How To Become A Nurse
How To Become A Nurse
NSC Staff
Nursing is one of the hottest careers on the job market right now. Not only is the pay and benefits great, but because of nursing shortages across the country and our aging population base you can pretty much decide where you want to live and what hospital or healthcare facility you want to work at. How many careers offer you that kind of flexibility? Oh, I forgot to mention many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer sign on bonuses for nurses accepting their employment offer.
Becoming A Nurse


All States have a Board of Nursing or equivalent governing body to regulate the field of nursing. They set the requirements for the state. This same agency administers the nursing exams for the state.

The base level for nursing is the Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN. In order to become an LPN you must attend an LPN program at an accredited nursing school and then pass the Board of Nursing exam. The exam to become an LPN is called NCLEXPN which stands for National Council License Examination for becoming a Practical Nurse.

Becoming an RN or Registered Nurse is perhaps the most sought after license in nursing. In order to become an RN you enter a two year associates degree program where you learn the technical skills of becoming an RN. Once you’ve completed your Associates Degree in Nursing you will then take the NCLEX-RN exam which stands for National Licensure Examination for becoming a registered nurse. The exam to become a Registered Nurse is a five hour multiple choice exam.

Many nursing students choose to take a four year course in Nursing to earn their Bachelors in Nursing. During the four year period they take the exam to become an RN to earn money and gain experience in Nursing while completing their Bachelors in Nursing Degree.