If you want to become a nurse, you may be wondering how long it will take to achieve your goal. You'll need to take certain steps to get there, and your timeline will vary depending on your choices. At Barton College, we are here to support our students in their chosen career path. Here's what you need to know to get your North Carolina nursing license.
How long does it take to become a nurse in North Carolina?
Nurses are in high demand, and as the population ages, that demand will continue to increase. If you are interested in a career as a nurse, why not take this opportunity to take the plunge? Naturally, you should consider how much time you need to invest before committing. How long does it take?
This question is a little more complicated than it seems. The short answer is that it will take two to four years, but we need more detailed information to get a complete answer.
Every state has requirements, but no matter where you go, becoming a registered nurse (RN) requires earning a nursing degree, passing a state exam, and completing a background check. In North Carolina, the required degree is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Typically, it takes her two years to complete her ADN, while it takes her four years to complete her BSN.
What do I need to do to become an RN?
The first step toward obtaining your nursing license is choosing the program that is best for you. Can you participate full-time or do you need a part-time schedule? Of course, working part-time will slow down the process. Barton College offers flexible schedules and online classes to help you incorporate learning into your life.
Once you have chosen a university, you need to decide which degree you will pursue. The two degrees differ in many ways other than the length of study, which we'll explain in a bit.
Once you have earned your degree, there are several important tasks that must be addressed before you receive your license. Here's what you need to do:
- Register and apply for a nursing license on the North Carolina Board of Nursing website.
- NCLEX-RN Exam Registration and Payment
- Complete a criminal background check
- Once you are approved to take the NCLEX exam, register for your exam date and complete your exam.
- If you pass, you should receive your license within 5 days.
It typically takes about three months to complete these steps after receiving your degree.
What degree do I need to become an RN?
At first glance, choosing ADN seems like the best choice, especially if you are looking to jump-start your career. Depending on your goals, this could be the right degree plan for you. ADNs primarily focus on developing technical and practical clinical skills such as patient care and monitoring.
The BSN, on the other hand, also delves into in-depth knowledge of nursing theory, management, and other areas of nursing. The differences between the two degrees also result in different job opportunities after graduation. Nurses with a BSN can often take on patient care as well as teaching and case management roles. Nurses with ADN have more limited careers. They typically work in direct patient care in settings such as hospitals, assisted living communities, home health care, and outpatient centers.
Ask us about our nursing program!
Barton University offers a BSN program for students who are pursuing a nursing license as well as those who already have a nursing license. We provide thorough training, so you can start your career as a nurse with peace of mind. If you would like to learn more about our program and how it works, please contact us today.
Image source: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
