The Path From High School Diploma to Nursing License
You can become a nurse with a high school diploma, but you cannot skip the education step. After graduation, you must complete a nursing program—either a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)—and then pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is the licensing test all states require.
The two-year route is faster and costs less. The four-year route opens more job options and higher starting pay, but both lead to the same nursing license. Your choice depends on how quickly you want to start working and how much you can spend on school.
Key Takeaways
- You need either an Associate Degree in Nursing (two years) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (four years) from an accredited program before you can take the licensing exam.
- Community colleges offer the two-year ADN program, which costs less and gets you working faster than a four-year BSN from a university.
- The NCLEX-RN is a computerized test you take after graduation; passing it is required to hold a nursing license in any state.
- Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness programs if you commit to working for them after graduation.
- You can work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) during school to gain experience and earn money while you study.
Choosing Between a Two-Year and Four-Year Program
An Associate Degree in Nursing takes two years and is offered at community colleges and some universities. You pay less tuition, graduate sooner, and can start working as a registered nurse faster. Most hospitals and clinics hire ADN graduates without hesitation. The downside: some specialty positions (like critical care or management roles) prefer or require a BSN, and you may hit a ceiling for advancement without going back to school later.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing takes four years and is offered at universities. You pay more tuition and spend more time in school, but you graduate with more clinical hours, leadership training, and research experience. Hospitals increasingly prefer BSN graduates, and some large medical centers now hire only BSN nurses for certain units. If you think you might want to move into management, teaching, or research later, the BSN is the stronger foundation.
Many nurses start with an ADN, work for a few years, and then pursue a BSN part-time while employed—a path called RN-to-BSN. This lets you earn money and gain experience while you complete the degree.
Finding and Enrolling in a Nursing Program
Start by searching for accredited nursing programs in your state. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) maintain lists of approved programs. Accreditation matters because you cannot take the NCLEX-RN if you graduate from an unaccredited program, and your license will not be recognized.
Community colleges in your area almost certainly offer ADN programs. Call the admissions office or visit their website to ask about prerequisites (usually high school algebra, biology, and chemistry or their equivalents), process important date, and tuition costs. Many community colleges have rolling admissions, meaning they accept students throughout the year until spots fill up.
Universities offer BSN programs; search your state's university system website for nursing schools. Universities typically have earlier process important date and more competitive admissions, so plan ahead. Some programs require a minimum GPA or specific test scores (like the SAT or ACT), though many community colleges do not.
Before you enroll, confirm the program is accredited and ask about job placement rates for graduates. Programs should tell you what percentage of their graduates pass the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt—a strong program has a pass rate above 85 percent.
Prerequisites and What to Expect in Nursing School
Most nursing programs require you to complete prerequisite courses before you start the nursing classes themselves. These usually include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and sometimes psychology or statistics. You can take these at a community college, and they often transfer to universities if you later decide to pursue a BSN.
Once you are admitted to the nursing program, expect a heavy workload. Nursing school combines classroom lectures, lab work where you practice skills on mannequins, and clinical rotations where you work alongside nurses in real hospitals and clinics. Clinical rotations happen in your second year (for ADN) or third and fourth years (for BSN), and they are where you learn to care for actual patients under supervision.
Most programs require you to maintain a minimum GPA (often 2.5 or 3.0) to stay enrolled. If you fail a nursing course, you usually must retake it, which delays graduation. Plan on studying 20 to 30 hours per week outside of class and clinical time.
Preparing for and Passing the NCLEX-RN Exam
The NCLEX-RN is a computerized test administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers across the country. You take it after you graduate from your nursing program. The test has between 75 and 265 questions (the computer adapts based on your answers) and takes up to six hours. You must pass it to become a licensed registered nurse.
Your nursing program prepares you for this exam throughout your coursework. In the months before graduation, many students use review books and practice tests to study. Popular resources include NCLEX review courses (offered by companies like Kaplan and ATI), practice question banks, and study groups with classmates.
After graduation, you submit your process to your state's Board of Nursing, which verifies your education and clears you to take the exam. This usually takes two to four weeks. Once cleared, you can schedule your test date. Most graduates take the exam within one to three months of graduation.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it. Your state's Board of Nursing sets rules on how soon you can test again (usually after 24 hours) and how many times you can attempt it. Most states allow unlimited retakes, but some cap the number.
Paying for Nursing School
Nursing school costs vary widely. Community college ADN programs typically cost $5,000 to $15,000 total for tuition and fees. University BSN programs usually cost $20,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on whether it is a public or private school and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student.
Federal student loans are available to nursing students. You fill out the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what you may have access to for. Loans must be repaid after graduation, but they have lower interest rates than private loans and offer income-based repayment options if you struggle to pay them back.
Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness if you work for them after graduation. Hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies sometimes have these programs. Ask about them when you interview for jobs.
Scholarships for nursing students exist through professional organizations, foundations, and individual schools. Search the National League for Nursing website and your state's nursing association for scholarship opportunities. Many require you to commit to working in underserved areas or specific settings after graduation.
Working as a CNA While You Study
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare worker who helps nurses with patient care—bathing, dressing, moving, and monitoring patients. Becoming a CNA takes four to twelve weeks and costs $500 to $2,000. You take a short course, pass a written test, and pass a skills test, then you are certified.
Working as a CNA while you are in nursing school gives you real healthcare experience, helps you decide if nursing is right for you, and pays for some of your tuition. CNA wages vary by state and employer, but typically range from $12 to $18 per hour. Many nursing students work part-time as CNAs during school and full-time during breaks.
Hospitals and nursing homes actively hire CNAs and often prefer to hire from within when CNA positions open up for nursing roles. Working as a CNA also builds your resume and gives you references for nursing jobs after graduation.
Your First Nursing Job After Licensure
Once you pass the NCLEX-RN and receive your license, you can work as a registered nurse. Most new graduates start in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or home health agencies. Hospitals often have new graduate residency programs that pair you with an experienced nurse mentor for three to six months, which eases the transition from student to working nurse.
Your first job does not have to be your forever job. Many new nurses work in hospitals for a few years to build skills and experience, then move to clinics, schools, or other settings. Some go back to school for a BSN or a specialty certification while working.
Starting salaries for registered nurses vary by location, employer, and setting. Urban hospitals and specialty units typically pay more than rural clinics or nursing homes. Your state's Board of Nursing website lists all licensed nurses, so employers can verify your license when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a nurse without going to college?
No. You must complete an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN. There is no shortcut to a nursing license. You can work as a CNA without a degree, but that is not the same as being a nurse.
How long does it take to become a nurse after high school?
A two-year ADN program takes two years of full-time study, plus a few months to pass the licensing exam. A four-year BSN takes four years. If you work while studying or attend part-time, it takes longer. Many students also spend time completing prerequisites before the nursing program starts.
What if I do not pass the NCLEX-RN on my first try?
You can retake it. Most states allow you to test again after 24 hours. Many graduates who fail the first time pass on the second or third attempt. Your nursing program and review courses can help you identify weak areas and study differently the next time.
Do I need a bachelor's degree to start nursing school?
No. You need a high school diploma or GED and completion of prerequisite courses (anatomy, chemistry, biology, etc.). You do not need a four-year degree first. Many people go straight from high school to a community college ADN program.
Can I work while I am in nursing school?
Yes, many students work part-time, especially as CNAs. Working full-time while in a nursing program is difficult because of the heavy course load and clinical hours, but some students do it. Talk to your program advisor about what is realistic for your situation.