EIU Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Becoming a Registered Nurse

There are many educational pathways to becoming a nurse.

1. Associate Degree in Nursing- 2 years Community College Next take licensure exam and become a registered nurse.

Then complete a registered nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science (BSN) in nursing (RN-BSN).

2. 2+2 Program- Take two years of pre-requisites at a community college or another University.

Next transfer to a nursing program for the last two years and graduate with a BSN. Then take exam to become a registered nurse.

3. Traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in nursing. Start at a four year college as a freshman and complete all prerequisites and nursing classes at the college. Graduate with a BSN. Next take licensure exam and become a registered nurse.
4. Obtain a Bachelor of Science in another major. Then complete an accelerated BSN program. These programs are approximately 16-24 months. Graduate with a BSN. Next take licensure exam and become a registered nurse.

Registered nurses must have a BSN before they can pursue a Master’s degree in nursing (MSN).

Potential Master’s degrees: Nurse Educator; Nurse Administrator; Nurse Anesthetist; Nurse Practitioner; Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner; Nurse Midwife; Clinical Nurse Specialist.