To become a registered nurse (RN) in the United States, complete a nursing program accepted by the nursing regulator where you plan to practice, apply for licensure, register for and pass the NCLEX-RN, and satisfy any other requirements set by that jurisdiction. A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) is one route, but it is not the only general education path described by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Graduation alone does not grant an RN license.
Choose a nursing program that qualifies you for licensure
The BLS describes three common routes into registered nursing: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Each route includes supervised clinical experience. These are national occupational descriptions, not a guarantee that a particular program will meet a particular state board’s requirements.
| Education route | Typical time described by BLS | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | Typically four years | A bachelor’s degree may meet expectations for some employers or roles. Check program admission requirements, cost, clinical placements and the intended licensing board’s rules. |
| Associate degree in nursing | Typically four years, according to BLS | Ask schools and the board whether the specific program qualifies graduates for initial RN licensure. An RN-to-BSN program may provide a later path to a bachelor’s degree. |
| Diploma from an approved nursing program | Typically two to three years | Verify that the program is accepted by the intended board and ask local employers about degree expectations. |
Program duration is not the same as your personal time to completion. Prerequisites, admissions schedules, transfer credits and course availability can affect an individual timeline. The BLS describes BSN and associate programs as typically taking four years and diploma programs as typically taking two to three years; confirm details with each school.
Compare the real costs and fit
Before choosing, compare total cost and time to completion, prerequisites and admissions criteria, clinical placement arrangements and locations, and whether nearby employers expect or prefer a BSN. Also ask whether the school offers a route to continue from an associate degree or diploma into an RN-to-BSN program. No single national tuition or completion figure makes these programs directly comparable, so request current information from schools and verify licensing eligibility with the board.
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Follow the licensure sequence for your jurisdiction
RN licensure is regulated. NCSBN states: “In the U.S., nurses need to be authorized to practice by a board of nursing, and licensure requirements can vary by state.” Use the regulator for the place where you intend to seek licensure; an example state’s rules are not a national checklist.
- Select where you plan to seek initial licensure. Find that jurisdiction’s board of nursing and review its current initial-licensure requirements.
- Verify the program before enrolling. Ask the board whether the specific program is acceptable for initial RN licensure. Do not assume that a school’s accreditation label alone answers the board’s eligibility question.
- Complete the nursing program. Finish its required coursework and supervised clinical learning.
- Apply to the board and register for the NCLEX-RN. Follow the board’s application instructions and Pearson’s registration instructions. The board—not Pearson—determines whether you are eligible for the exam.
- Wait for authorization, then schedule the exam. After the board declares you eligible and an Authorization to Test (ATT) is issued, schedule and take the NCLEX-RN within the applicable authorization window.
- Meet any remaining local requirements and confirm licensure. Check with the board that your license has been issued before practicing as an RN.
Application details, screening, fees, processing times, ATT windows and other criteria can vary by jurisdiction and may change. Confirm current requirements directly with the board rather than relying on a general estimate.
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Prepare for the NCLEX-RN with current official materials
Start with the official NCLEX resources: the Candidate Bulletin, tutorial, exam preview, sample pack and test plan. The 2026 RN Test Plan is effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029, and covers exam content, administration, item writing and clinical judgment. Use the plan that applies on your test date.
Official practice materials are a useful starting point; any paid review book or course is optional, not a licensing requirement. NCLEX’s official FAQ says, “NCSBN does not recommend or endorse any review courses or study materials.”
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How long it takes and what an RN may earn
The BLS describes the education routes as typically taking two to four years, depending on the type of program. The full path also includes application and licensing steps; their timing depends on the school and jurisdiction, so there is no single reliable national completion timeline for every applicant.
For context, the BLS reports a U.S. median annual wage of $97,550 for registered nurses in May 2025. Its profile, modified August 27, 2026, projects 6 percent RN employment growth from 2025 to 2035 and an average of about 180,800 openings per year over that period. The openings figure includes replacement needs, not only newly created positions. These national statistics describe the occupation, not the pay or job prospects guaranteed to an individual graduate.
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What to verify for your own situation
Your prerequisites, GPA or entrance exams, tuition, application deadlines, eligibility with foreign nursing education, screening requirements, fees and renewal obligations depend on your circumstances, school and jurisdiction. Check the current school requirements and the nursing board’s rules before making a financial or enrollment commitment.
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