Since jobs in traditional hospital nursing positions are no longer the only option, R.N.'s will need to be flexible. Opportunities will be best for nurses with advanced training. In all States, students must graduate from an accredited nursing school and pass a national licensing examination to obtain a nursing license. Nurses may be licensed in more than one State, either by examination or endorsement of a license issued by another State. Licenses must be periodically renewed.
Some States require continuing education for licensure renewal.
In 1993, there were 1,493 entry level R.N. programs. A.D.N. programs, offered by community and junior colleges, take about 2 years. About two-thirds of graduates in 1993 were from A.D.N. programs. B.S.N. programs, offered by colleges and universities, take 4 or 5 years. More than one-quarter of graduates in 1993 were from these programs.