Registered nursing careers are one of the best and most satisfying jobs in the healthcare industry. In most cases, registered nurses have more interaction with patients than the doctors. Throughout the next decade, nurses are expected to be in high demand. Learn more about a career as a registered nurse.
What is an RN?
There are multiple RN training options. RNs can choose between a nursing diploma, associate degree, or a bachelor’s of science in nursing. Of course, selecting the associate degree is the fastest route as it takes 2-3 years, and allows for entry-level nursing positions. Whereas a bachelor's will take longer to complete, but is quickly becoming preferred in the industry. Whichever route you decide to pursue, all nursing programs will involve supervised clinicals.
In both associate and bachelor nursing programs, the students will take courses such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and other nursing prerequisites, along with liberal arts classes. Those in the bachelor’s program will have more in-depth physical and social sciences coursework. They also are expected to enroll in communication, leadership, and critical thinking classes. Many RNs who began with an associate degree proceed to finish off their bachelor’s degree through a specialized RN to BSN bridge program.
All 50 states require registered nurses to be licensed. Once a student graduates from their nursing program, they must then pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEx-RN). From that point, they can choose to specialize in particular areas of nursing such as neonatal, pediatrics, and gerontology.
Precise requirements vary depending on your state. Contact your state's nursing board to learn what your exact requirements are.
RN Scholarships
Getting a nursing degree can be costly. Community colleges can cost between $2,000-$5,000 per year, and universities can go upwards past $20,000 annually. Financial aid can help lower the cost of tuition to make college more affordable.
To those who qualify, financial aid can be a powerful resource. In addition, there are specific scholarships that are available to nursing students.
- Tylenol Future Care Scholars is open to anyone pursuing a degree in the medical field, including nursing. These non-renewable scholarships are for students attending an accredited college or university. It is a one-time award.
- The Nadona Stephanie Carroll Scholarship is awarded to a nursing student enrolled in an accredited college who is going into geriatrics or long-term care.
- The U.S. Army Undergraduate Healthcare Education pays money for books and tuition for active members going into healthcare fields such as nursing.
- The Doctor Lauranne Sams Scholarship is for black applicants enrolled in a 2-or 4-year accredited nursing program.
Nursing License and Certifications
Aside from the NCLEx-RN, there are quite a few other licenses and certifications available to registered nurses. Having additional licensing only adds to your resume. Many credentials are offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Some credentials that are available are:
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Gerontological Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Ambulatory Care Nursing
- Neonatal Pediatric Transport
- Cardiac-Vascular Nursing
- Public Health Nursing, Advanced
- Nurse Executive
- Certified Lactation Consultant
RN Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses made an average salary of $94,480 in 2023 with the top 10 percent making $132,680 or more. The BLS also indicates that the demand for registered nurses by 2032 is expected to increase 6 percent, which is about as fast as the national average for all occupations.
Highest Paying States in 2023
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State |
Salary |
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$137,690 |
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$119,710 |
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$113,440 |
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