Before you can become a nurse, you need to complete college and get licensure. These requirements vary by state, so it is important to check into them before starting your education. To gain the necessary knowledge for your new career, you can study for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This four -year undergraduate program includes courses on the key aspects of the nursing industry.
As you may know, there are numerous routes one can take to become a registered nurse. Some educational programs can lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), while others may offer a diploma, associate degree or certificate before you progress to an RN. Depending on the specific nursing program that you enroll in, it could take anywhere from 16 months to four years to become a registered nurse (RN). For example, Akanegbu chose to earn her BSN, which takes four years, with the hope of finding a job as an RN after graduation. “[It] is not for everyone and it definitely wasn’t easy. It was mentally challenging to balance school with work and home life.”
RN to MSN programs take two to four years
RN to MSN programs are available to help you advance your career. The program can last anywhere from two to four years, depending on the school you attend and the degree program you choose. Some programs are entirely online while others require clinical hours to complete. Regardless of the course format you choose, you’ll find that RN to MSN programs will provide you with a great education and enhance your career prospects.
RN to MSN programs are flexible and cost less than earning both degrees separately. They will also allow you to advance your practice while keeping your current job. By choosing a flexible program, you’ll be able to stay in the frontlines of care, which can be a valuable benefit for your career.
The demand for nurses continues to increase, despite the recession. According to the AAMC, the United States will experience a shortage of 122,000 physicians by 2032, requiring more nurses to earn advanced degrees. RN to MSN programs are not a substitute for a BSN, but many schools are phasing out RN to MSN programs to encourage students to earn a BSN first. However, if you already have an RN degree, you can still apply for an RN to MSN program, providing you’ve had at least two years of experience.
The University of Arizona’s RN to MSN online program allows you to earn your MSN in as little as two years. This program is ideal for working RNs who want to further their education and become nurse educators. You must hold a current RN license in your state of practice and have at least an Associate of Applied Science-Nursing degree or an equivalent. You must also complete a certain number of clinical hours to complete the program.
What is the Fastest Way to Become a Nurse?
Online RN to BSN programs take two to four years
Students who choose an online RN to BSN program have the opportunity to complete their program at their own pace and in their own time. Depending on the program, they will complete anywhere from 30 semester hours of coursework in two to four years. A one-year online program will require approximately 15 hours of coursework per week, while a two-year online program may require eight to 10 hours per week.
The time taken to complete an RN to BSN program will depend on the individual student’s previous education and prerequisite courses. Some programs may take two to four years to complete, while others may take a year or two to complete. There are also RN to BSN programs that allow students to transfer credits from their previous educational program.
The curriculum in an online RN to BSN program will teach students how to develop critical thinking skills, leadership skills, and interpersonal skills. It also covers the role of information technology in health care and the ways in which it can be used to improve patient care. The curriculum also emphasizes the need to continue to develop and advance one’s professional development and practice.
An RN to BSN program can be costly, especially if you’re working. The good news is that online RN to BSN programs are much more affordable than their campus-based counterparts. For a two-year program, tuition costs will range between $5,550 and $12,422.
How Long to Become a Nurse
Practical nursing diploma program takes two years
A practical nursing diploma program is usually a two- year course that combines theory classes and clinical practicum. The curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, communication, and observation skills. The clinical experience is used to test students’ skills, including diagnosing patient problems and implementing appropriate treatment plans. The courses offered by BOCES in Orleans-Niagara, New York, are designed to prepare students for employment as practical nurses in a variety of medical settings.
LPN degrees and diploma programs are available online and hybridized, which means that a combination of online and classroom learning takes place. Alternatively, you can also opt for a traditional classroom-based program. Both options offer flexible scheduling and can be completed around other obligations. Many students find this type of course ideal for working adults who want to maintain their current employment while pursuing their educational goals.
The first part of the practical nursing diploma program takes ten months to complete. The program is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam, which they must pass to become a licensed practical nurse. The practical nursing diploma program requires a total of 1200 hours of learning for certification. The curriculum is structured in three levels spread over two semesters, each of which emphasizes specific learning outcomes. The second level of the program emphasizes providing patient care relief, while the third level focuses on integrating previously acquired skills and developing teamwork and leadership skills.
Students can complete the program at a community college such as LaGuardia Community College in New York City. The program is approved by the New York State Education Department, and graduates are eligible to sit the NCLEX.
Earn Your Nursing Degree OnlineIf you’re not sure that you want to pay the cost or time of getting a traditional degree, but you still want to become a nurse, an online RN program can be a great way to do it. Most online programs are fairly affordable and take less time than a traditional course. That means you can save money on tuition, and because they’re flexible, you can finish more quickly, too. It’s not unusual for online students to reach their goal in as little as 16 months.
