How long does nursing school take?
* Diploma programs: These programs are typically offered by hospitals or community colleges and take two to three years to complete. Graduates of diploma programs receive a diploma in nursing (DN).
* Associate degree programs: These programs are offered by community colleges and typically take two years to complete. Graduates of associate degree programs receive an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree.
* Baccalaureate degree programs: These programs are offered by four-year colleges and universities and typically take four years to complete. Graduates of baccalaureate degree programs receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
In addition to the time it takes to complete the nursing program, you will also need to factor in the time it takes to complete the prerequisites for the program. Prerequisites for nursing programs typically include courses in math, science, and English. Some programs also require applicants to have experience working in a healthcare setting.
Once you have completed the nursing program and the prerequisites, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).
In total, it can take anywhere from two to four years to become a registered nurse.