There are many different programs that lead to an RN. Every nurse must pass state board that allow them to be registered nurses(RNs)…..Some go to school for a 2 yr community college course. Others go to a 4 yr college course and they graduate with a BS degree in nursing. After taking the state boards they become an RN. Some college graduates who decide to go into nursing may already have a BS degree (in biology, for instance) ….they may attend someplace like UCLA where they will graduate in 2 yrs with a Masters in Nursing.
There are all types of ways to get an RN….but no matter what degree you have, all nurses must pass the state boards to become registered.
An RN takes two years, BSN takes 4.