[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming an LPN or LVN takes one year and is the quickest way to start a nursing career, though it means a more limited scope of practice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming an RN typically takes 2-4 years, depending on your degree level, and requires graduating from a BSN program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Practicing nurses can quickly advance by enrolling in LPN-to-BSN or RN-to-BSN bridge programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are in demand, and the field offers many opportunities for career advancement, competitive pay, and job security.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can launch your nursing career quickly – in as little as one year. Our guide introduces the quickest routes to a nursing career depending on your timeline, education, and career goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Fastest Ways to Become a Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]LVN/LPN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length: [/hen-ui-text]One year[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical nurse (LPN)[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/california/lvn-programs/”]licensed vocational nurse (LVN)[/hen-ui-link] program is the fastest way to become a nurse. (California and Texas use “LVN,”” while the rest of the U.S. uses “LPN.””) LPNs and LVNs monitor patient vital signs, change bandages, insert catheters, provide basic care, and assist with tests, often in collaboration or under the supervision of a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]LPN program[/hen-ui-link] is the fastest way to become a nurse, even though the scope of practice is more limited than that of an RN. In these one-year programs, you’ll strengthen clinical and patient care skills. After graduating, graduates must pass a licensing exam to earn their LPN or LVN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you’re working, you may advance your education and become an RN — a license that gives you more autonomy and a wider scope of practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re eager to enter the nursing workforce, these programs are among the fastest ways to jumpstart your nursing career.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Diploma Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length: [/hen-ui-text]2-3 years[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse diploma programs prepare you for an RN license, making them one of the fastest ways to become an RN. However, nursing diploma programs are not very common. In 2024, nurse diploma programs accounted for just 8.6% of RNs entering the profession, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(25)00047-X/fulltext” target=”_blank”]2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Compared to LPNs, these nursing professionals have more clinical responsibilities and professional autonomy. RNs often specialize in urgent care, pediatrics, cardiology, or emergency care. With a nurse diploma, you can take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While community colleges offer associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs, some hospitals offer nurse diploma programs. Students receive a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences/”]nursing diploma rather than a nursing degree[/hen-ui-link]. However, fewer nurses choose this option. In 2024, just 2,500 NCLEX-RN exam takers graduated from a nurse diploma program compared to 84,000 ADN graduates and more than 99,000 bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) graduates, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/NCLEX_Stats_2024_Q4_Passrates.pdf” target=”_blank”]according to the NCSBN[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]ADN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length: [/hen-ui-text]2-3 years[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/best-adn-programs/”]ADN programs[/hen-ui-link] take as little as two years, making them a good option if you want to become an RN quickly. Offered online and in-person, ADNs are among the most popular options for initial nurse licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The typical [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]ADN curriculum[/hen-ui-link] includes courses in nursing principles, immunology, behavioral health, pharmacology, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Students also complete an average of 700 clinical hours. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX and become an RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/best-paying-adn-jobs/”]ADN nurses work[/hen-ui-link] in hospitals, physicians’ offices, or other healthcare facilities. Career options include travel nurses, home health nurses, or community health nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When ADN-prepared nurses want more responsibility and earning potential, they can enroll in a shortened RN-to-BSN program for additional training to increase their clinical skills and learn about nursing informatics, leadership, and research.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accelerated BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length: [/hen-ui-text]18-48 months[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Traditional BSN programs take four years. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs[/hen-ui-link] are pre-licensure programs that allow students to earn their BSN in less time than a traditional program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ABSN programs are for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field who want to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-second-degree-bsn-programs/”]earn a second degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link]. This option is the fastest way to become an RN for career-change nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students complete rigorous courses, labs, and clinical placements that train them to become RNs. Due to the program’s intensity, it is often not possible for students to work full time while enrolled.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-accelerated-bsn-programs-online/”]online accelerated BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] can provide students with some flexibility. These programs allow you to complete your lectures and coursework online, with in-person clinical requirements and lab classes.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing Bridge Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing bridge programs help current nurses advance their education. If you’re already an LPN or RN, these bridge programs are the fastest way to level up your career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]Bridge programs[/hen-ui-link] build on your past education and experience, often at an accelerated pace. These nurse programs are typically designed for working professionals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]LPN-BSN Bridge Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length: [/hen-ui-text]2-3 years[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-lpn-to-bsn-programs/”]LPN-to-BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] prepare LPNs for greater responsibilities and more autonomy. Graduates can earn their RN license and qualify for BSN roles. These programs are offered [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/in-person-vs-online-nursing-programs/”]online, in-person, and in a hybrid format[/hen-ui-link], allowing students to continue to work as LPNs as they earn their BSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]Becoming an RN[/hen-ui-link] by earning a BSN qualifies nurses to work in clinical settings, administer medications, provide treatment, and educate patients. Some RNs can also fulfill nonclinical roles for research labs, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unlike a traditional BSN program, a bridge program allows nurses to earn their degrees faster because of their previous nursing experience. For example, LPNs receive credit for their prior nursing classes before taking courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, ethics, and statistics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN-to-BSN Bridge Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length: [/hen-ui-text]1-2 years[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs-to-BSN bridge programs are designed for current RNs, helping nurses advance their education and specialize their careers. While traditional BSN programs take four years, RNs who enroll in a bridge program can earn a BSN in half the time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-BSN program[/hen-ui-link] can qualify for positions in management, community health, research and informatics. They also have a shorter path to obtaining a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]master of science in nursing (MSN) [/hen-ui-link]or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-dnp-programs/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] degree and working as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These registered nurse programs incorporate courses on pharmacology, ethics, leadership, and management. Upper-division classes develop the skills and knowledge to handle more complex responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These programs offer online, in-person, or hybrid enrollment, and many offer part-time options. Many employers offer RNs tuition reimbursement or remission to help [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]pay for their nursing degrees[/hen-ui-link] if they work for that employer for a certain amount of time.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse After Graduation?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can qualify for entry-level nursing jobs within a few months of finishing your degree or diploma. Most nursing programs incorporate NCLEX preparation; some graduates take the NCLEX a few weeks after graduation. Others may wait longer due to transcript release, background checks, or personal preference. Test-takers typically take their exam within 45 days after graduation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The process for earning your license depends on your [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]state’s licensing requirements[/hen-ui-link]. Before [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]registering for the NCLEX[/hen-ui-link], you’ll apply to your state board of nursing. After you take the NCLEX, you’ll receive official results within six weeks of your test date. However, for a fee, many candidates and future employers access unofficial results through the NCLEX quick results service.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most states issue your license soon after you pass the NCLEX because you’ll complete fingerprinting, background checks, and official transcript requirements before taking the test. Processing times vary by state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your final step is [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/finding-nursing-jobs/”]finding a job as a new nurse.[/hen-ui-link] The time it takes to start work depends on your specialty, work setting, and geographic location. After gaining work experience as a nurse, you can earn a higher degree to advance your career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Salary Comparison[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While you can become a nurse in as little as one year, nursing programs that take longer typically lead to higher salaries. For example, a practical nursing diploma is the fastest way to become a nurse, but RN preparation programs lead to higher-paying jobs.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Average Annual Nurse Salary by Degree[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]LPN[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$62,140[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]Nursing diploma RN[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$80,321[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]ADN[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$80,321[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]BSN[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$90,046[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What’s the fastest you can become a nurse?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can become a practical nurse in as little as one year by enrolling in an LPN/LVN program, taking the NCLEX-PN exam, and applying for a license. You’ll need at least two years of nursing school to become an RN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you become an RN in one year?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can become an RN in as little as one year if you’re already an LPN. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-online-lpn-to-rn-programs/”]LPN-to-RN programs[/hen-ui-link] provide clinical training and coursework to earn an RN license. RN programs require a minimum of two years if you’re not currently a nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the best path to become an RN?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The fastest path to becoming an RN is to earn an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/best-adn-programs/”]ADN[/hen-ui-link], which takes around two years. However, most RNs now enter the field with a BSN, which takes four years. Prospective nurses can pursue an ADN and start working while enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program to advance their education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What’s the difference between an ADN and a BSN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN and BSN both prepare RNs, but these nursing degrees differ in important ways. An ADN takes two years, while a BSN takes four years. Many employers prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses, particularly for hospitals and more advanced positions. RNs can enter the field with an ADN and advance their education with an RN-to-BSN program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]