Steps to Becoming a Nurse After High School
Nursing is a high-demand career field. While it requires a certain level of education and training, beginning a career in Registered Nursing does not mean several more years of college and an extensive residency before entering the field.
RNs can begin in their career field with an associate’s degree, so it can be a great way to enter the medical field after high school.
How to become a nurse
Step 1: Enroll in an accredited nursing school. Choose a program that is both accredited and has been approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. HCI’s nursing program meets all of the standards and requirements for a quality nursing education. The program takes between 20-24 months to complete.
With a combination of lectures, labs and clinicals, as well as actual hospital and medical facility experience, the nursing student will be well-prepared for the next steps in becoming a nurse.
Step 2: Take and pass the National Council Licensing Exam-Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). You have to pass this exam in order to qualify to become a Registered Nurse. This tests the knowledge that you acquired through your training program.
Step 3: Get licensed in your state. After you pass the NCLEX-RN, you can obtain a Florida license to practice as an RN. The Florida Board of Nursing has an online portal for applying for the credential.
Step 4: Apply for RN jobs and get hired. Once you have become licensed as an RN, you are able to apply for jobs at hospitals and medical facilities. Perhaps you made some connections while you were in college and kept up with those connections throughout the process. Networking can be a great way to find a new job.
Nurses must keep up with their training and licensing after getting hired. Medical information is updated all of the time, and it is the responsibility of the medical community to always be up-to-date on the latest science and technology related to medical care. Patients count on their nurses and doctors to care for them.
Learn more about becoming an RN
You can train to become a Registered Nurse after high school graduation. Learn more about HCI’s Associate of Science in Nursing by visiting us online or requesting more information.
