Nursing is a rapidly growing field with significant professional demand for qualified individuals.This app will provide helpful information on the steps to becoming a nurse, the educational and technical qualifications involved, and the position itself.
Steps to Becoming a Nurse

Step 1: Earn a Degree
Step 2: Obtain a License
Step 3: Obtain Employment
Step 4: Choose a Specialty
Step 5: Pursue Additional Training - Progress Your Nursing Career
Steps to Becoming a Nurse
This first section is about the steps necessary to turn an interest in nursing into a gainful career. Everything from choosing a specific nursing program to eventually finding a job will be outlined below.

Step 1: Earn a Degree
A formal education is absolutely necessary on the path to becoming a registered practicing nurse (RN). With a few exceptions, almost every position in the nursing field requires a bachelor’s degree. A few positions can be earned by candidates with associate degrees, and some positions require advanced degrees. It may be difficult to shift through the numerous degree programs available, but that’s a good thing. This way, you have a lot of options, and choosing the degree program that’s right for you may help in deciding what kind of nurse you want to be or even what university you’d like to attend. The most popular options are outlined below:

Associate Degree in Nursing
This degree program is designed to develop individuals in solid foundational knowledge, attitudes and the skills for nursing practice. With only two to three years of required coursework, the associate degree requires the least amount of time and money invested of all the degree options. After the coursework is completed, individuals must pass the national licensure examination (NCLEX).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, is another path for an individual to take to become a nurse. You do not need an Associate Degree to enroll in a Bachelor of Science program. While individuals with associate degrees can work in nursing positions, nurses with a BSN typically have a greater chance of securing nursing positions and are often given more responsibilities and higher salaries. That being said, this degree program requires three to four years of coursework to be completed, and these prospective nurses are still required to pass the national licensure examination (NCLEX) before starting to practice.

BSN programs consist of general education liberal arts courses, nursing specific courses, and clinical education. BSN programs provide a wide variety of clinical experiences for students which often helps the student decide what nursing specialty they may want to pursue after graduation.


Accelerated Nursing Program
An accelerated nursing program is a very specific option for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field of study. Some previous relevant coursework from the prior degree(s) would count towards completion of the accelerated program. Accelerated Nursing Programs most often require the student to be fulltime and are fast-paced and intensive. Most individuals can earn their BSN degree in 12-16 months, depending on the program. Your participation in an accelerated degree program, along with your resulting bachelor’s degree in nursing, will be very desirable in the job market. It shows employers that you are both qualified and prepared to work in a fast-paced environment. Be sure to take a look at GMercyU’s own accelerated nursing program.

Step 2: Obtain a License
As mentioned previously, earning your nursing license by passing a national nursing licensure examination (NCLEX) is pivotal in any nurse’s career. Without the correct credentials, individuals will not be able to practice nursing. Licensing requirements vary by state, nursing specialty, and occupation.