3 Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse

Becoming a Registered Nurse makes a difference in hospitals, clinics, long-term care centers, and medical offices across the world. Registered Nurses (RNs) play a critical role in patient care, working closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to deliver essential medical services to people in every stage of life. Whether providing bedside care in a hospital, offering community health education, or assisting in outpatient procedures, RNs are the heart of the healthcare system.

The demand for Registered Nurses continues to grow. According to national labor projections, there will be a steady increase in nursing job openings over the next decade. This growing need is driven by an aging population, advances in medical technology, and a greater emphasis on preventive care. If you are considering a career that offers job stability, personal fulfillment, and the chance to make a real impact on others' lives, becoming a Registered Nurse could be the right path for you.

Are you thinking about becoming a nurse? Follow these three essential steps to start your journey toward becoming a Registered Nurse.

1. Apply to a Nursing Program

Becoming a Registered Nurse starts with meeting the educational and training requirements mandated by the Florida Board of Nursing. Before the state will issue your nursing license, you must complete a formal nursing education program that prepares you for the responsibilities of the role.

SABER College offers a fully accredited Professional Nursing Program (PNP) designed to give students the comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in this field. The PNP curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, from anatomy and physiology to pharmacology and patient care techniques. You will also develop essential soft skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and teamwork, all of which are necessary for a successful nursing career.

To apply to SABER College, you must have either a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate. All applicants are required to demonstrate college readiness by taking the Kaplan Admission Test. Alternatively, acceptable scores from the ACT, SAT, or HESI A2 Exam can be submitted.

In addition to educational prerequisites, applicants must participate in both a written and oral interview conducted by the Program Team. These interviews help the faculty assess your motivation, communication skills, and readiness for the challenges of nursing education.

Other admissions requirements include submitting an official application, providing one letter of recommendation, completing a criminal background check, and presenting proof of current CPR certification from the American Heart Association. These steps ensure that all incoming students meet professional and ethical standards.

For more details about admissions, visit the SABER College RN admissions page or contact the Admissions Office.

2. Graduate from the Professional Nursing Program

The next major milestone in becoming a Registered Nurse is successfully graduating from the Professional Nursing Program at SABER College. The PNP consists of 82 college credit hours (equivalent to 1,875 clock hours) and is structured to deliver both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experience.

Throughout the program, you will take general education courses that lay a solid academic foundation. Subjects like English composition and mathematics help build essential communication and problem-solving skills, while science courses provide a thorough understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.

The heart of the program focuses on nursing core courses. These classes cover vital topics such as medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child health, mental health nursing, and community health nursing. Laboratory simulations and real-world clinical experiences are integrated into the curriculum, giving students the opportunity to practice their skills in a supervised, supportive environment.

By the time you complete the PNP, you will have gained the confidence and competence needed to work effectively with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. You will also be prepared to function in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and community health organizations.

Graduating from an accredited program like SABER College’s PNP is a crucial step on your path to becoming a Registered Nurse.

3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

The final and most critical step before becoming a Registered Nurse is passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized exam assesses your knowledge, skills, and ability to perform safely and effectively as an entry-level RN.

The NCLEX-RN covers four main categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity. The exam uses a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) format, meaning the difficulty level of each question adjusts based on your performance.

SABER College’s Professional Nursing Program is designed to fully prepare students for the NCLEX-RN. Throughout the program, you will participate in review sessions, practice exams, and test-taking strategy workshops to ensure you are ready for the licensing process.

Once you have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN and completed all necessary background and application requirements, you will be eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Florida.

With your nursing license in hand, you can start applying for RN positions and begin making a positive impact in the healthcare field.

Start Your Journey Today

Becoming a Registered Nurse requires dedication, education, and commitment, but the rewards are well worth the effort. From the classroom to clinical practice, SABER College is here to support you every step of the way. If you are ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling nursing career, we invite you to explore the Professional Nursing Program and start your application process today.

For more information about becoming a Registered Nurse through SABER College, visit our website or speak with an Admissions Advisor.