3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Hello Amil,
In order to become a professional registered nurse, you will have to decide on which pathway you would like to take. It is possible to earn an associates RN degree which would take 2 to 3 years. However, many hospitals nation-wide are requiring that RNs have a bachelor's of nursing degree.
If you are serious about becoming a registered nurse, I suggest that you study the sciences in high school and achieve decent grades. Once you are a senior, you can begin to apply to nursing schools within your state. Here is a listing of the top 10 schools in Texas (copy and paste the URL into your browser):
https://nurse.org/articles/top-10-best-nursing-schools-texas/
Once you have successfully completely your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) you can then sit for your state board exam:
https://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_examination.asp
Achieving these goals will provide you the following:
1. A secure career for your entire life
2. The ability to help scores of other people in real and meaningful ways
3. A livable salary with money to spare
4. A career that allows ample opportunities for advancement and growth
I hope you find this answer helpful.
I became a nurse 35 years ago. I have zero regrets. My last job provided a 6 figure salary. I worked in cutting edge cancer treatment development. It has been incredibly satisfying.
Best,
Sue
In order to become a professional registered nurse, you will have to decide on which pathway you would like to take. It is possible to earn an associates RN degree which would take 2 to 3 years. However, many hospitals nation-wide are requiring that RNs have a bachelor's of nursing degree.
If you are serious about becoming a registered nurse, I suggest that you study the sciences in high school and achieve decent grades. Once you are a senior, you can begin to apply to nursing schools within your state. Here is a listing of the top 10 schools in Texas (copy and paste the URL into your browser):
https://nurse.org/articles/top-10-best-nursing-schools-texas/
Once you have successfully completely your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) you can then sit for your state board exam:
https://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_examination.asp
Achieving these goals will provide you the following:
1. A secure career for your entire life
2. The ability to help scores of other people in real and meaningful ways
3. A livable salary with money to spare
4. A career that allows ample opportunities for advancement and growth
I hope you find this answer helpful.
I became a nurse 35 years ago. I have zero regrets. My last job provided a 6 figure salary. I worked in cutting edge cancer treatment development. It has been incredibly satisfying.
Best,
Sue
Updated
Sana’s Answer
Nursing is an exciting field to be in!
SHORT ANSWER:
It can take an average of 3-5 years to become an RN.
LONG ANSWER:
I am a newly graduated RN (registered nurse) and I am currently working on my BSN (Bachelor's of Science in Nursing).
As far as a timeline goes, the process to becoming a registered nurse took me a total of 4.5 years.
I went to a community college for 3 semesters (1.5 years) to complete my nursing pre-requisites. These classes are the ones you need to take BEFORE you apply and enter nursing school - like a pre-med program. They usually include Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2, Chemistry, Algebra, English Composition, Developmental Life Span, etc.
In my last semester of community college, I began applying to nursing schools. I was accepted in two, and I made my choice.
I started nursing school right after finishing up my last pre-requisite class. The nursing school program I was enlisted in takes 2 years. Unfortunately, I failed my second to last semester before graduation. Nursing school is very hard and competitive, and failing that semester meant I had to wait a full year to retake that class and continue with my nursing education.
Once I retook my class a year later, I finished up and graduated a semester later.
I had every intention of finishing school is 3.5 years, but instead, it took me 4.5 years. I tell you this because sometimes we go into college with a plan, and sometimes we hit a bump in the road. The important thing is that we learn from our mistakes, and pick ourselves back up. My particular issue is that I was a straight A honors student in both high school and community college. I thought I was ready for nursing school, but it was much more intense than I expected. I had to learn to ask for help and get tutoring when I needed it. I also had 2 unexpected deaths in the family during that semester, which made it very hard to concentrate on school.
If your aspiration is to become a nurse, don't worry too much on how long it will take you. That doesn't mean don't have an academic plan - I very much recommend that. But be prepared to be flexible. The majority of my classmates did not complete nursing school in the time they thought it would take them, yet they persevered and remained persistent. If you really want this, you'll get there. =)
SHORT ANSWER:
It can take an average of 3-5 years to become an RN.
LONG ANSWER:
I am a newly graduated RN (registered nurse) and I am currently working on my BSN (Bachelor's of Science in Nursing).
As far as a timeline goes, the process to becoming a registered nurse took me a total of 4.5 years.
I went to a community college for 3 semesters (1.5 years) to complete my nursing pre-requisites. These classes are the ones you need to take BEFORE you apply and enter nursing school - like a pre-med program. They usually include Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2, Chemistry, Algebra, English Composition, Developmental Life Span, etc.
In my last semester of community college, I began applying to nursing schools. I was accepted in two, and I made my choice.
I started nursing school right after finishing up my last pre-requisite class. The nursing school program I was enlisted in takes 2 years. Unfortunately, I failed my second to last semester before graduation. Nursing school is very hard and competitive, and failing that semester meant I had to wait a full year to retake that class and continue with my nursing education.
Once I retook my class a year later, I finished up and graduated a semester later.
I had every intention of finishing school is 3.5 years, but instead, it took me 4.5 years. I tell you this because sometimes we go into college with a plan, and sometimes we hit a bump in the road. The important thing is that we learn from our mistakes, and pick ourselves back up. My particular issue is that I was a straight A honors student in both high school and community college. I thought I was ready for nursing school, but it was much more intense than I expected. I had to learn to ask for help and get tutoring when I needed it. I also had 2 unexpected deaths in the family during that semester, which made it very hard to concentrate on school.
If your aspiration is to become a nurse, don't worry too much on how long it will take you. That doesn't mean don't have an academic plan - I very much recommend that. But be prepared to be flexible. The majority of my classmates did not complete nursing school in the time they thought it would take them, yet they persevered and remained persistent. If you really want this, you'll get there. =)
Barry Eugene Graham, DNP, MSN-Ed., RN
Nursing Faculty - The College of the Florida Keys, Adjunct Online Nursing Professor Graduate Studies - Florida National University , Retired Flight Attendant & Doctoral Graduate.
25
Answers
Updated
Barry Eugene’s Answer
At this time there are typically three pathways towards the entry level of nursing. The most popular route is probably earning an associates degree. This route typically is a two-year junior or community college-based program however fulfilling the requirements may take a little bit longer such as completing courses in anatomy and physiology or microbiology.
Another option which is not as popular as it used to be is a three-year hospital base diploma program. These programs are very rich in clinical-based training however due to the fact that they offer limited college credit they have lost much of their popularity.
The final option which is probably the most expensive and will take the most time is completion of a four-year bachelors degree in nursing otherwise known as the BSN degree. Completing either one of these programs will allow you to become eligible to sit for the state licensure examination known as NCLEX.
Another option which is not as popular as it used to be is a three-year hospital base diploma program. These programs are very rich in clinical-based training however due to the fact that they offer limited college credit they have lost much of their popularity.
The final option which is probably the most expensive and will take the most time is completion of a four-year bachelors degree in nursing otherwise known as the BSN degree. Completing either one of these programs will allow you to become eligible to sit for the state licensure examination known as NCLEX.