4 answers
Ayrabella
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How long do u gotta go to college to be a nurse ?
Hi I’m Ayrabella and I was wondering how long do u gotta go to college to be a nurse and is being a nurse hard at all ? I would love to be a nurse when I grow up
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4 answers
Lauren Caldwell
Retail Associate
7
Answers
Hazard, Kentucky
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hello there! The duration of your nursing school journey may vary based on the institution you choose, but on average, it's about a 2-year commitment. However, keep in mind that there are certain programs out there that can fast-track your graduation. So, don't worry! You have options to make this journey suit your pace. Keep going, you're doing great!
Stephanie Porchowsky
Registered Nurse
4
Answers
Stow, Ohio
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Ayrabella!
There are many different paths to becoming a nurse. And there are many different levels of nursing. Here’s a breakdown of different levels of nursing, and the education needed for each:
1) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Requires about 1 year of trade school, vocational school, or Community College courses. LPN’s are somewhat limited in what they can do as a nurse, but it may be a good first step, especially if you want to get a feel for what nursing is about.
2) Registered Nurse (RN)
Requires about 3-4 years of college.
There are 2 levels of RN’s…Associate (of Science) Degree in Nursing (ADN)
OR Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).
ADN’s are required to complete “prerequisite” college courses (usually science-based courses which can take anywhere from 1-2 years) PRIOR to acceptance into a Nursing Program. Once accepted, an additional 2 years of college courses and clinicals (working with patients in a hospital or healthcare setting) are required.
BSN’s are required to complete a 4 year college Nursing Program that includes prerequisite courses, clinicals, and a few additional courses that allow them to advance more rapidly into leadership or specialty Nursing roles after graduation.
3) MSN’s are RN’s with a Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing
Requires about 6 years of college
MSN’s usually work in Education, Research, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Information Technology roles. Many MSN’s also become Nurse Practitioners, which are like doctors, but have a Nursing degree instead of a Medical degree, and usually work with a team of practitioners that include doctors.
4) The highest degree in Nursing is a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) and requires about 7-8 years of college. DNP’s often work in Research, (Corporate) Nursing Executive roles, as College Professors, and as Healthcare Entrepreneurs.
There are so many paths and so many different areas of nursing to consider. If you have a big heart with lots of compassion to share, and you like helping others, Nursing just may be your calling! Becoming a nurse takes time and a lot of hard work, but the rewards are endless and will continue on throughout your career.
Good luck!!
There are many different paths to becoming a nurse. And there are many different levels of nursing. Here’s a breakdown of different levels of nursing, and the education needed for each:
1) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Requires about 1 year of trade school, vocational school, or Community College courses. LPN’s are somewhat limited in what they can do as a nurse, but it may be a good first step, especially if you want to get a feel for what nursing is about.
2) Registered Nurse (RN)
Requires about 3-4 years of college.
There are 2 levels of RN’s…Associate (of Science) Degree in Nursing (ADN)
OR Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).
ADN’s are required to complete “prerequisite” college courses (usually science-based courses which can take anywhere from 1-2 years) PRIOR to acceptance into a Nursing Program. Once accepted, an additional 2 years of college courses and clinicals (working with patients in a hospital or healthcare setting) are required.
BSN’s are required to complete a 4 year college Nursing Program that includes prerequisite courses, clinicals, and a few additional courses that allow them to advance more rapidly into leadership or specialty Nursing roles after graduation.
3) MSN’s are RN’s with a Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing
Requires about 6 years of college
MSN’s usually work in Education, Research, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Information Technology roles. Many MSN’s also become Nurse Practitioners, which are like doctors, but have a Nursing degree instead of a Medical degree, and usually work with a team of practitioners that include doctors.
4) The highest degree in Nursing is a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) and requires about 7-8 years of college. DNP’s often work in Research, (Corporate) Nursing Executive roles, as College Professors, and as Healthcare Entrepreneurs.
There are so many paths and so many different areas of nursing to consider. If you have a big heart with lots of compassion to share, and you like helping others, Nursing just may be your calling! Becoming a nurse takes time and a lot of hard work, but the rewards are endless and will continue on throughout your career.
Good luck!!
Bianca Cook
RN
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Bianca’s Answer
Hello!
It typically takes about four years, regardless of the degree level you're aiming for in nursing. Usually, there are certain prerequisites you need to complete before you can apply to nursing school. But don't worry, with dedication and hard work, you can definitely achieve your goals!
It typically takes about four years, regardless of the degree level you're aiming for in nursing. Usually, there are certain prerequisites you need to complete before you can apply to nursing school. But don't worry, with dedication and hard work, you can definitely achieve your goals!
Lacy Blankley
RN, Clinical Educator
1
Answer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Lacy’s Answer
Hi Ayrabella! One consideration that will largely effect the length of time spent in college is the type of nursing degree you are seeking. Some of the different degrees offered are: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate. Additionally, there may be more learning time required for different nurse specialties and certifications. Nursing is a very unique and diverse profession that offers a lot of opportunities, and as a result the amount of post-secondary education that is required can range widely.