It takes 5 years of professional experience to become a nurse, but with the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, it takes 8 to 10 years. Here are some of the most common skills needed to become a successful nurse, along with examples of how to include them on your resume. The most common educational background for a nurse is a Bachelor‘s Degree, and the most common certification is the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification. If you‘re interested in getting a college degree in an affordable college for Nurses, SUNY Farmingdale is an excellent option for you.