How to Become an RN 2026
Becoming a registered nurse requires completing a board-approved ADN or BSN program, passing the NCLEX-RN, and applying to your state board of nursing. ADN programs take about two years. BSN programs take four. All 50 states use the same national exam, but each state board sets its own eligibility and application rules.
Sponsored School(s)
Each state sets its own rules for licensing registered nurses, but there is more commonality than difference. Prospective RNs complete a board-approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), and demonstrate good character. The state board decides who qualifies to sit for the exam and issues the license.
Use the links below to jump to each stage of the RN licensing process.
- Choose a nursing program
- Understand program approval and accreditation
- Pass the NCLEX-RN
- Meet application requirements
- Transfer or endorse your license
- RN salary and job outlook
Choose a Nursing Program
Professional nursing programs are offered at two levels: the associate degree in nursing (ADN) and the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). A small number of hospitals still operate diploma programs, but ADN and BSN are the dominant paths. Both make graduates eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The license level is the same at the point of entry.
The difference shows up later. BSN programs include more nursing coursework and broader general education requirements. Many hospitals, particularly large academic medical centers and Magnet-designated facilities, now prefer or require the BSN. If graduate school or advanced practice is on the horizon, the BSN is the required foundation for most MSN programs.
Not sure whether the RN or LPN path is right for you? Compare RN and LPN credential paths, including program length, scope of practice, and licensing exams, before committing to a program.
Licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) who want to become RNs can take advantage of LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which provide credit for prior learning and shorten the path to licensure. Candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field sometimes opt for direct-entry master’s programs, which lead to both RN licensure and an advanced degree in a single program.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN?
An ADN takes roughly two years for a full-time student, not counting prerequisite coursework in sciences and general education that many programs require before admission. A BSN takes four years. Some accelerated BSN programs condense the degree into 12 to 18 months for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
From the time a student completes their program to the time they hold an active license, add another few weeks to a few months for the board application, background check, and NCLEX scheduling.
Program Approval and Accreditation
State board approval is the baseline requirement, not national accreditation. Each state board approves only programs within its own borders, but those approvals are generally recognized by other states. A graduate of a board-approved program in one state can generally apply for licensure in another state, subject to that state’s requirements. Some states specify that programs must be “substantially equivalent” to their own requirements, and a few have rules about which online nursing programs are acceptable.
National accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is a separate credential. It signals quality and is particularly important for nurses considering graduate education, since most MSN programs require a nationally accredited BSN. But a nurse can be fully eligible for licensure with only state board approval. National accreditation is not a licensing requirement.
Before enrolling in any program, confirm that it holds active approval from the board in the state where it is located. Some state boards publish warnings about unapproved programs operating within their borders. Enrolling in one of these programs will make a graduate ineligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN in that state.
Pass the NCLEX-RN
All RN candidates in the United States, regardless of which state they plan to practice in, must pass the NCLEX-RN. The exam is developed and administered by the NCSBN. A candidate applies to their state board of nursing for permission to test, and once authorization is granted, schedules the exam directly through Pearson VUE.
Some states allow candidates to begin the board application process before graduation, but the exam itself cannot be taken until the program is complete and all degree requirements are met.
The NCLEX-RN uses computerized adaptive testing, which adjusts question difficulty in real time based on the candidate’s responses. The exam includes between 85 and 150 questions. The NCSBN updated the exam format in 2023 with the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), which places greater emphasis on clinical judgment and includes new question types designed to assess how candidates think through patient care decisions, not just whether they can recall facts.
If a candidate does not pass on the first attempt, a 45-day waiting period is required before retesting. States have their own policies on the number of attempts permitted and any additional requirements for repeated testing. NCLEX review courses and question banks are widely available for candidates who need extra preparation time.
Meet Application Requirements
Beyond the NCLEX-RN, candidates can expect a detailed application that includes professional fitness questions. A criminal history, past disciplinary action on a prior professional license, or active treatment for a substance use disorder will typically require supporting documentation. The board uses this information to assess whether the applicant meets the character requirements for licensure. It is not an automatic disqualifier in most states, but full disclosure is required.
Many states include fingerprinting as part of the application process for a criminal background check. The specific requirements, fees, and processing timelines vary by state board. A candidate should always obtain the current application packet directly from their state board, since procedures can change. Verify fees and timelines with your state board before submitting.
Some states also require a jurisprudence exam, which tests the laws and rules governing nursing practice in that state. These are often open-book and completed online, but they must be passed before a license is issued.
Some states allow graduates to work under a temporary practice permit while waiting to take the NCLEX-RN. This is not universal. Check with your state board to find out whether a temporary permit is available and what it allows. Availability and requirements vary by state and can change.
Transfer or Endorse Your License
Once an RN is licensed in one U.S. jurisdiction, moving that license to another state is generally straightforward through a process called endorsement, as long as the nurse is in good standing. The receiving state reviews the original license and the NCLEX-RN results and issues a new license in that state.
Nurses whose primary residence is in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state and who hold a multistate license issued there can practice in other NLC member states without obtaining a separate license for each state. The NLC currently includes more than 40 member states, though membership is subject to change. Verify the current list at nursecompact.com before publishing state-specific guidance. A nurse practicing under a compact license is still subject to the practice laws of the state where they are physically providing care, not the state that issued the license.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
RN Salary and Job Outlook
Registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $97,550 as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS projects 5.6% employment growth for RNs between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 193,100 job openings per year. Most of those openings reflect turnover rather than net new positions, but demand remains consistent across most parts of the country.
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (May 2025) | Projected Growth (2022–2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $97,550 | +5.6% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) | $64,400 | +5.3% |
Salary varies significantly by state, specialty, and work setting. Hospital-based RNs generally earn more than those in outpatient or long-term care settings. Nurses who pursue advanced practice credentials, such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse-midwives, earn considerably more, with NP median pay of $132,300 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an ADN and a BSN for RN licensing?
Both degrees qualify a graduate to sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtain an RN license. The ADN takes about two years and is the faster path to licensure. The BSN takes four years and includes more nursing theory and general education. Many employers, particularly Magnet hospitals, prefer or require the BSN. Both degrees produce the same licensed credential at the point of entry.
Do I need to pass the NCLEX-RN in every state I want to work in?
No. The NCLEX-RN is a national exam. You pass it once, and states generally accept NCLEX results for licensure by examination or endorsement. If you want to practice in a different state, you apply directly to that state’s board. If your home state is a Nurse Licensure Compact member and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in other NLC states without a separate application.
Can I work as an RN while waiting for my license?
Some states issue temporary practice permits that allow new graduates to work under supervision while their NCLEX application is pending. This is not available in every state. Contact your state board of nursing to find out whether a temporary permit is offered and what restrictions apply.
What happens if I fail the NCLEX-RN?
Candidates who do not pass must wait 45 days before retesting. Most states allow multiple retake attempts, though some impose additional requirements after repeated failures. NCLEX review programs are widely available and can help candidates identify and address weak areas before retesting.
Does a criminal record prevent me from getting an RN license?
Not automatically. Most state boards evaluate criminal history on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Full disclosure on the application is required. Omitting or misrepresenting a conviction is typically treated more seriously than the conviction itself. If you have a prior conviction, contact your state board before investing in a nursing program.
Key Takeaways
- Both ADN and BSN lead to the same RN license — ADN takes 2 years, BSN takes 4. The BSN opens more doors for advanced practice and many hospital positions.
- The NCLEX-RN is universal — Every RN candidate in the U.S. takes the same national exam, administered by the NCSBN. Pass it once, and it’s recognized in all states.
- State boards set eligibility and application rules — Program approval, background checks, jurisprudence exams, and temporary permits all vary by state. Always verify current requirements directly with your board.
- Compact license holders can practice across NLC states — If your home state is an NLC member, a multistate license lets you work in other member states without a separate endorsement.
- RN median pay is $97,550 nationally — The BLS projects 193,100 average annual job openings for RNs through 2032, with consistent demand across most regions.
Select your state below to find board-approved RN programs, application links, and specific licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
How to Become an RN in Your State: Select Your State for Specific Requirements
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.