What is the education needed to be an Registered Nurse?

It seems from quick research that all you need is an associates degree. I always thought it was a Bachelors degree.
IS that true?
Also, what would be the difference then from an RN with a bachelors VS associates.(Obviously I assume theres higher wage-how big is the salary difference? WHat are the other benefits?
THANKS!

No one quite hit it all: A two year (AA--associates) RN is probably closer to a three year as you need to complete the pre-reqs for the AA degree and the 2 year tract RN; the BS (bachelors is structured the same--nursing tract plus the BS reqs). BOTH are RNs after they pass the exam. The AA RN is limited more from holding management positions. In our ER there is no difference between the AA RN and the BSRN in job duties & responsibilities--both can be charge nurse as well. (except the dept head is a BSRN). The salary is no different as well. If you wish to go on further in the nursing field you would eventually need a BSRN, but to work? An AA would suffice. A good nurse is a good nurse and good as gold regardless of degree in my book. You can also do an AA to start & once hired, often your employee will pay you to further your education--sweet.

If you're truly determined, either a 2 yr or a 4 yr degree will put you on the road to passing the nursing exams. If money is tight, the 2 yr degree will suffice. It means you will learn the real mechanics involved.

In a 4 yr, your education is supplemented by additional social sciences, math and some electives that are fun to take, but may not add a whole lot of knowledge to your portfolio.

You can get it in a 2 year program. But also you need patience, a good bedside manner, and the ability to guide your CNA's. (Thats what they don't tell you!)

To be a nurse, you have to do a Bachelor of Nursing degree at university . This is usually 3 or 4 yrs depending which state you live in. I am not sure what you mean by vs associates.

If you want to specialise in a particular area , like child nursing , you need to extra 2 yrs post graduate after you complete a Bach N and have gained two years on the job of clinical experience.

Starting salary probably is varies from $28000.

If you have done an enroled nursing course known as some states cert Health IV that you can apply for credit for the units you have done. Enrolled nursing is a less knowlege involved in anatomy and physiology and some courses dont allow you to be medical endorsed(give out medication). the salary per hr may be slightly lower than an RN.

Hope this helps.

2 or 4 years, some programs offer less then 2 years.