How to Become a Nurse in 4 Easy Steps
Published on: September 27, 2025 | 8 minutes read
By: Lisa Radesi
Few careers are as rewarding, versatile, and essential as nursing. Nurses provide compassionate, hands-on care in various specialties and settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and communities. They are often the first point of contact for patients and play a vital role in improving health outcomes, supporting families, and educating communities.
If you have ever felt called to a career that blends science and service, nursing may be the fit for you. What is the first step to becoming a nurse? Completing a CCNE-accredited nursing program at a reputable university, such as Alliant University.
Whether you are starting your professional journey or considering a career change, this guide will walk you through the steps to become a nurse, what to expect from a nursing program, and how to choose a specialty that aligns with your interests.
Why Should You Pursue Nursing?
Nursing is a profession built on purpose, where you can experience:
- Meaningful impact – Every shift brings opportunities to comfort patients and their families, advocate for those in need, and change lives.
- Career flexibility – Nurses can work in hospitals, schools, clinics, home health, or specialized care units.
- Professional growth – With advanced degrees and certifications available, nurses can move into leadership or advanced practice roles, such as a nurse practitioner.
For those seeking a career where compassion meets critical skill, nursing delivers.
But before you can care for patients and serve communities, you first have to meet the requirements of a registered nurse. That means researching how to become an RN[1] , which involves completing a nursing degree program, passing an intensive exam, and more.
Do You Need a Degree to Become a Nurse?
Nursing is a serious career path with specific requirements. To become a registered nurse (RN), you must receive a formal education, either online or in person. Prospective students often ask, “Can you become an RN online?” and the answer is yes, many institutions offer hybrid options that combine digital coursework with in-person clinicals.
In other words: Yes, you need a degree to be a nurse. However, there are multiple degree pathways to pursue within various health sciences programs:[1]
- Associate degree in nursing (ADN) – This associate degree typically takes two years and prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) – This four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers a more comprehensive education in topics like leadership, research, and public health coursework. Many employers require a BSN for entry-level nursing positions, as the degree represents a deeper level of healthcare knowledge.
- Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) – For college graduates with degrees in nursing-adjacent fields, a Master of Science in Nursing, Direct Entry is also an option. MSN-DEs typically take two to three years to complete and open up career pathways in advanced practice.
At any level, a reputable nursing program will combine classroom learning, simulation, and clinical experiences to prepare students for the RN licensure exam.
How to Become a Nurse in 4 Steps
Although the road to working as a nurse can look different for different people, most aspiring RNs follow these four steps.
1. Earn Your Nursing Degree
As mentioned, your nursing journey begins with education. Whether you pursue an ADN, BSN, or MSN, your classroom education will cover numerous essential topics, including:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Patient care fundamentals
Along with classroom learning, you will also complete clinical rotations. These in-person placements give you hands-on experience in hospitals and community health settings, preparing you for your licensing examination and beyond.
2. Pass the NCLEX Exam
Once you have completed your nursing degree, the next step is passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This standardized exam tests your knowledge of safe, effective nursing practice, from patient care to medication management. Passing the NCLEX allows you to work as an entry-level RN in the United States.[2]
The NCLEX is computer-adaptive, meaning the number and difficulty of questions adjust based on your responses.
As always, preparation is key. Fortunately, the nursing programs at Alliant University focus on exam preparation and how to study for NCLEX success, providing review courses and additional study resources. In fact, Alliant’s first Master of Science in Nursing–Direct Entry cohort, which graduated in December 2025, achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate![3]
3. Obtain Your State License
After passing the NCLEX, you will need to apply for a nursing license in your state of practice.
For example, in Arizona, the Arizona State Board of Nursing manages this process. Requirements typically include:
- A completed application and fee
- Verification of your nursing degree
- Background checks and fingerprinting
- Proof of passing the NCLEX exam
Once licensed, you are permitted to work as a registered nurse. Note that you must maintain licensure through continuing education credits and periodic renewals.
4. Seek Further Training (If Desired)
Nursing is a lifelong learning profession. While many nurses enter the workforce after earning an RN license, others choose to pursue advanced credentials or degrees, as well as nursing specialties.
Some nurses complete additional courses to become a clinical nurse specialist in areas such as:
- Pediatric nursing – Caring for infants, children, and adolescents.
- Oncology nursing – Supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment.
- Critical care nursing – Working with patients in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Mental health nursing – Helping patients manage psychiatric and emotional health challenges.
- Family practice nursing – Providing holistic care across all ages in outpatient clinics.
Other RNs may pursue advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioner (NP) or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). These positions require a graduate-level education.
After working in hospitals and clinics, nurses can also transition into leadership and education roles with additional training. Experienced RNs guide the next generation of nurses or manage clinical teams.
Whether you seek advancement or remain in direct patient care, the ability to grow and specialize makes nursing a uniquely flexible career.
How to Choose the Right Nursing Program
No matter where your nursing career takes you, it begins with education. For that reason, choosing a nursing program that starts you on the right foot is essential.
In your search for a nursing program, look for these indicators:
- Accreditation – If a program is accredited, it means it has received recognition from an independent third-party organization. For example, the nursing programs at Alliant University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Clinical experience opportunities – Some schools offer simulation training. At the same time, look for schools that have simulation training. This virtual solution allows for low-stakes online practice.
- NCLEX preparation – The NCLEX-RN exam is the final obstacle between students and a career in nursing. Finding a university that helps prepare you for the pressure and complexities of the examination is crucial. At Alliant, students enjoy early exposure to NextGen NCLEX-style questions.
- Faculty support – The ideal school will also have a faculty that mentors and cares for its students. Consider reading reviews and speaking with program alumni to learn more about a university’s faculty support.
What to Expect in a Nursing Program
Whichever program you choose, you will likely encounter the same highs and lows, as nursing school is both challenging and rewarding. Programs combine classroom instruction with clinical rotations to prepare students for real-world patient care.
The typical nursing program consists of:
- Classroom learning – You will build a foundation in anatomy, physiology, and nursing theory, while also exploring pharmacology, ethics, and evidence-based practice.
- Clinical experiences – These supervised rotations allow you to practice skills in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. You may assist in maternity wards, emergency rooms, or primary care clinics.
- Skills labs – Nursing students spend time in simulation labs, where they practice everything from inserting IVs to communicating with patients before working in real clinical environments.
Ultimately, nursing programs are designed to challenge you intellectually and emotionally while preparing you to step confidently into a patient care role.
Common Challenges in Nursing School
While nursing school is an incredible accomplishment, it is not without obstacles. Common challenges include:
- Time management – Balancing coursework, clinical hours, and personal responsibilities requires careful planning.
- Stress and burnout – The pace of nursing programs can be intense. Prioritizing self-care, exercise, and mental health support can help you stay resilient.
- Imposter syndrome – Many students doubt their abilities in the face of high expectations. Remember that growth takes time, and leaning on peers can provide encouragement.
To overcome these challenges, build (and rely on) a strong support network of classmates, faculty, and professional mentors.
Start Your Nursing Journey at Alliant University
Nursing is more than a profession. It is also a calling to care, to lead, and to make a difference every single day.
At Alliant University, we are here to help you take the next step. With flexible programs, experienced faculty, and a strong focus on preparing practice-ready graduates, we provide the tools and support you need to make it through all four steps of becoming a nurse and beyond.
If you are ready to begin your journey, we are ready to guide you. Reach out to our admissions office today to learn more.
Sources:
[1] Carlton, Genevieve. “Types of Nursing Degrees and Levels.” Nurse Journal, September 22, 2025. https://nursejournal.org/degrees/types-of-nursing-degrees/.
[2] “About.” NCLEX. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.nclex.com/About.page.
[3] “Report 1 – Number and Percent Passing of First-Time Candidates Educated in NRB Jurisdictions.” Arizona Board of Nursing. https://azbn.gov/sites/default/files/RN-NCLEX-Quarterly-Report-2026.pdf. Accessed May 6, 2026.