Nursing is one of the most noble, respected, and rewarding professions in the world. A nurse provides crucial services to the healthcare industry by providing care, support, and education to patients. If you are passionate about helping others, then nursing can be a perfect career for you. Additionally, the nursing job market is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurse (RN) employment is projected to increase by about 6% from 2023 to 2033 [1]. This means there will be an average of 194,500 openings for RNs each year. Right now, you might be wondering how to become a nurse. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know.

What Is a Nurse?

Before you decide to become a nurse, you should first understand what a nurse is and what the role of a nurse is. A nurse is a healthcare professional who assists doctors and other medical personnel by providing care, support, and treatment to patients. The roles of a nurse include:

• Administering medications
• Communicating with doctors
• Providing emotional support
• Monitoring patients and their vital signs
• Assisting in diagnostic tests and evaluation
• Documenting and managing patient care plans
• Educating patients and families about health conditions 

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Become a Nurse

There are many types of nurses, each with its unique roles, responsibilities, and benefits. In this section, we will discuss every type of nurse and the necessary steps to becoming one:

Step 1: Choose the Type of Nurse You Want to Be and Complete the Required Education

There are several nursing career paths that require various degrees of education. You may be wondering which path to take. In this section, we will discuss the pros and cons and educational requirements of every path, so that you can easily decide which type of nurse you want to be:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): This is an entry-level role. In this role, your job will be to help patients with their activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating, toileting, etc. Also, you will monitor the patient’s condition and inform the nursing team of any changes. As a CNA in the U.S., you can expect an annual salary of around $39,430, which is about $18.96 per hour [2]. You can finish a state-approved training program at a community college, hospital, or vocational school to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). These programs typically take around 4-12 weeks to complete.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): As an LPN or LVN, you will provide basic medical care, such as administering medicine under the supervision of registered nurses (RN) or doctors. In the U.S., the average annual salary of an LPN or LVN is $62,340, which is about $29.97 an hour [3]. If you want to become an LPN or LVN, you need to complete a one-year diploma or certificate program accredited by the relevant state’s nursing board.

Registered Nurse (RN): In this role, you will provide comprehensive patient care and often supervise CNAs and LPNs. As an RN in the U.S., you can earn an average annual salary of $93,600, which is about $45.00 per hour [1]. To become an RN, you can follow any of the following three main educational paths:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is a two-year program often offered at a community college. It will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills to become an RN.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This is a 4-year undergraduate degree. It offers broader training and more career opportunities.
• Accelerated BSN: This is a fast-track pathway to becoming an RN if you already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. This program usually takes about 12-24 months to complete.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): As an NP or APRN, you will be able to diagnose illness, prescribe medications, and manage patient care. In the U.S., you can expect an average annual salary of $132,050, which is about $63.48 per hour [4]. If you want to become an NP or APRN, you’ll first need to become an RN and gain clinical experience. After that, you must complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The MSN programs usually take 2 years, while the DNP programs take 4 years. 

Step 2: Obtain a License

In the U.S., if you want to practice nursing legally, you must pass a national licensing exam:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): To become a CNA, you need to pass a state competency exam [2].

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): If you want to become an LPN or LVN in the U.S., you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Registered Nurse (RN): You must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN).

Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): If you want to practice as an APRN, you must have an active registered nurse (RN) license and pass a certification exam from an accredited national organization [5].

Step 3: Find a Job and Gain Experience

After you have completed your education and achieved certification, it’s time for you to look for jobs. There is a nursing shortage in the U.S., which is expected to grow. So, you should have plenty of jobs available to you. You can find jobs in hospitals, schools, community centers, churches, military bases, government offices, etc. Besides that, you might want to consider internships or residencies to strengthen your skills. Remember that real-world experience is very crucial to developing your clinical judgement and soft skills — key factors in advancing your nursing career.

Step 4: Consider Specialization

After you have secured a job and gained some experience, the next step to advance your career would be to consider specialization in a certain area of nursing. This can open the door to more career opportunities and a better income. Here are some popular nursing specialties:

Pediatric Nursing: As a pediatric nurse, you will be focusing on the health and well-being of children from birth through adolescence.

Nurse Midwife: As a nurse midwife, your responsibility is to guide patients through the entire process of pregnancy and delivery. This specialization would be an excellent choice, as the demand for nurse midwives is currently very high.

Nurse Anesthetist: These nurses administer anesthesia and provide patient care before, during, and after medical procedures, including surgeries.

Clinical Nursing: These nurses have advanced degrees and certifications. They oversee the work of other nurses.

Note: Specializing usually requires additional certifications and education. But it can increase your earnings and job satisfaction.

Step 5: Maintain Your License and Continue Education

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving. So, you need to keep yourself up-to-date. This is why most states require that you continue your education to renew your license every 2-3 years. To do this, you can attend workshops, take courses, or complete certifications. Additionally, you can advance your career by earning a higher degree or pursuing roles as an educator, manager, or researcher.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a nurse is a journey that requires dedication, education, and a genuine passion for helping others. From choosing the right nursing path to gaining hands-on experience and continuing education, each step plays a crucial role in shaping your career. With a strong job outlook, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, nursing is not only a stable career but also a deeply fulfilling one.

References

1. Registered nurses. (2025, April 18). Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
2. Nursing assistants and orderlies. (2025, April 18). Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
3. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses. (2025, April 18). Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm
4. Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. (2025, April 18). Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
5. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) career Guide. (2023, July 25). CORP-MSN0 (NLM). https://nursinglicensemap.com/advanced-practice-nursing/