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How long did it take to become an RN?
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Hanna there is more than one path you can take to become a licensed, registered nurse (RN), first you need to decide on the level of education you wish to pursue. The different options of schooling for registered nurses can take from 2-4 years, but it can be worthwhile since the RN field is estimated to grow much faster than the national average in the near future. RNs entering the field can hold a nursing diploma, associate's, or bachelor's degree. If you want to earn a bachelor's degree, you will typically need to complete 120 credits, whereas an associate's degree is usually around 60 credits. The level of education determines the answer to 'how long does it take to become a nurse?'. Diploma programs may be offered through hospitals or medical facilities and may take 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on the program. Associate's degree programs in nursing may take 18 months to 2 years to complete, while BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete. Those wishing to become registered nurses (RNs) may pursue associate's or bachelor's degrees in nursing. These programs provide education in patient communication and care, often with a community health emphasis. Graduates are eligible to take the national licensing exams necessary to become registered nurses.
DIPLOMA PROGRAMS IN NURSING • 1 YEAR
Diploma programs in nursing are the least common education option of the three and are often offered through colleges, medical centers, or hospitals. Some can be completed in as little as 12 months and may be available in online formats. While some diploma programs in nursing are less common and may not have prerequisites for admission, there are a wide range of RN colleges. Usually, associate's and bachelor's degree programs in nursing at these schools do have prerequisites. These degree programs may require students to meet a specific GPA and/or have prior coursework in various science subjects.
ASSOCIATED DEGREE IN NURSING (ADN) • 2 YEARS
Many registered nurses enter the profession by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). ADN programs are available at community and vocational colleges and typically last 2-3 years. They combine classroom instruction with hands-on training in hospitals, clinics or other healthcare settings.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN) • 4 YEARS
Aspiring registered nurses may choose to gain more comprehensive training by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs who hold diplomas or associate degrees tend to pursue bachelor's degrees later in their careers. These degree programs are particularly beneficial to students who wish to pursue clinical or administrative positions. A bachelor's degree is beneficial to gaining employment and advancing in your nursing career. Nurses with a bachelor's degree may have more independence and better job opportunities. They are also able to complete more complex medical procedures under the supervision of a doctor and also may supervise other nurses. Nurses with a bachelor's degree may improve patient outcomes as they have more knowledge and experience than nurses with an associate's degree. In addition, nurses with a bachelor's degree tend to make more and have more opportunities for salary advancement compared to nurses with an associate's degree.
Once students have earned their diploma, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in nursing, they must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and meet their states' requirements for nursing licensure. Some nurses may also be required to and/or opt to earn a variety of additional certifications, such as basic life support (BLS) certification, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or other specialty certifications in areas like pediatrics or gerontology. Some RNs also choose to pursue certification as a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners have more autonomy than RNs and can even open their own practice in some states. Nurse practitioners require a master's degree or doctoral degree in nursing and certification in a speciality, such as family nurse practitioner.
Hope this was helpful Hanna
If you plan to enter a nursing degree program directly after high school, some programs will require you to take a laboratory science course for two years before you can get started with your degree. One of the main curricular areas of a typical nursing class is biology and it’s a prerequisite for most nursing degree programs. High school biology classes should introduce you to cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, evolution and genetics, and animal physiology. You will also familiarize yourself with laboratory apparatus, which will equip you with essential skills and knowledge on how to handle lab samples.
DIPLOMA PROGRAMS IN NURSING • 1 YEAR
Diploma programs in nursing are the least common education option of the three and are often offered through colleges, medical centers, or hospitals. Some can be completed in as little as 12 months and may be available in online formats. While some diploma programs in nursing are less common and may not have prerequisites for admission, there are a wide range of RN colleges. Usually, associate's and bachelor's degree programs in nursing at these schools do have prerequisites. These degree programs may require students to meet a specific GPA and/or have prior coursework in various science subjects.
ASSOCIATED DEGREE IN NURSING (ADN) • 2 YEARS
Many registered nurses enter the profession by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). ADN programs are available at community and vocational colleges and typically last 2-3 years. They combine classroom instruction with hands-on training in hospitals, clinics or other healthcare settings.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN) • 4 YEARS
Aspiring registered nurses may choose to gain more comprehensive training by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs who hold diplomas or associate degrees tend to pursue bachelor's degrees later in their careers. These degree programs are particularly beneficial to students who wish to pursue clinical or administrative positions. A bachelor's degree is beneficial to gaining employment and advancing in your nursing career. Nurses with a bachelor's degree may have more independence and better job opportunities. They are also able to complete more complex medical procedures under the supervision of a doctor and also may supervise other nurses. Nurses with a bachelor's degree may improve patient outcomes as they have more knowledge and experience than nurses with an associate's degree. In addition, nurses with a bachelor's degree tend to make more and have more opportunities for salary advancement compared to nurses with an associate's degree.
Once students have earned their diploma, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in nursing, they must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and meet their states' requirements for nursing licensure. Some nurses may also be required to and/or opt to earn a variety of additional certifications, such as basic life support (BLS) certification, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or other specialty certifications in areas like pediatrics or gerontology. Some RNs also choose to pursue certification as a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners have more autonomy than RNs and can even open their own practice in some states. Nurse practitioners require a master's degree or doctoral degree in nursing and certification in a speciality, such as family nurse practitioner.
Hope this was helpful Hanna
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Andrea. “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
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Afaf’s Answer
I will give you an outline from my experience as a consultant in MOPH - Qatar-Middle East:
It can takes up to two months to finalize your license as a Nurse if only you have two years experience as a nurse after being licensed at your country, and a Qatari Prometric pass certificate . then all the upcoming process will be only requesting verification of your documents.
It can takes up to two months to finalize your license as a Nurse if only you have two years experience as a nurse after being licensed at your country, and a Qatari Prometric pass certificate . then all the upcoming process will be only requesting verification of your documents.
Updated
Carly’s Answer
There are many academic paths to being an RN. It took me 2 years because I did an associate degree program. I would suggest going on to your BSN for marketability in your career.
Select a nursing school in your area
Shadow a nurse to get an idea what a nurse does
Look for a job in healthcare such as CNA or PCT
Carly recommends the following next steps: