In 2022, 20,172—mainly female, at 85%—newly enrolled students made the career choice to become a Registered Nurse (RN). To become an RN, you must first obtain a high school diploma or GED, then complete an approved nursing program—either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Afterward, passing the NCLEX-RN exam is essential to gain the license to practice.
Registered Nursing school involves a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practice, covering subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care. Graduates must continue their education to maintain licensure and keep up with medical advancements. Goodwin University offers accredited nursing programs with strong NCLEX-RN pass rates, hands-on experience, and flexible scheduling to support your journey in the nursing profession.
Goodwin University prepares students for successful nursing careers with dedicated faculty and modern facilities.
Learn about the Registered Nursing School through Goodwin University.
What education is needed to become an RN?
To become an RN, you’ll first need your high school diploma or GED. Then, you’ll apply, enroll in, and complete an approved nursing program. This could be either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program; more on the differences between the two below.
Finally, there’s a test to pass. All prospective RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain state licensure to practice. After this is acquired, new nurses are ready to find jobs in the ever-expanding healthcare industry and put their skills to use!
But, an RN’s education is never truly complete. Nurses must engage in continuing education to maintain their licensure and stay updated on the latest medical practices and advancements. This ongoing education is crucial for providing high-quality patient care and meeting the evolving standards of the healthcare industry. Some nurses pursue advanced certifications or higher degrees like a Master’s in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Goodwin University’s nursing programs, with strong NCLEX-RN pass rates and excellent clinical training, emphasize hands-on experience, personalized support, and flexible scheduling.
How long is RN school?
The short answer? It depends—because the length of RN school varies depending on the program chosen and what degree you pursue. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) typically takes 2-3 years to complete, providing a quicker path to entering the nursing profession. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) usually takes four years, offering a more comprehensive education and potentially more career opportunities.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may consider an accelerated BSN program, which can be completed in as little as 12-18 months.
But there’s still one more hurdle before entering the workforce. After finishing a program, you’ll want to account for additional time to study for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is necessary for licensure. This study period can vary, but generally, recent RN graduates prepare for several weeks to a few months before sitting for the exam. Once the exam is passed, obtaining state licensure is the final step before officially beginning a career as a Registered Nurse.
What to expect in Registered Nursing school
In Registered Nursing (RN) school, students engage in classroom learning and clinical practice, studying anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and patient care techniques, to name a few, and not just in the classroom. While classroom teaching provides the fundamental knowledge required for nursing practice, it’s crucial to balance clinical rotations in healthcare settings to offer students hands-on experience with patients under the supervision of experienced nurses and teachers.
These rotations cover numerous nursing specialties, including community health, obstetric, pediatric, psychiatric, and medical-surgical nursing. The program also includes simulations and lab work, where students can practice patient care techniques in a controlled environment, helping them develop critical thinking and clinical skills.
With this blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world experience, students are prepared for both the NCLEX-RN exam and the nursing profession. The challenging coursework requires dedication, efficient time management, and practical stress management skills. Students must be proactive in their studies to succeed in the program and future nursing careers.
What happens after nursing school?
As mentioned, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam immediately after nursing school to become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs). Once licensed, they can seek employment in various interesting healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. It’s also common for many newly Registered Nurses to begin with an extended orientation in their first position or additional training to transition into their professions.
Of course, a nurse is never finished improving their skill set. To keep up with medical advances and licensure current, nurses must pursue continuing education. Some RNs choose to further specialize by pursuing advanced certifications or higher degrees in nursing, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), to advance their careers and take on leadership roles.
What is the best school for RNs?
There are many excellent, high-quality nursing programs across the U.S. There’s no best school for everyone; you only have to choose what works best for you.
However, the best Registered Nursing programs have a few things in common. Look for a degree from an accredited university that offers certified nursing programs with a stellar track record of clinical training opportunities and high NCLEX-RN pass rates. You’ll also want to ensure you’ll gain hands-on experience in actual healthcare settings by choosing a program that emphasizes the importance of and provides opportunities for hands-on experience through lengthy clinical rotations.
Furthermore, you may seek flexible scheduling alternatives, such as evening and weekend programs, to help manage additional responsibilities or work.
Goodwin University successfully trains students for successful nursing jobs with its committed professors, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedication to student achievement.
Interested in exploring RN school in Connecticut?
Becoming a Registered Nurse can be a fulfilling and meaningful professional path with many opportunities to transform the healthcare system. For those who want to become Registered Nurses, it is essential to comprehend the educational route, the length of nursing programs, and what to anticipate while in nursing school. Plus, you’ll need to keep your license current and advance in your career, complete post-graduation coursework, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and participate in continuing education.
If this sounds like a path worth exploring, we’d love to offer more information. Goodwin University is a top-notch nursing school that offers robust academic programs, practical clinical experience, individualized support, and flexible scheduling. With cutting-edge facilities and committed instructors, Goodwin gives students the tools they need to succeed in nursing jobs.