To become a registered nurse (RN), one must attain a bachelor's degree, an associate degree, or a diploma. A registered nurse needs to graduate first from a nursing program in order to qualify for the nurse licensure examination. With a workforce of several million, registered nurses form the largest chunk of health care services. Nowadays, there is a huge potential for even more job creation in this sector.

The time required to become a registered nurse depends on what type of degree one wishes to have. A Nursing Diploma Program normally takes three years on the job within a hospital, and the candidate is awarded a certificate, not a college degree. An Associate�s Degree Nursing Program takes nearly two to three years in a technical program located in a community college. The candidate receives an Associate�s Degree on completion of the program. A Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program offers a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. It normally takes four years in a university. After graduating from any of the above programs, one is allowed to sit for the state-recognized registered nurse licensure exam, called the RN-NCLEX.

Employment opportunities for registered nurses look very bright. Registered nurses work in various areas. In addition to promoting health and preventing disease, they help patients cope with illness. They advise patients, families and communities on health issues. Those engaged in direct patient care observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress in patients. During surgeries, treatments and tests, they lend a helping hand to physicians. They administer medications and help in convalescence and rehabilitation. Although laws govern the tasks that registered nurses may perform, their daily job duties are mostly determined by the work setting.

While hospital nurses form the largest chunk of nurses, there are also office nurses, nursing care facility nurses, home health nurses, public health nurses and occupational health nurses that play a major role in health care.