How Long Is Nursing School? Breakdown by Degree and Type of Nurse

Doug Wintemute
By
Updated on July 31, 2024
Edited by
Reviewed by
Our Integrity Network

NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

    How long is nursing school? Depending on the degree, nursing programs can take a year or less, or they can take several years. Learn more about programs and time frames.
    mini logo

    Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

    Nursing students smiling togetherCredit: Tom Werner / DigitalVision / Getty Images

    The time it takes to finish nursing school ranges from 12 to 60 months, depending on the type of nurse you want to be, your long-term career goals, and the program you choose. This guide breaks down the various nursing school options and timelines to help you make the right choice.

    Fast Facts About Nursing School

    Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

    Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

    Loading...
    Loading...Learn More
    Visit Site
    Loading...
    Loading...Learn More
    Visit Site
    Loading...
    Loading...Learn More
    Visit Site

    Length of Nursing School by Degree and Program

    There are three main categories of nurses: Licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

    The table below highlights the typical lengths for each nursing program, but many factors affect how long your education might take. For example, online nursing programs can reduce study times by offering more flexible course schedules. Those already working may only be able to enroll part-time, which increases the program length.

    Duration of Nursing School by Degree
    DegreeTime to CompleteCareer Path
    LPN/LVN Program12-18 monthsLicensed practical/vocational nurse
    Nursing Diploma12-24 monthsRegistered nurse
    Associate Degree in Nursing24 monthsRegistered nurse
    Bachelor of Science in Nursing48 monthsRegistered nurse
    Master of Science in Nursing24-36 monthsAdvanced practice registered nurse
    Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)36-60 monthsAdvanced practice registered nurse

    LPN/LVN Program

    LPN/LVN programs are the fastest nursing degree paths and take between 12-18 months to complete. LPNs and LVNs are responsible for providing basic patient care and performing duties under the supervision of RNs or doctors. They are often the quickest path into a nursing career but do not lead to RN licensure. However, LPNs can become RNs later in their careers by completing an accelerated BSN program.

    Once you complete the LPN/LVN program, you qualify to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses, a national examination that tests your knowledge.

    LPNs and LVNs only differ by name and state usage. Texas and California use the term LVN, while all other states use the term LPN.

    Nursing Diploma

    While nursing diplomas offer one of the shortest pathways to RN licensure, they are less common than other RN programs. While you can complete these programs in as little as one year, most nursing diplomas only run through hospitals and hospital-based nursing schools. According to NSSRN data, only 4% of RNs hold a nursing diploma as their highest level of education.

    Once you earn your nursing diploma, you can take the NCLEX-RN exam, the national licensing examination for RNs.

    Associate Degree in Nursing

    An ADN program usually takes two years to complete. Once you graduate, you qualify to take the NCLEX-RN. About 44% of RNs start their careers with an ADN, according to the 2018-2022 data from the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA).

    This program does not prepare you for leadership positions like a BSN or direct entry into an MSN program, but you can fast-track a BSN using transfer credits from your ADN and pursue an MSN after earning your RN license.

    Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    More than 2.2 million RNs hold a BSN, a degree that typically takes four years to complete. However, ADN graduates and current RNs can use their previous education and experience to accelerate their BSN program.

    The BSN curriculum includes more topics and depth than the ADN curriculum and prepares you for an MSN program.

    Master of Science in Nursing

    APRNs need an MSN at minimum for licensure. Unlike BSN programs, MSN programs typically feature specializations that prepare you for a career as a nurse-midwife (CNM) or nurse practitioner (NP). Still, according to the NCHWA, 16% of RNs hold a master’s degree and not an APRN license.

    MSN programs typically take two years to complete for full-time students with a BSN, but RN-to-MSN programs take around three years.

    Once you graduate, you will be eligible to take the appropriate board certification examination for your desired specialty.

    Doctor of Nursing Practice

    The highest possible degree for nursing practice (terminal degree), the DNP usually takes 3-5 years to complete. If you have an MSN or significant experience, you may qualify for transfer credits or a bridge program to accelerate this timeline.

    Only 14% of APRNs hold a doctorate, reports the NCHWA, but many nursing organizations now advise changing the minimum education requirements from an MSN to a DNP. In fact, the certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) requirements have already changed, and new CRNAS must have a doctorate by 2025.

    While rare, some RNs (2%) have a doctorate as their highest level of nursing education.

    How Long to Become a Registered Nurse?

    RN programs typically take 2-4 years to complete through full-time study, but part-time or accelerated programs can slow down or speed up your studies.

    The most common pathways to an RN license include an ADN (two years) and a BSN (four years). Though shorter and generally more affordable, ADN programs may not offer the same career growth opportunities and earning potential as BSN programs.

    If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may qualify for transfer credits to shorten your program. Additionally, if you have LPN or LVN licensure, you can access LPN/LVN-to-BSN programs, which often take about one year to complete.

    How Long to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

    NPs and most other APRNs need an MSN at minimum. The most common pathway includes earning a four-year BSN and an RN license, working as an RN for at least one year, and then completing a two-year MSN program. This adds up to six years of education and at least one year of experience.

    There are multiple pathways available for aspiring nurse practitioners, including accelerated options for students with previous education or licensure. Students with an ADN and nursing experience can enter an accelerated RN-to-MSN degree program. Those with a bachelor’s in another subject or prerequisite courses may access direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs.

    Many aspiring NPs pursue a DNP, especially since several nursing organizations propose changing the minimum NP requirements to a DNP starting in 2025. DNP programs for nurse practitioners typically take three years for MSN graduates, but RN-to-DNP programs take longer.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing School Duration

    Nursing school lengths vary by degree, but an LPN program takes about one year, an ADN typically takes two years, while a BSN takes four. An MSN adds two years to the undergraduate studies, and a DNP adds 3-5 years to that.

    This page was last reviewed on July 23, 2024.