In order to legally work as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States, individuals without a formal nursing background are required to complete one of the many available state-approved RN programs that prepare students for the national NCLEX- RN license examination.
Every state has a governmental body dedicated to approving and regulating accredited RN schools. This article explains where students can find official, state-approved registered nursing programs, details the different types of programs available, and describes the general licensing requirements.
Types of RN Programs Available
There are two primary educational paths to becoming a registered nurse: an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN).
ADN degrees typically take two years to complete, and are offered by community colleges, vocational and technical colleges, and some four-year colleges. In order to qualify for licensure, students must attend one of the available state-approved RN schools that offers an ADN degree.
BSN degrees are four-year programs offered by colleges and universities. In order to qualify for an RN license, students must attend a BSN program at a state-approved school of nursing.
Students who graduate from either a state-approved ADN or BSN program are eligible to sit for the national NCLEX-RN licensure examination. While both programs prepare students for licensure, BSN programs provide levels of education and training which exceed ADN programs, and students who graduate with a BSN degree are often able to attain professional advancements not available to those with only an ADN degree.
RN License Requirements
For individuals interested in becoming a registered nurse, most states demand that students fulfill the following requirements before being allowed to practice:
- Complete one of the available state-approved RN programs
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination
- Pass a criminal history background check
Some states only require that students graduate from a registered nursing program approved by a licensing board in any state to be eligible for licensure. However, some states (such as New York) have specific educational guidelines, and require that students graduate from one of its in-state RN schools before being eligible for licensure.
To find out whether a given state demands that students complete a registered nursing program from that state, contact the respective state's Board of Nursing or other responsible licensing agency.
RN Schools' Curricula
While every program differs in terms of its curricular offerings, most state-approved ADN and BSN programs offer the following areas of study:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Pediatric nursing
- Surgical and medical nursing
- Maternity nuring
- Mental health nursing
- Gerontological nursing
- General adult nursing
In addition to classroom instruction, all state-approved registered nursing programs offer extensive clinical training in which students work with patients under the supervision of a registered nurse. Such training prepares students for the RN license examination as well as for their future registered nursing careers.
Finding RN Programs
Every state has a government agency or department responsible for approving and regulating in-state nursing programs that prepare students for licensure.
To find the state-approved schools in a particular state of interest, contact the state's Board of Nursing or appropriate licensing agency and request a list of state-approved nursing schools from which to choose.
For information on how to find additional nursing education opportunities, see also:
The Best Nursing Programs Online
CNA Certification Review
David Harris-Gershon - David Harris-Gershon – a blogger for Tikkun magazine and a freelance writer on Israel, the Middle East and America’s role in ...
Join the Conversation