Nurses may be considered to be an important component in the healthcare ecosystem. Depending on what kind of registered nurse (RN) you wish to be, you could find yourself scrubbing in to assist surgeons with major surgical procedures, or you could be the one caring for the patient after surgery. You might work in oncology, assisting patients with life-changing diseases as they undergo treatments, or you could work with expectant mothers as they progress through pregnancy, labor and delivery.

This guide can help you understand the different pathways to becoming an RN as well as the career options available at each level of nursing.

Registered nurses work with other members of a medical team to deliver patient care and support. They are responsible for monitoring patient health and educating patients and their families about illnesses, injuries, treatment options and medications. A registered nurse may also help patients and their families understand procedures, care plans, and medication schedules. Registered nurses work in hospitals, primary care clinics, medical offices, nursing homes, schools and other settings.

Registered nurses may hold a variety of credentials, but there’s only one they need to have: the RN credential they earn when they pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN exam). 

Without advanced training or degrees, RNs are authorized to perform limited duties. For example, an RN cannot prescribe medication, but they do administer medications prescribed by a physician. The duties of an RN include monitoring patients, cleaning and dressing wounds, maintaining medical records, and consulting with other members of their medical team to evaluate and adjust care plans.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) hold at least a master’s degree and possess advanced skills within a specialty area, such as family practice or acute care. NPs are qualified to perform some of the same duties as a physician. Their level of authority varies depending on the state where they practice. For example, NPs can make diagnoses and prescribe medications in all 50 states; however, some states require NPs to work under a physician’s supervision.

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically the only prerequisite for taking the NCLEX-RN examination and becoming an RN, but make sure to reach out to the NRB in your region for full eligibility requirements. Obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can open the door to additional career options and better pay.

Registered nurses are not required to hold a master’s degree. However, obtaining an advanced degree can mean additional career options—such as nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner—and increased salaries if you choose to pursue these specialities. Learn more about online master’s in nursing programs.

Completing the minimum steps to become an RN means obtaining a two-year degree, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtaining state licensure. All of this can be completed within 2.5 years, but depending on your timeline it may take longer. Completing a BSN, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtaining state licensure can be done within 4.5 years.

There may be many opportunities for registered nursing students to consider. RNs with associate degrees are qualified to administer patient care at medical facilities, assist physicians during examinations or surgeries, or work with patients at residential care facilities. 

Registered nurses can also work with traveling nursing organizations. These agencies place RNs at facilities experiencing nurse shortages, or at hospitals that need to fill vacancies during vacations or leaves of absence. Working as a travel nurse is a great option for RNs who are flexible, enjoy challenges and are interested in living and working in various cities around the country.

For some employers and roles, a bachelor’s degree may be needed. Learn more about which nursing degree might be right for you.

Registered nurses may specialize in a variety of areas, including:

The average annual salary for an RN in 2019 was $73,300, according to the BLS. Nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists earned $115,800 on average in 2019. Salaries can vary based on several factors, including nursing salary by state, facility and specialty.

Advanced practice registered nurses are qualified to perform most of the same duties as physicians, according to the BLS, depending on the state in which you intend to practice. If you are interested in a challenging career in medicine, but don’t want to commit to more than a decade of postsecondary training to become a medical doctor, then becoming an APRN could be a good career path for you.

An APRN candidate should obtain at least a master’s degree in nursing and may want to have experience working as a registered nurse. APRNs typically take at least one specialization exam, preparing them to work in a specific area of practice. The four primary concentrations for APRNs are:

Nursing can be both a challenging and rewarding career path with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.

Last Updated September 2020