If you’re exploring a nursing career, one of the first things you’ll notice is that there isn’t just one way to get there.
Unlike many professions that follow a single academic track, nursing offers multiple entry points. That flexibility is part of what makes it such an attractive career, but it can also make the early decisions feel overwhelming.
Before you apply to programs or commit to a degree path, it helps to understand how nursing education works and how your first choice can influence future opportunities.
There’s More Than One Way to Become a Nurse
To practice as a registered nurse (RN), you’ll need two things: a nursing degree and a passing score on the NCLEX exam. But the type of degree you pursue can vary.
Most aspiring nurses choose between:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Often completed in about two years and offered through community colleges.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Typically a four-year program that includes additional coursework in leadership, research, and public health.
- Accelerated BSN programs – Designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to transition into nursing.
All of these routes can lead to RN licensure. The difference often comes down to timeline, long-term goals, and employer expectations.
Why the Degree Choice Matters
While an ADN can allow you to enter the workforce sooner, many healthcare employers increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses, especially in hospital settings. That doesn’t mean one path is “better.” It means your decision should align with where you want your nursing career to go.
Education in nursing is often layered. Many nurses begin with one degree and continue building from there, especially when there are many programs (online, in-person, and hybrid) that allow transitions like RN-to-BSN, LPN-to-RN, and CNA-to-RN. Understanding that from the start can help you make a strategic first move instead of a rushed one.
After Graduation: Licensure and the First Step Forward
Completing your degree is only part of launching a nursing career. You’ll also need to pass the NCLEX, the national licensure exam required to practice as an RN.
Once you pass and obtain state licensure, your professional journey truly begins, choosing a setting, exploring specialties, and gaining hands-on experience.
That first role won’t define your entire career. Nursing is known for its mobility. But your early decisions can influence how easily you pivot later.
Building a Nursing Career with Intention
One of the biggest misconceptions about nursing is that it’s a single decision followed by decades of repetition.
In reality, a nursing career evolves. Education leads to licensure. Licensure opens the door to specialties. Specialties can lead to certifications, advanced degrees, travel opportunities, leadership roles, and more.
Want the Bigger Picture?
Education is just the starting point. If you’re considering a nursing career or looking to take the next step, having a full roadmap can help you think beyond your first job and plan for long-term growth.
We’ve put together a comprehensive Nursing Career Guide that breaks down education pathways, licensure considerations, certifications, travel nursing opportunities, compensation insights, and strategies for maintaining work-life balance.
Download the Nursing Career Guide to explore the full path and start building your plan with confidence.
