curriculum
What Classes Do Nursing Students Take?
Course titles and sequencing vary by institution and degree level. Nursing curricula commonly combine foundational sciences, general education, nursing theory, laboratory practice, and clinical education.
Science Foundations
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology concepts
- Nutrition
Core Nursing Concepts
- Fundamentals of nursing
- Health assessment
- Pharmacology
- Clinical judgment
Patient Populations
- Adult health nursing
- Maternal and newborn nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Mental and behavioral health nursing
Professional Practice
- Communication
- Leadership and management
- Ethics and legal responsibilities
- Evidence-based practice
Prospective students should review the current Beckfield College Academic Catalog for the official curriculum, course descriptions, admissions requirements, academic policies, and graduation requirements applicable to their program.
Hands-On Education
What Does Clinical Nursing Education Involve?
Nursing cannot be learned through reading and lectures alone. Students also need structured opportunities to practice skills, apply clinical judgment, communicate with patients and team members, and connect classroom concepts with patient-care situations.
Skills Laboratories
Students may practice procedures and nursing techniques in a controlled educational environment using appropriate equipment and models.
Simulation
Simulation scenarios can help students practice assessment, prioritization, communication, teamwork, and responses to changing clinical situations.
Clinical Rotations
Supervised clinical experiences allow students to apply learning in approved healthcare environments and with different patient populations.
Clinical Participation Requirements
Clinical participation may be subject to health documentation, immunizations, background checks, drug screening, CPR certification, facility rules, scheduling, transportation, and other institutional or clinical-site requirements.
Professional Development
Skills Successful Registered Nurses Develop
Nursing education helps students build technical knowledge and professional behaviors. Development continues after graduation as nurses gain experience and participate in continuing education.
Clinical Judgment
Recognizing relevant information, setting priorities, and selecting appropriate nursing actions.
Communication
Sharing information clearly with patients, families, nurses, providers, and other healthcare professionals.
Organization
Managing competing responsibilities while maintaining attention to safety, documentation, and patient needs.
Professionalism
Practicing ethically, maintaining boundaries, respecting confidentiality, and accepting accountability.
Compassion
Providing respectful care to people experiencing illness, uncertainty, pain, loss, or major life transitions.
Adaptability
Adjusting to changing patient conditions, technology, priorities, policies, and healthcare environments.
Teamwork
Collaborating with individuals from different disciplines to support coordinated patient care.
Technology
Using electronic health records, monitoring systems, and other healthcare technologies appropriately.
Student Expectations
Is Nursing School Difficult?
Nursing school can be demanding because students must learn scientific concepts, clinical skills, professional standards, medication principles, communication techniques, and safe decision-making while meeting academic and clinical requirements.
The challenge is not limited to memorization. Students must learn to analyze information, connect concepts, determine priorities, and explain why a particular nursing response is appropriate.
Habits That May Support Nursing Students
- Review course material consistently instead of cramming.
- Use a calendar for classes, assignments, labs, and clinicals.
- Practice dosage calculations and clinical reasoning regularly.
- Ask questions before small misunderstandings become larger gaps.
- Participate actively in laboratory and simulation experiences.
- Plan transportation, childcare, work, and study time in advance.
- Use available academic and student-support resources.
- Protect time for sleep, nutrition, and personal wellbeing.
Working while attending nursing school may be possible for some students, but class, laboratory, study, and clinical demands must be considered carefully. Clinical schedules may not always align with a student’s preferred work schedule.
Professional Settings
Career Opportunities After Becoming an RN
After becoming licensed, an RN may seek entry-level positions consistent with the nurse’s education, experience, state scope of practice, and employer requirements. Nurses may later move into different specialties as they gain experience and complete any required training or certifications.
Specialty opportunities are not guaranteed. Individual positions may require experience, certifications, additional education, employer training, or other qualifications.
Long-Term Education
Can Registered Nurses Continue Their Education?
Yes. Registered nurses may continue their education based on their interests and career objectives. The appropriate path depends on the nurse’s existing degree, licensure status, experience, admissions eligibility, and intended role.
RN-to-BSN
Allows qualified associate-degree registered nurses to complete bachelor’s-level nursing education.
Graduate Nursing Education
Master’s or doctoral nursing programs may support advanced study in leadership, education, administration, research, informatics, or advanced practice.
Specialty Development
Nurses may pursue employer training, continuing education, or professional certification where appropriate.
Advanced-practice nursing roles have separate graduate education, certification, and licensure requirements. A BSN alone does not authorize advanced-practice nursing.
Beckfield College
Why Consider Beckfield College for Nursing Education?
Beckfield College serves students from Florence, Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati, and surrounding communities with multiple nursing education pathways.
Multiple Nursing Pathways
Beckfield offers Practical Nursing, AASN, prelicensure BSN, and online RN-to-BSN options for students at different educational stages.
Laboratory Learning
Nursing education incorporates hands-on skills practice and simulation to support the development of nursing knowledge and decision-making.
Clinical Experiences
Prelicensure nursing programs include clinical education that gives students supervised opportunities to apply classroom learning.
Faculty Guidance
Students learn with nursing faculty who help connect nursing concepts, skills, professional responsibilities, and clinical practice.
Student Support
Beckfield provides academic and student-support resources intended to help students navigate their educational responsibilities.
NCLEX Preparation
Beckfield’s prelicensure nursing curricula are designed to help prepare graduates for the applicable NCLEX examination and entry-level nursing practice.
Education, Examination, Licensure, and Employment Disclosure
Nursing program completion, graduation, examination eligibility, examination success, state licensure, and employment are separate outcomes. Beckfield College does not guarantee that a student or graduate will complete a program, be authorized to take an examination, pass an examination, obtain licensure, secure employment, earn a particular salary, or achieve a particular career outcome.
Nursing licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction and may change. Requirements may include education, examination, application, fees, criminal background review, fingerprinting, health or conduct disclosures, and other criteria. Prospective students should review current requirements with the nursing regulatory body in the jurisdiction where they intend to practice.
Program availability, curriculum, scheduling, admission requirements, and clinical requirements are subject to change. Consult the current Beckfield College Academic Catalog and an admissions advisor for official information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Becoming a Registered Nurse
How do I become a registered nurse?
You generally need to complete an approved prelicensure nursing program, satisfy its clinical and graduation requirements, apply for licensure, pass the NCLEX-RN, and meet any additional requirements established by the applicable nursing regulatory body.
How long does it take to become an RN?
The timeline depends on the education pathway. Beckfield College’s AASN program is designed to be completed in approximately 24 months, while its prelicensure BSN program is designed as a three-year pathway. Individual completion time can vary.
Can I become an RN without a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. An associate-level prelicensure nursing degree may provide the educational preparation needed to pursue RN licensure. Graduates must still pass the NCLEX-RN and meet applicable state board requirements.
Can an LPN become a registered nurse?
Yes. An LPN may later complete an appropriate registered nursing education pathway. LPN licensure does not automatically become RN licensure; the nurse must meet RN education, examination, application, and state board requirements.
What is the NCLEX-RN?
The NCLEX-RN is the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. It evaluates whether a candidate demonstrates the knowledge and clinical judgment needed for safe entry-level registered nursing practice.
Does graduating from nursing school make me an RN?
No. Graduation confirms completion of the nursing program, but an individual must also satisfy examination, application, and state licensure requirements before being authorized to practice as a registered nurse.
What classes do nursing students take?
Nursing students commonly study anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, adult health, maternal and newborn nursing, pediatric nursing, behavioral health, leadership, ethics, and clinical nursing practice. Exact courses vary by program.
Can I work while attending nursing school?
Some students work while enrolled, but nursing programs can require substantial time for classes, laboratories, study, assignments, and clinical experiences. Clinical schedules may not always align with a student’s preferred work hours.
Do I need prerequisites before nursing school?
Prerequisites and admission requirements vary by program. Applicants should review the current Beckfield College Academic Catalog and nursing admissions requirements and speak with an admissions advisor about their educational history.
How do I choose between an AASN and a BSN?
Consider the degree level you want, the published program length, your long-term educational plans, admissions requirements, scheduling, and financial considerations. Both pathways require graduates to meet NCLEX-RN and state licensure requirements before practicing as RNs.
Can I earn a BSN after becoming an RN?
Yes. Qualified registered nurses with an eligible associate-level nursing degree may pursue an RN-to-BSN completion program. Beckfield’s online RN-to-BSN program is designed as a six-quarter, approximately 18-month pathway.
Is financial aid available for nursing students?
Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Eligibility and award amounts depend on the student’s circumstances, program, application information, and applicable financial aid requirements. Students should contact Beckfield College Student Financial Services for individualized information.
How do I apply to Beckfield College?
Prospective students can request information and speak with a Beckfield College admissions advisor about program options, admissions requirements, required documents, upcoming starts, and the application process.
Explore Your Next Step
Ready to Start Your Nursing Journey?
Compare Beckfield College’s nursing pathways and speak with an admissions advisor about program options, admissions requirements, upcoming starts, and financial aid for those who qualify.
