To become a nurse, you will need to complete certain educational requirements and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN) . The degree you need to become a nurse will depend on the requirements of the state in which you wish to practice and the specific employer you hope to work for. Here are the different degrees that will allow you to become a registered nurse:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is a two-year program at a community college or vocational school that qualifies graduates to become registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This is a four-year program that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the nursing field and prepares them for upward mobility and leadership opportunities later in their career. Many employers prefer to hire RNs with a bachelors degree, and it is becoming a trend that many established RNs end up going back to school and completing their BSN as a way to improve their job prospects.

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): This is a graduate degree that usually takes about two years and is an essential step if you plan to become an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) or want to be considered for leadership positions in specialized disciplines like Nursing Administration and Nursing Education.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing degree: These are advanced degrees that nurses may take in their education for different opportunities in the field.

Regardless of which educational pathway you choose, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN to become a licensed registered nurse (RN) .