12 Professional Certifications Required by Industry

4. Registered Nurse (RN License)

An RN license is required to practice nursing and must be issued by the state board of nursing where you work. Common educational paths include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); many employers now prefer BSNs. To obtain licensure, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Program length varies: ADN programs take about two to three years; BSN programs take four years; accelerated BSN options exist for those with prior degrees. Exam registration and licensing fees are modest compared with tuition, but total time-to-licensure depends on program length and exam scheduling. RNs must follow state renewal rules and often complete continuing education or practice hours to renew licenses. If you plan to practice in multiple states, consider the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) that allows multistate practice for eligible nurses. Next steps: choose an accredited nursing program, verify state board requirements, and schedule NCLEX registration. Source: NCSBN/state board of nursing (https://www.ncsbn.org). Suggested image and alt text: Nurse with stethoscope; alt text: "Registered nurse checking a patient's vitals."