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How long does it take to get a degree in nursing?

How long does it take to get a degree in nursing?

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Doc’s Answer

Will there are many different types of nurses and many nursing specialties to choose from. Every specialty has its own set of unique educational and clinical requirements. Which nursing specialty is right for you.

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)
Earning your diploma in practical nursing is the fastest way to jumpstart your nursing career as a licensed practical nurse. LPNs provide basic nursing care and work closely with registered nurses (RNs) and physicians in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, doctor's offices, nursing homes, hospice and urgent care clinics. 12 month diploma

ASSOCIATED DEGREE IN NURSING (ASN)
You can become a registered nurse (RN) in just two years with your associate degree in nursing. RNs are the first line of care in many healthcare settings, and they are in increasingly high demand as healthcare organizations strive to accommodate a growing patient population.

BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN NURSING (BSN)
A bachelor’s degree is becoming the new educational standard for registered nurses, as hospitals and other healthcare organizations respond to the Institute of Medicine’s call to increase their bachelors-prepared RN staff. The average salary for an RN with a BSN will typically trend higher than salaries for RNs without a bachelor’s degree.

NURSE PRACTITIONER (NP)
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who is educated at the master’s level or higher, and represents a step up in responsibilities and autonomy compared to registered nurses. NPs provide an advanced level of care that includes health promotion, health prevention, wellness and disease management, as well as diagnosis and treating acute, chronic, and episodic illnesses. Nurse practitioners are required to have either a master's or a doctoral degree in nursing. As a result, it usually takes six to eight years of schooling to become a nurse practitioner.

Ultimately Will, the choice of which degree to pick will depend on your long-term career goals.
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Bajaj’s Answer

Sure, the time it takes to get a nursing degree can be different for everyone. It's based on your study method. Usually, if you're studying full-time, it takes about three to four years. But if you're studying part-time, it might take a bit longer, like five to six years.
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Will,

While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.

Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.

There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.

RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.

According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:

https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty

A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:

https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/

- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland

U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools

When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:

- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral

Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.

You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.

Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:

https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/

https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships

Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.

Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
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Julien’s Answer

Hi Will,

It varies based on your long term goals and how long you want to go for your education one the comments provides a detailed overview of different levels of education for nursing, I would say it to look into what you want to do after high school in nursing there are alot of resources and the comments provides info on, I do have to say when you are applying for nursing school you need to have complete the prerequisite courses and other things in your applications such as volunteer experience in healthcare look into schools of interest and ask questions on admission requirements needed and from there make a plan.

best of luck
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Aisha’s Answer

Hi Will,

Just to give you a ballpark, it usually takes around two to four years to become a registered nurse. However, the exact duration can vary for you. It depends on the type of degree program you opt for, your hands-on clinical experience, and the specific licensing rules in your state.

Take care,
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey there, Will!

Just to give you a heads up, the journey to becoming a nurse usually spans between 2 to 4 years. This duration can vary based on the specific program you choose and the level of education you're aiming for.

For some reliable sources of information, you might want to check out these top 3 authoritative publications:

1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

And remember, can God bless you? Absolutely, He can!

Take care,
James.
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