Become a Nurse >> Browse Articles >> Step 2: Choose the Right Path
2. Find Your Path to the RN Title
Nursinglink
In all States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-RN. But there are many ways to get there!
You can obtain one (or more!) of several degrees in order to become a nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): This degree is typically gained through a year of training at a hospital, graduation from vocational-technical school, or through community college.
Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN): is acquired through graduation from community college and usually takes two years. It prepares an RN for a very defined set of clinical practices, and coursework includes technical practice and nursing theory. Many nurses with an ADN will return to school for a BSN or higher degree.
Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (BSN): A Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (BSN) requires graduation from a traditional 4-year college or university, and provides the full preparation for the entire scope of RN responsibilities. The preparation from a BSN includes nursing theory and broad clinical practice, as well as study of human development, psychology, chemistry, biology, and nutritional sciences. BSN holders are qualified to pursue masters degrees and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) professions, including Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNW) , Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
To explore Nursinglink’s Lists of Accredited ADN and BSN programs,
click here.
Next: 3. Choose the Nursing School That Fits You
Return to Ten Steps to Becoming a Nurse
Perpy
5 months ago
4 comments
Hola, how do i study from outside usa,in other words how to do my lvn online.
ONUMAH
6 months ago
2 comments
HOW DO I BECOME AN ONLINE STUDENT
NusreLimas91
7 months ago
2 comments
ok so i know of this school for BSN , but then what is the next step to becoming a RN??..
amara
10 months ago
8 comments
I am looking for an online nursing course to start studies with,to become a nurse.
titababy
10 months ago
2 comments
I am a mother of a 3 year old girl and i am currently not working.
My daily life is watching my daughter and taking care of my grandfather.
From taking care of my grandfather i wanted to become a nurse but i dont know where to start..
I want to do something with my life and for along time i been taking care of grandfather and i think i can become a nurse..so i think..
Shoutz
11 months ago
12 comments
I'm currently a CNA (have been an NA, then CNA, since right out of HS 8yrs ago)
I started at Bloom U-- to get my RN, in 2005. Currently, I'm still a Sophomore, working towards the RN. I've had a lot of hardships, that took a close 2 yr Chunk out of my 4 yr Program.
I still have the drive, and remain focused.
However, I'm still needing some kind words, and encouragement, at this point, to help me keep going.
The last few months, I've felt a bit of a slip, in mind (a sort still hopeful type of thing?)
Thanks,
Shannon
chukky
11 months ago
4 comments
I am looking at doing a LVN program as a first step toward a nursing career. Can anyone kindly recommend some good schools that offer this program? I live in the Fresno area of California.
nadiegirl
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I am looking for an online course to go from a psychology degree to an RN or BSN. Any advice would be appreciated.
VKewpiedoll
about 1 year ago
10 comments
I am trying to find an on line course to go from LPN to RN any suggestions?
dolphingurl4ya
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Hey. I am fixing to start school for an associates degree in nursing. Is this a really good field to get into?
autumnfae23
about 1 year ago
18 comments
I'm currently going to school for my LVN diploma. There is a LVN to BSN bridge program that you can do entirely online through the College Network-University of Indiana. You'll still need to participate in clinicals in your area, but so far that is the best route for me that I've found, being that I'm a single mom and need to work.
Cassandra623
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I am currently an LNA, and would like to continue my education. I would like to go to school for 2 years, but I also work full-time and have 2 children. Are there any programs to help out in my situation?
dsmeyers
about 1 year ago
6 comments
I have a diploma in Medical Assisting and I want to become an R.N, where do I go from here?
mack
about 1 year ago
2 comments
i am trying to find out about how much i whould make as a health managment degree
Maquita
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Hi i just got my cna certificate what is the next step to becoming a rn