Becoming a Flight Nurse: Requirements & Timeline

The time it takes to become a flight nurse can vary depending on individual circumstances, but here's a general overview:

1. Education: You will need to have a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited college or university. Some flight nursing programs may require additional coursework or a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree.

2. Nursing Licensure: You must obtain your registered nurse (RN) license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

3. Critical Care Experience: Gain critical care experience by working in a critical care setting, such as an intensive care unit (ICU), emergency department, or trauma unit. Typically, two years of critical care experience is recommended before applying to a flight nursing program.

4. Flight Nursing Education: Once you meet the critical care experience requirement, you can apply to a flight nursing education program. These programs usually last 12-18 months and include classroom education, clinical training, and flight simulation. Some flight nursing programs are offered through hospitals, while others are offered through community colleges or universities.

5. Certification: After completing the flight nursing education program, you must pass a certification exam to become a certified flight nurse (CFN). The exam is administered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).

In summary, it typically takes several years to become a flight nurse, including obtaining a bachelor's degree in nursing, gaining critical care experience, completing a flight nursing education program, and passing the certification exam.