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Ashalee
Student
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How many years do it takes to become a rn nurse
It takes 4 years to become a registered nurse
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3 answers
Sasha Joogoolsingh
Human Resources
50
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Tampa, Florida
Updated
Sasha’s Answer
Hello Ashalee,
If you're dreaming of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) might be your quickest route, especially when compared to a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing program generally takes about four years to complete. On the other hand, an associate's degree can be achieved in just two to three years. However, a BSN program might offer a wider range of job opportunities.
The quickest path to becoming a nurse is by becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPN programs can be finished in just a year, though they do have some limitations compared to RN programs. LPNs usually earn less than RNs, their duties are more limited, and there are fewer chances for career growth.
However, if you're eager to start working in the nursing field as soon as possible, becoming an LPN is a fantastic starting point. If you decide to become an RN later, you can return to school or take an LPN-to-RN program to expand your career options. After finishing your LPN program, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Exam-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN). Once you pass, you can apply for licensure as an LPN — or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states — and start working right away.
You can become an RN in two years with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma. These programs offer quicker entry into a registered nursing career than a four-year degree, but they might limit your career growth options down the line. Many advanced practice programs, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, or managerial positions prefer or require candidates with BSN degrees.
However, an ADN program gives you college credit, which can shorten the time needed to get a BSN if you decide to go for one later. Nursing diplomas don't count toward college credits, so if you plan to get a BSN later, you'll need to complete a four-year degree or find an RN-to-BSN program that might speed up your progress.
Regardless of the program you choose, your final step will be to pass the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). After passing the exam, you can apply for licensure in your state and start working as a registered nurse.
If your ultimate goal is to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), the journey will take more than four years. In addition to a BSN and several years of experience as a generalist RN, you'll need to earn at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Specialized training might also be required.
To become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), you'll need a BSN, at least one to three years of experience in critical care, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree. This means you'll need a minimum of 8 to 10 years of study and training to become a CRNA.
Other specialties like nephrology nurses or advanced areas such as nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives have similar timelines — around 6 to 10 years — though the specific degree and experience requirements may vary.
I hope this information is helpful! Wishing you all the best!
If you're dreaming of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) might be your quickest route, especially when compared to a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing program generally takes about four years to complete. On the other hand, an associate's degree can be achieved in just two to three years. However, a BSN program might offer a wider range of job opportunities.
The quickest path to becoming a nurse is by becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPN programs can be finished in just a year, though they do have some limitations compared to RN programs. LPNs usually earn less than RNs, their duties are more limited, and there are fewer chances for career growth.
However, if you're eager to start working in the nursing field as soon as possible, becoming an LPN is a fantastic starting point. If you decide to become an RN later, you can return to school or take an LPN-to-RN program to expand your career options. After finishing your LPN program, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Exam-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN). Once you pass, you can apply for licensure as an LPN — or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states — and start working right away.
You can become an RN in two years with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma. These programs offer quicker entry into a registered nursing career than a four-year degree, but they might limit your career growth options down the line. Many advanced practice programs, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, or managerial positions prefer or require candidates with BSN degrees.
However, an ADN program gives you college credit, which can shorten the time needed to get a BSN if you decide to go for one later. Nursing diplomas don't count toward college credits, so if you plan to get a BSN later, you'll need to complete a four-year degree or find an RN-to-BSN program that might speed up your progress.
Regardless of the program you choose, your final step will be to pass the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). After passing the exam, you can apply for licensure in your state and start working as a registered nurse.
If your ultimate goal is to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), the journey will take more than four years. In addition to a BSN and several years of experience as a generalist RN, you'll need to earn at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Specialized training might also be required.
To become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), you'll need a BSN, at least one to three years of experience in critical care, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree. This means you'll need a minimum of 8 to 10 years of study and training to become a CRNA.
Other specialties like nephrology nurses or advanced areas such as nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives have similar timelines — around 6 to 10 years — though the specific degree and experience requirements may vary.
I hope this information is helpful! Wishing you all the best!
This is really great! One thing I would definitely mention is that if you go the ADN route, you only need to take the NCLEX-RN once :) at the end of a RN to BSN program you do not to sit for another board exam
Maddie Sutton, BSN, RN
Alyssa Alejo
Supervisor Gaming Audit
51
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Think about committing to 4 years, it could greatly enrich your life experience! :)
Flora Frangoudis, NJ CPA
Accounting
30
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Flora’s Answer
Ashalee, It's wonderful that you would like to pursue a nursing as your profession. Been a RN nurse is more than a profession but requires a passion and willing to make personal sacrifices. The time required for schooling will depends on the degree program you choose, your clinical experience, and the licensing requirements in your state. Two year associate degree in nursing or four year bachelor of science in nursing. Then you need to take the licensure exam to become an RN. In addition to the number of years you need to take in to consideration how you will finance your degree and your academic skills. My advise is to look into a community college in your area that offers the nursing program and start taking relevant courses and internship or volunteer to a near by hospital to obtain first hand experience. Schooling is great but you get the best experience of the profession's demand by following /working in the field.