The Complete Guide to a Career in Nursing
If you’re wondering whether nursing is right for you, the first step is understanding the path ahead, from education and training to licensure. Carrington College’s School of Nursing offers several educational programs, and this guide can help you find your best fit. Let’s break down the different levels of nursing, what to expect from nursing curriculum, and how to get started in the healthcare field.
Nursing Career Paths by Education Level
Not all nursing careers follow the same path, and that’s part of what makes the field so flexible. Different programs allow you to choose an entry point that fits your goals today, while keeping options open for where you want to go next.
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN)
One of the fastest ways to enter the field, this role focuses on providing basic patient care while working under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. Licensed practical and vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) are the same role (1), with the title varying by state. Entry into the field is typically through an approved practical or vocational nursing program. (1) - Registered Nurses (RN)
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals. They may also supervise practical and vocational nurses. RNs typically hold either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). (2) For those starting as an LPN or LVN, a nursing bridge program can provide a pathway to becoming an RN. - Bachelor’s-Prepared Nurses (BSN)
BSN-prepared nurses are registered nurses who have completed additional education in areas like leadership, research, and public health. This degree builds upon foundational clinical skills to prepare nurses for expanded responsibilities in patient care and healthcare coordination. (3)
No matter where you begin, each path can connect to future opportunities, whether that means continuing your education or exploring different roles over time.
For a closer look at roles, growth, and advancement, visit our Nursing Career Guide.
What Do Nurses Do?
Nurses are often the primary point of contact for patients, playing a key role in both day-to-day care and overall healthcare coordination. While responsibilities can vary by role, education level, and work setting, many of the core duties are consistent across the field.
Common responsibilities include: (2)
- Monitoring patients’ health, such as checking their blood pressure
- Administering basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters
- Providing for the basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress
- Discussing the care they are providing to patients and listening to their concerns
- Reporting patients’ status and concerns to registered nurses and doctors
- Keeping records on patients’ health
These responsibilities reflect the hands-on, detail-oriented nature of nursing, where both clinical knowledge and communication skills come together in patient care.
Why Nursing Is a Strong Career Choice
For many people, nursing can be a rewarding and practical path. It offers the opportunity to build real-world skills, grow professionally, and make a difference in people’s lives. If you’re considering this path, it helps to understand what the day-to-day experience can look like and where it may lead.
- Work Environments: Nurses may work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and community-based environments, depending on their role and experience. (2)
- Career Flexibility: One reason why nursing is a good career for many people is the variety of paths available. Nurses can take on different responsibilities, specialize in areas of care, or pursue additional education to expand their scope of practice over time. (2)
- Meaningful Work: For those exploring a career in nursing, the work itself is often a key factor. Nurses support patients directly, contribute to healthcare teams, and play an active role in day-to-day care. (2)
How to Become a Nurse
Becoming a nurse involves several key steps, from education to licensure.
Step 1: Complete an Approved Nursing Program
Enroll in a program designed to help you develop foundational knowledge and clinical skills. RNs can enter the field with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), while some choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). (2) For those already working as RNs, RN-to-BSN programs provide a way to continue their education.
Step 2: Pass the Licensing Exam
Graduates must pass the appropriate licensing exam (NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN). This will test general nursing knowledge and clinical judgment. (4)
Step 3: Obtain Your Nursing License
After passing the exam, you must apply for a nursing license through your state board of nursing. Check with your state board of nursing for specific requirements. (4)
If you’re wondering how long it takes to become a nurse, the answer depends on the path you choose, since program length varies by role, degree, and state requirements. Knowing what to expect at each step can help you move forward with confidence as you begin your nursing journey.
Nursing Curriculum & Coursework
No matter which path you choose, a nursing curriculum is designed to build both knowledge and real-world skills. Students typically learn through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
Practical/Vocational Nursing
This path focuses on the fundamentals of patient care. Coursework may include topics like basic nursing skills, vital signs monitoring, and supervised clinical practice in healthcare environments.
Learn more about the Practical Nursing program and Vocational Nursing program.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs expand on core nursing concepts and introduce more advanced topics. Students may study areas such as pharmacology and patient care planning, and gain experience through clinical rotations.
Learn more about the Registered Nursing program.
RN to BSN Options
For registered nurses looking to continue their education, RN to BSN programs build on existing knowledge with additional coursework in leadership, communication, and public health.
See the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Bridge Programs
Bridge programs are designed to support students moving from one level of nursing to another, such as from practical nursing to registered nursing, by building on prior education and experience.
Learn more about the Nursing Bridge program.
Licensing & Exams: NCLEX-PN vs NCLEX-RN
To practice legally, graduates must pass a licensing exam and obtain a nursing license.
- NCLEX-PN: The NCLEX-PN is required for practical or vocational nurses and focuses on foundational patient care.
- NCLEX-RN: The NCLEX-RN is required for registered nurses and covers broader clinical judgment and patient management.
The main difference comes down to the level of care you’re prepared to provide and the responsibilities you’ll take on in your nursing role. Licensing exams are administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (4)
What You’ll Learn in Nursing School
Nursing school is where knowledge and hands-on experience come together. As you move through your program, you’ll build a foundation that supports both patient care and day-to-day responsibilities in healthcare settings.
Along the way, you may study:
- Clinical patient care techniques
- Medical terminology used in healthcare environments
- Pharmacology fundamentals
- Ethics, safety, and patient-centered care
- Hands-on skills through supervised clinical experiences
These areas help you combine what you learn in the classroom with real-world application.
Find Carrington College Nursing Programs Near Me
If you’re ready to start your education in nursing or take the next step in your career, learn more about the different programs Carrington College has to offer or request more information.
- Offered at multiple locations in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Nevada
- Offered at locations in California
Nursing Bridge (LPN to RN bridge program)
- Offered in Idaho
Practical Nursing or Vocational Nursing
- Offered at four locations in Idaho, New Mexico, and California
Visit the School of Nursing to learn more.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Registered Nurses.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
- Carrington College. “Nursing Student Handbook (Volume IV).” https://docs.carrington.edu/handbooks/Nursing-Handbook-IV.pdf
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. “NCLEX Examinations (NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN).” https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.page
Last Updated:
May 6th, 2026
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