If you’re exploring a career in nursing, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is a very practical one: What are the requirements to become a nurse?
It’s a fair question. Nursing is a respected, in-demand profession with multiple education pathways, flexible career options, and long-term stability. But it’s also a role that requires commitment, preparation, and the right kind of training.
The good news? There isn’t just one path into nursing. Whether you’re looking for a faster route into the workforce or planning for long-term advancement, understanding the education, licensure, and skills involved will help you choose the nursing pathway that fits your goals.
Understanding the educational requirements to become a nurse
At its foundation, nursing is a profession built on education and hands-on training. To become a registered nurse (RN), you must complete an accredited nursing program. The two most common entry points are an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Both pathways prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue licensure. The differences come down to time, cost, and the scope of education. For many prospective students searching feverishly, “What are the requirements to become a nurse?” An associate degree route is often the perfect starting point.
Associate degree in Nursing: a common starting point
An associate degree in Nursing is not an uncommon pathway into the nursing profession, especially for students who want to begin working sooner or are balancing school with other responsibilities.
An associate degree in Nursing program is typically offered through community colleges or technical schools and can usually be completed in two to three years, depending on whether you attend full-time and how quickly you complete prerequisite courses. You may also see this option referred to as an ADN nursing program or simply an ADN program.
Regardless of the name, the goal is the same: preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience required to become a registered nurse.
What you’ll study in an ADN program
An ADN program blends classroom learning with hands-on clinical training. Students spend time studying core nursing concepts alongside foundational science and general education coursework. Nursing classes often focus on topics such as human anatomy and physiology, patient care, pharmacology, and nursing ethics.
Clinical training is a significant component of any associate degree in Nursing program. During clinical rotations, students work directly with patients in supervised healthcare settings, applying what they’ve learned in real-world environments. This experience is essential, not only for skill development but also for building confidence before entering the workforce.
By the time students complete an ADN program, they’ve gained both the technical knowledge and practical experience required to move on to licensure.
Exploring your nursing education options? Learn more about UB’s nursing programs and find the path that fits your goals.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: a broader academic path
A BSN is another option for students still wondering, “What are the requirements to become a nurse?” This four-year degree offers a more comprehensive education, including additional coursework in leadership, research, population health, and healthcare systems.
While a BSN requires a longer time commitment than an associate degree in Nursing, some employers prefer or encourage it, particularly for leadership roles or specialized areas of nursing. That said, many nurses begin their careers with an associate degree in Nursing and later return to school through RN to BSN programs while continuing to work as registered nurses.
Clinical experience
No matter which educational path you choose, clinical experience is a non-negotiable part of nursing education. Both an ADN program and a BSN program include structured clinical hours in healthcare facilities.
This hands-on training allows students to work with patients, collaborate with healthcare teams, and learn how to respond to real medical situations. It’s often during clinicals that students truly understand what it means to be a nurse.
Clinical education is one of the most essential requirements to become a nurse, as it bridges the gap between theory and practice.
Licensure requirements and the NCLEX-RN exam
After graduating from an accredited nursing program, the next significant step is licensure. In the United States, all registered nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
The NCLEX-RN is designed to assess whether entry-level nurses can practice safely and effectively. Once you pass the exam, you must also apply for licensure through your state board of nursing, which may include background checks or additional documentation.
Licensure requirements vary slightly by state, but passing the NCLEX-RN is universal and central to finally answering the question: What are the requirements to become a nurse?
Skills that matter beyond the classroom
While education and licensure are essential, nursing also requires a specific set of personal and professional skills. Strong communication is critical, as nurses interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams every day. Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are equally important.
Nurses are often problem-solvers, advocates, and educators all at once. These soft skills develop over time, especially during clinical training and early work experience, and they play a major role in long-term success.
The time commitment and what to expect in nursing school
Nursing school is demanding, regardless of whether you pursue an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree. Coursework, labs, and clinical hours require careful time management and consistent effort.
However, many students find that an ADN nursing program offers a manageable balance, allowing them to enter the workforce sooner while still building a strong foundation in nursing practice. For those eager to begin their careers, the shorter timeline of an ADN program can be a significant advantage.
Career outlook for nurses
Nursing remains a high-demand profession with opportunities across a wide range of healthcare settings. Graduates of associate degree in Nursing programs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and specialized units, often alongside nurses who followed different educational paths.
An associate degree in Nursing can be both a starting point and a long-term career choice, offering stability and flexibility while leaving the door open for future education and advancement.
Is nursing the right path for you?
So, when you ask yourself, What are the requirements to become a nurse?, you’re really asking more than just what classes to take or which exam to pass. You’re exploring whether the commitment, responsibility, and rewards of nursing align with your goals.
Whether you choose an associate degree in Nursing program or pursue a BSN from the start, nursing offers a meaningful career built on skill, compassion, and lifelong learning. Understanding the requirements is simply the first step toward deciding if this path is the right one for you.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about UB or apply today!