Becoming a nurse is an incredibly rewarding journey. Evolving healthcare needs and changing demographics have led to unprecedented demand in the nursing industry, and there’s never been a better time to enter the field.
Whether you’re considering a diploma program, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree, each path offers unique advantages and timelines. But with so many career paths available today, the timeline can differ significantly based on the route you choose.
In this blog, we’ll explore different education requirements to becoming a nurse, how long schooling is for a nurse and what you can expect as you embark on a fulfilling career in healthcare.
Education Requirements to Become a Nurse
To become a nurse, the minimum education requirements typically include:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): A diploma or certificate from a nursing program, which usually takes about one year to complete. LPNs usually work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Registered Nurse (RN): RNs can hold several advanced certificates and degrees, but the minimum educational requirement is an associate degree in nursing (ADN) which generally takes two to three years.
- Nursing Licensure: After completing the educational program, candidates must pass a standardized exam to apply for licensure, which will be discussed later on.
There are additional advanced degrees for specialized roles or higher positions, but these are the basic requirements to enter the profession. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes about four years, is becoming a preferred education requirement for many positions as hiring in healthcare evolves.
Phases to Becoming a Nurse
- Start Your Journey: Complete a nursing diploma program where you can obtain your ADN or BSN. Many community colleges, universities and online colleges offer these programs. As hiring requirements evolve, BSN-prepared nurses are increasingly preferred by employers.
- Make It Official: Once you’ve completed a degree program, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). After passing NCLEX-RN, you’ll be able to apply for an RN license in your state.
- Build Your Resume and Gain Experience: Enhance your education with internships or volunteer work in healthcare settings. Hands-on experience not only improves your skills but also strengthens your resume, making you a more competitive candidate in today’s job market.
Exploring Nursing Pathways and Education
Nursing pathways can be tailored to meet different career goals and personal circumstances. Students can choose from several programs, including an associate degree in nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a RN to BSN for those with prior degrees. Nurses who plan on continuing their education to obtain advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) often choose a BSN pathway over an ADN.
Experiences vary significantly based on the chosen program. ADN students often engage in hands-on clinical experiences early on, while BSN students benefit from a more comprehensive curriculum that includes community health and nursing research. Regardless of the path, all nursing students face rigorous coursework and demanding clinical rotations, preparing them for the challenges of a rewarding healthcare career. Ultimately, the choice of program shapes both the duration of study and the depth of experience, leading to diverse nursing trajectories.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Registered Nurse?
Jumping into a career as an RN can be achieved in as little as two years — one of the quickest routes is with an ADN. The number of years to complete each program depends, but here’s a quick snapshot:
- ASN/ADN: These programs usually take two to three years, providing a solid foundation for entry-level nursing careers.
- BSN: A full four-year degree that includes general education requirements as well as nursing courses, offering a broader scope of practice, leadership training and advanced skills
- Bridge programs: Some colleges like American College of Education offer a number of bridge programs designed to help you advance your career quicker by taking advantage of previous coursework you’ve already completed:
- RN to BSN: can be completed in 18 months*
- BSN to MSN: can be completed in 16 months*
Clinical Experience in Nursing School
Here’s a brief overview of what nursing students can expect to complete during their education:
- Acute Care Clinicals: These typically take place in hospitals or emergency rooms and involve direct patient care, monitoring vital signs, administering medications and assisting with procedures.
- Long-term Care Clinicals: This involves nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities and caring for patients with chronic illnesses or those recovering from surgery. There is an emphasis on daily living activities, patient mobility and emotional support.
- Community Health Clinicals: These are housed in public health departments, schools or community health clinics with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention and education. Students may conduct health assessments and do community outreach.
- Specialty Clinicals: These can include mental health facilities, pediatric units or surgical units where nurses provide specialized care depending on the area.
Nursing degrees require around 500-800 clinical hours over the course of the program, depending on whether you’re pursuing an LPN, ADN or BSN. Clinical shifts can vary widely, so flexibility is important. Clinical experience is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that nursing graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the profession.
Exams to Become a Nurse
The NCLEX exam is a crucial step for aspiring nurses, assessing their knowledge and skills to administer safe and effective patient care. After completing a nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses or the NCLEX-PN for practical nurses to earn a license. Here’s what you need to know:
- Exams are typically administered at a testing center.
- Aspiring RNs can expect multiple choice, short response and fill-in-the-blank questions on things like patient safety and infection control, wellness, disease prevention, mental health and emotional support, and pharmacological therapies.
Beyond the NCLEX, specialized certifications like the Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) or Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) are also available. These require additional training and separate exams. Other certifications like the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or the Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) focus on these practice areas. There are many options to demonstrate advanced expertise and enhance your career opportunities in the nursing field.
Nurse Licensure and Certifications
After successfully passing your examination, you’ll be able to apply for a nursing license. This process can take up to a few weeks. The following resources can help you find state-specific information about licensure:
- State Board of Nursing: Each state has its own board of nursing, which provides detailed information about licensure, renewal and regulations. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing website offers a comprehensive directory of state boards
- State Government Websites: Many contain sections dedicated to nursing where you can find licensing requirements and additional resources
- Professional Nursing Organizations: Organizations like the American Nurses Association have resources on licensure and practice regulations.
Additional Factors to Consider
Many nursing students balance part-time jobs, family and other responsibilities while in school. These commitments can extend the timeline for completing a nursing program, as you may need to adjust your course loads or schedules. But keep in mind that juggling different life commitments helps you enhance time management skills and prepares you for the demands of nursing. These are considerations to make when choosing your nursing pathway.
Continuing Your Nursing Education
Even after completing their initial education, nurses are never truly done learning. Continuing education is essential for maintaining licensure and staying current with medical advancements. Many states require a specific number of continuing education hours for license renewal. For example, California mandates 30 hours every two years, while Florida requires 24 hours.
Additionally, pursuing advanced certifications, like becoming a Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist, opens doors to specialized knowledge and skills.
The Lifelong Journey of Nursing
Healthcare is constantly progressing, and nurses commit to lifelong learning to ensure they provide the highest standard of care and remain at the forefront of their profession. A career in nursing offers the chance to make a significant impact on patients’ lives. Like many professions, nursing provides endless opportunities for growth and skill refinement. Embracing lifelong learning ensures that nurses can continually enhance their expertise and deliver the best possible care.
Are you ready to unlock more opportunities in your nursing career? Explore American College of Education’s fully online and CCNE-accredited RN to BSN, BSN to MSN and RN to MSN programs.
*This is an estimated time to completion. Actual completion time may vary depending on the number of transfer credits applied, availability of courses, a satisfactory pace, successful course completion and meeting program milestones as required.
