Many employers require that you have your BSN to be hired as an RN.

Once you receive your nursing diploma or degree, you must take the National Council Licensing Exam – Registered Nurse. You must pass this exam in order to become licensed to provide nursing care in your state.

Many people with a degree in nursing choose to pursue additional study so that they can become specialized in a specific field of nursing. Often you receive a certificate or a graduate degree. Specializations include nurse midwifery, nurse practitioner, surgery, and geriatrics.

Several schools have accelerated nursing programs for people who have bachelor's degrees in a field other than nursing. Programs are also available for people who are LPNs but do not have their bachelor's degree.

Many programs require you to have insurance, be immunized, and know CPR before you begin clinical rotations.

Most people who get a master's degree in nursing choose to become certified. Requirements vary by specialty, but typically, you must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass an exam.

Many graduate-level nursing programs are offered part-time, with day and evening classes. Online options are also increasingly common.