Wondering what education is needed to become a nurse to start a successful nursing career that can make a difference in people’s lives? You are at the right place! As there are multiple degrees, different programs, and complex requirements of this course, students often find it tough to understand the needs of a registered nurse. From discussing ADN to BSN, and exploring MSN, we will cover everything about a nursing career.
The International Council of Nurses states that we are the nation going to face a global nurse shortage of 5.9 million nurses. They further reported a study that we need 30 million more nurses all over the globe to meet the health care requirements of today. So, in such circumstances, thinking of starting a nursing career is the best choice for students who are also passionate about helping others.
In this article, we will share a comprehensive guide on how you can join a nursing career by answering what education is needed to become a nurse and what subjects you should select for it.
Step-by-Step Guide on What Education Is Needed To Become A Nurse
No doubt, it is an interesting path to become a nurse, but it needs proper education at each stage of this profession. Understanding the educational path to nursing is important, regardless of whether you are just entering high school or thinking about changing careers. For students struggling to meet the academic demands of this field, assignment writing services can be a valuable resource. These platforms not only lessen your burden but also streamline the path towards a successful career!
The following is a step-by-step guide covering all the information you need to start and succeed in the nursing field.
Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation in High School
Your nursing career starts well in advance of college. During high school, you can develop the academic skills required for future nursing programs and explore your interest in healthcare. Remember that a strong science, math, and communication base will make you unique when applying to nursing schools.
Wondering how to become a nurse after high school? Here are some tips that you should focus on:
- You should examine basic scientific courses like anatomy, chemistry, and biology.
- You have to sign up for advanced placement or honour academic courses to check your strength.
- You must develop your math abilities because you will need them to calculate drugs.
- You have to develop your writing and English skills for efficient patient documentation and communication.
- You may participate in health-related extracurricular activities, such as HOSA, or volunteer at hospitals.
Step 2: Choose the Right Nursing Path Based on Your Goals
Because not all nurses follow the same approach, you should variety of entrance points into the fields, ranging from short certificates to complete degrees. All these paths or routes for entering into fields depend on your timetable, financial conditions, and professional goals.
The following are some common nursing courses to help you figure out what education is needed to become a nurse:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): This four to twelve-week course prepares you for rapid entry into the field.
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): It has limited medical responsibilities, and the duration of this course is 12 to 18 months.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This course can prepare you for RN licensing.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides more options.
Step 3: Apply to Accredited Nursing Programs
When you choose the course that you want to take, the next step is to select an approved program. We often find students searching for what qualifications do I need to be a nurse UK? Your certifications ensure that your education fulfils the national requirements and makes you eligible for a license.
The following are the ways to choose the right program for your selected qualification:
- Firstly, you should find out the programs that ACEN or CCNE accredits.
- You have to evaluate schools on the basis of clinical relationships, faculty credentials, and NCLEX pass rates.
- You may take into consideration universities for BSNs and above and local colleges for ADNs.
- If you are a working student, look into online or hybrid programs for more flexibility.
Step 4: Complete the Required Coursework and Clinical Hours
Your nursing education is full of both theory and practice. You get practical experience through clinical experience, while instructional classes provide you with fundamental information. You must need both for your growth as a professional nurse. But wondering what education is needed to become a nurse and how to select the right subjects?
Its common coursework includes:
- Biology and Morphology.
- Drugs and Medicines.
- The study of microbial science.
- Management and Ethics in Nursing.
- Nursing in Medicine and Surgery.
- Includes care for Mothers and Children.
Clinical practices may include:
- Surgical wards, intensive care units, and emergency rooms in hospitals.
- Public Healthcare Facilities.
- Institutions for long-term care.
Step 5: Pass the NCLEX Exam for Licensure
Understanding what education is needed to become a nurse is crucial for students to take the lead in this career. So, you should select the right program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, in order to practice nursing professionally in the United States. This standard test evaluates your capacity for critical thought, safe decision making, and the application of nursing knowledge in real-world situations.
The following are some ways to prepare yourself for the NCLEX:
- Firstly, you should enrol in the NCLEX exam.
- You can practice with the mock tests to understand the format of this test.
- You have the facilities to use the NCLEX preparation book.
- You should make your study schedule and must evaluate your progress on a daily basis.
- You should comprehend the test plan and format style before the exam.
Step 6: Apply for State Licensure
You should apply for license after through your state board of nursing after passing the NCLEX. It is essential for you to follow the process carefully, as the standards of what education is needed to become a nurse vary significantly from state to state. Some nursing application essays are included with the admission documents, while others are not.
Generally, you will need to follow these steps:
- You should have evidence of completion of a nursing program.
- You have to provide the result of the NCLEX-RN.
- They may require verifications of your fingerprint and your history.
- You have to pay an application fee, which varies in different states.
Step 7: Advance Your Career with Graduate Education
You will need additional education if you want to work as a practising nurse, nurse educator, or in leadership positions. A graduate degree may broaden your administrative and clinical knowledge.
The following are the best options to get advanced courses after knowing about what education is needed to become a nurse:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): A two-year Master of Science in Nursing degree can lead to positions as an NP, teacher, or supervisor.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): It is of three to four-year program that focuses on leadership and policy.
- PhD in Nursing: You can pursue a PhD in nursing if you are interested in research and academic teaching.
Step 8: Maintain Licensure and Stay Current with Continuing Education
The nursing profession does not stop after graduation; you have to continue your study of nursing because most states now mandate you to renew your license every two to three years with continued education. This guarantees that you remain up to date with changing medical procedures.
The following are key strategies for keeping up to date:
- Firstly, you should finish the required number of CEU hours.
- You have to attend seminars, conferences, and webinars.
- You can sign up for professional newsletters and nursing journals to remain updated.
Step 9: Explore Global and Emerging Nursing Opportunities
The nursing profession is more diverse than ever in 2025. Nowadays, nurses may be found working in remote healthcare services, tech businesses, disaster zones, and even space healthcare activities. Factors such as travel, research, technology, and business may all be combined with nursing.
Some of the interesting career paths are as follows:
- The virtual nursing and telehealth services
- You may work in Medical Missionary Practice
- You can enrol in courses like nursing for forensic science.
- You may also be professionalised in both the field of microbiology and public health
- The aviation industry and Space Medicine are also very famous fields of nursing.
What Qualifications Do I Need for Nursing?
Wondering what education is needed to become a nurse in England? NHS states that you need to complete a recognised nursing degree in order to become a Registered Nurse. Firstly, you need to complete a high school degree, and then you need to get a three-year BSc degree in nursing. Then, you may do BTECs or HE and finally get NMC registration. You need to do ADN or BSN in nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN test.
What are the Requirements to Work as a Nurse in the USA?
BLS Gov. states that to practise nursing in the United States, you must need to do the following:
- A nursing degree that has been authorised by the state.
- You should pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
- You must get a valid license from the state.
What Degree Do Most Nurses Have?
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is still the minimal requirement for RN license in many regions, but the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is now becoming the desired and frequently needed degree by companies, particularly in hospitals. In 2020, 42% of new registered nurses had a BSN degree according to the survey of the Best Colleges.
What Level of Education is Needed for a Nursing Degree?
To start a nursing program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. That’s the basic requirement. For entry-level roles, an associate’s degree might be enough. But many hospitals now prefer a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).
If you want to move into advanced or leadership roles, you’ll likely need a master’s degree (MSN) or even a doctorate. The more you learn, the more career options you’ll have in nursing.
Final Thoughts
The nursing profession in healthcare is one of the most demanding and fulfilling fields that demands you to have a great passion for saving others’ lives. However, students often get confused about what education is needed to become a nurse and what the basic criteria are that they need to follow. In this guide, we have covered everything in detail, starting from choosing the subjects after high school to going into the right program and then building a strong career in nursing.
Along with that, if you still struggle to complete your tasks or write complicated academic projects, you can contact trustworthy assignment writing firms in the UK. Their professional staff assists students, eases their burden, and makes their work shine among the crowd. So, get their help and follow this guide to take this nursing profession seriously. After knowing what education is needed to become a nurse in England, it’s time to take a step ahead and begin your nursing journey today!
