A large number of jobs in the medical field and health care industry are in the field of nursing. In fact, the federal government of the United States thinks that the nursing field will add at least 200,000 jobs per year over the next few years. Many students want to know, How long does it take to get a bachelor’s in nursing? when it comes to learning to be a nurse.
It's normal to want to know more about career options and job availability based on the year you finish school. Because each training programme is different depending on the school and the programme you choose, these options may change from year to year.
What is a BSN degree?
Nursing is the most common job in health care in the United States. There are more than 3.8 million registered nurses in the United States, and almost 85% of them work in the field. But there is still a shortage of nurses all over the country. In the next ten years, the number of jobs for nurses is expected to grow from 3 million to 3.3 million. So, now is a great time to find out if a degree in nursing is right for you.
Everyone has a different path to becoming a nurse. Depending on what you've already learned, you may have to start from scratch and get a bachelor's degree in nursing. If you want to change careers, you might want to think about getting your degree faster. If you're already an RN, getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can help you move up in your career, earn more money, and take on leadership roles. All of this goes to show that there isn't just one way to become a nurse. But one thing is true: getting a BSN can put you on the path to success. But how long does it take to get a BSN? Does it deserve the time you put into it? Read on to learn about the different BSN options and how much time they take.
How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing?
As was said above, people who want to get a bachelor's degree can choose from different types of BSN degrees. Students who want to get a BSN can choose between a traditional, entry-level BSN, an accelerated BSN, or an RN to BSN programme. Each takes a different amount of time.
Entry-Level Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
Four years from now
The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) path is a good choice for students who haven't started college yet but want to become highly skilled RNs in the field of nursing. The traditional BSN programme is usually an entry-level programme, which means that it is your first degree.
- Getting a BSN will take different amounts of time at different schools.
- But most BSN programmes for new nurses take four years to finish.
- In order to get a BSN, students must earn 120 credits over the course of 8 semesters.
- About 55 of the 120 credits needed are for general education, and the other 65 are for the nursing major.
Students will not only learn from lectures, but they will also gain skills by doing clinical hours in hospitals, schools, medical offices, and other places in their communities. There will also be lab and simulation work during these clinical hours. This four-year degree prepares students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which is needed to become a certified Registered Nurse.
How long does it take to get an accelerated BSN degree?
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (ABSN) is a second degree programme for people who already have a bachelor's degree and have finished the necessary prerequisites.
This is a 16-month full-time programme that takes place on campus. Our students learn about health and disease prevention, clinical leadership, nursing practise based on evidence, and care that is sensitive to different cultures.
Our teachers use simulations, virtual and standardised patients, and more to help students learn in a dynamic way. Our Center for Nursing Discovery is the only accredited health care simulation education facility in North Carolina, and you'll be able to use it! Our teachers are dedicated to teaching students how to care for patients and their families in a safe, high-quality way.
As a student, you'll study for 58 credit hours and do nearly 800 hours of clinical work. Our students have the unique opportunity to do clinical work at multiple sites in the Duke University Health System, which is one of the best healthcare systems in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, area and around the world.
Up to nine credits can be earned toward a Master's degree. Register for electives that will prepare you for things like evidence-based practise, statistics and study design, population health in a global society, and more.
After you graduate, you'll be able to get a licence as a registered nurse and start working as a nurse.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has approved the accelerated baccalaureate degree in nursing at the Duke University School of Nursing.
RN to BSN degree Program
As little as one year and one semester from now
By getting a BSN, registered nurses with an ADN can increase their career options, improve their skills and knowledge, and make the care they give better. This type of BSN programme doesn't take four years to finish, which is a good thing. An RN-to-BSN programme is a flexible way for experienced nurses who want to improve their skills to do so online and in less time.
In an online RN to BSN programme, RNs can transfer nursing credits they've already earned at other schools, which cuts down on the time it takes to get their BSN.
In the RN to BSN programme, students must earn credits in general education, basic nursing, advanced nursing, leadership, management, community health, and other areas. In order to graduate, they also have to do a capstone project.
The student is in charge of how long it takes to finish this programme. For example, you could choose to go to school part-time or take a certain number of classes each semester so that you can keep your job and go to school at the same time.
The time frame also depends on how many credits you transfer in from general education courses. You can transfer up to 90 credits from an accredited college or university to the University of Bridgeport. If you do this, you'll be able to finish the RN-to-BSN programme in one school year plus one summer semester.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?
To become a nurse practitioner, you have to go to school for between six and eight years. But how long it takes you will depend a lot on what you already know and how much education you have.
Nurse practitioners are doctors who have gone to school and learned a lot about health and taking care of patients. On the job market, this kind of knowledge is very valuable, but it can take a while to learn.
This article will tell you not only how long it takes to become a nurse practitioner but also what they do, how their jobs are likely to change in the future, and the steps you need to take to become one.
As you learn more about this interesting career and how it fits into the health care field, you will also learn why it takes as long as it does and if it's the right path for you.
How long does it take after high school to become a registered nurse?
This is good news for anyone who has thought about becoming an RN. As demand has gone up, job security has gone up and wages have become more competitive. Many people want to become nurses because of these benefits and because they want to make a difference for their patients.
Do you want to go to school to become a registered nurse? If so, knowing the steps you need to take to get there can be helpful. Here, we'll talk about the steps you need to take to become an RN, as well as how long it will take, so you can start planning your career and your future.
Steps to Become an RN
The exact steps you need to take to become an RN will depend on where you live and where you want to work, so it's important to look into the specific requirements. So, all states will require people who want to become RNs to meet the following requirements:
- Complete an accredited nursing programme; You can get ready for a job as an RN and meet this requirement by getting a number of different degrees. Even though it is technically possible to meet this requirement with an associate's degree in nursing, more and more employers prefer to hire people who have a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). Because of this, many people think that getting a BSN is a must if you want to become an RN. Below, we talk about different nursing degrees that you might want to think about.
- Pass the NCLEX Exam; After you finish your degree, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) (NCLEX-RN). This test is designed to see how much you know about nursing. If you fail the test the first time, you have to wait 45 days before you can try it again.
- Apply for a licence; After you pass the NCLEX, the last step is to apply for a licence in the state where you want to work. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how many people are ahead of you in line and how the process works in the state where you are applying.
How long does it take to become an RN?
It depends, is the answer to this question. Which degree you choose will have the biggest effect on how long it will take you to get it. Depending on the nursing programme you choose, becoming a registered nurse could take anywhere from 16 months to four years.
How long does it take to become an RN from LPN?
After becoming a licenced practical nurse (LPN), you will need to go through a bridge programme to become an RN. These programmes are for LPNs who want to take their careers to the next level and become RNs. Most of these programmes take a year to finish, and those who finish them get an associate's degree in nursing (ADN).
There are also bridge programmes that take longer to finish but give a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at the end. Since you've already taken basic nursing classes as an LPN, a bridge programme will focus on teaching you more advanced nursing skills and knowledge.
So, you'll be able to apply for better nursing jobs and make more money. After you finish your programme, you'll need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination to get a licence as a registered nurse (NCLEX).
How long does it take to become a registered nurse in Texas?
In Texas, it takes between two and four years to become a licensed nurse. For the NCLEX-RN, it takes at least two years to finish an ADN programme, and at least four years to finish a BSN programme. After you finish your education, it may take you 6–8 weeks to apply for a licence, take exams, and have your application reviewed.
Is Texas a good place for nurses?
There are many opportunities for nurses in Texas, both in rural and urban areas. Some of the best hospitals in the country are in Texas. The state has a low cost of living and is second in the country for the number of nurses who work there. Demand for nurses is expected to grow by 16.8% by 2028, which is more than twice as much as what is expected nationally.
How long does it take to become a nurse anaesthetist?
To become a nurse anaesthetist, you have to go to school and train for 7–10 years, depending on the licensing and certification requirements set by the nursing board in the state where you want to work.
In addition to getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN), you will need to finish a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nursing Anesthesin Practice (DNAP) degree, which takes about three years.
You must pass the National Certification Exam (NCE), which is given by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anaesthetist's, after getting your doctorate (NBCRNA).
- Get a BSN from a programme that has been approved; A BSN takes four years to get. Some nurse anaesthetists start their careers by getting an ADN, which is a two-year degree in nursing. Many schools offer RN-to-BSN programmes, and some master of science in nursing (MSN) programmes have a bridge option for ADN-holders. Students who already have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing can enrol in an accelerated BSN programme and get their BSN in two to three years, depending on how many transferable credits they already have.
- To get a licence as an RN, you must pass the NCLEX exam; The National Council Licensure Examination for RNs must be passed by anyone who wants to become an RN (NCLEX-RN). This computer-based test can take up to six hours and covers things like diseases and treatments, nursing practise, the healthcare system, working as part of a healthcare team, and communicating with and teaching patients. The state also has requirements for RNs, like passing a background check.
- Gain clinical nursing experience in critical care; All CRNA programmes require RNs to have between one and three years of experience in critical care, working in intensive care units (ICUs), medical-surgical units, or trauma and emergency centres. RNs learn how to help critically ill patients with injuries and life-threatening conditions or during surgery by taking care of them during critical care training.
- Sign up for a graduate programme for nurse anaesthetists; Starting in 2022, a doctor of nursing practise (DNP) or doctor of nurse anaesthesia practise (DNAP) will be required for CRNAs instead of an MSN. During DNP programmes, students choose a specialty area, but DNAP programmes already have a specialty. Most graduate programmes for nurse anaesthetists require a GPA of at least 3.0, but some require or strongly prefer a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The candidates also have to send in letters of recommendation and an essay or statement about themselves.
- Get your DNP or DNAP and pass the National Certification Exam; The NCE checks to see if you know enough to start working. To take this test for certification, you need to have a DNP or DNAP degree and a valid RN licence. At the moment, the NBCRNA charges $995 to take the test. In January 2023, that fee will go up to $1045. This computer-based test takes three hours and has 100 to 170 questions on basic science, equipment, instruments, and technology, anaesthesia principles, and anaesthesia for surgical procedures and special populations. To be called a "nurse anaesthetist," you must have NBCRNA certification in every state. Most states require CRNAs to have APRN licences as well. Each state's board of nursing decides what a CRNA can do and how much they need to be supervised.
- Start working as a CRNA; Nurse anaesthetists work in hospitals and surgical centres, usually as part of an anaesthesia team with surgeons, anaesthesiologist’s, and other medical professionals. They also work in clinics, doctors' offices, and military bases, where they may be in charge of a team that gives anaesthesia.
In places with few resources, like rural hospitals, they may be the only person who gives anaesthesia. Different states have different rules about how nurse anaesthetists can work, such as whether they have full professional independence or must work under the supervision of a doctor. Depending on the state, a lot of CRNAs run their own businesses and work on their own.
How long Does it take to get a associate degree in Nursing?
Most ADN programmes take about two years to finish. Depending on how your credits are set up (like if you have transfer credits that can be used), you may be able to get your ADN in less time. For some people, like part-time students, it may take longer than two years to get their ADN.
How long does it take to get an MSN degree?
Depending on the nurse's educational path, it could take anywhere from 18 months to three years to finish an MSN programme. How long it takes to finish a master's in nursing programme depends on the student's current degree, the type of programme they choose, and how the programme is taught. Here are the three most common ways to get an MSN degree.
Entry-Level MSN
This programme is for people who already have a bachelor's degree, but not in nursing. The first master's degree usually takes between two and three years to finish, and the curriculum is usually a mix of courses from the BSN and MSN programmes.
Courses like pharmacology, health promotion, technology in health care, and health care policy are common for first-year MSN students to take. Coursework varies by university, but the end goal of any entry-level MSN programme is the same as any other MSN programme: to prepare the student for their licencing exam and clinicals. Since entry-level MSN programmes are a mix of BSN and MSN programmes, this is done more quickly.
From RN to MSN
This programme is for nurses who already have an associate degree, and it takes between two and three years to finish. The first part of the RN to MSN degree programme is the same as the first part of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This programme will have both general courses and courses that focus on a certain area. In the first part of the programme, students should expect to take nursing theory and practise, health sciences, general education courses, and other courses at the bachelor's level.
The programme also includes traditional MSN-level classes to prepare for clinicals and certification exams. The RN to MSN programme is similar to the entry-level MSN programme in that it is made for people who can handle a lot of work in a short amount of time.
BSN to MSN
This is the most traditional way to get an MSN out of the three ways to do so. The coursework for a master's degree builds on what you learned in your bachelor's degree and lets you choose an area to focus on. Most of the time, these programmes take 18 months to two years of full-time study.
Part-time programmes can take a lot longer, depending on how quickly the student can finish their work. Some students who only go to school part-time take up to five years to finish a programme.
Most of the time, online programmes allow students to finish their degrees faster than traditional learning. Some online MSNs can be finished in as few as eight semesters, and students still have to do clinical work in person.
Master’s in Nursing Specialisations
Because health care is such a broad field, many doctors, nurses, and other people who work in health care choose to specialize. The focus of an MSN programme is determined by the specialty you choose. For example, a family nurse practitioner programme focuses on making treatment plans for patients, teaching patients how to stay healthy and avoid getting sick, promoting healthy habits, doing diagnostic tests and analysing the results, and taking care of a patient's overall health.
On the other hand, a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner concentration focuses on making psychiatric diagnoses, doing physical and mental health assessments, designing treatment plans (both holistic and using psychotropic medications), and teaching patients and their families how to improve mental health.
FAQ
What is the fastest you can get a nursing degree?
If you are in this group, you should get an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (A-BSN), even if you already have a degree in a different field. If you want to change careers quickly and become an RN, you could do this in as little as 18 months.
How long Does it take to get BSN after RN?
Most programmes that lead from RN to BSN take about two years to finish. You can move much faster from an ADN to a BSN if you enrol in an online RN to BSN programme. This is because undergraduate credits from your associate degree can be transferred to your BSN programme.
How long Does it take to become a RN at a community college?
It takes 2 to 3 years to get an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). available at a lot of community colleges. Prepares you to work as a registered nurse in a variety of places.
How long does it take to become a nurse anesthetist?
Becoming a CRNA may take 7-10 years, including ICU or critical care RN experience. After acquiring a BSN and RN licensure, aspiring CRNAs will need 2-3 years to earn a DNP or DNAP starting in 2022.
How long does it take to become a nurse midwife?
To become a nurse-midwife, you need to get a BSN and at least an MSN, which takes between six and eight years on average. You must also have worked as a nurse for at least one year.