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• Depending on the program, RN training may occur at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, four-year colleges, universities, and hospitals
• Some students sign up for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) diploma first, or a Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse certification before applying to an RN program
• Many vocational-oriented high schools offer career pathway programs in health sciences or certain CNA or LPN classes or dual enrollment opportunities that allow students to gain college credits and get a jump start on their nursing careers
• Some states allow hospital-based nursing schools to offer nursing diplomas which may not count for college credit
• There are also nurse apprenticeship programs available in states such as Illinois, Maryland, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington (per Indeed.com), with others in development. However, apprenticeship applicants may need to first be enrolled in an RN degree program!

RN Degree Options

• Students have the option to pursue one of the following degree types:

1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
2. Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
4. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Note, there are undergraduate-level bridge programs, such as:

1. LPN/LVN-to-RN
2. RN-to-BSN

• There are also graduate bridge programs such as BSN-to-MSN, as well as dual master’s options, and direct-entry MSN (aka Entry Level Masters Program in Nursing) programs for students whose bachelor’s was not in a nursing field 
• There are several areas of specialization for MSN students, such as:

1. Certified Nurse Midwife
2. Clinical Nurse Leader
3. Diabetes Care Specialist
4. Nurse Researcher
5. Nursing Administrator
6. Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse
7. Public Health Nurse

Additional Options

• Some states may have additional options, such as California’s LVN 30 Unit Option, which “takes approximately 18-24 months” but offers no degree upon completion. “Most other states do not recognize California's LVN 30 Unit Option and will not issue RN licenses to these LVNs,” writes CA.gov.
• Many nurses are trained through military programs, serving on active duty before transitioning back into the civilian workforce. In such cases, they will need to pass an exam for RN licensure, so long as they’ve completed sufficient RN education and clinical experience. 

Applying for Nursing School

• To apply to a state-approved RN training program, applicants need a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• A good GPA plus a solid background in subjects like English, math (algebra and geometry), and science (biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science) are recommended. Knowledge of social sciences and a foreign language will make your application more competitive
• Some nursing programs have prerequisites, so it is helpful to know in advance where you want to attend training so you can prepare by taking the right classes
• RN program applicants may have to take a program entrance exam, such as the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (PAX), Nursing Entrance Test, Kaplan Nursing School Admission Test, or Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) assessment
• Bachelor’s programs may require a math or English placement test or college placement test scores (such as the SAT or ACT)
• Graduate programs may require the GRE. These exam scores can have a large impact on your application so it’s important to take them seriously and study
• There are no 100% online RN programs due to the in-person clinical skills requirements. However many schools offer valid, reputable online and hybrid classes covering much of the academic coursework

1. Required in-person clinical components “may” be waived in some cases, if a student has enough existing clinical knowledge and work experience

• Some US colleges incorporate Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCE) into their programs, to allow students “to practice and demonstrate clinical skills in a standardized medical scenario” 

After RN School

• Upon completion of training, RN program graduates must sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam before applying for state licensure. They cannot work without a license, however, it may be possible to obtain an interim permit to work under supervision until the NCLEX exam results are available
• Лицензии могут продлеваться, но для их продления обычно требуется пройти курсы повышения квалификации. Требования зависят от штата
• The National Council of State Boards of Nursing features a listing of all the state boards of nursing points of contact
• Based on state or employer guidelines, RNs may need to meet mandatory immunization requirements, such as seasonal flu vaccination, Tdap, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, and meningococcal
• RNs may have to pass criminal background and drug screening
• Может потребоваться действующее водительское удостоверение штата и чистый водительский стаж

Additional Certifications

Registered Nurses may complete optional credentials, such as:

• Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice - Advanced Lactation Consultant
• American Academy of Health, Fitness, & Rehabilitation Professionals - Post-Rehab Conditioning Specialist
• American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders - Certified Addiction Specialist
• American Assisted Living Nurses Association - Assisted Living Nurse Certification
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing - Clinical Nurse Leader
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology)
• American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (Certification Board) - Legal Nurse Consultant Certified
• American Association of Neuroscience Nurses - American Board of Neuroscience Nursing - Stroke Certified Registered Nurse
• American Association of Nurse Life Care Planners - Certified Nurse Life Care Planner
• American Board for Occupational Health Nurses - Certified Occupational Health Nurse
• American Board for Transplant Certification - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse
• American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses - Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse
• American Board of Managed Care Nursing - Certified Managed Care Nurse
• American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc. - Certified Post-Anesthesia Nurse
• American Board of Wound Management - Certified Wound Specialist
• American Case Management Association - Accredited Case Manager
• American Correctional Association - Certified Corrections Nurse Manager
• American Council on Exercise - Weight Management Specialty Certification    
• American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Center - Nurse Coach Board-Certified
• American Organization of Nurse Executives Credentialing Center - Certified Nurse Manager and Leader
• American Red Cross - Basic Life Support Certification (i.e., CPR and AED)
• American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery - Certified Bariatric Nurse
• ANA Enterprise - Informatics Nursing
• Association of Rehabilitation Nurses - Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse
• Biofeedback Certification International Alliance - Board Certified in Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback
• Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing - Certified Emergency Nurse
• Board of Nephrology Examiners Technology Nursing - Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse
• Certification Board for Urologic Nurses and Associates - Certified Urologic Registered Nurse
• Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. - Infection Control Certification
• Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools - Certification for Foreign Nurses
• Dermatology Nurses' Association - Dermatology Nurse Certified
• Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association - Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse
• Forensic Nursing Certification Board - Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Adult/Adolescent
• Gerontological Advanced Practice Nursing Association - APRN Gerontological Specialist - Certified
• HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board - HIV/AIDS Certified Registered Nurse
• Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association - Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse    
• Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation - Certified Registered Nurse Infusion
• International Board for Certification of Safety Managers - Certified in Healthcare Safety - Long-Term Care
• International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
• International Nurses Society on Addictions - Certified Addictions Registered Nurse
• Lamaze International - Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
• Lymphology Association of North America - Certified Lymphedema Therapist
• Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board - Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
• National Alliance of Wound Care - Wound Care Certification    
• National Assistant at Surgery Certification - Assistant at Surgery - Certified
• National Association for Healthcare Quality - Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality
• National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service - Intravenous Therapy Certification    
• National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care - Certified Assisted Living Nursing    
• National Association Of Emergency Medical Technicians - Advanced Medical Life Support    
• National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses - Orthopaedic Nurse Certified
• National Board for Certification of School Nurses - Nationally Certified School Nurse
• National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology - Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse
• National Board on Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists - Initial Certification
• National Center for Competency Testing - Nationally Certified Patient Care Technician
• National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care - Certified Alzheimer Caregiver    
• National Certifying Board for Ophthalmic Registered Nurses - Certified Ophthalmic Registered Nurse
• National Commission on Correctional Health Care - Certified Correctional Health Professional - Registered Nurse
• National League for Nursing - Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator
• Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission - Certified Dialysis Nurse
• Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation - Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse
• Organization for Transplant Professionals - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse
• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board - Certified Pediatric Nurse
• Plastic Surgical Nurses Certification Board - Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse
• Radiologic Nursing Certification Board - Certified Radiology Nurse
• Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses - Certified Nurse in Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nursing
• The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers - Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist
• The National Certification Corporation - Low-Risk Neonatal Nursing
• Transcultural Nursing Certification Commission - Certified Transcultural Nursing - Advanced
• Vascular Access Certification Corporation - Vascular Access-Board Certified
• Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing Certification Board - Certified Continence Care Nurse

RN training programs are available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, universities, and some hospitals. In addition, nursing programs are offered in some high school programs.

• Review the RN training and licensure requirements for the state in which you plan to work.
• Рассмотрите стоимость обучения (в штате и за его пределами), скидки, стипендии и варианты организации курсов (в кампусе, онлайн или гибридная программа).
• Look for accredited programs with strong reputations and high pass rates for the NCLEX exam
• Рассмотрите варианты клинического опыта в местных медицинских учреждениях.
• Учитывайте продолжительность программы и гибкость расписания.
• Ознакомьтесь с биографиями преподавателей и наградами. Узнайте о количестве выпускников и статистике трудоустройства. Взгляните на достижения выпускников!

• Станьте волонтером в медицинских учреждениях, чтобы получить опыт и приобрести практические навыки
• В старших классах изучайте анатомию, физиологию, биологию, химию, физическую культуру, питание, психологию, медицинские науки, первую помощь, математику и английский язык
• Подумайте об изучении второго языка, который может быть распространен в вашем регионе
• Earn good grades so you can get accepted into a suitable nursing training program (or, if needed, a nursing assistant program first)
• Разработайте последовательный график тренировок, чтобы развивать выносливость и силу, справляясь со стрессом
• Придерживайтесь здорового питания и регулярного графика приема пищи, чтобы поддерживать постоянный уровень энергии
• Участвуйте в школьных мероприятиях, где вы сможете развить навыки управления проектами, работы в команде, опыт лидерства и разрешения конфликтов
• Consider the format you want to take classes in. Some topics are fine for online study, but others are better taken in person when possible. Clinical practice will have to be done in person
• Research any unique state or potential employer requirements for becoming an RN. Keep in mind that you may have to pass a criminal background check or drug screening
• Request to do an informational interview with a working Registered Nurse to learn about their daily duties. Try to speak with a few in different areas of specialization
• Просмотрите статьи и видео в Интернете о плюсах и минусах этой сферы деятельности, типичных обязанностях, условиях, в которых вы можете работать, и дополнительных сертификатах, которые вы, возможно, захотите получить!
• Составьте список контактов (с номерами телефонов или адресами электронной почты), которые могут послужить рекомендациями при устройстве на работу.
• Сохраните рабочий вариант резюме и обновляйте его по мере накопления опыта.