The Path to Becoming a Registered Nurse

Thinking about becoming a registered nurse (RN)? You’re not alone. It’s a career path that offers financial stability, professional growth, and the chance to truly make a difference in people’s lives.

Registered nurses are licensed medical professionals who provide hands-on patient care, administer treatments, and collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure the best outcomes — and there’s no one-size-fits-all route to get there. 

Depending on your background and goals, there are several ways to break into the field. In this post, we’ll walk through the essential steps to becoming an RN, from choosing the right educational path to passing the NCLEX and exploring ways to grow your career.

Step 1: Meeting the Educational Requirements

Starting your RN journey begins with the proper education — it’s the foundation for building clinical expertise and delivering excellent patient care. You have a few different routes to choose from:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This two-year program provides essential knowledge and hands-on experience to get you closer to becoming an RN. It’s often the quickest way to enter the field.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A more comprehensive four-year path that many employers prefer. BSN-prepared nurses typically see higher earning potential and broader job opportunities.

Accelerated BSN Programs: Tailored for individuals with a non-nursing degree, these intensive programs compress the curriculum into 12-18 months.

Your choice depends on your timeline, budget, and career goals. Either way, every path is a step toward making an impact.

Salary Snapshot: BSN vs. ADN

We know that making a difference is probably at the top of your list of why you want to become an RN, but the salary is important, too. According to a 2023 Payscale report:

• BSN-prepared nurses earn an average starting salary of $92,000
• ADN-prepared nurses begin around $75,000

While the BSN path often leads to a higher salary and more opportunities long-term, the ADN route can be a more affordable, faster entry into the workforce.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

Once you graduate from an accredited program, your next milestone is the NCLEX-RN — the licensure exam that assesses your readiness to practice safely and effectively as a new nurse.

Tips for NCLEX Success:

• Use prep courses and take practice exams
• Create a study plan that targets your weak areas
• Familiarize yourself with the exam format and types of questions

For the most up-to-date info, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Step 3: Get Licensed and Certified

After passing the NCLEX, you’ll need to get licensed in your state. Each state has its own process, so check with your local nursing board to make sure you’re headed in the right direction. 

If your state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you can practice in multiple states with one license — a big plus for travel nursing.

You can also boost your resume with certifications like:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)

Certifications can open doors to specialized units, better pay, and leadership roles. They also show you’re committed to staying sharp in a fast-evolving field.

Step 4: Gain Real-World Experience

Once you’re licensed, it’s time to hit the floor. Here are a few common settings where new RNs can get started:

• Hospitals: Offers diverse experience across units like med-surg, ICU, or ER
• Clinics & Private Practices: Great for more routine care and predictable schedules
• Long-Term Care: Vital for serving aging populations and managing chronic illnesses

Looking to travel while you work? Travel nursing lets you build experience, explore new places, and earn top pay. We can help with that.

Step 5: Keep Growing Your Career

Whether you want to lead, teach, or specialize, continuing education is key:

• MSN (Master of Science in Nursing): Prepares you for leadership roles, education, or becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice): A terminal clinical degree focused on leadership and evidence-based practice
• Specialty Certifications: From CRNA (anesthesia) to CNM (midwifery), specialized roles offer high compensation and career satisfaction

Staying current with education and trends helps you stay competitive — and inspired.

Start Your RN Journey with Lucid

Becoming an RN is a big commitment and one of the most rewarding choices you can make. From education and licensure to certifications and career growth, each step helps shape the nurse you’ll become.

At Lucid Staffing Solutions, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to new places (literally), we’ve got your back.

If you’re looking for your first RN job or curious about travel assignments, let’s talk. 

Our recruiters are clinicians too, and we’re here to help you find your next opportunity.