Last updates March 16 2026
Whether you’re starting your education and looking for guidance or changing career paths, learning how to become a registered nurse can feel overwhelming. No matter where you are on your journey, AdventHealth University can help.
Becoming a registered nurse is an excellent place to enter the health care field, with plenty of exposure to a variety of situations that help build your professional skills. Many who start as registered nurses will advance their careers and education to higher positions, such as nurse practitioner.
The demand for health care professionals is higher than ever, and AdventHealth University (AHU) is here to help you navigate the requirements so you can start your journey.
Quick Guide to Becoming a Registered Nurse
- Education: Complete an accredited ASN (2 years) or BSN (4 years) program.
- Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Licensure: Apply for state licensure (43 states now participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact).
- Timeline: It typically takes 2 to 4 years, depending on your degree choice.
- Salary: The 2026 national median salary for RNs is approximately $93,600 per year.
What Is a Registered Nurse?
Registered nurses are the primary coordinators of patient care. While other roles, like licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or certified nurse assistants (CNAs), focus on basic care and bedside tasks, the RN role involves a higher level of clinical judgment and leadership.
What truly sets an RN apart is their scope of practice. Unlike LPNs, who often work under the supervision of an RN, a registered nurse has the authority to:
- Develop and Execute Care Plans: RNs analyze patient data to create long-term recovery strategies.
- Administer Complex Medications: This includes managing IV drips and specialized treatments that require advanced pharmacology knowledge.
- Perform Diagnostic Tests: RNs are responsible for interpreting lab results and monitoring high-tech medical equipment.
- Lead the Medical Team: In most settings, RNs supervise LPNs and Nursing Assistants, serving as the critical link between patients and physicians.
On any given day, an RN's responsibilities can shift from lifesaving emergency interventions to educating a patient’s family on post-operative care.
Registered Nurse Salary
As of 2026, the median salary for a registered nurse in the United States is $93,600 a year (roughly $45 per hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While pay will vary based on your experience and location, keep in mind that the growing nursing shortage continues to drive competitive wages and sign-on bonuses nationwide.
Where do Registered Nurses Work?
The most recent BLS data shows that most RNs work in hospitals, but ambulatory care settings, senior living facilities, and government agencies also have high demand for RNs. Many nurses now also opt for travel nursing or remote telehealth roles, which have seen significant growth over the last few years.
Steps to Become a Registered Nurse
To enter the field, you must meet specific education requirements. While there are different paths, the general process remains the same. To become a registered nurse, follow these three steps:
- Receive the necessary education, in most cases, a bachelor's degree.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
- Obtain the proper licensing for your state.
1. Earning Your Degree
To begin, you must satisfy the registered nurse education requirements by graduating from an accredited program. There are two primary routes, and the "right" one depends on your career goals and how quickly you want to enter the workforce.
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Degree: This is often the fastest route to becoming a registered nurse. An ASN program typically takes 2 years and focuses on the essential clinical skills needed for bedside care. It is a popular choice for students looking to start working in the field as soon as possible.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree: For those looking toward specialized care or leadership, a BSN is the way to go. It usually requires 4 years of study, and the curriculum goes beyond clinical tasks to include public health, nursing research, and management. Many top-tier hospitals prioritize hiring BSN-prepared nurses, as research consistently links this level of registered nurse education to improved patient outcomes.
2. Passing the NCLEX-RN
After earning a nursing degree, potential RNs will be required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, sometimes known as the NCLEX or NCLEX-RN.
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses was created to test your knowledge in key areas of the nursing field. Passing the exam is critical; those who fail must wait 45 days to retake it.
Recently, the exam has shifted toward "clinical judgment" scenarios. You will be asked what a medication does, for instance, and you also could be presented with a "next-gen" case study where you must analyze real-time patient data, recognize subtle cues of distress and prioritize interventions just as you would on a hospital floor.
3. State Licensing
The final step in becoming an RN is securing your license from a State Board of Nursing. This involves a background check and verification that you’ve graduated from an accredited program.
In 2026, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) made this process much more flexible. Currently, over 40 states allow you to hold a "Multistate License." If you live in a compact state, you can practice in other member states (both in-person and via telehealth) without having to apply for additional individual licenses.
This is particularly valuable for nurses who want to pursue travel nursing or provide remote care across state lines. If you are practicing in a non-compact state, you must ensure you meet the specific RN requirements for that individual jurisdiction.
4. Additional Training
Those interested in advancing their education may consider a Master of Science in Nursing program, though registered nurses may also receive specialized training in areas such as ambulatory care, gerontology or pediatrics.
In most circumstances, RNs may be required to earn certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).
As always, it is essential to check with your state’s board to ensure compliance with the proper certification and licensing requirements.
Getting Started on Your Path to Becoming a Registered Nurse
If you have compassion for people and a passion for health care, becoming a registered nurse can be a great start to a long and rewarding career. In our accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, you’ll be taught by highly skilled nursing faculty members with real-world experience, and our Online RN to BSN program offers an opportunity for nursing students to complete a bachelor's program in as little as one year, all online.
Recommended Readings
Exploring 5 of the Highest-Paid Types of Nurses
What is an Associate’s Degree in Nursing
Registered Nurse Responsibilities
