In order to become a nurse you need to become nurse you have to be licensed by the state you work in.To be licensed you need to pass the NCLEX test. There are two NCLEX tests for nursing the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses and the NCLEX-PN for practical nurses.

The abbrerviations for the NCLEX stand for:

• NCLEX-RN – National Council Licensure EXamination – Registered Nurse
• NCLEX-PN – National Council Licensure EXamination - Practical Nurse

The NCLEX tests are developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The tests are administered via computer via a technology called Computer Adaptive Testing.

Practical Factors

A nursing student is also required to demonstrate practical skills through out their traing. These demonstrations ensure that the nursing student is able to actually perform functions that a nurse is required to do in the line of duty.

Schooling

Practical Nurses are required to complete a year to two years of schooling to become nurses.