Can You Get a Nursing Degree in 2 Years?

Starting a career as a registered nurse (RN) begins with enrolling in a nursing program. You can choose a diploma program or enroll in an associate or bachelor's degree program. All routes can help you begin an entry-level nursing career.

But what if you want to start your healthcare career as quickly as possible? Can you get a nursing degree in two years? Yes, you can earn a nursing degree in just two years with an Associate Degree in nursing (ADN).

Many schools offer great Associate Degree in nursing programs — some are even offered online so you can learn from home. Below, we'll explore how to earn a nursing degree in two years. We'll also review top online ADN programs.

Is It Possible To Earn a Nursing Degree in Two Years?

Completing an ADN program from an accredited nursing school can help you earn a nursing degree in two years. Another option is the Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). Traditional BSN degrees take about four years to complete; however, accelerated BSN (ABSN) and RN-to-BSN programs usually take less time.

Both programs help students qualify for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). However, since ADN programs are designed as two-year programs, we'll examine how to earn a degree with this option.

How To Earn a Nursing Degree in Two Years

Earning a nursing degree in two years starts with finding the right school. Next, you'll enroll in your chosen degree program and complete the necessary coursework to graduate.

Find a School Offering an ADN Degree

When searching for an ADN program, look at accredited schools offering a curriculum that prepares you to earn an RN license in your state. Also, consider ADN programs that offer specializations for different types of nurses like the following:

• pediatrics
• gerontology
• critical care
• pain management

Once you've picked the school that suits your academic and career goals, you're next step is to start learning.

Enroll in an ADN Degree Program

You must meet admission requirements like the following to enroll in an ADN degree program:

• meet minimum GPA requirement
• send high school or college transcripts
• complete a criminal background check

Some programs also require students to complete prerequisites before starting their programs. Prerequisite courses might include:

• biology
• English
• psychology
• mathematics
• history

Now, let's look at what it takes to graduate from an ADN program.

Complete Required Coursework and Graduate

To make your desired nursing career path a reality, you must complete nursing courses covering concepts like:

• health promotion
• pharamacology
• nursing fundamentals and skills
• microbiology
• lifespan development

The goal of nursing programs is to prepare students for nursing duties that include:

• providing direct patient care
• administering medications
• keeping records of patients' medical histories
• assisting physicians and nurse practitioners

Nursing students must complete supervised clinical hours, which provide hands-on patient experiences. Nursing education also prepares students for the state board licensing exam, which they must pass to join the nursing profession.

You know what it takes to earn a nursing degree in two years. Next, we'll explore some great online ADN programs.

Top Online ADN Degree Programs

The following schools offer quality online ADN programs to prepare you for great RN careers. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting that employment for RNs will grow faster than average at 6% from 2022 to 2032, this is a great time to pursue a degree and start a career in the nursing profession.

Weber State University

Weber State University offers a PN to RN program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to switch nursing practices to registered nursing. Students can earn an Associate in Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Some coursework in this program is available online, but students must also participate in a residency.

Excelsior University

At Excelsior University, students can choose from the AS in nursing and the AAS in nursing. These self-paced programs have the same nursing components but different general education requirements. They are designed for LPNs, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and paramedics who want to become RNs. Both programs deliver fully online coursework but require in-person clinical hours to graduate.

Seminole State College

Seminole State College offers an Associate in Arts (AA) with online and in-person courses. This degree delivers nursing field prerequisites for students who want to transfer to upper-division programs. Program graduates are guaranteed admission to the University of Central Florida or other Florida state universities.

CUNY LaGuardia Community College

At CUNY Laguardia Community College, students can earn an AAS in nursing. This is not a traditional online program; however, it offers online collaborative activities for supplemental learning with classroom nursing courses, lab experiences, and in-person clinical practice.

Nightingale College

Nightingale College is home to the 16-month LPN-to-ASN degree, which prepares for the NCLEX-RN exam. Students take online didactic courses and participate in supervised in-person field experiences. Enrollees can finish their studies in just five academic semesters.

Herzing University

Prospective nurses can enroll in Herzing University's online ASN program for students without RN experience. This two-year degree offers online didactic courses and onsite clinicals and intensives. Upon completion, students will be ready to take the licensing exam in their state.

Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University delivers the LPN to ASN Bridge Program for LPNs who want to earn their associate degree. Students take online lecture courses and challenge exams. They must also complete clinical hours on campus or in healthcare settings.