If you are interested in a nursing profession, you should know more about the educational programs available. Another critical factor is their longevity. Typically, a nursing degree takes about 2-4 years to finish. After such a program, one becomes a registered nurse (RN). However, the exact time it takes to get there varies based on several factors. An associate degree (ADN) typically takes about 2 years to complete. However, if you are aiming for a bachelor's (BSN), it will take you 4 years. MSN takes two additional years.
So, the length of nursing school is based on the type of program. Other influential factors include specialty, prior education, and a degree. In this guide, you'll find a full breakdown of available options so you know what you are getting into.
Length of Nursing School Based on Degree
Overall, all nursing professionals can be separated into three categories based on their degree. The first level is that of a licensed practical nurse/vocational nurse, designated as LPN/LVN. The second level is registered nurses (RN). The third level is advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). These levels directly impact the length of nursing school.
Here is a comprehensive table of how long nursing school will be based on the degree and the following career level. Each program is given separately, with a standard finishing period for full-time studies. However, there might be slight changes based on the institution or program. For instance, online educational programs are usually more flexible and allow for a significant reduction in time.
LPN/LVN Programs
These are the shortest programs one can take. They take about 12-18 months to complete on average. They represent the first career level in this sphere.
In their job, these professionals usually work under the guidance of RNs or doctors. They provide basic care for patients, like personal care assistants. To become an LPN/LVN, you'll need to successfully finish the program and take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for practical nurses.
Nursing Diploma
Getting a nursing diploma is another option to become an RN, although it is not very popular (1.8% of new RNs in 2022 came from such programs). One can find diploma programs in hospitals or hospital-based educational institutions. It is a short pathway to get licensed. However, employers often prefer a degree in Nursing. That's one of the main reasons why this option is not so standard.
After a diploma program, you can take the NCLEX-RN examination to get a license and be ready to practice.
Associate Degree in Nursing
A standard time for completing an ADN program is two years of full-time education. After the completion, you'll take the same NCLEX-RN examination for licensure. It is one of the most popular programs for RNs: 44% took this option in 2022, according to NCHWA.
It is essential to note that after ADN, you can apply to an RN-to-BSN program. It allows one to advance a degree in 1-2 years.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Among RNs, the BSN is the most common degree; about 51% of professionals in this sphere have it. It takes four years to complete full-time education. Although there is an accelerated program option too, it takes about 12 months. If you have a Bachelor's in another major, you can enroll in an accelerated program.
The BSN curriculum is more in-depth than the ADN one. It is designed for those who are looking for leadership positions and higher salaries.
Master of Science in Nursing
Only 16% of all RNs have a Master's degree, according to NCHWA data. It is an advanced degree for those who want to work at the APRN level (for instance CNM or NP).
Usually, it takes about 2-3 years to finish an MSN. Before you enroll, you must have a BSN already. However, there are RN-to-MSN programs that last for 3-4 years. After graduation, young specialists take a corresponding certification exam.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A doctorate is the highest degree one can get in any field of knowledge. About 14% of APRN professionals have a doctorate. As a complex program that requires a lot of work, it takes about 3-4 years to complete. Please note that some credits can be transferred from MSN, as well as significant practical experience.
It is a great degree for those interested in positions like certified registered nurse anesthetists, for example, as it requires a doctoral level of education. The same goes for many of the APRN careers.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Registered Nurse?
As a full-time student, you'll be able to graduate from an RN program in 2-4 years. You can choose either an ADN that takes two years or a BSN (4 years).
ADN programs are shorter and thus more affordable. However, they offer only limited potential for career growth. Earning a BSN is more advantageous in this regard, according to MyPaperHelp experts.
If you already have a bachelor's degree in any other field of knowledge, you may be able to transfer some credits to graduate faster. Potentially, you may apply to an accelerated program, which takes around 12-18 months. You can get nursing assignments help for this purpose. Those who already have an LPN/LVN license can enter LPN/LVN-to-BSN programs. They last for about 2-3 years on average.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
To become an NP, one needs a degree in nursing. To get there, one would usually earn a BSN with four years of nursing school. Also, you'll need to pass a license exam. After that, a specialist needs a year of work experience before enrolling in the MSN program (another 2-3 years of education). Summing it up, it takes 6-7 years to become an NP.
There are accelerated opportunities as well, say nursing experts of MyPaperHelp. However, they are open to those who have some level of higher education. For example, if you already have ADN and work experience, you can look into an accelerated ADN-to-NP program (2-3 years). Students with a bachelor's in other fields can enter MSN programs directly and become an NP in 3-4 years.
A lot of future NPs choose a DNP path. It offers more career opportunities. Also, several nursing organizations propose to make a doctorate a minimum requirement for all NP careers from 2025. So it would be a wise option for future NPs to go for a doctorate.
Olivia Carter holds a master’s degree in education from Columbia University and has over eight years of experience writing and editing academic content. She specializes in crafting essays, research papers, and study guides across a broad range of subjects, from literature and history to social sciences and psychology. Olivia is passionate about helping students develop critical thinking skills and achieve academic success with engaging, well-researched articles.