Registered Nurses (RNs) formed the largest segment of healthcare professionals, holding 2.6 million jobs in 2008.* With the U.S. Department of Labor projecting an additional 581,500 new jobs for Registered Nurses in the next few years in addition to the need to fill openings to replace those who leave the profession, the timing could not be better to enter this occupation.*

However, one disclaimer is necessary before you consider this profession – there are some inherent qualities that a nurse needs to have; these include compassion, patience, emotional stability, presence of mind, an ability to keep calm under emergency situations, and above all a passion for this line of work.

So, how does one become an RN? There are essentially four educational paths you can take to become a Registered Nurse:

1. Associate Degree in Nursing: This is one of the most popular routes to becoming a Registered Nurse. An ADN nursing program is usually spread over two years, but some colleges also offer accelerated degrees allowing students to complete them in a shorter span of time. The ADN program combines general classroom education with hands-on clinical experience to prepare graduates for entry-level nursing positions.

2. Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing: This is an extensive four-year program offered by universities and focuses on courses in nursing theory, life and behavioral sciences, and humanities. Some BSN programs may also train students in leadership and communication skills to prepare them for managerial or supervisory roles, even though more and more management-level positions now require a graduate degree in nursing.

3. Nursing Diplomas: Nursing diplomas are usually administered by hospitals and take three years to complete. Nursing diplomas used to be a popular choice for those looking to enter the profession, but their demand has diminished over the years, maybe due to the easy availability of college and university-level nursing programs. According to the American Nursing Association, only 17.5 percent of RNs held a diploma in 2004 as opposed to 33.7 percent who had an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and 34.2 percent who completed a BSN degree.**

4. LVN to RN Programs: Besides the above three nursing programs, several bridge courses are available for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) to become Registered Nurses. LVNs receive basic 12 to 14-month training in nursing care post high school and use these LVN (or LPN) to RN programs for professional advancement.

Whichever academic path they choose, all Registered Nurses must obtain a license after passing the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN, to be able to practice as an RN. Once they get their license, RNs are eligible to practice in all the U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

RNs typically begin their careers as staff nurses, but experience and consistent performance may see them getting promoted to positions with higher levels of responsibility. Many RNs, who have a diploma or graduate from an ADN nursing program, return to school for a BSN degree and move up the ladder.

Registered Nurses don’t just enjoy excellent job prospects and growth opportunities, but also get great perks in the form of flexible work schedules, educational benefits, child care, and handsome bonuses. So, if you have what it takes to become a nurse, then a career extraordinaire awaits you!

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Registered Nurses

**American Nurses Association