What qualifications do you need before can train to be a nurse?

Qualifications for Nursing

To become a registered nurse (RN) in the United States, you must meet certain educational and professional requirements. These requirements vary from state to state, so it's important to check with the nursing board in your state to find out the exact requirements. However, the general requirements for RN licensure include:

Education:

At least a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Nursing programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and universities.

Some states also require RNs to have a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).

Licensing:

Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is a standardized test that assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities of nursing candidates.

Meet any other requirements set by the state nursing board, such as a background check or a physical exam.

Work Experience:

Most states require RNs to complete a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience before they can be licensed. This experience can be gained through working in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare setting.

Some states also require RNs to have a certain number of years of experience before they can be promoted to a higher level of licensure, such as a clinical nurse specialist or a nurse practitioner.

Additional Qualifications

In addition to the general requirements for RN licensure, some nursing specialties require additional qualifications, such as a master's degree or certification. For example, nurse practitioners must have a master's degree in nursing and be certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Continuing Education

All RNs are required to complete continuing education (CE) credits in order to maintain their license. The number of CE credits required varies from state to state, but it is typically around 30 credits every 3 years. CE credits can be earned by attending conferences, workshops, and online courses.

Career Opportunities

Registered nurses are in high demand in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of RNs will grow by 12% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services, as well as the aging population.

RNs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and schools. They can also work in private practice or as travel nurses.

Salary

The median annual salary for RNs in the United States was $73,300 in May 2020. The top 10% of earners made more than $109,820, while the bottom 10% earned less than $54,560.

The salary of an RN can vary depending on a number of factors, such as education level, experience, specialty, and geographic location.