How long is Nursing School?

IHeartPeds87 · Oct 29, 2009

It completely depends on the particular school and particular program.

For registered nurses (RN):

- There are baccalaureate degrees that take four years. There are accelerated programs that take a year, 16 months, 18 months, or the shortest known accelerated BSN program I believe is 12 months. To do accelerated BSN programs you have to have a bachelors degree in another field, fyi.

- There are associate degrees that generally take two years. Some community colleges are doing accelerated degree programs that I've seen range from 15 months to two years. Note that usually there are prereqs required to get into the associate degree program that usually takes a year prior to starting (so you are looking at approximately 3 years total)

What's the difference between a BSN and an ASN? Do a search on these boards. If you don't get exhausted that will be new lol. Here's the basics: there is very little pay difference between nurses with college degrees and nurses with associate degrees...in most places it is up to a dollar differential per hour. So what is the advantage of having a BSN? In order to leave bedside nursing, one must have a BSN (or MSN or doctorate depending). Many nurses opt to leave the bedside sooner then they'd think and the BSN opens that door for them. There are some hospitals that will higher only BSN nurses...still these are rare. Basically the advantages of having a BSN are all the same advantages of having a college degree. But you can be a nurse without having a BSN. Many people become a nurse via the associate degree route and then have their employer pay for them to complete their BSN part time (this generally takes three years and is done while the person is working). The downside to this? Some people think they will go back to school and don't end up doing so. It all depends on what you want out of a career. Basically, the ceiling of growth is at a lower level for ASN nurses than BSN nurses.

- There are direct entry masters programs, again for those with prior college degrees that generally last three years.

Totally, totally depends on the program. All that information is for RN's.

All nurses are not RN's. Some are called licensed practical nurses (LPN's). LPN program lengths also vary, generally LPN programs are one year long.

What's the difference between an RN and an LPN? Again, do a search and you will probably be exhausted lol. Basically an RN can do initial assessments and are expected to have a greater understanding of the physiology behind patient care. In practice LPNs can do probably 80% or more of what RN's do. RN's have greater responsibility associated with their license, and thus are paid more money (some people feel this is unjust, but thats how things are).

In terms of places you can work...you can work anywhere you can get a job! Some settings require experience in other fields before being able to work that area (for example, some ICU's require years of med-surg or other experience before hiring. A lot of it is dependent on the current market and area you live in.) In terms of their being different titles....not really. A nurse who works in a nursing home or a nurse who works on a pediatric floor can hold the same "titles". There are certifications for each specialty that nurses can get (and are encouraged to obtain) in the specialty of their desire after a certain amount of experience in that unit. But if your question is like...what makes a NICU nurse a NICU nurse? The nurse works on a NICU unit :)

Nursing salaries vary dependent on area. Generally hospitals pay a little more than long term care does but it is all dependent on experience (a nurse with twenty years of experience in ltc will probably make more than a new grad in a hospital, but a new grad in hospital and new grad in ltc- the hospital person will probably make more money. This is a generalization and some areas of the country may be different, but generally speaking thats how things are). Sometimes there is a slight differential increase in pay for areas of critical care, but usually salaries across different specialties are the same and dependent on experience. There is usually a differential for less desirable shifts, like evening shifts and night shifts usually get a couple more bucks an hour. Some places have a differential for weekends as well.

Salary ranges too much in different parts of the country for me to post. Generally, for an RN you can probably expect a middle class income. Salaries depend on cost of living...an RN in california, for example, makes almost double what an RN in michigan makes....but the houses in california cost a kajillion (very technical, I know) dollars more than a house in michigan so there you have it.

Just keep reading these boards...they are a wealth of knowledge.

RosellaBellaNY · Oct 29, 2009

great thanks, so its not strictly nursing classes? you would have to take some liberal classes as well? they dont have Nursing schools that specialize in that field? wow two years, im 33. I guess two years isnt so bad.

I did college but barely have credits. the choices you make when you are young def affect you when your older!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 29, 2009

Not all graduates of nursing school are RNs. You can go to a RN nursing school and become a registered nurse, or you can go to a LPN/LVN nursing school and become a licensed practical/vocational nurse. RNs and LPNs are NOT exactly interchangeable: though LPNs and RNs are both nurses, LPNs can do many--but not all--of the things an RN can do. So they're similar but not identical. You should look at your state's Board of Nursing website to see the scope of practice for LPNs and RNs in your state when deciding which one to pursue.

The length of the program varies by school. LPN programs can run from 1-2 years and result in a diploma. RN programs can run from 15 months to 4 years and can result in a diploma, an Associates degree or a Bachelors degree. Those time periods don't include the prerequisite classes that you'll have to take (such as biology, ethics and psychology) just to be admitted to a program. Generally, the higher the degree you are aiming for, the more prerequisite classes you'll probably have to take. Of course, if you enter a 4 year BSN program, your pre-reqs are likely bundled into your coursework already.

Also, if you go to school full-time, it's faster. If you go part-time, it takes longer.

When you graduate as a nurse, where you want to work is up to you :) You don't necessarily have to go get your "year's experience" in a hospital--while it's helpful, there are nurses practicing that never set foot in a hospital outside of their clinicals. But keep in mind that institutions will have different needs (e.g., some places may only want a RN, or only want a LPN).

Hope this helps a bit!

Guest 360983 · Oct 29, 2009

great thanks, so its not strictly nursing classes? you would have to take some liberal classes as well? they dont have Nursing schools that specialize in that field? wow two years, im 33. I guess two years isnt so bad.

You will have to take a lot of science prereqs. Pretty much all schools require 2 semesters of Anatomy & Physiology. You also have microbiology, and maybe a bio or chem class as well. You'll probably need classes in English, psychology, and a lifespan/growth and development psychology class. You may need math or sociology or speech. If you really want to know what you'll need, check with your local colleges.

If you go the ADN route, it's 2 years for nursing school but between prereqs and application timeframes, I can't see anyone doing it in less than 3. If your local schools have waiting periods, that could impact your timeframe as well. Again, check with your local colleges.

(All of the above is for RNs)

Don't worry about your age--there are lots of people who have made nursing a second career. One of my microbiology classmates is 45 and has an MBA.

There are some private colleges out there for LPNs (they're called LVNs in some parts of the country) but I've never seen one for RNs. That doesn't mean they aren't out there, of course.

Junebugfairy · Oct 30, 2009

all nursing programs require that you take pre reqs, the sciences, math, english, etc..

i know that my nursing requires sociology, general psychology, developmental psychology, a&p 1 and 2, microbiology, chemistry, alegebra. try to aim for all a's, there were 600 applicants to my rn program and only 50 of the top students were accepted. i had a 3.8 gpa.

basically, you need pre req's, and your local community college can explain everything to you as well.

you do not just sign up for nursing school either, you have to take entrance tests, have your vaccinations and compete with other applicants who also want to be nurses. this is a process, not something that is instant gratification.

good luck :)

L8RRN · Oct 30, 2009

You put NY in your user name so I thought I would mention that in NY state (at least in parts of NY), BOCES offers a LPN course. It is approx 10 months (one school year) and classes start every Sept and January. If you start in January, you graduate in Dec because you get the summer off just like the public schools. They are operated by the different counties, so you can check your area if you are interested. Just google BOCES and your county to see if you have one there. There are no prereqs that I am aware of and they go over A&P, etc with their course content. It generally will NOT transfer to a college or university and you will end up taking A&P and more if you decide to go on to a RN program.

I did LPN before RN and am glad I did because I was unsure about nursing and ended up loving it (so I went on). You don't HAVE to do LPN first but I do feel it gave me a good "foundation." If you do decide to go on for RN after doing LPN, you may still have to do the full 2 years of nursing classes depending on your school, though. You can possibly challenge a semester or two, but it is no guarantee. Some states have LPN to RN programs that only last one year, but I do not know of any schools in NY that have that option (but there may be some...I am just not aware of them).

GOOD LUCK

nurseman78, BSN, RN, NP · Oct 30, 2009

First of all, nursing is awesome, so you're in for a treat. Nursing is also challenging, complex and very time-consuming. But it's infinitely rewarding, especially if you love taking care of people, challenging yourself intellectually and love to learn.

Are there different stages of school for different nurses? for ex: how long does an RN go to school, and do all nurses become RN? or not?

There are a few different routes to go towards getting an RN degree. Most are either an Associate's Degree or a Bachelor's Degree. These degree's are usually part of a "nursing program". These programs are very competitive. Both the Associate's (ADN) and Bachelor's (BSN) require about two years of pre-requisites before you can apply to the programs. Acceptance is usually based on GPA (most want at least a 3.0 cumulative), a written statement of why you want to be a nurse, work experience (as a CNA or other healthcare related occupation).

Prerequisites usually consist of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, english, math and microbiology classes.

An LPN (Licensed Practicing Nurse) is a nurse that has about half the training of an RN. LPN's and RN's both have to pass a certification exam called the NCLEX. It is different for LPN's and RN's. What LPN's and RN's can do is similar, but an LPN has some limitations. LPN's typically can administer all medications except IV's. RN's have more management schooling, and are trained in IV's and procedures that require a greater degree of responsibility and liability.

Also, RN's who went to only an Associate's degree program can go to a RN-to-BSN program that allows them to complete their bachelor's degree. While a Bachelor's degree doesn't always mean more money, it is viewed as more desirable and will certainly help you to be a more competent and knowledgeable nurse, and will likely help you get a job.

If I go to school and become a nurse, can I pick and choose where, like for example, if i want to work in a hospital, or nursing home, or school, or doctors office? is there different titles?

Yes, you have the ability to work in all of these areas. As stated before, there are LPN's and RN's. RN's are in higher demand because they don't have the limited scope of practice than an LPN has. RN's can also become specialized in certain areas, and can take additional certification tests, which awards them additional titles. For example, an RN working in an ICU unit can take an exam that allows them to become a "board-certified" ICU nurse, called the CCRN exam. They can then put this title behind their name ("Joe Blow, RN, CCRN").

Also how much money do nurses make, like does a nurse in the emergency room make more than a nurse in a nursing home? or is that irrelavant?

Pay can vary greatly based on a number of factors, such as workplace setting and the state you live in. Here in Utah, new nurses working in a hospital or acute care setting make less than nurses working in other areas. This is largely due to the fact that hospital jobs are more desired. There are many reasons for this. One is that many positions in specialized nursing areas (ICU, Pediatrics, OB, Labor and Delivery, etc.) require you to have a year or so of hospital experience before they'll let you move up. Most entry level RN positions in a hospital are working on a medical/surgical floor or an orthopedics floor.

Also, if an RN is looking to go on to get a Master's degree and become an advanced nurse specialist, such as a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist or a Nurse Midwife, hospital experience is required. These advanced nursing specialties are considered to be "mid-level" health provider jobs, which allow these nurses to fill many roles typically done by a physician. For example, Family Nurse Practitioners provide care similar to a Family Practitioner, a Nurse Anesthetist provides anesthesia similar to an Anesthesiologist, and so on. Earning potential is significantly higher for these positions, but they also carry a much greater liability.

Working outside of a hospital setting as an RN, such as in a long-term care facility or in home health, has many benefits. Nurses usually start out making more in these settings, often because these positions are less desired. The pace is a bit different, less fast paced, and work involves working with the elderly more. However, nurses often make more money in these positions (in Utah, a hospital RN starts out around $22/ hr, while in home health, a nurse can start out making around $30/hr). Many times nurses will use these positions as a good way to make money and gain experience to help them transition into a hospital setting.

As I stated earlier, the state in which you live can make a big difference in pay. Utah, where I live, is one of the lowest paying states for nurses, because it is a popular profession. Most hospital new graduates make about $22/hr to start. A new grad position in Oregon, however, starts around $28-30/hr. California, according to the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pays nurses the highest, with the average being about $70-80k a year ($34-39 / hr, very good pay). Of course, you have to factor in cost of living.

So how long is nursing school? is it only offered by colleges? any advice on where i can go to get started or find out information and who when and where?

The length of nursing school depends on the program you are accepted into. Plan on at least 3 to 3 and 1/2 years to complete all your prerequisites and nursing classes. If you go to a bachelor's program, you can add on an additional 1 and 1/2 to 2 years. If you're interested in working as an LPN while going to school to get your RN, I would ask the programs you investigate if you'll be allowed to sit for your LPN NCLEX during the program. Some will let you, some won't.

Nursing programs are offered by universities, colleges, community colleges, private colleges and some hospitals. University programs are probably the most competitive, but this doesn't always mean they offer a better program. Community colleges (like the one I'm attending) often have smaller class sizes, which is nice, because it allows you to get more one-on-one mentoring. Sometimes these programs have waiting lists. Many times students, even with stellar academic performance, have to apply multiple times to get in. The best approach would be to pad your resume as much as possible by getting good grades and working as a CNA. Every program requires you to have a CNA certification, so you might as well make good use of it.

Some students, out of frustration with having to wait to get into a university or college program, turn to a private college to get their education. The advantage to this is that private colleges often have no waiting list, or are less competitive. Many times, these programs are just as good or even better than a college/university program. Sometimes, they are much worse, and are highly controversial, with some having their accreditation in jeopardy. And they typically cost a lot more.

For example, the cost of nursing school at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah is about $10-12k for the entire program. At Davis Applied Technology College (a community college) where I attend, it's about half of that. The nice thing about this program, though, is that the RN portion is done through Weber State, so it has the advantage of a lower tuition but I still obtain a university degree. At Stephens-Henager College, a private technical school, the RN program costs a whopping $50-60,000!!! That's a lot of debt.

I would do some research online and see what programs are in your area. Just a google search of "nursing programs" in your area, or searching each university, community college or such can yield a lot of results. Another thing to keep in mind is the prerequisite requirements for each program, there are a lot of universal ones, but some want additional classes, like Human Development or Statistics. I would also recommend that when you're taking pre-requisite classes, try to take them from an accredited university or college, so that when you try to apply to other schools, they will transfer. There's nothing more frustrating than to have taken 2 years of classes, only to find they're only good for the school where you took them.

Good luck!