The Quickest Routes to Become a Nurse
Want to start a nursing career fast? Keep reading to learn about how to become a registered nurse quickly. Some people spend a long time deciding on a career path. Others know exactly what they want and are eager to begin. If you dream of becoming a nurse, you might wonder how to start your career as soon as possible. This guide will help you explore different ways to enter nursing programs.
Nursing is a great career for many people. Registered nurses (RNs) earn a median yearly salary of $77,600, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There’s a shortage of nurses in the healthcare industry right now. This means that new nurses have many job opportunities when they finish school.
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Your Nursing School Entrance Exams Guide
This guide explains how to become a nurse through faster educational paths than the traditional four-year bachelor’s degree.
LVN/LPN Programs
Program Length: 1 year
Becoming a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or licensed professional nurse (LPN) is a good choice for those interested in nursing but unsure if it’s the right fit. Even though these roles have different names, LVNs and LPNs do similar tasks. They provide basic care for patients, though they don’t have as many responsibilities as RNs.
A big advantage of this path is that LVNs/LPNs don’t need full two- or four-year degrees to get licensed. Instead, they join educational programs at vocational or community colleges. These programs usually take about a year and cover the basics of human anatomy and nursing.
Graduates earn a median yearly salary of $48,070, according to the BLS.
LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
Program Length: 16 months
LPN-to-RN nursing bridge programs come in two types: LPN to associate degree in nursing (LPN-to-ADN) or LPN to bachelor of science in nursing (LPN-to-BSN). An LPN-to-ADN bridge program is for nurses who want to focus on entry-level registered nursing jobs that involve taking care of patients.
ADN graduates can work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, or other healthcare places. They can also work as travel nurses, home health nurses, or community health nurses.
Most LPN-to-RN programs take three semesters or 16 months and can be done online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. The programs teach nursing foundations, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and behavioral health.
After finishing the program, students can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become RNs.
LPN-BSN Bridge Program
Program Length: 2-3 years
LPN-to-BSN programs let LPNs take on more responsibilities and independence as they care for patients. These programs are offered online, in-person, and in a hybrid format, so students can keep working as LPNs while earning their BSN.
Getting a BSN lets RNs work in clinical settings, giving treatment and educating patients. Some RNs can also do nonclinical jobs for research labs, drug companies, and government agencies.
Unlike a regular BSN program, a bridge program lets nurses earn degrees faster because of their nursing experience. They can skip some general education courses and focus on classes like biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, ethics, and statistics.
Applying to Nursing School as a First-Generation Nursing Student
Registered Nurse Diploma Program
Program Length: 1-3 years
Nurse diploma programs are usually done right in a healthcare place. They prepare people for entry-level jobs. Instead of a degree, students get a nursing diploma. But because many diploma programs are accredited, some degree programs accept college credit for specific courses. Graduates can also get their RN license by passing the NCLEX.
Diploma programs teach basic pharmacology, patient care, informatics, and mental health. They show how to do basic nursing tasks, like recording patient information, using medical equipment, and teaching patients.
Diploma programs are often the quickest way to start working as a nurse. People who want to work as soon as possible usually take this route. Some employers prefer nurses with an ADN or a BSN, so many nurses use this as a stepping stone before getting an advanced nursing degree.
ADN Programs
Program Length: 2-3 years
Traditional ADN programs can take 2-3 years, depending on if students go full time or part time. This type of program is good for people who can’t afford the time or money for a BSN. Programs are offered online and in-person, so students can work and go to school. An ADN is a popular degree for getting licensed.
ADN programs usually teach nursing principles, immunology, behavioral health, pharmacology, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Students also need to complete about 700 clinical hours. After graduating, they can take the NCLEX and become licensed RNs.
After earning an ADN, nurses can do an RN-to-BSN program for more training. Many ADN-RNs choose this when they want more responsibilities and a higher earning potential.
Accelerated BSN Programs
Program Length: 18-48 months
Accelerated BSN programs are for people who want to earn their degree faster than with a traditional program. Most of these programs are for people who have a bachelor’s degree in another area but want to switch to nursing.
Students in accelerated BSN programs have already been in school for at least four years; this is a fast option for people who already have a non-nursing degree.
Students take tough courses, labs, and clinicals to become RNs. Because it’s intense, students often can’t work full time during the program. But online accelerated BSN programs give some flexibility.
Common Questions About Becoming a Nurse
What’s the quickest way to become an RN?
The fastest route to becoming an RN is through an RN diploma program, which takes about a year to complete. Although this program doesn’t result in a degree, it does make the person eligible to take the NCLEX and get their RN license.
How does an ADN differ from a BSN?
An ADN is an associate degree, while a BSN is a bachelor’s degree. ADN programs usually take 2-3 years, while traditional BSN programs take four years. After graduating, nurses with a BSN often have more job options and the potential to earn more money because of extra training and education.
What’s the best way to become an RN?
The best path to becoming an RN depends on the individual. While the most common choice is getting a BSN, the cost and duration can influence the decision. Some people with limited time and funds might need to go for a diploma program, while others can go for a longer, more expensive program.
Which degree do most new nurses have?
According to the Journal of Nursing Regulation, a BSN is the most popular degree among new nurses. In 2020, around 41.8% of new nurses entered the field with a bachelor’s degree. Just under 38% got an ADN, and about 11% completed a diploma program.
Sources
Smiley R, et al. (2021). The 2020 national nursing workforce survey. https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(21)00027-2/fulltext
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Handbook. (2021). Registered nurses. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm
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