Frequently Asked Questions on Becoming a Registered Nurse

Staff Writer
Reviewed by Dr. Doug Turner
Dec 27, 2022

While choosing a program that’s right for you, it’s important to determine how nursing school will fit into your life. Nursing degrees can be earned in-person or online, with clinical requirements completed in a healthcare setting. At Joyce, our nursing programs blend online learning with campus-based labs to maximize flexibility, helping balance academic responsibilities with everyday life.

1. What Education Do I Need to Become a Registered Nurse?

Individuals pursuing a career in nursing must have a minimum of an Associate’s of Science in Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN board exam to become a registered nurse. Joyce University offers four nursing programs that prepare students for RN licensure including a 20-month Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), a 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (aBSN), and a direct entry Master of Nursing degree (MSN). The aBSN and DE-MSN programs are accelerated and specifically designed for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. Students entering the field of nursing must earn at minimum an ASN to qualify for RN licensure, but Joyce also offers a advanced practice programs for students seeking a broader job market and better salary options.

2. How Long Does It Take to Become a Registered Nurse?

At Joyce University, it takes only five semesters to earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN), and be prepared to sit for the NCLEX exam, which is a minimum requirement in order to become eligible for an RN licensure. While an associate degree will enable you to become licensed, the 2020 National Nursing Workforce survey showed that 65.2% of the RNs were prepared at the baccalaureate level or higher. Depending on the nursing degree you choose to pursue, it can take 20 months to four years of full-time study to become an RN.

Related Resource: 5 Reasons You Need Your BSN Degree

3. What Licensing Requirements are There to Becoming a Registered Nurse?

Professional registered nurse (RN) requirements for licensure can vary among states. But all students must first graduate from an approved prelicensure nursing program and then pass the NCLEX-RN exam before they are eligible for licensure in any state. It’s important to complete your nursing degree at an accredited university.

After graduating from an accredited nursing program, you must obtain an RN license in order to practice in your state of residence. Every state has their own licensing requirements, so it’s important to first assess the professional licensure requirements in the state you plan to practice before enrolling in an accredited nursing program. Once you pass the NCLEX, along with completing all other licensure requirements, you will receive your nursing license. This process will vary state to state.

Related Resource: How the NCLEX-RN Works

4. What is the Fastest Way to Become a Registered Nurse?

Compared to other nursing programs that typically last 2-4 years, Joyce’s ASN students can complete the program in as little as 5 semesters or 20 months. Nursing students may apply for licensure and sit for NCLEX-RN after successfully completing all pre-licensure courses and be eligible for licensure as a registered nurse.

5. What is an Accredited Nursing Program?

Accreditation ensures that the program or school you plan to attend meets the quality standards required of the state board of nursing. When it comes to researching the best nursing programs, it’s important to first start by looking at programs that hold institutional and programmatic accreditation. There are two primary nursing accreditation bodies in the United States responsible for granting programmatic accreditation including the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Institutional accreditation, aka regional accreditation, is another important factor when choosing between nursing programs. While programmatic accreditation requires assessment of individual programs, institutional accreditation requires assessment of an institution’s organizational structures and is the primary form of accreditation for traditional colleges and universities.

Related Resource: What is an Accredited College?

6. How Do I Find My First Nurse Job?

Once you pass the NCLEX and receive your license, it’s time to find your first nursing job so you can practice as a nurse. The good news is that nurses are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) estimates employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% in the next 10 years.

When looking for your first job, start with the Career Services department at the institution you graduated from. You can also tap into your Alumni network or connect with the contacts you made during clinical rotations to get an idea of job availabilities.

Related Resources: 6 Tips to Succeed at Your First Nursing Job

8. How Long Does it Take to Become a Registered Nurse?

At Joyce University, it takes only five semesters to earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN), and be prepared to sit for the NCLEX exam, which is required before being eligible for an RN license. While an associate degree serves as the minimum requirement, the 2020 National Nursing Workforce survey showed that 65.2% of the RNs were prepared at the baccalaureate level or higher. Depending on the nursing degree and curriculum, it can take between two and four years of full-time study to become an RN.