There are many reasons why you might be considering becoming a nurse, and there are many different paths to get there. These steps include deciding the nursing specialty, choosing the right training program, and being prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up.
Becoming a nurse takes passion, determination and proper education. Before considering what school to attend, you must ensure that you have the basic qualifications.
If you’re looking to start nursing school, knowing what to expect and which courses you need to take is essential. Whether you choose to learn on campus or online, follow this step-by-step guide on becoming a nurse to get started.
Start with college prep courses in high school
Many students are unsure of what they want to do when they grow up. However, if you’re interested in becoming a nurse, there are some college prep courses you can take in high school to help you on your way.
These include classes such as biology, chemistry and anatomy. By getting a head start on your college coursework, you’ll be one step closer to your goal of becoming a nurse.
You will learn about the human body, the importance of caring for others, the basics of science lab experiments, and more. Most importantly, these courses will prepare you for taking the SAT.
These same classes can also give you an insight into other careers related to nursing, such as being a doctor or nutritionist.
Choose a nursing degree program
Another significant step to becoming a nurse is choosing which type of nursing degree you would like to pursue. There are many different nursing programs, each with its requirements.
Do some research and decide which program is right for you. For example, Wilkes University offers the RN to MSN (Registered Nurse – Master’s Degree) program, which takes an average of three years to complete.
You can also enroll in an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program that only takes two years.
Complete your supervised clinical training requirements
You must complete your supervised clinical training requirements when you finish the nursing program. These requirements vary from state to state but usually include a certain number of hours working in a hospital or other medical setting.
Once you have completed your clinical training, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. You must pass this exam before becoming licensed as a registered nurse.
Apply for your RN license and pass the NCLEX
The final step to becoming a nurse is completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The exam’s design gauges your knowledge of basic nursing skills and your ability to follow safety protocols.
Once you’ve passed this test, you can work in any hospital or medical setting in the country without additional training or licensing requirements.
Wrapping up
Nursing is a demanding but rewarding career and one that you can’t go wrong with. With the proper education and training, anyone can become a nurse. Be sure to research and get a license before starting your job search.
