nursing schools how many years
nursing schools how many years
How Long Is Nursing School?
“How long is nursing school?” is a question you may have asked yourself. Nursing school can last anywhere from an associate’s degree to a doctorate, but most programs fall into one of three main types: ADN, BSN, or accelerated BSN.
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs are typically two years in length and cover the fundamentals of nursing. They prepare students for entry-level positions in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are four years in length, with the first two years consisting of general education classes and the last two focusing on nursing education. These programs often provide additional clinical experience for students who want to become nurse practitioners or pursue advanced careers in nursing leadership or management.
- Accelerated BSN Programs are available for those who already have bachelor’s degrees and want to change careers into nursing without going through another four-year program. These courses usually require full-time study over 12 months.
RNs can become licensed in two to three years through an associates degree (ADN) program.
You can become a registered nurse in two to four years through an associate’s degree (ADN), or bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN). Most ADNs are completed in two years, and BSNs are completed in four. In fact, there is no difference in the quality of education. Many RNs with associate’s degrees continue their education after gaining work experience by enrolling in a bridge program that leads to a BSN.
Some nurses decide to enroll in an accelerated BSN program, which typically takes about three years.
Sometimes, nurses choose to enroll in an accelerated BSN program. These programs generally last around three years. Often, students who decide to complete this route will earn their associate’s degree before they complete their bachelor’s program. The specific length of time depends on the type of school one attends and whether or not he or she is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at that institution.
Students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree may choose to complete an accelerated BSN program, which typically takes about 17 months.
If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you are almost finished with your requirements! You can complete your BSN in as little as 17 months. These programs are intensive; they are full-time, and often include classes over the summer.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and vocational nurses (LVNs) can earn an ADN or BSN through bridge programs at some community colleges.
LPNs are eligible for an LPN-to-BSN program that prepares them for licensure as registered nurses.
LVNs must meet additional requirements, such as completing prerequisites in math and science, before they can be admitted to the nursing program of their choice.
LPNs are eligible for an LPN-to-BSN program that prepares them for licensure as registered nurses.
LPNs are eligible for an LPN-to-BSN program that prepares them for licensure as registered nurses. The American Nurses Association (ANA) recommends that all RNs earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and a BSN can help you:
- Provide opportunity for career advancement
- Increase your earning potential
- Help ensure greater job security
- Open up more job opportunities
LVNs must meet additional requirements, such as completing prerequisites in math and science, before they can be admitted to the nursing program of their choice.
If you are planning on becoming a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), be aware that additional requirements may apply. Some of these prerequisites vary by school, and include courses in math, science and English. Other schools may also require a minimum GPA.
It is best to contact the nursing program or school directly for more information about their specific requirements.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Depending on your goals, you will probably want to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which takes four years to complete. A BSN degree is necessary for those who want to become a nurse practitioner or specialize in another area of nursing. If you are already a registered nurse (RN), there are programs that take as little as 18 months to complete.
If you don’t have time to earn a BSN, it’s still possible to work as an RN with an associate’s degree or diploma. If you want more career options and higher pay down the road, you’ll need at least a BSN or RN-to-BSN bridge program. An advanced practice role like nurse practitioner requires even more coursework and clinical hours than a BSN program does—as many as two additional years beyond the two years of clinicals required for RN licensure.
The typical length of most bachelor’s degree programs is four years.
Most bachelor’s degree programs take four years to complete. However, this is not an absolute requirement for all programs, so some students may choose to extend the length of their program for various reasons. You can take longer than four years if you want to work part-time or take some semesters off from school, but it’s important to keep in mind that this can increase the amount of time you spend earning your degree and make it more difficult to transfer credit between institutions.
Accelerated BSN programs are intensive, full-time programs that typically take about three years.
Accelerated BSN programs are intensive, full-time programs that typically take about three years if you already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, some nursing schools offer fast-track associate to BSN programs that can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months. These programs may be full time and take place over the course of several semesters or they may be part time, which can allow students to keep working as an RN for longer before having to quit their job.
Although attending school full time can result in a higher number of hours in the classroom and clinical setting, it also means that students will be able to complete their BSN more quickly than those who study part time. Accelerated nursing programs are often rigorous, so students should consider whether the pace of these programs is compatible with their lifestyle and financial needs
We think you should go for it!
Then you can weigh your options. Maybe one school says that all students must be full-time, but another will allow you to work part-time. Maybe you’ve always been interested in distance learning, and there’s a program at an accredited school that offers an online program that might work for you. Or maybe some schools offer evening or weekend courses—or both—and taking those classes would allow you to work or go to school during the day.
Pursuing a nursing degree is no easy task, especially if you’re trying to maintain a family life and raise children while in school. And if having kids right now isn’t something on your radar (or even somewhere on the horizon), maybe it’s time to take advantage of being single and go after that goal!