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How many years does it take to become an RN nurse

There is no doubt that nursing is the field that is growing at a higher rate, and on the other hand, it is also creating a huge demand for highly qualified and experienced professionals. As per different reports published by AACN- American Association of Colleges of Nursing, on average more than 150,000 new RN posts will be created between the year 2016 to 2026.

The annual growth rate will be around 15 percent. That means, if you want to start a career in this growing field, then this is the right time to take your step to become an RN nurse. However, there is a common question that every candidate has, and that is "How many years does it take to become an RN nurse?". Keep reading to get your answer. Besides, here you will also explore some tips to become an RN nurse.

How to become an RN?

Well, talking about the exact process involved in becoming an RN will vary based on the state or country where you want to do the course or practice. So, before choosing a course, it would be better for you to understand the requirements. However, here are some common requirements that you should always keep in your mind when you are thinking How many years does it take to become an RN nurse.

• First of all, you need to finish a nursing program but make sure that the program is accredited. There are multiple degrees that you can choose to start your career as an RN. In general, obtaining an associate's degree in this field will be enough to move into it; some hospitals or nursing homes prefer to choose nurses who have completed their BSN- Bachelor's degree in nursing. So, it can be said that BSN can be a major requirement factor to become an RN. So, choose a degree accordingly.
• Then you need to clear the NCLX exam. Once you are done with your nursing degree, you then need to clear the NCLEX-RN- "National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses" exam. The exam will test the knowledge in the nursing field. Well, if you fail to clear the exam, you can reapply for it after 45 days. Once cleared, then you can take the final step to become an RN.
• Go on and apply for a license. The final step that you need to take after the exam is to apply for valid licensure in the state you want to practice. Well, getting a license can take time. Based on the applications' backlog and the state's rules, it can take a few weeks or a few days.
• You should also consider your advancement or specialization. RN nurses are allowed to choose to specialize in a certain nursing area, and, based on that, they can pursue certification. For instance, if you want to be an RN for older people or newborns, then you will have to pursue a different certification than a nurse who wants to work in ambulatory care.

So, how many years does it take to become an RN nurse? As discussed above, you first need to understand various educational paths to earn the degree. Every degree program has its own amount of time. Besides, it will also depend on the time you are taking for the preparation. If you go for a diploma program, then to complete the program, you may take around two years. For example, an associate's degree program in nursing.

On the other hand, if you choose a bachelor's degree, then you will have to spend four years to complete the course. After the completion of the program, the nurses should become licensed to start practicing. Based on the program, it can take around one to four years to become a qualified registered nurse. Well, it may take time, but the benefits and the opportunities related to this job are more.