The duration a nursing degree takes is dependent on a number of factors. The first step is the overall of wanting to become a nurse and then you can proceed to determining how long it will take. The factors that determine the length of your career are: the type of nurse you want to become, will you attend full time or part time classes, will you attend the classes physically or online and whether you want to gain experience before landing on a real job with responsibilities. In all nursing specialties, you will be taught to care for patients but they may vary depending on the category of patients you will be serving. In this article, we will be discussing various types of degrees in nursing and the duration each of them takes.
Types of degrees and their duration
There are two major divisions in this section and their durations vary greatly.
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses take approximately 2-4 years depending on the program they choose and their entry qualification.
2. Associate Degree in Nursing
This program takes 2-3 years and is the shortest route to becoming a RN. Classes can be online or physical on a full or part time basis. However, for you to graduate, you must have attended the sessions for at least 700 hours. After completion, you will be required to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses which takes approximately 4 hours to complete.
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This program takes 4 years but comes with satiable compensation as compared to an AND degree such as leadership roles. The four years are divided in to two, i.e., two years for general education such as English classes and two years for advanced nursing and clinical knowledge. You are required to take the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses so you can get a license to be a registered nurse. If you choose a specialty of your interest, you are required to have a registered nurse degree, license and a specified number of direct care hours. However, the requirements depend on the field of specialty you have chosen.
4. Licensed Practical Nurses
The duration of this program depends on your class attendance. Normally, people finish this course within 1-2 years but you can get your certificate within 7 months of nonstop dedication.
5. Certified Nursing Assistant
They are also known as Patient Care Assistants and they assist RNs and LPNs and report to them. This program takes approximately 4- 12 weeks and is offered at community colleges and hospitals. After completion, you are required to sit for a competency exam which contains written and practical exam sections.
6. Advanced Practice registered Nurse (APRN)
A registered nurse may decide to advance their education to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
7. Masters of science in nursing
Apart from nursing and clinical training, an MSN also includes trainings on leadership, public health, research and ethics. This is a higher level or nursing that earns you more money than registered nurse. This branch also has specialties such as nurse educator or nurse administrator. This course takes approximately 2 years but in case you have already taken a BSN degree and have the appropriate experience, it can take 18-24 months.
8. Nurse practitioner
This career is only available to individuals who have completed either an MSN or DNP programs. A nurse practitioner can specialize in areas such as: pediatrics, cardiology, psychiatry of family medicine. This course takes 2-4 years after qualifying which can either be 4 years of Doctor of Practice school or 2 years of master in Science Nursing school.
9. Certified registered nurse anesthetist
This is a type of nurse who administers anesthesia before, during and after diagnosis, surgery and obstetric sessions. They are one of the highest paid and are required to have high level of knowledge and expertise in their line of duty. This course takes 2-3 years and it takes a lot of commitment to be a successful CRNA. However, individuals must a BSN and a minimum of 1 year experience so as to be enrolled in this program. A three-hour National Certification Exam is the determinant of your knowledge and skills acquired in school.
10. Doctor of nursing practice
This is the highest level of nursing and nurses serve multiple duties such as managerial roles, clinical settings and in educational centers. This course takes 2 years for individuals with an MSN, 5 years for individuals starting from AND level and 3-4 years for those with a BSN.
11. Ph.D. in nursing
This is the final stage for individuals who want to be nursing educators. This course takes 3 years if studied full time and 5-7 years when studied part time. For you to qualify to join this level, you must have attained a masters in nursing program and have the relevant experience.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a wide range of degrees to choose from in the nursing career. Taking classes on a full-time schedule enables you to complete the course much faster but this will depend on your availability and financial status. However, much you want to complete one level and move on to the next, it is advisable to take some time off in between the levels so you can gain experience and at least ease your mind.
FAQs
1. Which is the easiest way to become a registered nurse?
Obtaining an associate degree in nursing is the fastest path to being a registered nurse. It takes 2 years and you must sit for NCLEX-RN exams for you to get licensed
2. Which is the lowest nursing degree level?
A certified nursing assistant is the lowest rank in nursing which is a non-degree choice.
3. Which nurse is high on demand?
All registered nurses are high on demand especially with the gradual job growth.
4. How long does it take to become a nurse?
The duration depends on the specialty you enroll in. it could be between 16 months- 4 years for you to be a registered nurse