Can you become a nurse with a psychology degree?

There are also nursing positions you can obtain by getting an associate's degree in nursing from a community college, and this normally takes around two years. Here is the path to becoming a nurse with a psychology degree:

• Attend nursing school

  The degree you aim for and how long it will take you to earn depends on what field of nursing you want to get into. In certain states, registered nurses only need an associate's nursing degree to practice.

  Most BSN programs not only give you the knowledge you need but also expose you to hands-on experience as a nurse. This is invaluable because the profession of nursing can be stressful and unpredictable at times. Any real-world preparation is going to benefit you greatly.

• Complete and pass the NCLEX exam

  After you've obtained your degree, this is the required next step. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, also known as NCLEX, or NCLEX-RN. This exam is designed to test your knowledge in all the critical areas of the nursing field. To obtain state licensure and become a registered nurse, you must pass this exam.

  If you do not pass the exam, you then have to wait 45 days before you are eligible to take it again. Just about every role in nursing requires you to pass this exam. If you haven't, you can still apply to nurse positions, however, the medical employer is almost certain to turn you down. The one position you may seek without passing the NCLEX is a nursing assistant.

  However, even with this role, you will have to get certification to be considered. In other words, you need to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

• Get State Licensure

  This is another mandatory step. You need to get a nursing license in the state in which you want to practice. If you want to become a traveling nurse, you then need to obtain state licensure in every state you plan to practice in. Certain regions have licenses that can be utilized in multiple states but do your research, as this is the exception, not the rule.

  Each state also has its own unique requirements for obtaining a nursing license.

• Get advanced training

  This is optional, however, it does open you up to a wider range of nursing positions, and higher salaries. There are many different certifications you can seek as a nurse. Some common options include oncology, gerontology, neonatal, pediatrics, and many more.

  Alternatively, you could also continue your higher education in nursing and earn a master's degree or a doctorate. Both of these options will give you a substantial increase in terms of salary.