What type of experience is required prior to becoming a registered nurse?

Prior to becoming a registered nurse (RN), aspiring nurses must:

- Complete an accredited nursing program:

Nursing programs may be found at community colleges, technical schools, four-year universities, and hospital-based schools of nursing. These programs can be associate degree programs (usually lasting 2 years) which award an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree OR four-year programs granting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

- Obtain Licensure:

Upon successful completion of a nursing program, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain an RN license according to state guidelines to legally practice nursing within their respective state(s).

While nursing experience isn't mandatory before licensure - some jurisdictions or nursing positions may prefer licensed candidates to have had certain levels of real-world experience through work as an "RN under supervision" prior to full licensure - RNs gain hands-on clinical learning under an experienced practitioner and guidance with clinical instructors (depending on jurisdiction - in the US these are commonly nursing preceptors with extensive hospital nursing experience) while attending their nursing program, with clinical rotation time within healthcare institutions building experience working with and across teams as part of their curriculum throughout their course of study.