How long is nursing school?The nursing programs may take six months, a year, four, six, or more years depending on the nursing school programme. However, LPN’s can take up to 18 months, while a Bachelor of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse (RN) takes up to 4 years. It is a question you must ask yourself before joining a nursing institution so you can select the most suitable programme for you.
Moreover, before getting admitted to a nursing program, you must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) admission requirement exam. This test is crucial, and you can’t be admitted to most schools if you fail. It needs thorough preparation using TEAS prep resources like Naxlex practice tests. These practice tests are prepared by tutors with TEAS test experience assuring you are taking these tests will give you an ambiance of the actual exam.
Let’s take a deeper look at how long nursing programs take and which one is right for you. Additionally, we will explore the duration of nursing schools in different programs.
How Long do Nursing Programmes and Degrees Take?
There are three major categories of nurses, namely:
- Licensed practical nurses (LPN) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs)
- Registered nurses (RN): under is more diverse, you can either choose to be a nursing diploma, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
- Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). An example of an ARPN is a nurse practitioner (NPs)
In these categories of nursing programs, BSN is the most pursued nursing degree, with over 48% in the US nursing workforce. ADN follows with 28.1%, and the third position is Master in Science (MSN) in nursing at 14.9%. Let’s check the duration of nursing schools in different programs.
Degree in Nursing | Duration | Career Path |
LVN/LPN Program | 12 to 18 months | Vocational/Licensed Practical Nurse |
Nursing Diploma | 12 to 36 months | Registered Nurse |
Associate Degree in Nursing | 24 months | Registered Nurse |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 2 years or 48 months | Registered Nurse |
Masters of Science in Nursing | 66 to 72 months | Advanced Practice RN |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 84 to 90 months | Advance Practice Nurse |
What are Job Opportunities for Nurses?
Regardless of your degree program, there are plenty of professional opportunities in the nursing field. Moreover, the significant benefits of nursing education are that you can continuously learn and advance in your career. While you may start at an entry-level position, there are numerous opportunities to further your education and adapt your skills to achieve new career goals.
The nursing profession is very demanding, and you have various options depending on the nursing degree you want. Moreover, when choosing a nursing institution, consider the following tips to make an informed decision.
- Critical care nurse: these nurses work in emergency departments or trauma centers. They provide advanced medical care to patients requiring urgent attention. These nurses offer specialized support to patients needing immediate and acute care.
- Surgical nurse: You will find surgical nurses, hospitals, and outpatient surgery centers. They offer assistance in operating rooms and support post-operative care for attending physicians and surgeons. These nurses possess specialized knowledge and skills for providing care during surgical procedures and recovery.
- Nurse midwives: these nurses offer obstetric and maternity care to expectant mothers throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Although having an MSN degree is advantageous, many midwifery programs need additional licensure requirements or certifications that nurse midwives must acquire.
- Nurse practitioner: Nurse Practitioners often collaborate with a team of physicians in family care or pediatric practices. However, they may also have their practices and see their patients. This level of nursing needs nurses with an advanced degree, like a DNP or MSN.
- Phone Triage Nurse: The use of telehealth is gaining popularity by the day; as a result, many hospitals and insurance companies employ phone triage nurses to provide telephonic support for patients with general health inquiries and concerns.
- Nurse educator: A nurse educator is an individual who possesses both practical nursing experience and the necessary educational expertise to teach others. Nurse educators can work at universities or colleges where they design and assess medical curricula.
Points to Consider when Choosing a Nursing School
The nursing profession is very demanding, and you have various options depending on the nursing degree you want. Regardless of your age, these schools cater to all students, including adult students who may switch careers to nursing.
Check out: Best Nursing Schools in Georgia
Are you wondering how to choose the best nursing program? You can check through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing since they have advanced program directory features that filter by state or program type. After opening the diverse list, you can narrow down your options based on time commitment, budget, and previous level of education.
Remember, when choosing a nursing institution, consider the following tips
- How are the transfer credit policies
- Accreditation and licensure
- Class scheduling
- Classroom/ practical requirements
- Upper-level options
Conclusion
How long does is nursing school? From above, you’ve learned how diverse nursing can be, and you can start from a basic level and advance as you work. However, you must take the TEAS test to enter a nursing institution. This test is crucial because, without it, your dream to pursue nursing will remain in your sleep.
To pass this test, you must prepare adequately for at least six weeks using a good TEAS study guide and ATI TEAS 7 practice tests. Naxlex offers a free TEAS practice test to help you grasp the test. Additionally, with Nadler TEAS timed practice tests, you can do the tests and weigh your performance and test preparedness. Don’t procrastinate; subscribe to the Naxlex TEAS study guide and pass your TEAS with a 90% score.