How to Become a Nurse

Nursing is a healthcare career path that ranges from licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to registered nurses (RNs). Nurses provide patient care, administer medications, monitor vital signs, assist with procedures, and educate patients about health management. They work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home health, and specialty practices. The nursing field offers multiple entry points. LPN/LVN programs provide the quickest path into patient care, while ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs lead to RN licensure. All nurses must pass the NCLEX exam for their license level. Nursing consistently ranks among the most in-demand occupations in the U.S. An aging population, expanding healthcare access, and chronic nurse shortages drive strong employment prospects at all levels of the profession.

Two Paths to This Career

Trade School Path

Typical duration: 1-2 years

Nursing programs at trade schools and community colleges include LPN/LVN certificate programs and ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) programs. Coursework covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, patient assessment, and clinical skills. Students complete supervised clinical rotations at hospitals and healthcare facilities. LPN programs can be completed in about a year, while ADN programs take two years. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure.

Apprenticeship Path

Typical duration: 2-3 years

Nursing apprenticeships are a newer but growing pathway, particularly for LPNs and nursing assistants transitioning to RN roles. Apprentices work at a healthcare facility while completing their nursing education, with the employer often covering tuition costs. These earn-and-learn programs combine clinical work experience with academic coursework. Upon completion, apprentices sit for NCLEX licensure exams. Hospital systems and large healthcare networks increasingly offer these programs to address nursing shortages.

Career Progression & Earnings

Typical earning trajectory for a nurse. Wages vary by location, employer, and experience.

Journeyman

Certified — working independently

$41.54/hr

~$86,403/yr

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2023. Annual estimates based on 2,080 hours/year.

School vs. Apprenticeship

Two paths to becoming a Nurse. Here's how they compare.

Factor	Trade School	Apprenticeship
Cost	Tuition varies by school	$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration	1-2 years	2-3 years
Earnings During Training	No (student)	Yes
Credential	Certificate or Associate's	Journeyman certification
Job Placement	Varies by school	Often hired by training sponsor

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2023

Job Outlook

Nursing employment is projected to grow much faster than average due to an aging population, increased prevalence of chronic conditions, and ongoing nurse shortages nationwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects hundreds of thousands of RN openings annually through 2032. Nurses with specialized skills or willingness to work in underserved areas have especially strong prospects.