What Education Is Needed To Become A Registered Nurse (OPTIONS + HOW TO DECIDE)
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Are you considering a career in nursing and need to know where to begin? Is becoming a registered nurse your dream, but you wonder, "What education is needed to become a registered nurse?” With so many options for programs and degrees, it is normal to have questions.
In this article, I will share information with you about the education needed to become a registered nurse. As you read on, you will learn about different program options that lead to becoming an RN, including what it costs to earn a nursing degree, admission criteria for nursing programs, and how long it takes to earn your degree.
Can You Become a Registered Nurse Without any Education?
Although each state has different education criteria for becoming a registered nurse, all states require anyone who wishes to become an RN to complete a formal training program. There are two undergraduate nursing degrees that prepare students to become registered nurses, the Associate Degree in nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN).
What Education is Needed to Become a Registered Nurse?
To become a registered nurse, you must earn a nursing degree and pass the national licensure examination. Both associate and bachelor’s nursing programs provide the education needed to become a registered nurse.
ADN | BSN |
An ADN is an associate degree in nursing. This degree program is one of two undergraduate nursing degrees. ADN programs provide students with the core knowledge and skills needed to work in the nursing profession. The associate degree in nursing prepares students for clinical nursing roles. | A BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is another undergraduate nursing degree. BSN programs are longer than ADN programs, typically four years. BSN programs prepare students with the same core knowledge and skills as associate degree programs but also build upon that content, introducing research, patient care technology, safety and quality in healthcare, and health promotion. |
How Long Does the Education Needed to Become a Registered Nurse Take?
It typically takes
two to four years to gain the education needed to become a registered nurse. Your choice of program, ADN or BSN, and whether you enroll as a part-time, full-time, or accelerated-path student will determine how long it takes you to earn your degree. The following are examples of the program length for some of the nation’s top ADN and BSN programs.
How Much Does the Education Needed to Become a Registered Nurse Cost?
Getting the education needed to become a registered nurse can cost as little as $6,000 to more than $300,000. A few factors that determine the cost of becoming an RN include the type of program you pursue, whether you must pay in-state or out-of-state tuition, and whether you receive financial assistance such as
grants or scholarships. The following are examples of the program cost for some of the nation’s top ADN and BSN programs.
ADN | BSN |
• At Anne Arundel Community College, tuition is charged on a per-credit basis and varies depending on your residency status. Students who live in Anne Arundel County pay $124 per credit. Students who live in other Maryland counties pay $291 per credit, and out-of-state students pay $422 per credit. The program requires students to complete 70 credits. Therefore, depending on where you live, the cost of the ADN program ranges from $8,680 to $29,540.
• Tuition at Chattahoochee Technical College costs $100 per credit for in-state students. Non-resident students pay $200 per credit. The program features a 67-credit curriculum, which means students pay between $6,700 and $13,400 based on residency. | • The University of Michigan offers a 128-credit BSN program. Tuition costs $1,066 per credit for in-state students, and out-of-state tuition costs $2,768 per credit. The total cost of tuition for the program is $136,448 for state residents and $343,232 for students who live outside of the state.
• At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the school offers a traditional BSN program and an accelerated BSN program. Tuition varies based on the program you choose and whether you reside in the state or outside. The traditional BSN program costs state residents $32,255 and non-residents $91,120. The accelerated BSN program costs in-state students $25,039 and out-of-state students $66,961. |
What is the Minimum GPA to Get Into Programs Offering the Education Needed to Become a Registered Nurse?
One of the main criteria most nursing schools establish for prospective students is the minimum grade point average requirement for admission. The minimum GPA needed varies from one school to the next, with most requiring applicants to have an average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, because the minimum grade point average differs among schools, it is important to verify this criterion with each school where you plan to apply. The following are examples of the minimum GPA requirements for some of the nation’s top ADN and BSN programs.
ADN | BSN |
• Admission to the ADN program at State Fair Community College requires applicants to have a 2.75 GPA for all prerequisite courses and a minimum 2.5 cumulative college grade point average.
• Like many colleges and universities, Washington State Community College does not require a minimum GPA to be admitted to its nursing program. Instead, the college uses a holistic approach to evaluate all parts of a candidate’s application for admission.
| • At New York University, candidates must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. However, admission to the college is competitive, with most successful applicants having a 3.7 or higher grade point average.
• Candidates seeking admission to the BSN program at Oregon Health and Science University must have a prerequisite GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. |
What Exams are Required to Get Into Programs Offering the Education Needed to Become a Registered Nurse?
As you research what education is needed to become a registered nurse, you will find that nursing schools not only require testing while in the program but most require some type of test as part of the admissions process for their programs. Examples of entrance exams you may be required to take include the
Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS),
Health Education Systems, Inc. Admissions Assessment (HESI), and the
Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test. The following are examples of the exam requirements for some of the nation’s top ADN and BSN programs.
ADN | BSN |
• At Blinn College, candidates seeking admission to the ADN program must have test results from the ATI TEAS taken within the past year. Any applicant scoring "Developmental” or “Basic” on the exam is ineligible for admission.
• Chemeketa Community College requires candidates to take the Chemeketa Placement Test to determine eligibility for the nursing program. Prospective students who have previously completed college-level writing, math, and reading courses may be allowed to waive the exam. | • The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is required for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Pittsburgh. Prospective BSN students who hold a previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree or are Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses are exempt from taking the TEAS test.
• At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, prospective students must submit ACT or SAT scores for consideration. |
What are the Admission Requirements to Get Into Programs Offering the Education Needed to Become a Registered Nurse?
Before you can pursue the education needed to become a registered nurse, you must first be admitted to a nursing program. Each nursing school establishes a list of criteria that candidates must meet to be accepted into its program. The following are examples of the admission requirements for some of the nation’s top ADN and BSN programs.
ADN | BSN |
• Admission requirements for the ADN program at Hagerstown Community College include the following. Candidates must view the Nursing Program video and provide documentation of doing so, complete the Supplemental Application for the Nursing Program RN Form, and provide official TEAS test scores. Applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges attended, regardless of course of study, and complete all required science courses. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all college coursework and 2.5 GPA for all program-relevant courses is required. Additionally, candidates must complete all general education courses with a minimum grade of “C.”
• At Arkansas Northeastern College, applicants must first complete an application for admission to the college. Candidates must provide proof of current immunizations, ACT or Accuplacer test scores, official high school transcripts or GED scores, and official transcripts for any college coursework. | • At Ohio State University, candidates must first complete an online application for admission. Candidates must complete a Personal Statement and answer two essay questions, which are included in the online application, submit a recorded online video interview, and provide official transcripts and test scores for all college coursework. Admission to the nursing component of the program requires a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.2, completion of seven prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C,” and completion of 30 credit hours.
• UCLA (University of California-Los Angeles) uses a holistic approach to review prospective students. The university considers high school and college academic achievement, personal qualities, achievement in academic enrichment programs, and other areas, such as athletics, community service, and performing arts. Candidates must apply to the university and be accepted before applying to the School of Nursing. Applicants must complete all prerequisites with a grade of “C” or higher and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, two letters of recommendation and a written Statement of Purpose are required. |
When Do Programs Offering Education Needed to Become a Registered Nurse Start?
Programs that offer the education needed to become a registered nurse start at various times throughout the year. Some schools begin their program once a year, and others offer multiple start dates. The following are a few examples of when a few of the top ADN and BSN programs in the country begin.
How Many Credits are You Required to Complete in Programs Offering the Education Needed to Become a Registered Nurse?
The curriculum for associate and bachelor’s degree nursing programs typically requires between 60 and 130 credits. The lists below reflect the credit requirements for two of the top ADN and two top BSN programs featured in this article.
ADN | BSN |
• The ADN program at Anne Arundel Community College features a 70-credit curriculum.
• At Chattahoochee Technical College, students in the associate degree in nursing program complete 67 credits. | • The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Michigan is a 128-credit pathway.
• At the University of Pittsburgh, students in the BSN program complete between 124 and 126 credits. |
What Courses are You Required to Complete in Programs Offering the Education Needed to Become a Registered Nurse?
Both ADN and BSN programs feature rigorous curriculum plans. Students complete
general education and pre-nursing courses as well as core nursing and clinical courses and practicum. The following are examples of some of the classes you will take if you choose one of the four following nursing programs.
ADN | BSN |
• The associate degree in nursing program at State Fair Community College features a curriculum with classes, including Introduction to Professional Nursing, Adult Health Care Coordination, Introduction to Psycho-Social Health, Complex Mental Health, Nutrition and Metabolic Disorders, and Complex Health: Cognitive/Perceptual.
• At Washington State Community College, the ADN program includes classes such as Human Anatomy & Physiology, Clinical Nursing Judgement Across the Lifespan, Concepts in Behavioral Health Nursing, Principles of Statistics, and General Psychology. | • At the University of South Carolina at Chapel Hill, the BSN curriculum features classes, including Foundations of Research, Ethics, & Health Innovation, Family-Centered Nursing Care from Birth through Adolescence, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology Across the Lifespan, Mental Health Promotion & Psychiatric Care Across Populations & Settings, and Foundations of Population Health & Global Health.
• The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Oregon Health and Science University includes classes such as Foundations of Nursing in Acute Care, Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Delivery Systems, Foundations of Nursing: Health Promotion, Foundations of Nursing Chronic Illness, and Introduction to Research for Nursing. |
What Practical Training are You Required to Complete in Programs Offering the Education Needed to Become a Registered Nurse?
Practical training is a required component of all nursing programs. The type of training and the number of required hours is determined by the school and aligns with state and federal laws and guidelines established by accrediting agencies. ADN and BSN programs typically include laboratory simulations where students learn skills such as how to take vital signs, perform venipunctures, and place urinary catheters, as well as clinical practicums where they provide hands-on patient care. The following are examples of the practical training requirements for some of the nation’s top ADN and BSN programs.
ADN | BSN |
• At Arkansas Northeastern College, students complete approximately 700 hours of laboratory and clinical training. In this program, you will provide patient care in clinical settings, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities, and community health settings.
• The ADN program at Sierra College includes more than 1,000 hours of practical training. Students obtain practical training through laboratory simulations and hands-on clinical practicum experiences. | • At the University of Washington, students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program participate in clinical simulation in the university’s Learning Lab and complete direct patient care in the field with preceptors. Practical training in this BSN program includes over 1,000 hours of hands-on patient care at several of the university’s 700+ community partner sites, including the University of Washington Medical Center and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
• The BSN program at the University of Michigan features more than 1,000 hours of preceptor-supervised clinical hours. At U-M, you will participate in clinicals led by internationally recognized practitioners and scientists. Clinical practicums are completed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and various other healthcare facilities. |
After Your Education What Licensure is Needed to Become a Registered Nurse and How to Get It?
After you accomplish the education needed to become a registered nurse, the next step is to apply to take the
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The
NCLEX-RN is the licensure exam that graduates of both associate and bachelor’s degree programs in nursing take upon completion of their degrees.
What are the Pros of Becoming a Registered Nurse With an ADN Education vs. a BSN Education?
(The following are the top 4 pros of becoming a registered nurse with an ADN education vs. a BSN education.)
PRO #1: You can earn an associate degree in nursing in less time.
One of the biggest advantages of earning an ADN is that you can complete the program in about half the time it takes to earn a BSN. This advantage makes the ADN pathway a good option for prospective students who need to earn their degrees and get to work faster.
PRO #2: ADN programs cost less than BSN programs.
A crucial factor to consider when choosing a nursing program is cost. If you are looking for the least expensive way to become a registered nurse, an associate degree in nursing is the way to go! ADN programs can cost as little as $6,000 to around $40,000. BSN programs cost from $25,000 to more than $300,000.
PRO #3: You can work in a variety of clinical roles and settings.
If your goal is to work in a clinical role in nursing, earning an associate degree is a great option. Although some nurses with a BSN work in clinical roles, associate degree RNs are more likely to work in settings providing hands-on patient care.
PRO #4: You earn a great income.
Nursing can be a lucrative career. If you are considering earning an ADN, do not let anyone convince you that you cannot earn a good income. In fact, the average annual salary for associate degree registered nurses is
$80,660... Not too bad for a two-year degree, I think!
What are the Pros of Becoming a Registered Nurse With a BSN Education vs. An ADN Education?
(The following are the top 4 pros of becoming a registered nurse with a BSN education vs. an ADN education.)
PRO #1: Baccalaureate-prepared nurses have a broader scope of practice.
ADN nurses have more of a technical role than BSN nurses. Bachelor's nursing programs prepare students with a more in-depth focus on leadership, management, statistics, and research. The knowledge and skills you gain in the BSN program prepare you for a broader scope of practice.
PRO #2: With a BSN, you will have more opportunities for career advancement.
With more knowledge in these areas and a broader scope of practice, you will have more opportunities to advance your career to higher levels. For example, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you are more likely to find opportunities in management, leadership, and administration.
PRO #3: You have higher income potential with a BSN.
Although several factors determine your salary and benefits, on average, BSN registered nurses earn about $10,000 more each year than registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing. The average annual salary for BSN nurses is
$92,560.
PRO #4: You can easily transition to graduate-level nursing.
If you aspire to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or have another advanced practice nursing role, earning your BSN can position you to transition into graduate studies. Many universities offer
BSN to MSN or
BSN to DNP programs, many of which you can take online.
What are Some of the Popular Programs Offering ADN Education Needed to Become a Registered Nurse?
What are Some of the Popular Programs Offering BSN Education Needed to Become a Registered Nurse?
Bonus! 5 Main Factors to Consider When Deciding Which Education (ADN or BSN) is Best Needed for You to Become a Registered Nurse
Before committing to any nursing program, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and gather as much information as possible. The following are five main factors I would like to suggest considering to help you decide whether an ADN or BSN program is right for you.
FACTOR #1: How much time can you devote to earning your degree?
Knowing how much time you can devote to school can help you determine which program is best to pursue. If you need a shorter-term option for becoming a registered nurse, an associate degree program can help you accomplish your goals. One of the things that is so great about nursing is that you can always go back to school and earn a higher degree. So, if you later decide you want to earn a baccalaureate degree or higher in nursing, you can pursue those options at that time.
FACTOR #2: What role do you want to pursue in nursing?
As a nurse, you can pursue many avenues of practice. ADN and BSN programs provide undergraduate degrees in nursing, which can later be built upon if you desire. Until that time, consider the type of role you wish to pursue in nursing. If you prefer more of a bedside role providing hands-on patient care, an ADN program can prepare you for that. Conversely, if you think you would like a position in leadership or management, you may be better suited for a BSN program.
FACTOR #3: How will you pay for your degree?
Another crucial factor to consider when choosing whether to pursue an ADN or BSN degree is how you will pay for your education. Colleges and universities typically require all prospective students to fill out the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you submit this application, you will learn if you qualify for federally funded grants or student loans. I suggest making an appointment to talk with a financial aid advisor at the schools you are interested in. A financial advisor can point you in the right direction when it comes to applying for other scholarships, grants, or work-study programs, which could also help cover some of the expenses related to earning your degree.
FACTOR #4: Many hospitals are moving away from the ADN... How will this affect you?
Research from the Institute of Medicine and other sources indicates patients cared for by nurses with at least a BSN have lower rates of hospital readmissions and shorter stays in the hospital. Because of this, many hospitals are moving to employ higher percentages of BSN nurses than ADN nurses. This is not to say that associate degree nurses will become obsolete. It is important to consider the fact that jobs in some settings may be limited, however.
FACTOR #5: What type of program format do you prefer?
Many nursing programs offer classes in a variety of formats. Some schools offer campus-based learning, while others offer distance learning education or a hybrid format, which combines both. Knowing your learning style and the environment in which you learn best can help you decide which format is best suited for you. Once you determine the learning format you prefer, you can research different ADN and BSN programs in the geographical area where you want to earn your degree and decide which one to pursue.
My Final Thoughts
Nursing is an ever-evolving and expanding profession with excellent opportunities for diverse jobs, good income potential, and personal and professional growth. If you are considering a career as an RN, the first question that comes to mind is probably, “What education is needed to become a registered nurse?” In this article, we discussed the answer to that question and shared some detailed information about the education needed to become a registered nurse. No matter which program you choose, if you have a true desire to care for and serve others, I encourage you to find a nursing school and program and start your journey today!
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).