How to get registered nurse license?

Question

How to get registered nurse license?

Answer 1

Registered nursing actually has 2 different tracks (there may still be 3). One may become an RN by going to junior or community college for 2 years and then taking the license exam. Another way is a 4 year BSN that will prepare you not only for patient care, but for nursing management as well.

There may still be some 3 year diploma courses, but those are going away. Years ago that was the norm and there were many hospital based diploma courses, but of late they have become college based and ASN or BSN degrees.

Another route is to take an LPN course which takes about a year and then work as an LPN while going on to RN school.

There is a well established distance learning program leading to the RN credential at Excelsior College in New York (It was called Regents College and you still hear the term Regents degreed nurse).

Check with the NLN - the National League for Nursing as it is the program accreditor for Nursing schools. It will be very hard to get a job or a license if your school is not NLN accredited.

Also check your state's licensing board to see if they have any special requirements.