Which type of nurse do you want to be?
Before you start planning, understand the different paths. Each has different timelines, costs, and career outcomes.
LPN / LVN
12–18 monthsLicensed Practical / Vocational Nurse
Degree: Certificate / Diploma
Works under RN supervision. Vital signs, medication administration, basic care.
Practical nursing program → NCLEX-PN
RN (ADN)
2 yearsRegistered Nurse — Associate Degree
Degree: Associate's Degree
Full RN scope. Most direct route to bedside RN.
Community college ADN program → NCLEX-RN
RN (BSN)
4 yearsRegistered Nurse — Bachelor's Degree
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Full RN scope + leadership, research, public health. Required for many hospitals & NP programs.
BSN program → NCLEX-RN
ABSN
12–18 monthsAccelerated BSN
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Same as BSN — for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
Non-nursing bachelor's + ABSN program → NCLEX-RN
NP
2–3 years post-RNNurse Practitioner
Degree: Master's or Doctoral
Diagnose, treat, prescribe. Works independently in many states.
BSN → RN experience → MSN or DNP NP program
CRNA
3–4 years post-RNCertified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Degree: Doctoral (DNAP or DNP)
Administer anesthesia. Among the highest-earning nursing roles.
BSN → ICU RN experience → Nurse Anesthesia doctoral program
Step-by-step roadmap
Roughly in order. Some steps overlap — that's normal.
1
Before Nursing School
Research nurse types and decide: LPN, ADN, or BSN?
Complete prerequisite courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics)
Maintain a competitive GPA (most programs want 3.0+)
Take your entrance exam: TEAS or HESI
Get patient care experience: CNA, PCT, EMT, or volunteer hours
Apply to nursing programs (apply broadly — it's competitive)
2
During Nursing School
First semester: Fundamentals of Nursing
Complete clinical rotations across specialties
Use NCLEX-style practice questions from day one
Join your school's Student Nurses Association (NSNA)
Begin thinking about your specialty of interest
Graduate and apply for NCLEX
3
After Graduation
Register for NCLEX via Pearson VUE
Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) letter
Pass NCLEX (most graduates test within 45–60 days of graduation)
Apply for state nursing license
Apply to new graduate RN positions or residency programs
Continue toward specialty certification or advanced degree