How many years does it take to become a registered nurse (RN)
A bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) is the most common degree for registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. It can take anywhere from three to six years to complete a BSN program, depending on whether you’re enrolled full-time or part-time. To help you determine how long it will take you to get your degree, we have put together this guide:
A bachelor’s of science in nursing often called a BSN, usually takes four years to finish
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing often called a BSN, is a four-year degree program that prepares students to become registered nurses. If you’re considering enrolling in a nursing program and want to know how long it’ll take to finish, here are some things to keep in mind:
- The length of your program depends on whether or not your school offers accelerated programs. Accelerated programs allow students to complete their coursework more quickly than those who don’t choose this path; however, accelerated programs are typically more expensive than traditional ones.
- Most colleges offer flexible scheduling options so that working professionals can attend classes on evenings or weekends if needed (and many universities even offer online courses).
There are three-year BSN programs that take less time.
A few colleges and universities offer accelerated BS nursing programs that can be completed in 15 months or less. These programs combine classroom learning with clinical experience, allowing students to graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and an RN license. They’re also available online or on-campus, depending on the program.
BSN programs are offered by many colleges and universities across the United States. Most schools offer their own version of a BSN degree; however, there are also several national accreditation agencies that set standards for all BSN programs across the country (e.g., the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Both online and traditional face-to-face learning environments exist for most BSN degrees; some schools even offer hybrid models with elements of both methods included in their curriculum design (for example, distance-based coursework coupled with local campus attendance). You’ll find associate’s, bachelor’s master’s, and doctoral level options within this academic area as well
If you already have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in getting your BSN, there are fast-track options that take about a year.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject, there are fast-track programs (often called accelerated or bridge programs) that will allow you to complete your nursing degree in about a year. For example, Florida State University offers an accelerated option for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in any field. In this case, it takes three semesters to complete the full program at FSU; however, they recommend that students spend two summer sessions on campus and one semester off campus if possible.
You should note that these programs tend to be expensive and not all schools offer them. You should also keep in mind that no matter how quickly you finish your BSN, it will still take time for employers to recognize the value of having this credential on your resume—and many potential employers may not even require applicants with an RN license at all! Also keep in mind that these fast-track options aren’t always available: some schools offer them only once every few years while others make them available every semester or quarter depending on their class size needs (and student demand).
Getting a BSN is possible in as little as three years
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can get your BSN in as little as three years. This means if you start right away and take summer classes, or go part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer, then you could graduate with a nursing degree in just three years. If this sounds like something that could work for your schedule or lifestyle, keep reading!
There are also fast-track options that will allow students to complete their BSN program in just one year or less. These might involve taking concentrated coursework over two semesters instead of four; either way, it’s important to do some research into how these programs work so that they won’t cut into other areas of academic study (like electives) too much—especially if these courses aren’t offered at your school.
Another option is taking an online BSN program: many institutions offer them now (and they’re growing more popular every day!). Although they require some self-discipline when it comes time for studying on your own—especially if there’s no one around who can help hold you accountable—the good news is that many online nursing schools offer flexible schedules so students can fit their studies around other commitments such as family life or another job.