Health & care

Registered nurse

Registered nurses coordinate and provide patient care, communicate with care teams, and educate patients and families. Work settings and specialties vary.

What the work can involve

On a typical day

  • Assess patient needs and document care
  • Coordinate with clinicians and support staff
  • Explain care plans and support patients

Possible settings

  • — Hospitals and clinics
  • — Community health organizations
  • — Schools, homes, and other care settings

Skills to explore

Clear, compassionate communication · Organization and attention to detail · Teamwork under changing conditions

Preparation

There may be more than one route

RNs generally complete an approved nursing education program and meet state licensure requirements, including an examination. Confirm requirements with the relevant state board.

Four-year collegeCommunity collegeWorkforce and employer training

Things to consider

  • Schedules can include nights, weekends, or holidays.
  • Education and licensure rules vary by state; confirm program approval and clinical requirements.

Explore related education paths

These are options to investigate, not required matches or recommendations.

Four-year college

A bachelor's degree combines in-depth study in a subject with general education. It can be required for some roles and useful for others, but it is one option among many.

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Community college

Community colleges may offer career certificates, associate degrees, transfer preparation, and flexible schedules. Programs differ by campus.

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Certificates and certifications

A certificate is usually awarded after completing education or training. A certification typically verifies skills against an industry or professional standard. Definitions and value vary.

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Find official training directories

These national search tools can help you find programs by location. They are directories, not school recommendations.

Nationwide directory

Search ACEN nursing programs

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Search nursing programs by location and program type, including associate and baccalaureate programs. Results may include accredited and candidate programs.

How to use it: Filter by state and program type, then confirm the specific campus and current program status with ACEN and the school.

Confirm before applying or enrolling: Accreditation is not the same as state-board approval. Confirm the program's approval and licensure eligibility with the board where you plan to work.

Source checked Nov 2, 2026

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Nationwide directory

Search CCNE-accredited programs

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Search accredited nursing programs by institution, state, and program. The directory covers baccalaureate and higher-degree programs, not associate degrees.

How to use it: Search by state or institution and select the program type you are considering.

Confirm before applying or enrolling: Accreditation does not replace state-board approval. Check the board's current requirements and confirm details with the school.

Source checked Nov 2, 2026

Open official directory

Nationwide directory

Find your state Board of Nursing

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

Find contact details for U.S. state and territorial nursing regulators.

How to use it: Choose the state where you plan to study or work and ask the regulator how to verify approved pre-licensure RN programs.

Confirm before applying or enrolling: This is a regulator contact directory, not a school or program search. Use the relevant board's current program list and licensure rules.

Source checked Nov 2, 2026

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