Qualifications
You've got a few options…three, to be exact. You can take a nursing program and get a simple ol' diploma. You can get an associate's degree in nursing (ADN). Or, you can get a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN). A BSN will take you a whopping four years, while the other options will only take two or three.
In each program, you'll learn about the biology, chemistry, nutrition, and kinetics, all with supervised clinical experience (source). In other words, you'll go straight into the real world of medicine. No training wheels for you. How's that for hands-on learning?
You'll also need to be licensed because hey, we aren't going to trust just anyone with our health. Once you've graduated your nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (or NCLEX-RN), you'll officially be a registered nurse (...unless the state you live in requires something a little extra) (source).
If you're looking to be a home care nurse forever, you probably won't need a master's degree in nursing. However, if it's just a stop on your way up the corporate ladder, you'll want that master's degree for administrative, research, consulting, and teaching positions. If you're really, really, lucky, your employer may even pay your tuition (source).