How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse? 

Here's a breakdown of the typical timeframes for various nursing careers. 

Licensed practical nurse (LPN)  

Becoming an LPN usually requires completing a diploma nursing program, which takes around one year to complete. These types of programs can be completed at vocational schools, community colleges, and some hospitals.   

Registered nurse (RN) 

Becoming an RN typically requires a minimum of two to four years of education. One option is to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which can be completed in about two years at community colleges. Others pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which in general takes four years to complete at an undergraduate college or university. For those who have a bachelor’s degree already, there is an option for an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree which takes 12-18 months. 

Some RNs also choose to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which can take an additional two to four years of study.     

Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)  

Becoming a CRNA is a highly specialized career path that requires significant education and training. To become a CRNA, individuals must first earn a bachelor's degree in nursing, become licensed as an RN, gain experience in critical care nursing, and then complete a master's or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia. This entire process can take about seven to eight years to complete.   

Nurse practitioner (NP) 

NPs are advanced practice nurses who have earned more advanced levels education and training. To become an NP, individuals typically need to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing, become licensed as an RN, and then complete a master's or doctoral degree in nursing. This process can take about six to eight years to complete.   

Certified nurse midwife (CNM)   

Becoming a certified nurse midwife involves completing a graduate-level program in nurse-midwifery. To become a CNM, individuals need to: obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing, become a licensed RN, gain nursing experience, and then complete a master’s degree in nursing. The entire process can take between six to eight years to complete. 

Overall, the time it takes to become a nurse can vary depending on the specific career path and the level of education pursued. While some nursing careers can be pursued with just a few years of education and training, others require a more extensive investment of time and resources. Regardless of the specific career path, becoming a nurse requires a commitment to lifelong learning and ongoing professional development.