It’s one of the first questions asked by those interested in the profession.
We lead busy lives, and you may need to balance your studies with other responsibilities.
For example, when Eric Hutchinson began to research nursing schools, he wanted a program that would allow him to study between his shifts as an animal ambassador at the Cincinnati Zoo. Lucky for him – and you – a career in nursing can start in several ways.
In this blog, we’ll explore your nursing school options, how long each takes, and what else may impact you earning a degree.
Your Nursing School Options
Nurses can be categorized into three professional levels:
- Licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)
- Registered nurse (RN)
- Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
The time you spend in nursing school will depend on which role suits you best.
Licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse
LPNs, known as LVNs in California and Texas, provide basic patient care under the supervision of RNs or physicians. For example, they may take someone’s blood pressure, start an IV, and change bandages.
You must complete a certificate program, which can be finished in 12 to 18 months. Afterward, graduates need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
LPNs and LVNs do not qualify as RNs, but these roles may be a bridge to earning a more advanced credential.
Registered nurse
Three paths to becoming an RN exist. They include:
- Nursing diplomas: Hospitals offer these programs, which generally take two to three years. They provide strong clinical experience but may lack the academic depth of a degree, which could impact your future career opportunities.
According to data from the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN), less than two percent of new nurses entered the workforce with a diploma in 2022, indicating a shift in the profession toward higher educational attainment. - Associate degree: You can earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) in two years. The shorter timeline and affordability make it a popular option. Many RNs with an associate degree go on to obtain their bachelor’s degree, often paid for by their employer.
- Bachelor’s degree: More than half of newly graduated RNs over the past five years entered the workforce with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). It typically takes four years to complete, and most employers prefer candidates with this level of education.
BSN coursework covers more topics – with greater depth, too – such as nursing ethics, public health, and systems-based care. This will position you better for leadership roles or earning a graduate degree.
Accelerated BSN programs help career changers, such as Eric, make the switch into healthcare. They provide a fast-track to RN licensure and BSN credentials in less than two years – or 16 months in his case.
You typically need a non-nursing degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and specific prerequisites. Eric took seven courses he needed through Portage Learning. The accredited institution’s self-directed, online format offered a flexible and affordable choice.
“The professors were wonderful and supportive,” he recalls. “I could pace myself through each course too.”
Each of these educational options allows you to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) upon graduation. States require new nurses to pass the test before practicing independently.
Advanced practice registered nurse
APRNs possess either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Programs generally involve two to four years of additional schooling on top of your bachelor’s degree.
In these roles, you provide more complex care such as ordering diagnostic testing and creating patient care plans. APRNs include:
- Nurse practitioners
- Certified nurse-midwives
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Certified registered nurse anesthetists
Similar to other nursing professionals, APRNs must pass a certification exam after earning their degree and maintain licensure through professional development and continuing education classes.
Other Factors Influencing the Length of Nursing School
How long you attend nursing school may also be influenced by:
- Full-time vs. part-time enrollment: The timelines above detail how quickly full-time students can move through a program. Many nursing schools provide part-time options, but it will take about twice as long to finish.
- Transfer credits: You can graduate sooner by earning college credit in high school or completing your institution’s prerequisites online. Doing so also reduces how much you spend on your education. For example, tuition at Portage Learning costs $223 per credit, nearly half the rate the average four-year public university charges in-state residents, and includes all needed text and video materials.
- Online vs. in-person programs: Completing courses online may be another way to quickly earn a degree, since you can move through the work on your own schedule. Additionally, you do not need to worry about commuting to campus, giving you more time for other activities and obligations.
Admission Requirements for Nursing School
The criteria for your nursing school acceptance will vary too.
You may need the following to be considered for programs:
- LPN/LVN
- A high school diploma or GED equivalent
- A completed application
- References
- A passing score on entrance tests
- Successful completion of an interview with admissions officers
- RN
- A high school diploma or GED equivalent and a GPA between 2.5 and 2.75 for an associate degree or a 3.0 or higher for a BSN
- A passing Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAs) score
- Prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, biology, and English composition
- APRN
- A BSN from an accredited institution with a 3.0 or higher GPA
- An active RN license
- Full-time work experience
- A current resume and letters of recommendation
Fastest vs. Traditional: Tips for Choosing Your Nursing School Path
The compassionate care provided by nurses makes a lasting difference for patients. Your life can change, too.
A career in nursing offers:
- Job security: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the number of RN positions will grow five percent annually through 2034, faster than the average for all jobs. The agency lists APRNs as the third-fastest growing career too.
- Excellent pay: RNs earn $93,600 each year, on average.
- Abundant opportunities: Communities need nurses, meaning the profession offers a lot of flexibility. You can change jobs easily or work full time, part time, or per diem. You will be able to choose the environment you work in and pick the type of care you provide, such as pediatrics or critical care.
When deciding how to earn your degree, consider:
- Your obligations: Do you need to work full time to pay for nursing school? Or finish before your children get home from their classes? Maybe you can focus solely on your coursework while studying.
- Finances: What fits your budget for tuition, books, and other expenses? Will financial aid and scholarships cover any costs? Think about the potential return on investment based on what educational path you take too. For example, RNs and APRNs make more money than an LPN.
- Long-term career goals: Pick the professional level that supports the opportunities you want as a nurse.
- Program reputation and design: Does the nursing school you want to attend meet accreditation standards and prepare you for the NCLEX? Look into the clinical experience and support services offered too.
The Final Thought: Your Nursing School Timeline
Responsibilities stack up fast.
But nursing offers flexible entry points that can fit different schedules.
Just like Eric, who juggled caring for hundreds of animals with learning how to support and improve the well-being of another species, you can find a nursing school pathway that works around your life – no matter what stage you may be in.
“I left my dream job to chase a new one, serving others as a nurse,” he says. “It offers everything I want: meaningful work, a flexible schedule, an income that can raise a family, and growth opportunities, and I am looking forward to beginning my career in 2027.”
(Ready to earn your nursing degree? Take online, asynchronous college courses with Portage Learning. Credits earned transfer to more than 2,800 institutions nationwide.)
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