How to Become a Nurse in 4 Steps

Few careers are as rewarding, versatile, and essential as nursing. Nurses provide compassionate, hands-on care in various specialties and settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and communities. They are often the first point of contact for patients and play a vital role in improving health outcomes, supporting families, and educating communities.

If you have ever felt called to a career that blends science and service, nursing may be the fit for you.

Whether starting your professional journey or considering a career change, this guide will walk you through how to become a nurse in four steps, what to expect from a nursing program, and how to choose a specialty that aligns with your interests.

Why Should You Pursue Nursing?

Nursing is a profession built on purpose, where you can experience:

• Meaningful impact: Every shift brings opportunities to comfort patients, advocate for families, and change lives.
• Career flexibility: Nurses can work in hospitals, schools, clinics, home health, or specialized care units.
• Professional growth: With advanced degrees and certifications, nurses can move into leadership, education, or advanced practice roles, such as a nurse practitioner.

For those seeking a career where compassion meets critical skill, nursing delivers.

Becoming a Nurse in Arizona-And Beyond

If you are interested in becoming a nurse in Arizona-or anywhere in the U.S., for that matter-the path involves education, licensure, and ongoing growth. Below, we break it down into four clear steps.

1. Earn Your Nursing Degree

Your nursing journey begins with education. Most aspiring nurses pursue one of two pathways:¹

• Associate degree in nursing (ADN): This degree takes two years and prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN): This four-year degree offers a more comprehensive education, including leadership, research, and public health coursework. Importantly, many employers prefer or require a BSN for entry-level nursing positions.

Typical coursework blends classroom study with clinical rotations. You will study anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and patient care fundamentals while gaining hands-on experience in hospitals and community health settings.

2. Pass the NCLEX Exam

Once you have completed your nursing degree, the next step is passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)². This standardized exam tests your knowledge of safe, effective nursing practice, from patient care to medication management.

The NCLEX is computer-adaptive, meaning the number and difficulty of questions adjust based on your responses. Preparation is key-many nursing programs provide review courses, and additional study resources are widely available.

3. Obtain Your State License

After passing the NCLEX, you will need to apply for a nursing license in your state of practice. In Arizona, the Arizona State Board of Nursing manages this process. Requirements typically include:

• A completed application and fee
• Verification of your nursing degree
• Background checks and fingerprinting
• Proof of passing the NCLEX exam

Once licensed, you can begin working as a registered nurse (RN). Keep in mind that you have to maintain licensure through continuing education credits and periodic renewals.

4. Seek Further Training (If Desired)

Nursing is a lifelong learning profession. While many nurses enter the workforce after earning an RN license, others choose to pursue advanced credentials or degrees.

Some options include:

• Specialty certifications in areas like oncology, pediatrics, critical care, or mental health.
• Advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioner (NP) or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), require a graduate-level education.
• Leadership and education roles, where you can guide the next generation of nurses or manage clinical teams.

Whether you seek advancement or remain in direct patient care, the ability to grow and specialize makes nursing a uniquely flexible career.

Nursing Programs

What to Expect in a Nursing Program

Nursing school is both challenging and rewarding. Programs combine classroom instruction with clinical rotations to prepare students for real-world patient care.

• Classroom learning: You will build a foundation in anatomy, physiology, and nursing theory, while also exploring pharmacology, ethics, and evidence-based practice.
• Clinical experiences: These supervised rotations allow you to practice skills in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. You may assist in maternity wards, emergency rooms, or primary care clinics.
• Skills labs: Nursing students spend time in simulation labs, where they practice everything from inserting IVs to communicating with patients before working in real clinical environments.

Ultimately, nursing programs are designed to challenge you intellectually and emotionally while preparing you to step confidently into a patient care role.

Common Challenges in Nursing School

While nursing school is an incredible accomplishment, it is not without obstacles. Common challenges include:

• Time management: Balancing coursework, clinical hours, and personal responsibilities requires careful planning.
• Stress and burnout: The pace of nursing programs can be intense. Prioritizing self-care, exercise, and mental health support can help you stay resilient.
• Imposter syndrome: Many students doubt their abilities in the face of high expectations. Remember that growth takes time, and leaning on peers can provide encouragement.

To overcome these challenges, build (and rely on) a strong support network of classmates, faculty, and professional mentors.

Popular Nursing Specialties You Can Explore

Once you become an RN, you can branch into specialties that align with your interests and strengths. Common nursing specialties include:

• Pediatric nursing: Caring for infants, children, and adolescents.
• Oncology nursing: Supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment.
• Critical care nursing: Working with patients in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Mental health nursing: Helping patients manage psychiatric and emotional health challenges.
• Family practice nursing: Providing holistic care across all ages in outpatient clinics.

Start Your Nursing Journey at Alliant

Nursing is more than a profession. It is also a calling to care, to lead, and to make a difference every single day.

At Alliant, we are here to help you take the next step. With flexible programs, experienced faculty, and a strong focus on preparing practice-ready graduates, we provide the tools and support you need to succeed in nursing school and beyond.

If you are ready to begin your journey, we are ready to guide you.

Sources:

1. Carlton, Genevieve, Ph.D. "Types of Nursing Degrees and Levels." NurseJournal.org. Updated July 9, 2025. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://nursejournal.org/degrees/types-of-nursing-degrees/.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. NCLEX. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://www.nclex.com/

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