Nursing Program Requirements
Students wondering how to become a registered nurse (RN) must first decide on the level of education they wish to pursue. RNs entering the field can hold a nursing diploma, associate's, or bachelor's degree. If you want to earn a bachelor's degree, you will typically need to complete 120 credits, whereas an associate's degree is usually around 60 credits.
The level of education determines the answer to 'how long does it take to become a nurse?'. Diploma programs may be offered through hospitals or medical facilities and may take 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on the program. Associate's degree programs in nursing may take 18 months to 2 years to complete, while BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete. However, there are some accelerated BSN programs, including an RN to BSN program, that may allow students to earn their BSN in 12 to 33 months. Many RN programs are also available in part-time formats, which may increase the time it takes to graduate.
All of this education helps prepare aspiring RNs to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain their state license. Read on to learn more about the pre reqs for RN programs, the courses you will take in nursing school, and more.
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Nursing Prerequisites
What are the prerequisites for nursing? There are a number of classes needed for nursing programs. Prerequisites for registered nursing programs vary based on the degree level and school. Most prerequisites for an RN degree include general education courses and GPA requirements. There are a number of classes required for nursing school. Some common course prerequisites for RN degree programs may include:
- English
- Statistics
- Anatomy and Physiology (with lab)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- Chemistry (with lab)
- History
- Algebra
- Humanities
Many programs require students to have a 2.0 GPA or higher in these nursing program prerequisites and/or an overall GPA of a 3.0. Some of these standards may be higher for science-related courses.
Other prerequisites may be specific to the degree level. For example, associate degree in nursing requirements are not usually as extensive as requirements for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs. BSN programs may require applicants to already hold an associate's degree in nursing, and RN to BSN programs require applicants to have their RN license.
Nursing Courses Requirements
Now that you have taken all of the prerequisite courses for nursing, you will need to complete a number of other courses before you can become a registered nurse. RN subjects will vary based on your specialization and more, but there are a few common courses that you are very likely to encounter. RN course requirements usually include extensive hands-on clinical experience and courses in subjects like:
- Pharmacology
- Communication
- Nursing care/practice
- Family health
- Mental health
In these programs, you will likely also have the opportunity to take electives and specialization courses that will allow you to improve your understanding of the field into which you are entering. As with other degrees, you will need a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to graduate from most nursing programs. However, a higher GPA is always a good thing to strive for in order to give yourself the best possible understanding of the course material as well as the best chance of getting a good job in the field of nursing.
Other Registered Nursing Qualifications
Depending on their specific position, RNs may need to obtain additional certifications, such as basic life support (BLS) certification and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. It is also important for RNs to further develop their critical-thinking skills and have control over their emotions as they work with patients. They must stay calm and collected as they communicate with patients and doctors and have the physical endurance needed to work long, and sometimes busy, hours. RNs must also demonstrate compassion as they treat patients and work closely with the patient's family.
Master's Degree
Obtaining a master's degree is not required for RNs, but it is an option for those wishing to advance their careers. It is particularly useful for those who wish to take on more managerial roles or who want to specialize in a very specific area of nursing. Many schools offer master's degrees in nursing, including famous universities like Johns Hopkins University and Duke University. Other universities across the country also offer this degree, so be sure to check out a variety of options to find what works best for you.
RN Career Overview
| Degree Required | Diploma, associate's, or bachelor's degree |
| Degree Field | Nursing |
| Other Requirements | Licensure |
| Annual Median Salary (2019)* | $73,300 |
| Estimated Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 7% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
RNs help provide quality patient care around the clock in a variety of medical facilities and organizations. They may also work in schools, community centers, and more. Nurses may specialize in various areas of medicine, including public health, rehabilitation, or critical care. RNs may perform duties such as:
- Evaluating and observing patients
- Recording medical information
- Running medical equipment and tests
- Educating patients and their families
- Assisting with treatments and medications
- Communicating with doctors and other health professionals
