How to Become a Nurse (2026)
A complete step-by-step guide to launching your nursing career. Choose your degree path, meet requirements, pass the NCLEX, and get licensed — with state-specific guides for all 50 states.
Key takeaways
- Three main paths to RN licensure: LPN certificate (9–12 months), ADN (18–24 months), BSN (3–4 years). All require passing the NCLEX.
- BLS projects ~189,100 annual RN job openings from 2024 to 2034; median RN wage is $93,600 nationally (BLS May 2024).
- ADN is the most affordable RN path; BSN is preferred by most hospital employers, especially Magnet facilities.
- The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) has been enacted in 43 jurisdictions — earning a license in a fully implemented compact jurisdiction enables multi-state practice.
- NCLEX-RN national first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates: 86.7% (NCSBN 2025), down from 91.2% in 2024. Programs above 90% consistently outperform.
Why Nursing Is One of the Best Career Choices in 2026
Nursing is one of the fastest-growing and highest-demand professions in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects approximately 189,100 nursing job openings annually from 2024 to 2034 — far outpacing most other professions. Registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $93,600 in May 2024, with the top 10% earning over $132,680.
Beyond compensation, nursing offers unmatched job security, geographic flexibility (nurses are needed in every state and country), and a range of specialization paths — from critical care and emergency nursing to informatics, education, and advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner and CRNA.
6 Steps to Becoming a Licensed Nurse
- 1
Choose Your Degree Path
Three main pathways lead to RN licensure: LPN certificate (9–12 months, entry-level), ADN (18–24 months, most affordable RN path), and BSN (3–4 years, preferred by many employers). Career changers with a prior bachelor's degree can consider an accelerated BSN (12–20 months). Choose based on your timeline, budget, and career goals.
- 2
Complete Prerequisite Courses
Most nursing programs require prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology (often a 2-semester sequence), microbiology, chemistry, statistics, and English composition. These can typically be completed at a community college in 1–2 semesters. Minimum grades vary by program (usually B or C). Strong prerequisite grades are the most important admission factor.
- 3
Apply to an Accredited Program
Only apply to programs accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). Accreditation ensures the program meets national standards, qualifies graduates for NCLEX, and makes degrees eligible for federal financial aid. Applications typically require transcripts, references, personal essays, and sometimes entrance exams (TEAS or HESI).
- 4
Complete the Program
Nursing programs combine classroom instruction, simulation lab skills, and supervised clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. Clinical hours range from 500 to 750+ hours depending on program level. Maintaining a minimum grade in all courses (usually a 75% or 80%) is required to progress. Many programs use ATI or HESI assessments throughout to predict NCLEX readiness.
- 5
Pass the NCLEX
The NCLEX is a computerized adaptive exam administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. The exam adapts to your responses — the number of questions (75–145) varies based on your performance. Allow 3–8 weeks after graduation to receive your ATT (Authorization to Test), schedule your exam, and receive results. The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7% in 2025 (NCSBN), down from 91.2% in 2024. Thorough NCLEX preparation significantly improves pass rates.
- 6
Get Your State License
After passing the NCLEX, apply for licensure through your state Board of Nursing. This requires submitting passing NCLEX results, a background check, and any state-specific requirements. Most states process licenses in 2–4 weeks. If you may work in multiple states, consider applying for a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) if your state participates.
Compare Nursing Degree Paths
| Degree | Duration | Typical Cost | Licensure | Median Salary (BLS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN Certificate | 9–12 months | $4,000–$15,000 | NCLEX-PN | $62,340 |
| ADN | 18–24 months | $6,000–$20,000 | NCLEX-RN | $93,600 |
| BSN | 3–4 years | $20,000–$80,000+ | NCLEX-RN | $93,600 |
| Accelerated BSN | 12–20 months | $30,000–$60,000 | NCLEX-RN | $93,600 |
| MSN / NP | 2–3 years (post-RN) | $25,000–$70,000 | State NP license | $129,210 |
Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2024. Cost ranges are approximate national averages.
How to Become a Nurse — State Guides
Each state has unique licensing requirements, Board of Nursing rules, and compact state status. Choose your state for a personalized step-by-step guide.