How to Become a Registered Nurse
How to Become a Registered Nurse (RN) in 2025
If you're drawn to a career that blends compassion, science, and impact, becoming a registered nurse might be your ideal path. In 2025, the demand for skilled RNs remains high across the United States, with over 3.2 million nurses currently employed and 177,400 new RN job openings projected annually through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This guide walks you through the steps to becoming an RN in 2025, along with responsibilities, settings, salaries, and specialties.
What Does a Registered Nurse Do?
RNs are licensed healthcare professionals who coordinate and deliver patient care. Their roles can vary based on setting and specialty but often include:
- Creating and managing care plans
- Administering medications and treatments
- Educating patients and families
- Supporting doctors during procedures
- Monitoring patient conditions and vital signs
- Advocating for patient safety and dignity
In addition to hospitals, RNs work in outpatient clinics, schools, government agencies, and home health settings. Many also pursue travel nursing or advanced roles like nurse educator or case manager.
Where Do Registered Nurses Work?
As of 2025:
- 59% of RNs work in hospitals
- 18% in outpatient settings
- Others are employed in long-term care, schools, insurance firms, public health, and telehealth
Remote nursing and hybrid care coordination roles are also on the rise due to digital health expansion.
Steps to Becoming an RN in 2025
Step 1: Choose Your Nursing Program
There are multiple pathways to becoming an RN:
| Pathway | Description | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) | Offered at community colleges | ~2 years |
| BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) | Offers broader training and better job prospects | ~4 years |
| ABSN (Accelerated BSN) | For students with a bachelor’s in another field | 12–20 months |
| Direct-entry MSN | For non-nursing grads entering advanced roles | ~2–3 years |
Pro tip: A BSN is increasingly preferred by employers and is often required for leadership roles or Magnet-recognized hospitals.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN
Graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to receive licensure. As of April 2023, the NCLEX uses the new Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format, which tests clinical judgment with updated case studies and item types.
Expect 70–135 scored questions over five hours.
More info: NCLEX-RN at NCSBN
Step 3: Get Licensed
Apply for licensure through your state’s board of nursing. Requirements vary but typically include:
- Criminal background check
- Fingerprinting
- Official transcripts
- Passing NCLEX-RN
Most states are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing you to practice across state lines with one license.
Step 4: Gain Experience
Start in a role that aligns with your interests—whether med-surg, pediatrics, ICU, or home health. Many new grads begin in bedside care, building foundational skills and confidence.
RN Salary in 2025
- Median annual wage: $86,070
- Top 10% earners: Over $120,000
- States with highest RN pay: California, Oregon, Massachusetts, Alaska, and Hawaii
- Industries with highest pay: Outpatient care centers, federal agencies, specialty hospitals
Salary varies by location, experience, credentials, and specialty.
Career Growth and Specialization
The field offers numerous paths for growth. Some high-demand specialties include:
- Emergency room (ER) nurse
- ICU/critical care nurse
- Labor and delivery nurse
- Oncology nurse
- Nurse case manager
- Telehealth nurse
- Public health nurse
- School nurse
Further education can lead to roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Educator.
Required Certifications
All RNs must maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Additional certifications depend on specialty:
| Certification | Area |
|---|---|
| ACLS | Advanced cardiac life support |
| PALS | Pediatric advanced life support |
| CCRN | Critical care |
| CPN | Pediatric nursing |
| CNOR | Operating room/surgical nursing |
Certifications must be renewed regularly and may require continuing education.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to become an RN?
A: Anywhere from 18 months (ABSN) to 4 years (BSN).
Q: What are RN licensing requirements?
A: An accredited degree, passing the NCLEX-RN, and state licensure.
Q: How much do RNs make in 2025?
A: National median salary is $86,070, with significant variation by region and specialty.
Q: Is there a demand for RNs?
A: Yes. Over 177,000 new RN openings are projected annually through 2032.
Want to join a workplace where hospitals apply to you?