Rozina Aziz Those pondering “how long does it take to become a registered nurse?” are likely preoccupied with this questioning student body. You need to learn about the various routes to a career in nursing.
You need to know what specialty of nurse you want to become before you can even begin to estimate how long it will take you to complete nursing school. Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses are the three main types of nursing professionals (RNs).
How Long Does it Take to Become a Registered Nurse?
There are several different types of degree programs that can assist students in becoming eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (RN). Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses are the three main types of nursing professionals (RNs).
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) works in the medical field under the direction of a registered nurse (RN). After earning a bachelor’s degree, LPNs usually complete an additional year or two of schooling before sitting for the certification exam.
A hospital or clinic can rely on them to provide patients with basic treatment. Lastly, registered nurses enjoy the most clinical independence and comprehensive training of any nursing profession.
It may take up to 2 years to finish a diploma program, and the same goes for an associate’s degree in nursing. It takes 4 years to earn a BSN. After completing their training, nurses are required to obtain a license.
Becoming a registered nurse might take anywhere from a little over a year to four years of schooling, depending on the chosen curriculum. Learn more about your options for higher education below.
Degree Choices for Registered Nurses
It is possible to earn an RN degree from various schools and even some hospitals. There are usually different entry criteria and prerequisites for each degree pathway.
Diploma in Nursing
Two to three years are required to earn a registered nurse (RN) diploma. The traditional route to becoming a registered nurse was through a diploma program. Even though each program is different in some ways, they all work with local hospitals and other medical facilities to introduce students to basic healthcare ideas and clinical practice.
Even though the NCLEX-RN is becoming increasingly important for nurses to pass to work professionally, diploma programs that prepare students for the test are becoming less and less popular. The BSN degree is quickly becoming the norm in the nursing profession today. BSNs are typically more difficult to take; however, unique RN to BSN programs can help working nurses earn them in as short as 18 months.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Degree Program
It is common for community and public colleges to take Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) programs that are tailored specifically to prepare students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Earning an ASN (Associate of Science in Nursing) typically takes two to three years.
ASN programs educate students by teaching them the fundamentals of nursing and healthcare, including anatomy, health science, and pharmacology, and giving them practical experience in clinical settings. An ADN is equivalent to an ASN but often requires fewer clinical hours.
Obtaining a BSN Degree in Nursing
A BSN program (bachelor of science in nursing) can be completed in four years. Depending on the specific program’s requirements and the student’s course load, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree can be earned in as little as three years. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing are typically required to take additional classes in various fields outside of their major and learn the fundamentals of nursing.
A master of science in nursing (MSN), which is necessary to become a nurse practitioner, often requires a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, which can take longer to earn (NP). Additionally, certain firms may prefer applicants with BSNs over those with less advanced degrees because BSNs are becoming the industry norm.
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure
The National League of Nursing will allow you to take the NCLEX-RN if you have graduated from a diploma, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree program in the field of nursing. You can get your nursing license by passing this test.
This test has multiple-choice, multiple-response, fill-in-the-blank, and other question formats, and it covers four main areas and eight smaller ones. It encompasses four distinct areas:
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
- Safe and effective care environment
- Health promotion and maintenance
Specialization
One of the benefits of being an RN is the opportunity to obtain certification in a subfield of nursing. Earning these distinctions can help you command higher pay and progress your nursing career, but getting them can take another year or more of your time.
It often requires passing another test, depending on the specialization. For instance, consider the following examples of medical specialization:
- Emergency room care
- Cardiac care
- Anesthesiology
- Mental health
- Management and administration
- Education
- Pediatrics
- Geriatrics
- Oncology
- Orthopedics
- Surgical care
- Critical care
What is the duration of a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the terminal degree for registered nurses (RNs). Different options are available for a DNP, including: Expertise in Advancing Nursing Practice (APRN), Certified nurse-midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners
It takes three to four years to finish a BSN to DNP program. A part-time study by working adults can add an additional two or three years to the time it takes to become a registered nurse.
The time commitment involved in earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a key factor to think about. For instance, a DNP candidate may decide to pursue certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) as a nurse practitioner or a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Time-wise, and in comparison to a DNP student who has no interest in becoming an APRN, the dual track is more intensive.
What is the duration required to become a Practical Nurse (PN)?
A practical nurse often has to complete one to two years of schooling. While this path can get students licenced as a nurse more quickly, they should be aware that their employment prospects may be less diverse. LPNs may work alongside registered nurses, assisting them with patient care tasks such as feeding, dressing, and bathing.
Passing the NCLEX-PN exam is mandatory for all aspiring LPNs. Since there is a 45-day waiting time before taking the test again, even those who want to move quickly should study hard for it.
Traditional and fast-track LPN programs are both available to prospective students. Before deciding on a degree, it may be helpful to discuss your timeline and professional aspirations with an admissions or career counsellor.
What are Job Opportunities for Nurses?
Career options are plentiful regardless of the degree path you take. Having a nursing degree opens doors to new opportunities for professional growth and development. Even if you have to start at the bottom, there are plenty of ways to adjust your education to fit a different line of work. After finishing their nursing degrees, some of the possible career paths for students are shown below.
Critical Care Nurse.
Intensive care Nurses are frequently needed at healthcare facilities that treat trauma patients, such as emergency rooms and hospitals. For those in dire need of immediate medical attention, they are there to lend a helping hand.
Nurse Practitioner.
A Nurse Practitioner will frequently collaborate with other doctors in a pediatric or family medicine setting. In certain cases, NPs visit patients in their own practices. In most cases, a master’s or doctorate in nursing is required for work at this level.
Surgical Nurse.
Demand is high for surgical nurses, who provide support to surgeons and physicians both during surgery and post-procedure in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Nurse Midwife.
Nurse midwives are medical professionals who assist expectant and new mothers with all aspects of childbirth. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is often a prerequisite for midwifery schools, although there may be other license requirements or specialty certifications as well.
Nurse Educator.
A nurse educator is a person who possesses both the theoretical and practical knowledge to be a nurse, as well as the teaching skills to pass on that knowledge to others. Nurse educators may work in higher education institutions, where they shape and assess nursing programs.
Phone Triage Nurse.
In modern times, telehealth is becoming a more popular option. Phone triage nurses are frequently hired by doctor’s offices or insurance companies to provide telephone support to patients who have questions or issues.
What are RNs’ job prospects and pay?
There is good news for RNs looking for work. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that there will be an additional 194,500 yearly openings for licensed nurses between the years of 2020 and 2030. Since there is such a high demand, the pay is significantly more than typical.
Conclusion
it typically takes between one and four years to become a registered nurse, depending on the program you choose. LPNs must take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam before they can practice, and there is a 45-day waiting period to retake the test if necessary. There are many job opportunities available for nurses upon successful completion of their academic programs, including critical care nursing, nurse practitioner roles, surgical nursing, nurse midwifery, nurse educator positions, and phone triage nursing. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be an additional 194,500 yearly openings for licensed nurses between 2020 and 2030.
