how many years is nursing course in usa

Associate Degree in Nursing.

An associate’s degree in nursing, or ADN, is a two-year degree that typically requires two years of full-time study to complete. After completing required coursework and clinical work experience, an ADN program prepares you to take the NCLEX exam and to begin working as an RN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a four-year degree that will give you the basic knowledge you need to begin working as an RN in hospital and other clinical settings. All BSN programs provide some instruction on patient care, disease prevention, and common conditions, but most programs also include courses on nursing leadership and management. Some schools offer specialty tracks that allow students to focus on one particular nursing area throughout their education, although these specializations aren’t necessary for the completion of your BSN degree.

There are many advantages to a BSN degree. In addition to learning more about nursing leadership and policy, earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing makes it possible for you to pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees if you choose, which can lead to lucrative jobs like nurse practitioner or nurse researcher.

Accelerated Bachelor’s Program for Non-Nurses.

The length of an accelerated BSN program varies between 12 and 24 months. Accelerated programs are for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and are looking to become RNs or BSN-prepared nurses. The entire nursing curriculum is covered within the time frame of one year, which can be challenging for many students. Many schools offer accelerated programs on campus, though some may be offered online. Students may be required to complete general education courses as well as nursing coursework during their studies if they did not complete them during their previous bachelor’s program.

Master’s Program in Nursing.

A master’s program in nursing will prepare you to become a nurse practitioner (NP). In order to qualify for the program, you need to have a BSN. The master’s degree in nursing can be completed in one or two years.

As part of the course, you are required to complete clinical rotations. These hands-on experiences are designed to help you gain real-time knowledge and skills that cannot be obtained elsewhere.

Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program.

A post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate program is an ideal choice for registered nurses who have already earned a master’s degree and are looking to become certified as an advanced practice nurse in their field of specialty. Depending on what your specialty is, post-master’s programs can take anywhere from one to two years to complete.

Some of these programs are available online, which means you can keep working while earning your certification.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program is an advanced practice degree that prepares nurses for nursing leadership positions. It is a terminal degree, the highest possible level of education you can attain in the nursing field. The DNP degree is ideal for those who want to take on more responsibility in their jobs and earn a higher salary. Those who are looking to further their careers can work as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, or clinical nurse specialists. There are also opportunities to work at hospitals and healthcare organizations, where your expertise will help improve patient care.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program. The PhD program is a research-based degree designed to prepare nurses for careers in education and research. Like other PhD programs, a dissertation based on original research is required. Because PhD students are typically more advanced, they often don’t need to take introductory courses in nursing theory or practice. Students must already have a master’s degree in nursing to be considered for admission into the program.

Many schools offer 100 percent online MSN degrees, which enable you to complete your coursework at your own pace and according to your own schedule. It’s worth noting that some clinical requirements may still be necessary for an online degree, but students can conduct this portion of the program near their homes through an established affiliation with their school’s chosen clinical site.*In addition to an MSN, many schools also offer Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

You can do a wide variety of nursing degrees in America, depending on your current career.

There are a variety of nursing degree options, depending on where you are in your career.

What is the difference between an LPN, RN, and so on?

• LPN: A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is trained to deal with basic patient care, including providing injections and assisting with hygiene. You do not need a college degree to become an LPN—you can get a certificate in as little as one year at many schools. You will still need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam before becoming licensed.
• ADN or ASN: An associate degree registered nurse (ADN) or associate of science in nursing (ASN) program usually lasts two years for full-time students. Once you’ve completed your coursework and hands-on training, you also have to pass the NCLEX-RN exam before becoming licensed as an RN.
• BSN: The bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) takes four years to complete if you start from scratch without any previous degrees or certifications. It’s not required that a nurse go through this program; however, it can be very helpful in finding employment. Leaders within the healthcare industry are encouraging all nurses to have BSNs by 2020 because they believe that this will improve patient outcomes overall. Additionally, some hospitals may require new nurses to have their BSN prior to hiring them—even if not required by law at this time! Also note that if you decide later on that you want to go back for further schooling for another type of certification or master’s degree, having your BSN makes it much easier than getting some other types of degrees first and then going back for your BSN later on (although it is possible).