how long rn course

by Kenna Ullrich 5 min read

Depending upon your level of dedication, a nursing degree can take the following time to complete:

  • Associate’s degree programs, which provide entry-level opportunities, usually take two years
  • A bachelor’s degree program takes four years
  • A bachelor’s degree with direct entry typically takes three years
  • An accelerated bachelor’s degree with direct entry typically takes three years
  • An LPN to RN takes one to two years

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On average, an incoming nursing student can expect to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in roughly three years. This is after a student fully completes the academic program at an accredited college or university.

Full Answer

How long does it take to become a RN?

What are the steps to becoming a nurse practitioner?

  • Earn an undergraduate degree. To become an NP, you must first be licensed as a registered nurse (RN). ...
  • Become a registered nurse. Once you complete your undergraduate degree, the next step toward becoming an RN is passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
  • Pursue additional education. ...
  • Obtain certification. ...

How long is the schooling to become a RN?

The answer to that question depends on a number of factors including:

  • What type of nurse do you want to be?
  • How are you going to go earn your degree?
  • Are you going to go to school full time?
  • Are you going to take classes in person or online?
  • Do you want to get some hands-on experience before you move on to a position with more responsibility?

How long does it take to complete a RN-BSN program?

Typically, it takes around two years to complete the RN-to-BSN Program. In some universities, it will take even less. And, if you go for the part-time courses, the time taken to complete the RN-to-BSN Program will increase to 3-4 years.

Can you become RN in 2 years?

You can't become an RN in less than two years unless you have another degree or a practical nursing license. There is simply too much material to be learned to become an RN that it is not possible to do it in less than two years. Enroll in an accelerated Bachelor's program.

How long does it take to become a registered nurse?

Depending on the specific nursing program that you enroll in, it could take anywhere from 16 months to four years to become a registered nurse.

How long does it take to get an associates degree in nursing?

After all, an associate’s degree in nursing takes an average of only two years to complete. But as mentioned above, while an associate’s degree in nursing may fulfill the technical requirements of becoming an RN, more and more employers now require that any new hires earn their BSN in order to be considered for an RN position.

How long do you have to wait to take the NCLEX exam?

This exam is designed to test your knowledge in the field of nursing. If you do not pass the exam the first time, you must wait 45 days before you will be allowed to try again. Apply for licensure: Once you’ve passed the NCLEX, your final step will be to apply for licensure in whichever state you wish to practice.

Is it good to be a registered nurse?

This is good news for anyone who has considered a career as a registered nurse. Increased demand has translated into high levels of job security and competitive wages . These benefits, paired with a desire to make a difference for patients, is what inspires many to start the journey toward becoming a nurse.

Is a BSN required to become a nurse?

This fact means that the BSN is often considered to be a de facto requirement for becoming an RN.

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

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) often takes four years to complete. This degree is ideal for those who want to learn the full professional scope of nursing as a career choice. There may be additional job and salary opportunities at this level as well.

How long does it take to become a practical nurse?

Earning your diploma is one of steps on the road to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN. At minimum, a practical nursing diploma takes about one to two years to complete, depending on the school and how many semesters are required.

How long does it take to retake the LPN exam?

Even students that wish to take an accelerated path should be diligent in preparing for the exam, since there is a 45-day waiting period to retake the test. There are many choices available when it comes to LPN programs, including traditional and accelerated options.

What is an ASN degree?

An Associate of Science degree in nursing (ASN or ADN) is traditionally a full two-year college-level program that places students on the path to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). This type of program allows you to earn your RN credentials, but it is only the first step in a full-time professional nursing career.

What is an associates degree in nursing?

An associate degree in nursing allows you to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse and to reap the benefits of having such licensure.

What is an accelerated BSN?

Accelerated BSN programs are another option for career changers who may have a bachelor’s degree in another field and would like to become a nurse. State-approved accelerated BSN programs - like 4-year BSN programs - allow the graduate to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam at the end of their program.

What is a nurse educator?

A nurse educator is someone who has the educational and practical experience required for nursing, combined with an ability to teach others. Nurse educators may be employed at colleges or universities to develop and evaluate medical curriculum. Phone Triage Nurse. In modern times, telehealth is becoming a more popular option.

How long does it take to get a nursing diploma?

A Practical Nursing Diploma program can be earned in as few as 12 months for full-time students. 1 While state requirements may vary, typically students will need to complete their education and then pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain licensure.

How long does it take to get an ADN in nursing?

A Professional Nursing ADN program can be completed in as few as 18 to 24 months. 1 Next, you would need to pass the NCLEX-RN. After passing this test and meeting all other state licensure requirements, you are a registered nurse and able to specialize and work in a variety of settings.

How much does a nurse educator make?

The BLS reports that medical and health services managers earned a 2019 median annual salary of $100,980, and nurse educators earned a median annual salary of $74,600. 2. There are also advanced practice options that include more patient care including nurse practitioner roles or nurse anesthetists (CRNA).

How long does it take to get a masters in nursing at Rasmussen University?

Once you have that in hand and satisfy any other entrance requirements, you’ll have the ability to complete the Master of Science in Nursing program at Rasmussen University in as few as 18 months. 1. And although an advanced degree requires several years of schooling, the perks are worth it to many people.

How long does it take to get a BSN?

For those who aren’t already nurses, a standard BSN program can be completed in as few as 33 months with an accelerated program. 1 Or, if you already have a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you can leverage that experience to obtain a BSN in as few as 18 months in an accelerated BSN program. 1.

How do I become a registered nurse?

You can become an RN by earning an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). Both ADN and BSN registered nurses have broader scopes of practice than LPNs, and roles will vary based on the job location, whether it’s in a clinic, ...

What is it like to be a nurse?

One of the many great things about being a nurse is that there are a lot of ways to advance in your career and education. Many of these degrees build upon or transition into one another. This means the credential or degree you begin earning now doesn’t have to be the one you’re stuck with forever.

What is a registered nurse?

A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional who cares for patients of all ages, races, backgrounds and medical conditions. RNs graduated from a nursing program and passed all requirements and tests in order to practice.

How long does it take to become an RN?

It can take years to become a registered nurse, with about three years being average. Registered nurses have the most extensive training of all the nursing professions, like certified nursing assistants or licensed nurse practitioners. They also have the most clinical autonomy.

What are some tips for choosing the right nursing program?

Choosing the right nursing program or school is important to help ensure you succeed in your studies. There are many things to consider, like costs, time, career goals and more. Here are five tips for choosing the right nursing program that works for you:

How long is a nursing program?

A traditional nursing program is 2 years in length — with summers off and all the standard school breaks.

How long does it take to get a nursing degree?

So, How Long is Nursing School? Despite all of these factors, the duration of your nursing education depends on your educational goals as well: For an Associate Degree in Nursing, expect to spend two to three years in school before graduating ; for a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, plan to spend four to five years.

Can I take prerequisite classes during summer?

Prerequisite courses can make it difficult to determine how long your education will take, since completing them is entirely dependent on your personal situation. If you want to complete your prerequisites sooner, you can take classes during summer sessions in addition to regular semesters.

Do I need to pass the NCLEX to become a registered nurse?

If it works with your lifestyle, an accelerated course of study combined with summer prerequisite courses could reduce any of these estimates. Also, don't forget that you'll need to pass the NCLEX to work as a registered nurse or LPN, so the length of study is not the only consideration when selecting a nursing program.

How long does it take to get an associates degree in nursing?

An associate’s degree is usually offered by technical schools or community colleges, and they generally take 2-3 years to complete. You can complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing, also called a BSN degree.

How long does it take to get a BSN?

A BSN degree is offered by the traditional colleges and universities, and they typically take about four years to complete. In summary, it takes about 2-4 years to complete the educational requirements to become an RN (depending on which degree type you pursue), and after that, you’ll have to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

How do I become a registered nurse?

There are three basic ways you can become a registered nurse in the United States. You can complete a diploma program . Diploma programs aren’t as common as the other two methods below, but they do still exist as of this writing. ...

What is an accelerated nursing degree?

If you already have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in another field, but you’d like to go back to school to earn your nursing degree, there are accelerated or “second degree” programs offered by many community colleges and universities.

Marian University ABSN Prerequisites

For starters, to qualify for our accelerated nursing program, you must have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. As far as prerequisites go, our 16-month ABSN program has four science course requirements and two general education course requirements.

Why Prerequisites Are Important

In addition to being a requirement for admittance into our nursing school, the prerequisite courses you’ll take for the Marian University ABSN program play a vital role in your nursing education because they allow you to:

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