How do I become an RN

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OK i'm a male and very excited to switch careers. I'm currently in college working on my Associates degree for teaching and then to xfer to a four college. I have changed my mind though. I want to be an RN and then eventually a CRNA. Now to become an RN what schools in NJ do I go to and how long? Does it matter if I get a 2 or 4 year degree to start moneywise? I want to start as soon as possible making good money doing a rewarding career and then continue school for my CRNA. I need a list of schools in NJ besides my community college and schools in Houston for RN and CRNA degrees. I would like to know salary information as well and work weeks....do they limit the number of hours and days I can work just starting out?

Thank you for all of the information but I really need to know as I know nothing about this field.

Thank you nessajune21...all this information is very helpful. So in my state of NJ I can obtain a RN Associates in my community school and then I guess take a state license or do I have to go to another school like UMDNJ?

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Specializes in CVICU, Burns, Trauma, BMT, Infection control.

You get your license after you pass the boards after you get your ASN, then practice as a RN in the ICU for several years then go to school to get you CRNA. It takes a while.

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You could either:

- Get an ASN, work in ICU WHILE obtaining your BSN, and then apply to CRNA

OR

- Go straight for the BSN and then work in the ICU for the recommended time, and then apply to CRNA

*You generally must have the BSN to get into CRNA school*

If you chose to get the ASN, you will take the NCLEX after graduation to become an RN. If you chose to go back to school afterward, there are RN-BSN programs. You will not have to retake the NCLEX or any other formal testing because you will already be an RN.

I recommend Googling to find RN-BSN programs. Contact those advisors to see what is required for each program- and try to get the BEST grades humanly possible to ensure that you get into nursing school. It is competitive!

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, Surgical ICU, Medical ICU.

Does anyone not have google anymore? I am seriously getting sick and tired of these "how to become an RN" or "I wanna be a CRNA" threads.

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