Paths to Becoming a Registered Nurse - NursingEducation (2023)

Three Main Paths

The three main entry-level paths to becoming a Registered Nurse are:

Diploma program
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Those interested in moving beyond these degrees can also earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), although these are generally not entry-level pathways to the Registered Nurse license. Advanced degrees and career pathways can be explored at Types of Nursing Degrees and Careers (https://nursingeducation.org/degrees/types-of-nursing-degrees-and-careers/).

Students who graduate from the Diploma, ADN and BSN programs will have the requisite base knowledge for taking and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Nursing Diploma

At one time, a nursing diploma was the only way to become a nurse. Today, only a few diploma programs remain in the country. These programs typically take place in a hospital setting and provide extensive bedside training in addition to basic classes in the sciences and courses in nursing fundamentals.

Length of Program
The length of the diploma program varies by the hospital but programs are at least one year long. Most programs take two years.
Cost of Program
Although the cost of nursing diploma programs can vary, the typical program will cost less than an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Areas of Study
In a nursing diploma program, you should expect:
- An emphasis on clinical practice and basic elements of patient care
- A basic introduction to pharmacology, psychiatric nursing, and other specialty care areas
- Information about nursing across the lifespan from birth to death
Pros and Cons
Nursing Diploma programs offer a considerable amount of hands-on patient care experience during the training for an affordable price. Diploma programs are the fastest way to become an RN. However, most employers prefer RNs with their BSN. Diploma programs may not be available in the area where you wish to study.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

In addition to the basic science classes and fundamentals of nursing, ADN programs also require general education courses that will satisfy requirements for an associate’s degree at the college or university. Many nurses who receive an ADN use it as a stepping stone to a BSN degree.

Length of Program
An ADN nursing program typically requires 60 to 70 credits that take approximately two years of full-time enrollment. Most students can earn an ADN in less than three years even on a part-time basis.
Cost of Program
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, average tuition and fees at public two-year institutions were $3,900 in 2019-2020. At private nonprofit two-year institutions, tuition and fees averaged $18,000.
Areas of Study
In an ADN program, you should expect:
- An emphasis on clinical practice and preliminary elements of patient care
- A basic introduction to pharmacology, psychiatric nursing, and other specialty care areas
- Information about nursing across the lifespan from birth to death
- Additional courses that may be required for graduation from the college or university
Pros and Cons
An ADN allows you to begin working as an RN quickly, so you can begin to make money even if you know you want to continue school part-time too, to earn a BSN degree. An ADN is usually very cost-effective. As you begin practicing, you may find that you want a position or pay that is only open to a nurse with their BSN.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN builds on the fundamentals of nursing by adding theoretical concepts to the curriculum.

Length of Program
A BSN program is usually four years long, unless the student qualifies for an accelerated program or elects to pursue the degree at a slower pace. Typically, the BSN will require a total of 96 to 144 credit hours.
Cost of Program
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, average tuition and fees at public four-year institutions were $9,400 in 2019-2020. At private nonprofit four-year institutions, tuition and fees averaged $36,700.
Areas of Study
In a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, you should expect an expanded curriculum that may include courses like:
- Health sciences (Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Nutrition)
- Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology)
- Nursing-specific courses (Nursing across the lifespan, Assessment, Psychiatric Nursing, Community Health)
- Other courses for a general education (Anthropology, History, English, Math)
- Nursing Theory
- Nursing Research
Pros and Cons
The BSN provides excellent preparation for most areas of practice. In addition, a nurse with a BSN is typically preferred for promotion into leadership and management positions. Salaries for nurses who have earned a BSN are also higher than for those holding a Diploma or ADN. However, the educational preparation for BSN takes longer and is more expensive per year than the other two degree paths.
Accelerated BSN Program
Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing can earn a BSN by enrolling in an accelerated BSN program. These typically take 15 to 18 months to complete, although some can be as long as two years. Prerequisite courses may include:
- Nutrition
- Chemistry
- Microbiology with lab component
- Anatomy and physiology
- Statistics
Keep in mind that the accelerated BSN program length will not include time taken to complete the prerequisite courses that are required for application to the program. Graduates from accelerated BSN programs enjoy the same employment eligibility as traditional BSN students. Like graduates who have completed the other programs, accelerated BSN degree holders are also required to take the NCLEX-RN examination to become certified as RNs. Learn more about Bridge, Direct-Entry, and Accelerated nursing degrees here.

Your path to becoming an RN should be given careful consideration and will be guided by time, cost, and your ultimate career goals. All three paths, however, can prepare you to become a great nurse.