---
title: How Do You Become a Registered Nurse?
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/how-do-you-become-a-registered-nurse/"
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date_published: 2025-12-18
date_modified: 2025-12-31
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language: en-US
word_count: 574
reading_time: 3 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/how-do-you-become-a-registered-nurse/"
featured_image: "https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Student-Studying-for-BSN-Degree.webp"
---

# How Do You Become a Registered Nurse?

![](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/assets/svg/hero-bars.svg)

# How Do You Become a Registered Nurse?

To become a registered nurse, you need to complete three steps: earn your
nursing degree, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and apply for your state license.

## The Three Steps:

- Earn a nursing degree from a Board of Nursing-approved program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- Apply for an RN license in your state

### Earn Your Nursing Degree

Your first step is earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a program
approved by your state’s Board of Nursing. A BSN prepares you for the full scope
of nursing practice and opens more career opportunities—many employers prefer or
require it, especially Magnet hospitals known for nursing excellence.

At our campuses, you can earn your BSN in just three years. Our program combines
classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical experiences to give you the
skills you need for your nursing career.

### Pass the NCLEX-RN

After graduation, you’ll take the NCLEX-RN, a national exam that tests your
nursing competency and readiness to practice safely. Passing this exam is
required to receive your RN license.

![How to Become a Registered Nurse](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Student-Studying-for-BSN-Degree.webp?w=1024)

At Arizona College of Nursing, we
[prepare you for the NCLEX-RN from day one](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/nclex-exam-prep/)
. Our instructors introduce NCLEX-RN-style questions and clinical judgment
throughout the curriculum to help you get comfortable with the exam format. In
your final year, you’ll take our Professional Seminar course, where our
experienced instructors work with ATI educators to offer you clear strategies
and guidance for passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

### Apply for Your License

Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, you’ll apply for your RN license through your state.
You’ll need your official transcripts, background information, NCLEX-RN exam
information, and an application fee. Visit your state’s website for complete
application details.

## Request Information To Speak With An Advisor Today

##  Campus Specific FAQs

[AZ – Phoenix](https://arizonacollege.edu/phoenix-nursing-school/faq/)

[AZ – Tempe](https://arizonacollege.edu/tempe-nursing-school/faq/)

[AZ – Tucson](https://arizonacollege.edu/tucson-nursing-school/)

[CA – Ontario](https://arizonacollege.edu/ontario-nursing-school/faq/)

[CO – Aurora](https://arizonacollege.edu/aurora-colorado-nursing-school/faq/)

[CT – Hartford](https://arizonacollege.edu/hartford-nursing-school/faq/)

[FL – Fort Lauderdale](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/faq/)

[FL – Melbourne](https://arizonacollege.edu/melbourne-nursing-school/faq/)

[FL – Sarasota](https://arizonacollege.edu/sarasota-nursing-school/faq/)

[FL – Tampa](https://arizonacollege.edu/tampa-nursing-school/faq/)

[MI – Southfield](https://arizonacollege.edu/southfield-michigan-nursing-school/faq/)

[MO – St. Louis](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/faq/)

[NV – Las Vegas](https://arizonacollege.edu/las-vegas-nursing-school/faq/)

[OH – Cincinnati](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/faq/)

[OH – Cleveland](https://arizonacollege.edu/cleveland-nursing-school/faq/)

[OH – Columbus](https://arizonacollege.edu/columbus-nursing-school/faq/)

[SC – Greenville](https://arizonacollege.edu/greenville-nursing-school/faq/)

[TX – Dallas](https://arizonacollege.edu/dallas-nursing-school/faq/)

[TX – Fort Worth](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-worth-nursing-school/faq/)

[UT – Salt Lake City](https://arizonacollege.edu/salt-lake-city-utah-nursing-school/faq/)

[VA – Chesapeake](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/faq/)

[VA – Falls Church](https://arizonacollege.edu/falls-church-nursing-school/faq/)

[WI – Milwaukee](https://arizonacollege.edu/milwaukee-nursing-school/faq/)