It depends on what kind of nurse you want to be but it generally takes about 2-4 years.
If you are interested in an Associates Degree in nursing, and you haven't any nursing experience previously, it normally takes 2 years to complete your RN (Registered Nurse) associates degree. One year is for your pre-requsites ( that's all subjects not relating to nursing), and one year of medical knowledge ( includes clinical, your "ologies" microbiology, Biology,chemistry, etc.).
Then you have The Bachelor of Science Degree - this will take a total of four years to complete.
If you are starting out without any medical education = 4 years; if you are already an RN = 2 more years.
There are three options to become a registered nurse as follows.
* diploma program (typically three years, not recommended for individuals who do not have an already existing degree) * associate degree (two years as a full-time student once the student starts the professional phase of the program) * bachelor's degree (BSN) (four years as a full-time student)
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2 years for an Associate degree, but you can get your BA which is 4 years and a big pay increase.
A bit more:
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) degree at a vocational school takes 14 months. In some states, this is called "LVN" (Licensed Vocational Nurse), but the jobs and job duties are the same.
Associate RN (Registered Nurse) This is a two year program at colleges that offer an associate program.
Bachelors RN (Registered Nurse) This is a four year program, but the pay for a bachelors degree is higher than for those with an associate degree.
RNP (Registered Nurse Practitioner) This is a registered nurse with an additional two years of education. An RNP can give examinations, diagnose patients, and prescribe medications while working under a licensed physician.
CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) This is an RN with an additional two years who is certified to work in anesthesiology under a licensed anesthesiologist (M.D.).
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