How Many Years Is Nursing School?

Nursing schools are designed to teach nursing students how to become nurses through nursing courses and hands-on clinical hours. There are many types of nurses, so there are many types of nursing programs.

As a result, the length of nursing school depends on what type of program you're pursuing. Keep reading to learn more about how many years it takes to finish nursing school.

How Long Is Nursing School?

How long your nursing school is depends on what level of nurse you hope to become and what type of program you choose. There are several different options.

There are three types of degrees available to students who want to become registered nurses (RNs) and an additional two types of degrees for students who want to become nurse practitioners. We break it all down below.

LPN/LVN Program

A licensed practical nurse (LPN), called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states, is an entry-level nurse who provides basic patient care, such as changing bandages, helping patients eat and bathe, and taking patient vital signs.

LPN programs are usually offered by community colleges as nursing diploma or certificate programs. On average, they take about a year to complete. LPNs need to be licensed, meaning that after graduating from an LPN program you'll need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is one degree option that can lead to licensure as a registered nurse (RN). It generally takes about two years to earn an associate degree in nursing.

Once you've earned your ADN from an accredited program, you'll need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This will allow you to earn your RN license, so long as you fulfill any additional requirements set by your state.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Another option for registered nurses is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Bachelor's degrees usually take about four years to complete. You can then take the NCLEX-RN and earn your license.

Although BSN programs take longer to complete than ADN programs, there are some benefits. Bachelor's degree holders generally earn more, and it can also help you get hired and get promoted.

RN to BSN Degree

Some students choose to earn their associate degree in nursing, obtain their nursing license so they can start working, and then return to school to finish out their bachelor's degree. These degree programs are called RN to BSN programs.

Some accelerated online RN to BSN programs allow students to earn their bachelor's degree within a year. Often, you'll be able to complete your hands-on clinical experience in your place of employment.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is one type of degree option for students who want to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), also called nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners can do things that RNs cannot, like prescribe medicine, diagnose patients, and act as primary care providers.

Master's degree programs for nurses typically allow nurses to specialize in nursing fields like:

• adult/gerontology
• emergency
• family practice
• mental health
• pediatrics
• women's health

Prerequisites for nurse practitioner programs include a valid RN license and usually a BSN. These programs usually take an additional two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a doctoral degree option for students who want to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives. Like MSN programs, you must first hold a BSN and a valid RN license.

Some programs also require you to hold an MSN first, while others offer BSN to DNP pathways. Students who already have their MSN may be able to finish their DNP within three years, while those with just a BSN can take three to seven years.

Note that while nurse practitioners can practice with either an MSN or DNP, nurse anesthetists must have a DNP.

How Fast Can You Become a Nurse?

The fastest you can become a nurse is a little over one year if you're looking to become an LPN/LVN. The fastest you can become an RN is a little over two years.

To become an RN in this time frame, you'll need to earn an associate degree in nursing. However, the specific time frame will depend on how long it takes you to take and pass the NCLEX-RN.

Accelerated Nursing Programs

Some schools offer accelerated nursing education programs that allow students to finish in less time, but these are usually for students who already have their RN license and want to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or earn an advanced degree.

Examples of accelerated programs include:

• RN to BSN programs: for students with an ADN and RN license, allowing them to complete their BSN within a year or so
• second bachelor's degree programs (ABSN programs): for students with a bachelor's in another field, allowing them to complete an accelerated BSN in one to two years
• RN to MSN bridge programs: for students with an ADN and RN license, allowing them to complete their MSN within two years of full-time study and skip the BSN
• BSN to DNP bridge programs: for students with a BSN and RN license, allowing them to complete their DNP program in as little as three or four years of full-time study

It's important to note that while these programs allow students to finish faster, they are typically more intensive.

FAQs About Nursing

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about nursing.

What Is the Shortest Schooling for Nursing?

The shortest schooling for nursing is one year if you want to become an LPN/LVN and two years if you want to become a registered nurse.

Students also have the opportunity to complete an ADN in two years, earn their RN license, then return to school for an accelerated RN to BSN program, which allows them to earn their BSN with as little as three years of schooling.

How Long Is It To Become a Nurse Practitioner?

The shortest time it can take to become a nurse practitioner is four years. To accomplish this, you would need to earn your ADN, obtain your RN license, then complete an RN to MSN program.

However, often these programs require students to have a certain amount of experience as an RN before they can begin, meaning that you may not be able to become a nurse practitioner in four years straight.

Can an Average Student Become a Nurse?

Even an average student can become a nurse if they put in the effort. You don't need perfect grades to become a nurse, you just need to pass your program and the NCLEX-RN.

Nursing programs cover a wide range of concepts, meaning that even if you struggle with some subjects, there will likely be subjects that you do better at. If you feel like you're struggling with your coursework, reach out to your advisor for assistance.

Is It Worth It To Become a Nurse?

For many students, a nursing career path is worth it for a few reasons. First, nurses are focused on caring for patients, which in itself can be very rewarding.

There are also many types of nurses, which allow nurses to choose a healthcare specialization that they enjoy. The nursing profession is also in demand; the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that nursing jobs will increase by 6% by 2032.