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by
Melissa Mills, BSN (Columnist)
Entering a nursing career involves various educational paths and milestones. While the journey may differ between individuals, the goal is often the same: to provide exceptional patient care and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare industry.
Whether you're just starting your nursing career or advancing it, we've compiled everything you need to know about the length of each program and degree type, their general overviews, and common job outcomes.
How Long Is Nursing School?
The most common types of nursing degrees and programs include Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN), Diplomas, Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN to BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Below, we've listed the general length of each degree and program and their expected job outcomes.
LPN/LVN
- Duration: 12-18 months
- Job: LPN/LVN
Nursing Diploma
- Duration: 12-36 months
- Job: RN
ADN
- Duration: 24 months
- Job: RN
BSN
- Duration: Traditional 48 months
- Job: RN
RN to BSN
- Duration: Nine to 48 months
- Job: RN
MSN
- Duration: 48 months
- Job: Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN)
DNP
- Duration: 48-60 months
- Job: APRN
As each institution may vary, prospective students must research to confirm the exact length of their program of choice. There are also many other job outcomes for each program type.
LPN/LVN
An LPN, also called LVN in some states, is a crucial entry-level healthcare provider in nursing. Obtaining this licensure typically takes less than one year if attending school full-time. This role differs from an RN, which dedicates two to four years to acquiring a professional nursing degree.
To kickstart their nursing career, LPN program graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and secure their license. Depending on the healthcare setting, LPNs' responsibilities can range from observing patients, administering injections, and assisting with feeding to sometimes conducting treatments and procedures.
In their role, LPNs are instrumental in fostering seamless communication between the medical and nursing staff, patients, and their families, working under the guidance of physicians and registered nurses.
Related: Best LPN Programs in 2023
Enrollment in an LPN/LVN Program
Prospective LPN students must fulfill specific prerequisites, including passing a criminal background check, passing a nursing school entrance exam, and holding a high school diploma or a completed GED. Once accepted into an LPN program, students embark on a year of rigorous coursework blended with supervised clinical practice in patient care.
LPN programs typically include courses in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Medical Terminology
- First Aid
- Physical Education
- Food and Nutrition
- Child Growth and Development
Students must also fulfill various clinical competencies to demonstrate their proficiency in delivering patient care. These competencies are first practiced in a simulated lab environment. Once found competent, the nursing students practice these skills on actual patients during a clinical experience at a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
LPNs can also upgrade their education later, achieving RN status with fewer required years of study due to building upon an already acquired foundation. Such options include:
- LPN to ADN Bridge Programs
- LPN to BSN Bridge Programs
Nursing Diploma
Hospital-based nursing schools typically offer nursing diplomas and provide comprehensive training, enabling students to pursue a career as a registered nurse. Nursing diplomas are different than ADNs and BSNs, as those are typically offered at community colleges or universities over two to four years, respectively.
It's crucial to note that completing a nursing diploma program does not earn a college degree. However, the information learned in diploma programs does prepare the nurse well for an entry-level job and for furthering their education to obtain an ADN or BSN by attending a bridge program.
After earning their diploma, students must pass the NCLEX-RN to receive their nursing license and continue practicing. Roles may differ across healthcare settings, but generally, diploma-prepared nurses are responsible for patient care, medication administration, charting and reporting, and facilitating communication among patients, their families, and the healthcare team.
Enrollment in a Nursing Diploma
To be accepted into a nursing diploma program, students are often subject to background checks and must possess a high school diploma or GED. Once admitted to a nursing diploma program, students typically take two to three years to complete vigorous coursework and supervised clinical experience. Some colleges of nursing offer accelerated programs, which can be completed in less time.
Nursing Diploma coursework typically includes:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Chemistry and Microbiology
- Nursing Science
- Psychology and Sociology
- Nutrition and Diet Therapy
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics and Obstetrics
- Medical and Surgical Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
Additionally, students must demonstrate competency in various clinical skills to prove their aptitude for delivering high-quality patient care. This is achieved through simulated lab experiences and clinical experiences in local hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
RNs with a nursing diploma can upgrade their education later with RN to BSN programs.
ADN
An ADN is an ideal entry point for future registered nurses. These programs, typically lasting 18 months to two years, launch students into diverse nursing careers upon completion.
Offered by community colleges, state colleges, technical schools, and some universities, ADN programs focus on core nursing principles and hands-on clinical experiences. The rigorous curriculum readies students for the NCLEX-RN exam and initiates them into the clinical nursing role post-graduation.
Related: Best ADN Programs in 2023
Enrollment in an ADN Program
Before being accepted into an ADN program, students may be subject to various prerequisites and requirements, including proof of a high school diploma or GED, pre-entrance exam completion such as a TEAS or HESI, and obtaining CPR certification. Passing a background check is typically required before applying to the college.
ADN curriculum entails a mixture of general education and nursing subjects. The general education courses include English, math, and sociology, which are required for the college degree. Typical nursing-specific ADN courses include the following:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Nursing Care of Adults
- Community Health Nursing
- Behavioral Health
- Microbiology
- Psychology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Chemistry
ADN degree holders enjoy a wealth of career options. They can find employment in various care settings where hands-on healthcare is essential. While many ADN RNs serve in hospitals, others work in home care, long-term care, and other private and state facilities.
ADN-prepared RNs have rewarding careers, though they often continue their education by completing RN to BSN programs. The additional education provides increased salaries, new career opportunities, and the ability to work for Magnet Recognized hospitals.
BSN
Although attaining an RN license post-ADN is feasible, a BSN degree opens up greater opportunities. BSN programs provide more comprehensive training, focusing on research, nursing theory, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, whereas ADN programs primarily concentrate on clinical skills. These advanced courses afford the nurse different career paths, including leadership positions.
Many healthcare institutions today prefer BSN-prepared nurses to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements.
Related: Best BSN Programs in 2023
Enrollment in a BSN Program
While prerequisites may vary, many BSN programs expect a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.75 or equivalent associate program work. Some programs may demand higher GPAs for healthcare-related courses. BSN programs might also require a passing score on the TEAS or HESI entrance exams. Other common prerequisites include a background check, proof of a physical and required immunizations, and CPR certification.
Typical BSN coursework includes:
- Biology, including a lab and lecture course
- Chemistry, incorporating a lab and lecture course
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology, with a lab and lecture course
- Nutrition
- Pathophysiology
- Sociology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Mathematics, often statistics or at least an algebra course
- General Psychology
Admission into a BSN program can be competitive and challenging. Many programs conduct robust admission processes, including proof of volunteer work, references, a personal statement about why you want to become an RN and letters from professional references.
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs offer a valuable opportunity for seasoned RNs and recent nursing graduates holding a diploma or an ADN.
An RN to BSN curriculum builds upon your nursing education, blending social and physical sciences, nursing management principles, research, informatics, and public health knowledge. It expands your understanding of community health, healthcare management, leadership, and policy-making, fostering a more comprehensive nursing practice.
Related: Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023
Enrollment in an RN to BSN Program
The application requirements for an RN to BSN program can vary by institution. Generally, these include a current, unrestricted RN license, an ADN or diploma in nursing, a GPA of 2.0-3.0 or higher from prelicensure nursing courses, health and immunization verification, and official transcripts from your previous nursing program.
You may also need prerequisites in English Composition, Introduction to Nutrition, Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I/II, Chemistry for Health Sciences, Child and Adolescent Development/Psychology, Statistics, and Microbiology.
Core courses in RN to BSN programs include:
- Professional Nursing Practice
- Family-Centered Health Promotion
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Statistics for Health Professions
- Introduction to Nursing Research
- Ethical Nursing Practice
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Trends and Issues in Today's Health Care
MSN
MSN programs immerse you in advanced education and practical training that blends nursing theory, research, evidence-based clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare management. The completion timeline for MSN programs typically ranges from 18 to 36 months, contingent upon your prior educational background and nursing experience.
Many MSN programs are offered online or through a blended learning modality, which only requires the student to attend in-person classes or clinical experiences when necessary. Blended learning gives the student flexibility to continue to work and achieve a work-life balance.
MSNs offer numerous specialization tracks, including advanced nursing practice, nursing leadership, nursing education, and nursing informatics, providing you with opportunities to tailor your education to your career aspirations.
Upon completing an MSN, RNs are qualified to take on APRN roles, such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives, depending on the nursing program completed. Additionally, MSN graduates can opt for non-clinical roles in nursing education, healthcare administration, informatics, or research.
Related: Best MSN Programs in 2023
Enrollment in an MSN Program
The prerequisites for an MSN program can differ based on the graduate school, the chosen MSN specialty pathway, and your prior educational attainment.
For RNs set on advancing their careers, the standard MSN program prerequisites typically include:
- An active RN License in good standing
- Accredited BSN program transcripts
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Letters of recommendation
- Responses to essay questions or similar writing projects
- 3 to 5 years of RN experience
- Transcripts of all previously attended college programs
- An interview for program entry
Non-nursing professionals and ADN-prepared nurses may also be eligible for MSN programs. However, they might need to complete additional prerequisite courses like Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology with a lab, Nutrition, Human Growth and Development, Statistics, Sociology, Developmental Psychology, and General Chemistry. RN to MSN programs take entry-level nursing professionals and upskill them into advanced practice nurses, which provides greater professional opportunities.
DNP
As a prestigious terminal degree in nursing, a DNP is a beacon of advanced skills and in-depth knowledge. Doctoral degree-prepared nurses are uniquely positioned to profoundly impact healthcare outcomes through roles in organizational leadership, healthcare administration, health policy implementation, program management, and advanced practice nursing.
There are two principal pathways for DNP candidates: leadership and administration and APRN. Those embarking on the leadership and administration pathway are vital in fortifying executive nurse leadership and implementing sustainable, cost-effective, evidence-based care programs. On the other hand, those who follow the APRN pathway deliver direct patient care, including comprehensive patient management, assessment, and evaluation. APRN roles include nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners.
Related: Best DNP Programs in 2023
Enrollment in a DNP Program
To be eligible for a DNP degree program, the requirements typically include:
- A Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree with corresponding transcripts
- An active Registered Nurse (RN) license
- At least one year of full-time nursing practice
- Letters of recommendation
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), though this requirement can fluctuate depending on the DNP program and the time elapsed since obtaining your BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Their clinical practice hours will be verified for MSN graduates seeking to enroll in DNP programs. Some DNP programs might set a minimum requirement of 500 clinical hours to enter their MSN to DNP programs.
Nursing School FAQ
Q: How should I decide what type of nurse to become?
A: Choosing a nursing program and career can be challenging. First, think about where you see yourself in five or ten years. Are you still working at the bedside or taking on leadership and other advanced nursing practice roles? Once you know your ultimate nursing career goals, map out what that looks like in terms of education so you know what degree you ultimately want.
Remember that nursing degrees are stackable, meaning you can continue your education and get credit for previously completed coursework. And many advanced degree programs offer blended learning modalities, making it easier to complete your degree while working.
Q: Do BSN-prepared nurses make more than ADN nurses?
A: Nurses with BSN degrees generally make more than those with an ADN. However, this depends on many factors, including internal hospital policies, pay scales, years of experience, and geographic location.