How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse?
Nursing is one of the noblest and most rewarding professions. You can take joy in helping people in their time of need. How long does it take to become a nurse, though? The amount of education required depends on what type of nurse you want to be.
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If you want to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), training takes approximately one year. Many community colleges and technical schools offer these types of programs. Make sure the program you choose is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Once you complete your program, you must pass the NCLEX-PN examination for your state.
If you want to become a registered nurse, you must first earn your associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing. If you don't have your LPN, it will likely take four years for an associate's degree and five years for a bachelor's degree. There are accelerated programs available, however.
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Some people get their LPN and go into the workforce immediately. If you have your LPN, there are programs that take 9-12 months to complete your RN training. Some hospitals will even offer to pay your tuition for these programs. As with the LPN, there are exams and you must be registered in the state that you are going to practice in.
The best course of action for you will depend on your preferences and career goals. If you want to start working quickly, an LPN program might be the best fit. However, as with any career, the more education you have, the higher your salary will likely be.
