What is the minimum education to be a nurse?

To become a Registered Nurse (RN), the minimum education requirement is an associate degree in nursing (ADN). An ADN program typically takes two years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Graduates of ADN programs are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as an RN.

Some nurses choose to pursue a higher level of education, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN program typically takes four years to complete and provides a broader education in nursing, including more in-depth knowledge of the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. While a BSN is not required for licensure as an RN, it is increasingly preferred by employers and may open up more career opportunities.

In addition to an ADN or BSN, some nurses also choose to pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These advanced degrees prepare nurses for specialized roles in nursing, such as nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist.