According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of registered nursing is growing: The BLS projects employment of registered nurses (RNs) to grow 9% between 2020 and 2030. This growth combined with the ongoing nursing shortage has led the BLS to also project that around 194,500 RN positions will be available each year during that same decade. Individuals who want to pursue this in-demand career should know that the journey toward becoming a licensed RN begins with the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

The purpose of the NCLEX is to determine whether someone has the knowledge to safely begin practice as an entry-level nurse. All states require that nurses be licensed, which means that all nurse candidates must pass the NCLEX licensing exam prior to employment. Passing the NCLEX is a decisive step forward for anyone who aspires to build a career in nursing. From there, those who are eager to explore more advanced nursing roles in the future can look forward to other educational and professional milestones, such as earning an online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Learning how to study for the NCLEX is an excellent way to get ready to take the exam. Read on for information on how to prepare and begin the exciting process of becoming a registered nurse.

Professionals at the beginning of their nursing careers may be interested in pursuing an advanced nursing education in the future. For example, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) who has completed a certification program may choose to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree to become an RN. Registered nurses who wish for more professional autonomy and the ability to diagnose patients and prescribe care might consider an online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program as a means of taking a direct path to earn their DNP credential.

Although the roles and responsibilities of LPNs, LVNs, RNs, and DNPs vary substantially, all nursing professionals are required to pass the NCLEX at the start of their nursing careers.

There are two types of NCLEX exams available — the NCLEX-PN and the NCLEX-RN. When considering the NCLEX-PN vs. the NCLEX-RN, it’s helpful to understand the key differences between the two exams. The NCLEX-PN is for aspiring practical or vocational nurses. The NCLEX-RN is for candidates who want to become licensed registered nurses. The latter can be taken by those with either an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Both of these computerized tests consist mostly of multiple-choice questions and are graded on a pass/fail basis. Aspiring nurses who are wondering how to study for the NCLEX should know that, while the tests are similar, they differ in two key ways: the number of questions administered and the amount of time given to complete the exam. Knowing how to study for the NCLEX-PN or the NCLEX-RN can help students prepare for the right types of questions.

For example, the NCLEX-PN has no fewer than 85 questions with a maximum of 205 questions and must be completed in five hours. On the other hand, the NCLEX-RN has at least 75 questions with a maximum of 265 questions and must be completed in six hours.

Data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) indicates that, to register for the NCLEX, associate degree RNs and BSN RNs must first submit an application for licensure/registration to the nursing regulatory body (NRB) where they wish to practice. Once the application is submitted, candidates receive their authorization to test (ATT), at which point they can register for the exam. Testing is available all year.

To pass the NCLEX, students will need to develop study plans. This includes downloading a test plan, taking practice tests, finding a study group, and listening to NCLEX podcasts. Students also have the option of taking NCLEX study courses through various colleges and companies.

• Download the Test Plan: The NCSBN encourages students to review NCLEX test plans before their exam appointment. The plans, which serve as blueprints for the exam and provide information about the content that will be tested, are available on the NCSBN website.
• Take Practice Tests: There are various free and for-purchase NCLEX practice tests available online. Practice exams include previously used test questions. They are designed to help students get a feel for what the exam experience may be like on the test day.
• Find a Study Group: Students who participate in a study group may find they’re less prone to procrastinate. They may also learn faster, gain a greater understanding of test prep topics, and be better able to fill in gaps in their study notes by using the group’s collective knowledge.
• Listen to NCLEX Podcasts: NCLEX podcasts cover a variety of topics, including cardiac review, critical care nursing, psychosocial integrity, and managing ethical dilemmas in nursing. Podcasts can often be downloaded and listened to on demand.

Part of learning how to study for the NCLEX is finding out about the structure of the exam. The tests reflect four client-needs categories and cover the following NCLEX topics: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity.

• Safe and Effective Care Environment: This category includes two sections.
  • The first section is Safety and Infection Control, which accounts for 9% to 15% of the exam and covers topics such as accident prevention and hazardous materials.
  • The second section is Management of Care, which accounts for 17% to 23% of the exam and covers topics such as informed consent and ethical practices.
• Health Promotion and Maintenance: In this client-needs category, students are tested on their knowledge of topics such as postpartum and newborn care, lifestyle choices, and high-risk behaviors. Kaplan, the test preparation company, estimates that this section accounts for 6% to 12% of the exam.
• Psychosocial Integrity: Kaplan estimates this category also accounts for 6% to 12% of the exam. In this section, students are tested on nursing topics such as stress management, chemical dependency, coping mechanisms, and end-of-life care.
• Physiological Integrity: The final client-needs category consists of four sections.
  • The first is Basic Care and Comfort, which accounts for 6% to 12% of the exam and covers topics such as assistive devices, personal hygiene, and oral hydration.
  • Next, there is Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies, which accounts for 12% to 18% of the exam and tests students on topics such as intravenous therapy, dosage calculation, and pharmacological pain management.
  • Then, there is the Reduction of Risk Potential section, which accounts for 9% to 15% of the exam and covers topics such as diagnostics tests and laboratory values.
  • Finally, there is the Physiological Adaptation section, which accounts for 11% to 17% of the exam and tests students on topics including pathophysiology and alterations in the body systems.

Including these topics in the NCLEX is a way to ensure that registered nurses can address all aspects of care. Emphasizing all aspects of care in their education can help students become well-versed in a range of topics and, as nurses, improve patient outcomes. Individuals researching how to study for the NCLEX should know that the best way to prepare is to set aside study time for each category to gain in-depth knowledge of them all before the exam.

Nurses at the start of their careers should know there are a variety of benefits associated with completing a BSN to DNP degree. DNP-prepared nurses are not only seen as leaders in the health care field, but they can pursue a range of specialized patient care paths, such as in adult-gerontology, family care, pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, or women’s health.

• Adult-Gerontology – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP): The AGPCNP program provides future nurse practitioners with the skills and knowledge to address the care needs of aging adult populations.
• Adult-Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP): Nurse practitioners with the AGACNP credential diagnose and treat critical medical conditions in adults in an inpatient, critical care setting and have a thorough understanding of advanced diagnostics, pathophysiology, and more.
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): DNP graduates who are FNPs work with patients of all ages in a family practice setting.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): BSN to DNP candidates who are most interested in providing care to infants, children, and teens are likely to be drawn to this specialization. Upon graduation, PNP specialists possess the knowledge to provide care to pediatric patients.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Nurse practitioners who hold a PMHNP credential understand how to provide care to patients who are facing a variety of mental health disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia.
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): WHNP specialists are qualified to provide a myriad of services to women of all ages, including gynecologic care, prenatal care, and postpartum care.

With an advanced degree, nurses can pursue leadership roles within an organization. Working as supervisors or taking on managerial opportunities typically grants nurses additional job autonomy and the higher salary and responsibilities that come with leadership roles. Nurses in leadership positions can influence the procedures and policies that direct and innovate patient care in their organization.

While passing the NCLEX is the final hurdle in obtaining a nursing license, it’s only the first step for those who are interested in becoming a nurse practitioner or pursuing other advanced roles in nursing. Earning the NCLEX certification can signal the start of an exciting new career and help individuals discover which area or specialty of nursing they’re most passionate about. By taking the time to learn how to study for the NCLEX and successfully completing the exam, nurses can begin reaching their professional goals.

For those interested in becoming a nursing leader, choosing the right program is essential to success. As the first DNP program in the Boston area and with a fully online curriculum that students can complete in as few as 40 months, the online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice at Regis College can prepare students for success in their careers. Discover how completing the online BSN to DNP program from Regis College can give students the necessary skills to succeed as nurses and pursue their professional goals.