2. Pass the NCLEX Exam

once you ’ ve completed your degree, the adjacent footstep is to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, differently known as the NCLEX or NCLEX-RN .
The NCLEX is designed to test your cognition in key areas of the field of nursing to ensure that you are prepared for the challenges of the occupation. In order to obtain your submit license, you will need to pass the examination. If you don ’ metric ton excrete the NCLEX the beginning fourth dimension you take it, you will need to wait 45 days before you can take it again .
“ When you ‘re exploring harbor programs, first gear and foremost, you want to see what the broadcast ’ s NCLEX pas rate is, ” says Donna Glynn, PhD, RN, ANP, and associate dean of pre-licensure nursing at Regis College, notes. “ That data is available throughout the country at each individual express dining table of nurse. ”
Some colleges will besides publish this information right on their websites. For exercise, you can see data about Regis College ’ second NCLEX fall rate here.

“ Another thing you want to ask the course of study that ‘s preparing you as an RN is what resources they use to ensure achiever on the NCLEX, ” says Glynn. “ There are many specific platforms that the schools can use that aid bolster success. ”

3. Obtain State Licensure

After you ’ ve successfully passed the NCLEX, you ’ ll need to obtain a nurse license in the express that you wish to exercise in. If you live in a margin area or would otherwise like to work in multiple states, you will need to obtain a license from each country, unless the states specifically honor the license of those other jurisdictions.

Each state will have its own unique requirements, so be indisputable to check with the appropriate board. For example, you can learn more about becoming an RN in Massachusetts hera.

4. Seek Advanced Training (optional)

once you have received your state license, you will officially be a registered nurse. Congratulations ! That does not mean, however, that your journey has to be over. There are a overplus of unlike opportunities to advance within your career .
One route you may decide to take is to earn a nurse authentication that signifies your ability in a specific playing field. Some popular options include geriatrics, oncology, neonatal, pediatrics, and more. Earning these certifications can help you increase your wage and entreaty to a across-the-board scope of employers .
similarly, you might choose to pursue an advanced degree in order to become a breastfeed practitioner or clinical nanny leader. Achieving these goals will typically require earning either your master ’ s degree in breastfeed ( MSN ) or Doctorate of Nursing Practice ( DNP ). Each of these can come with a significant boost in pay .