Key Takeaways
Nursing school is a must.
To get licensed, you’ll need to pass a national exam.
The education and training are tough, so passion is key.
You can become a registered nurse in as little as two years, but there are multiple paths into this fast-moving, ever-changing career. No matter which route you take, it all starts with nursing school and ends with passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Nursing education takes a broad, patient-centered approach—different from the training for doctors, surgeons, or physician assistants, who have more specialized roles and usually spend less time with patients.
The trick is picking the right program for you—one that gives you the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment needed to pass the NCLEX.
Here’s what experts say about how to become a nurse.
Ways to Get Into Nursing School
Once you’ve decided nursing is the right fit, there are a few paths to admission.
Direct Admit
This option enrolls you in both the university and its nursing college at the same time. It’s ideal for students who are certain about nursing early on because they can dive straight into nursing courses instead of waiting a year or two to apply separately. These programs are highly competitive and often require an extra essay or personal statement with your college application.
Sophomore-Entry and Junior-Entry
More common, these programs require you to complete prerequisites—like biology, organic chemistry, physiology, and anatomy—before applying to the nursing college. You’ll need a second application after already being enrolled at the university.
Accelerated BSN Program
Designed for career changers who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, these programs fast-track your nursing education. For example, Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers an accelerated program.
“Students can earn a second bachelor’s degree in just one intense year—three semesters—and come out ready to work as a nurse,” says Judy Karshmer, dean of Edson College.
Beyond bachelor’s degrees, ASU also offers entry points like a master’s in nursing for graduates with degrees in biology or chemistry.
No matter the path, expect to submit test scores, resumes, essays, and possibly proof of healthcare experience or a personal statement.
How to Choose the Right Nursing School
Nursing programs differ in size, curriculum, and teaching philosophy. Picking the right one—one that prepares you for the NCLEX—is a lot like choosing a college.
You can go for an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which takes two to three years, or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), which requires at least four years. Either way, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse.
While an ADN is quicker and more affordable, many employers now prefer nurses with a BSN, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
After earning a BSN and RN license, some nurses advance their careers with a master’s of science in nursing (MSN).
Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
“Accreditation ensures quality education,” says Hyunjeong Park, nursing department chair at Towson University in Maryland. “A program’s philosophy and faculty expertise shape your learning experience. Schools often specialize, so their offerings vary.”
You might prefer a school based on its mission—like research or community service—or its approach to nursing, such as faith-based programs or those focused on holistic or evidence-based care.
Curriculum and Clinical Hours
Nursing school builds on fundamentals, layering knowledge as you progress.
“Nursing school moves fast,” says Chanelle Montgomery, a nursing student at West Coast University in California. “Since I’m in an accelerated program, I’m always learning something new.”
Clinical training is a cornerstone of nursing education, sharpening the judgment skills nurses need to succeed. You’ll spend hours in rotations, supervised by professionals in real healthcare settings or simulations, learning skills for different specialties.
Clinical hour requirements vary by state, and schools differ in how they structure training. Your hands-on experience depends on a school’s hospital partnerships and faculty expertise.
“Most clinical hours happen at hospitals or community sites,” says Jill Guttormson, dean of Marquette University’s College of Nursing.
Towson University, for example, partners with healthcare and nonprofit groups across Western Maryland, focusing on public health. “Students work on community projects serving vulnerable populations, from older adults to younger individuals,” Park explains.
You’ll rotate through areas like ICUs, labor and delivery, ERs, pediatrics, and chronic disease clinics. But since not every scenario happens in hospitals, simulations fill the gaps.
“We can’t control which patients students see in real settings,” Guttormson says. “Simulations ensure they practice essential skills and develop strong clinical judgment.”
Exit Exams and the NCLEX
Some programs require an exit exam to graduate, while others use standardized tests throughout to prep you for the NCLEX.
Experts recommend taking the NCLEX within two months of graduating. If you need to retake it, there’s a 45-day wait—so thorough prep is crucial.
While the NCLEX determines licensure, your nursing school education shapes your career.
“Nurses should understand their impact on healthcare,” says Latina Brooks, assistant dean at Case Western Reserve University. “That knowledge empowers them to elevate the profession and improve global health.”
