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.

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 193,100 nursing job openings annually through 2032 — far outpacing most other professions. Registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $86,070 in 2023, 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 pass rate was approximately 87% in 2024. Thorough NCLEX preparation significantly improves pass rates.

  6. 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

DegreeDurationTypical CostLicensureMedian Salary (BLS)
LPN Certificate9–12 months$4,000–$15,000NCLEX-PN$59,730
ADN18–24 months$6,000–$20,000NCLEX-RN$86,070
BSN3–4 years$20,000–$80,000+NCLEX-RN$86,070
Accelerated BSN12–20 months$30,000–$60,000NCLEX-RN$86,070
MSN / NP2–3 years (post-RN)$25,000–$70,000State NP license$126,260

Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2023. Cost ranges are approximate national averages.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a nurse?
It depends on the degree path you choose. LPN certificate programs take 9–12 months. ADN programs take 18–24 months. Traditional BSN programs take 3–4 years. Accelerated BSN programs (for career changers with a prior bachelor's degree) take 12–20 months. After completing the program, you must pass the NCLEX exam, which typically takes 1–3 months to schedule and receive results. Total time from decision to license: as little as 10–15 months for LPN, 20–28 months for RN via ADN.
What GPA do you need to get into nursing school?
Most nursing programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission to the nursing major. Competitive programs at universities often admit students with GPAs above 3.5 due to high demand. Community college ADN programs tend to be more accessible with lower GPA requirements. Prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade — typically a C or B in science courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry).
What is the NCLEX exam?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the national standard exam that all nursing graduates must pass to become licensed nurses in the US. The NCLEX-RN is for registered nurses; the NCLEX-PN is for licensed practical nurses. The exam uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) — the number of questions (75–145) varies based on your performance. The national first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN was approximately 87% in 2024 (NCSBN data).
Do I need a BSN or is an ADN enough?
Both ADN and BSN lead to RN licensure and the same NCLEX exam. However, the nursing field is increasingly moving toward BSN as the minimum standard. Many hospitals — especially magnet facilities — require or prefer BSN-prepared nurses for RN positions. The most cost-effective strategy for many students is ADN first (enter the workforce quickly and affordably), then complete an online RN-to-BSN program, often with employer tuition reimbursement.
How much does nursing school cost?
LPN certificate programs: $4,000–$15,000. ADN programs: $6,000–$20,000 (community colleges). Traditional BSN programs: $20,000–$80,000+. Accelerated BSN: $30,000–$60,000. Online RN-to-BSN: $10,000–$25,000. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce these costs. Use our Nursing ROI Calculator to compare the return on investment for different degree paths in your state.
Can I transfer my nursing license to another state?
Yes, through a process called 'endorsement.' If both states are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you may practice in all compact states with a single multistate license. There are currently 41 NLC member states. For non-compact states, you apply for licensure by endorsement, submitting your current license, verification of education, and any required fees. Each state has specific requirements — check your state's Board of Nursing website.

Sources

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Registered Nurses, September 2024.
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — May 2023.
  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), NCLEX Examination Statistics, 2024.
  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), Nurse Licensure Compact Overview, 2024.
  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Accelerated Programs Fact Sheet, 2024.
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