Getting an RN degree means completing an approved nursing program and passing the national licensing exam called the NCLEX-RN. You have two main degree options: an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which takes about two years, or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), which takes four. Both qualify you to sit for the same licensing exam and work as a registered nurse, but they differ in cost, career flexibility, and how employers view them down the road.
ADN vs. BSN: Choosing Your Path
An ADN is the faster, less expensive route. Most programs run four semesters and require around 60 credit hours. At a public community college, tuition typically ranges from $6,000 to $20,000. Private institutions charge significantly more, sometimes between $30,000 and $100,000. The ADN gets you into the workforce quickly, and many hospitals will hire ADN-prepared nurses, though some now require or strongly prefer a BSN.
A traditional BSN program involves completing prerequisites (which varies by student) followed by about three years of full-time nursing coursework. Total tuition ranges from $40,000 to over $200,000 depending on whether you attend a public or private university. The higher investment buys you broader career options: BSN holders have an easier time moving into leadership roles, specialty units, and graduate programs. Many large hospital systems have adopted BSN-preferred or BSN-required hiring policies.
If you already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, accelerated BSN programs compress the nursing coursework into 12 to 18 months of intensive, full-time study. These programs assume you’ve already completed general education requirements and jump straight into nursing content.
Prerequisite Courses You’ll Need
Before you can start nursing classes, you’ll need to complete a set of science and general education prerequisites. The exact list varies by school, but a representative example from San José State University gives a good sense of what to expect. Their program requires eight prerequisites: human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, English composition, elementary statistics, introductory chemistry, public speaking, and a critical thinking course. On top of those, three corequisites round out the foundation: introductory psychology, lifespan development, and nutrition.
GPA standards for these courses are competitive. Many programs require a minimum of 3.0 to 3.3 across your prerequisite courses, with no individual grade below a C. Science courses often carry a recency requirement as well. Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology courses taken more than five years before your application may not count, so plan your timing carefully. You typically get a maximum of two attempts per course to earn a passing grade.
Entrance Exams: TEAS and HESI
Most nursing programs require a standardized entrance exam, usually the ATI TEAS or the HESI A2. These test your readiness in reading, math, science, and English. Benchmark scores vary by school, but a common minimum for the TEAS is 75% overall, with individual section minimums in reading, math, and English at 75% and science around 59%. For the HESI A2, some programs set the bar at 85% in math, grammar, anatomy and physiology, and reading comprehension.
These scores are a significant part of your application. If your first attempt falls short, most schools allow retakes after a waiting period. Prep books and online practice tests are widely available and worth using, since even a few percentage points can make the difference in a competitive applicant pool.
What Nursing School Looks Like
Once admitted, your coursework splits between classroom learning and clinical rotations. Classroom time covers pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, mental health nursing, pediatrics, maternity care, and medical-surgical nursing. Clinical rotations place you in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings where you practice skills on real patients under the supervision of a clinical instructor.
The number of clinical hours required varies by state. Delaware mandates at least 400 clinical hours for RN programs, Virginia requires a minimum of 500 hours of direct client care, and Washington sets the bar at 600 hours for BSN programs. Your program will build these hours into your schedule, and they often include early mornings, evenings, or weekend shifts to mirror real nursing schedules. Expect clinical rotations to be the most demanding and rewarding part of your education.
Why Accreditation Matters
Before enrolling anywhere, verify that the program is accredited. The two main accrediting bodies for nursing education are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). CCNE accredits BSN, master’s, and doctoral programs. ACEN covers a broader range, from practical nursing through doctoral programs.
Accreditation affects you in several concrete ways. It’s typically required for federal financial aid eligibility, and many scholarships and employer tuition reimbursement programs won’t cover unaccredited schools. Your credits from an accredited program are far more likely to transfer if you pursue graduate education later. Many hospitals also prefer or require candidates from accredited programs. Skipping this check can cost you years of wasted coursework.
Passing the NCLEX-RN
Completing your degree doesn’t make you an RN. You earn that title by passing the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The exam uses computerized adaptive testing, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance. You’ll answer a variable number of questions, and the computer stops once it has enough data to determine whether you’ve met the passing standard.
The current passing standard is set at 0.00 logits, a statistical measure that essentially means you need to demonstrate entry-level nursing competence. That standard is in effect through March 2026. The exam covers clinical judgment, patient safety, infection control, pharmacology, and care across the lifespan. Most nursing programs build NCLEX preparation into the final semester, and many graduates also use commercial review courses to prepare.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after a waiting period determined by your state board of nursing. First-time pass rates vary widely by program, so checking a school’s NCLEX pass rate before enrolling gives you a useful signal about program quality.
Bridge Programs for LPNs
If you’re already a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN), bridge programs offer a shortcut to an RN degree. These programs give you credit for the clinical knowledge and coursework you’ve already completed, cutting the typical timeline to one to two years depending on your prior education and experience. Most bridge programs lead to an ADN, though some connect directly to a BSN. Credit transfer policies vary, so confirm exactly which of your previous courses will count before committing to a program.
Steps for International Nursing Graduates
Nurses trained outside the United States face additional requirements before they can sit for the NCLEX-RN. The process typically begins with CGFNS International (now operating as TruMerit), which provides credential evaluation, verification, and certification services. You’ll need to have your nursing education and licensure records reviewed to confirm they meet U.S. standards.
If you plan to work in the U.S. on a visa, you’ll also need a VisaScreen certificate, which verifies your credentials and English language proficiency. Language testing, usually through the TOEFL or IELTS, is part of this process. Requirements vary significantly by state, so research the specific rules for the state where you plan to practice. Setting up a free account on the CGFNS Connect portal is the first concrete step.
Picking the Right Program
Start by deciding whether time or career ceiling matters more to you right now. An ADN gets you working as an RN in roughly two years at a fraction of the cost. Many ADN nurses later complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program online while working, so it doesn’t have to be an either-or decision. If you can invest four years upfront and want the broadest set of options from day one, a traditional BSN is the more direct path.
Regardless of which degree you pursue, prioritize accredited programs with strong NCLEX pass rates. Visit the program if possible, talk to current students, and look at clinical placement sites. A program that places students in a variety of healthcare settings, not just one hospital system, gives you a wider foundation. Factor in the total cost including textbooks, uniforms, clinical supplies, background checks, and exam fees, which can add several thousand dollars beyond tuition.