Licensed registered nurses (RN's) not only make up the largest occupation in the health care system. But due to their short supply and increasing demand, becoming a licensed RN can be a very rewarding career path. Just to give you an idea, the average salary of an entry level nurse in the United States is approximately $42,720, and depending on experience and training they can make upwards of $143,500.

While it's not necessary to have any medical experience, you will find that it can be very beneficial when you are first starting out in the program. It is however necessary to have a High School Diploma at least a 2.0 GPA, and excellent SAT and National League for Nursing Pre-exam (NLN PAX) score. Having high test and GPA scores will greatly increase your chances of getting accepted into the program of your choice, as nursing schools are beginning to fill up, and these programs are becoming more selective.

There are three main education paths to becoming a Registered Nurse; they are Associates in Nursing, a Diploma from an approved nursing program, and a Bachelors degree in Nursing.

The first level is the Associates in nursing; this is a two year program that is offered at many community and junior colleges. The second level is the diploma in nursing, which takes approximately three years and is offered at most junior colleges. In both cases, after you pass your state licensing boards you can practice in the medical field. The last level is obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, it takes approximately four years to complete and is offered at four year universities and colleges. Tuition varies greatly depending on whether you attend a private or public college; however Financial Aid is available to those who qualify as well as are scholarships.

Nurses can only work after they obtain their state nursing license. The basic one is called the licensed practical nurse (LPN) and can only be obtained after you pass the state administered exam known as the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).For those who are aiming for an RN or registered nursing license; you have to take the NCLEX-RN. This exam is also taken by those who are working towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Once you are a licensed RN, there are many choices of where you can work with varying environments. You may find yourself working in a hospital, nursing homes, pediatrics office, out-patient care, laboratory, ambulance or in an hospital administrative office. Most Registered Nurses work a full 40 hours per week, and may work an 8-hour day, afternoon or night shift. In some cases they may work extended shifts up to 10 - 12 hours. Additionally depending on what type of medical environment they work in, they may have to rotate shirts or work on weekends and holidays. Therefore it's important to be prepared to work flexible hours at least in the beginning and check with your employer prior to accepting and offer.