[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″]Most nurses attend nursing school for 2-4 years to become a registered nurse (RN).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Generally, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) is a two-year program, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is a four-year program, and a master of science in nursing (MSN) is a two-year program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can enroll in accelerated programs or bridge programs to complete certain types of degrees more quickly.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most nurses attend nursing school for 2-4 years to become [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link]. The time it takes to finish nursing school varies. Generally, an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] takes two years, a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] takes four years, and a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/” target=”_blank”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] takes two years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How long will you spend in nursing school? It depends on the degree and specialty area, plus your prior education. Our guide breaks down the length of nursing school so you can make a more informed decision about your education.[/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″]Length of Nursing School by Degree and Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing professionals can be classified into three major levels: [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/lpn-lvn/how-to-become/”]licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs)[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link]. The length of nursing school depends not only on the degree level but the professional level you feel most comfortable working in.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The table below highlights the typical lengths for each program after meeting admission requirements. Many factors affect how long nursing school will take. For example, online nursing programs can reduce study times by offering more flexible schedules. On the other hand, working students may need to enroll in school part time, which can increase the program length.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Nursing School Length by Degree[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Time to Complete[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career Path[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]LPN/LVN Diploma[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Time to Complete”]12-18 months[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Licensed practical or vocational nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]Nursing Diploma[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Time to Complete”]2 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Registered nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]Associate Degree in Nursing[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Time to Complete”]2 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Registered nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]RN-to-BSN Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Time to Complete”]1-2 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Registered nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]Bachelor of Science in Nursing[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Time to Complete”]4 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Registered nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]Accelerated BSN Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Time to Complete”]12-18 months[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Registered nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]Master of Science in Nursing[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Time to Complete”]2-3 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree”]Doctor of Nursing Practice[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Time to Complete”]3-5 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”LPN/LVN Program”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/lpn-lvn/lpn-programs-online/”]LPN/LVN programs[/hen-ui-link] are the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/fastest-paths-to-becoming-a-nurse/”]fastest nursing degree paths[/hen-ui-link] and take between 12-18 months to complete. (Texas and California use the term LVN, while all other states use the term LPN.)[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs and LVNs provide basic patient care under the supervision of RNs or doctors. Once you complete an LPN or LVN program, you can take the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses[/hen-ui-link], which tests your practical nursing knowledge.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Nursing Diploma”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While nursing diplomas offer one of the shortest pathways to RN licensure, they are much less common than other RN programs. Many employers also prefer or require RNs to have a nursing degree. Most nursing diploma programs run through hospitals and hospital-based nursing schools. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nssrn-education-training-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]2022 NSSRN data[/hen-ui-link], only 1.8% of new RNs currently enter the profession through this pathway.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Those who do pursue a nursing diploma can take the NCLEX-RN exam, the national licensing examination for RNs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Associate Degree in Nursing”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN program usually takes two years to complete. Once you graduate, you qualify to take the NCLEX-RN. [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/nursing-workforce-dashboards” target=”_blank”]About 44% [/hen-ui-link]of RNs start their careers with an ADN, according to 2022 data from the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning an ADN, nurses can enroll in an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-BSN program[/hen-ui-link] to advance their degree level in as little as 1-2 years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Bachelor of Science in Nursing”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN is the most common degree in nursing, with [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/nursing-workforce-dashboards” target=”_blank”]51% of RNs[/hen-ui-link] holding a BSN as their highest degree. Today, more than 2.2 million RNs hold a BSN, a degree that typically takes four years to complete. An [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN program[/hen-ui-link] takes as little as 12 months for those with a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BSN curriculum covers more topics and offers greater depth than the ADN curriculum, which [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/top-advantages-of-a-bsn-degree/”]prepares you for leadership positions[/hen-ui-link] or graduate nursing programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Master of Science in Nursing”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the NCHWA, 16% of RNs hold a master’s degree. [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] prepare RNs for [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/how-to-become/”]APRN careers[/hen-ui-link], including as [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-midwife/”]certified nurse-midwives (CNMs)[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioners (NPs)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN programs typically take 2-3 years to complete for full-time students with a BSN, while [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-masters-in-nursing-without-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] take around 3-4 years. Once you graduate, you will be eligible to take the appropriate board certification exam for your chosen specialty.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Doctor of Nursing Practice”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Currently, 14% of APRNs hold a doctorate, reports the NCHWA. A DNP usually takes 3-5 years to complete. If you have an MSN or significant experience, you may qualify for transfer credits or a bridge program to accelerate this timeline.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many nursing organizations recommend raising the APRN education requirements from an MSN to a DNP. As of 2025, becoming a certified registered [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-anesthetist/how-to-become-a-crna/”]nurse anesthetist[/hen-ui-link] (CRNA) requires a doctorate.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Long Does it Take to Become a Registered Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN programs typically take 2-4 years to complete as a full-time student. The most common pathways to an RN license include an ADN (two years) and a BSN (four years).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though shorter and generally more affordable, ADN programs may not offer the same career growth opportunities and earning potential as BSN programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may qualify for transfer credits to shorten your program. These [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] take around 12-18 months. Additionally, if you have LPN or LVN licensure, you can access [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-lpn-to-bsn-programs/”]LPN/LVN-to-BSN programs[/hen-ui-link], which often take about 2-3 years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs need a graduate degree in nursing. The most common pathway includes earning a four-year BSN and an RN license, working as an RN for at least one year, and then completing a 2-3 year [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]MSN program[/hen-ui-link]. That means it takes 6-7 years of nursing school and at least one year of experience to become an NP.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring nurse practitioners can find accelerated options for students with previous education or licensure. Those with an ADN and nursing experience can enter an accelerated [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-adn-to-msn-bridge-programs/”]ADN-to-NP program[/hen-ui-link], which can take as little as 2-3 years after becoming an RN. Those with a bachelor’s in another subject can find [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-direct-entry-masters-in-nursing-programs/”]direct-entry MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] that prepare NPs in 3-4 years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many aspiring NPs pursue a DNP, especially since several nursing organizations propose [hen-ui-link href=”/ask-a-nurse/msn-np-programs-to-dnp-by-2025/”]changing the minimum NP requirements[/hen-ui-link] to a DNP starting in 2025. DNP programs for nurse practitioners typically take three years for MSN graduates, but BSN-to-DNP programs take longer.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]FAQ: How Long Is Nursing School?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years is nursing school?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school lengths vary by degree, but an LPN program takes about one year, an ADN typically takes two years, while a BSN takes four. An MSN adds two years to the undergraduate studies, and a DNP takes an additional 3 to 5 years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the shortest schooling for nursing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The minimum requirement for a registered nurse is an associate degree, which takes about two years for full-time students to complete. LPNs must complete a state-approved program, which may take only one year to complete for full-time students.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is nursing school hard?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school can challenge students, particularly the complex terminology and the rigor of the programs. However, the material does get easier once you build the foundational knowledge. You still need to dedicate yourself to the program to handle the intensity of your studies, labs, and clinical experiences.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long should you study for nursing school?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Studying for nursing school can help get you through the difficult science-based foundational courses of the program, such as anatomy and physiology, but there’s no prescribed length of time you should dedicate to this. Consider studying basic concepts in biology, chemistry, and other sciences to prepare yourself for the program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]