How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse?

Now more than ever, aspiring nurses can look forward to strong career prospects. The healthcare industry is currently experiencing a nationwide nursing shortage, creating high demand for nurses in a variety of roles.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032. Licensed practical nurse positions are expected to grow by 5% while nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist roles are forecasted to grow by 38% over the same period of time.

But before you start scouring job postings, you should determine what kind of nurse you want to be, learn how long it takes to become one, and then enroll in an education program that will prepare you for career success.

How Long Is Nursing School?

To become a nurse, you will need to dedicate time to learning the fundamental principles and skills of the profession. The amount of nursing school education you receive depends on the type of nurse you’d like to be.

It usually takes two to four years to become a registered nurse (RN). Specifically, earning RN licensure can take up to two years, while earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing can take up to four. Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) typically takes about one year, while reaching the role of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) could take anywhere from five to eight years from start to finish. APRNs must complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or both.

Types of Nursing Roles

Different nursing roles require different degrees and certifications. While all roles require licensure, some require only an associate degree and others a bachelor’s degree. If you want to advance your nursing career or begin at a higher level, a master’s degree program will be part of your educational path.

As you decide what kind of nursing job speaks best to your sensibilities, it helps to know more about prominent nursing roles and what they entail. Consider the following:

• Licensed practical nurse (LPN): An LPN assists registered nurses and physicians by providing a wide range of patient services. Duties include monitoring and recording vital signs, updating patient charts, offering bedside care, dressing wounds, administering medications and IVs, organizing patient medications, providing meals, and managing medical equipment.
• Registered nurse (RN): RNs hold a license to practice nursing in their state. An RN primarily administers hands-on patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. RNs also work alongside physicians and other medical professionals to provide the best course of treatment possible and to help educate patients and their families about health issues.
• Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN): APRNs possess all the skills of RNs in addition to a specialized skill set relevant to their role. APRN responsibilities include conducting advanced physicals, diagnosing acute and chronic health problems, developing patient treatment plans, ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, performing in-office procedures, educating patients, and providing referrals.

How Long Does It Take to Become an LPN?

Becoming an LPN is often the fastest route to realizing your nursing career goals. Once you earn your high school diploma or GED, you’ll need to enroll in an LPN program, which typically takes a year to complete. Then, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam and apply for your professional LVN certification. Being licensed for this role will help you gain experience and be prepared for the next step in your career.

How Long Does It Take to Become an RN?

The amount of time it takes to become an RN depends on which educational path you choose. In general, you can expect to spend 16 months to four years in school before you're ready to take your nursing exam.

Earning an associate degree remains a popular option since it tends to be the fastest and most affordable way to become a nurse. However, a bachelor’s degree in nursing is more likely to make you a stronger candidate for nursing jobs. An undergraduate nursing degree can grant you the foundational knowledge and skills you’ll need to be successful.

From there, you’ll need to complete the clinical training prerequisites, including coursework and supervised clinical hours in a hospital or other healthcare facility. Clinical hour requirements vary, but they usually involve three clinical hours for every hour of classroom instruction. Lastly, once you’re deemed eligible by your state board of nursing, you must sit for and pass the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license.

How Long Does It Take to Become an APRN?

The educational path of an aspiring APRN lasts longer than that of an RN hopeful. To begin, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree (BSN) and become a registered nurse. If you’re already an RN but do not hold a bachelor’s degree, you might consider enrolling in an RN-to-BSN nursing program.

After you’ve become an RN and earned your BSN, you can pursue an MSN nurse practitioner degree, which provides the advanced training you'll need in an APRN role. MSN programs for nurse practitioners (NPs) often include courses and clinical work in specializations like psychiatric mental health nursing, family nursing, adult gerontology nursing, neonatal nursing, pediatrics, and women’s health.

You’ll also need to gain adequate work experience. For example, if you’re leaning toward an NP specialty like family nurse practitioner, find avenues to work in that area to attain the relevant on-the-job experience. A focus in primary care can allow you to cater to more general medical needs, while experience in acute care can equip you for handling emergencies or critical illnesses.

What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Nurse?

The quickest way to become an entry-level nurse is to earn an associate degree. Keep in mind, however, that many employers prioritize hiring nurses who hold BSNs. Traditional BSN programs often take up to four years to complete.

Many online nursing programs can help you accelerate your degree by reducing time spent in class or letting you progress based on your mastery of the material. By enrolling in an online nursing degree program, you may also be able to study at your own pace and schedule coursework around your work and family commitments.

Working While Earning Your Nursing Degree

If your heart is set on becoming a nurse but you can't attend school full-time due to your job, there are options available to help you reach your goals. While it may be challenging to work and go to school at the same time, it is possible—many individuals pursue their bachelor's degrees while working.

Fortunately, online universities like WGU offer a high degree of flexibility. At WGU, you can access course materials any time day or night, with no set log-in times. You’ll also work with your own personal Program Mentor who can help you achieve your educational and career goals.

Next Steps

Embarking on a nursing school journey can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However long your education may take, you can come out the other side with the skills and confidence you need to make a real difference in the healthcare industry. Learn more about studying at WGU today.