How to Become a…

Becoming a registered nurse means earning a nursing degree, passing the NCLEX-RN, and getting licensed in your state. Most new RNs start with either a 2-year ADN or a 4-year BSN — and increasingly, employers prefer the BSN.

Nurse practitioners are advanced-practice nurses who diagnose, treat, and prescribe. The path runs through RN licensure, an MSN or DNP with an NP specialty, and national certification.

CRNAs administer anesthesia and are among the highest-paid nurses (median ~$212,650). The path is long and competitive: RN licensure, ICU experience, and a doctoral nurse-anesthesia program.

Certified nurse-midwives provide prenatal care, attend births, and deliver women’s health care. You’ll need RN licensure and a graduate nurse-midwifery degree.

CNAs provide hands-on patient care under nurse supervision — the fastest way into healthcare and a common first step toward nursing.

LPNs (LVNs in some states) provide basic nursing care under RN/MD direction. A roughly one-year program leads to licensure.

Physical therapists help patients recover movement and manage pain. Becoming a PT requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and state licensure.

Occupational therapists help people regain the skills for daily living and work. You’ll need a master’s or doctoral OT degree and certification.

Sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to capture diagnostic images. It’s one of the highest-paid associate-degree health careers, reached via an accredited program plus certification.

Radiologic technologists perform X-rays and other imaging. The path is an accredited radiography program and ARRT certification.

Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing disorders, from asthma to ventilator care. The path is an accredited associate (or bachelor’s) program plus national credentialing.

Surgical techs prepare operating rooms and assist surgeons during procedures. Becoming one takes an accredited program and (in most states) certification.

SLPs diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. The path is a bachelor’s, a master’s in speech-language pathology, and ASHA certification.

Medical laboratory scientists run the tests behind most diagnoses. The path is a bachelor’s in medical laboratory science plus certification.

Phlebotomists draw blood for tests and donations — one of the fastest entries into healthcare. A short certificate plus certification is all it takes.

Dental hygienists clean teeth, take x-rays, and educate patients — one of the best-paid associate-level health careers. The path is an accredited hygiene program and licensure.

Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks in clinics — one of the fastest ways into healthcare. A short certificate or associate program gets you started.

EMTs and paramedics provide emergency care and transport. EMT is the entry level; paramedic is the advanced credential reached via an accredited program.

Pharmacy technicians dispense medication and support pharmacists. A short program plus PTCB certification opens retail and hospital roles.

Dental assistants support dentists chairside and take x-rays. A short program plus state requirements gets you working in under a year.

Registered dietitians are food-and-nutrition experts who counsel patients and manage clinical nutrition. The path is a degree, supervised practice, and the RD exam.

PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams — examining, diagnosing, and prescribing under a collaborative agreement. The path is a bachelor’s, healthcare experience, and a master’s PA program.

Pharmacists dispense medication and advise on safe use. Becoming one requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and licensure.