The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) included two nursing roles — registered nurse (RN) and nurse practitioner (NP) — in its 2023 list of professions with the most new jobs projected between 2022 and 2032. Both of these roles require nursing degrees.
Nurses enjoy meaningful and fulfilling careers in a field with numerous and expanding opportunities across the country. One of the main considerations of those interested in becoming a nurse is how long it takes to get a nursing degree.
The time it takes to earn a nursing degree varies based on the student’s previous education, their chosen degree path, and their desired job outcome. The most common nursing degrees are the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees.
What Are the Different Nursing Degrees?
There are several nursing degree programs, each of which provides students with different opportunities and outcomes. Some are designed for students who are brand new to nursing, while others are for students who have some experience working as a nurse.
Degrees that prepare students for entry-level and advanced registered nursing roles include the following programs of study.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares students to become entry-level registered nurses. ADN programs ready students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is a requirement for RN licensure in all 50 states.
Earning an ADN provides one of the fastest paths toward becoming an RN, and many students prefer it because it allows them to enter the workforce quickly. Students with previous higher education credits may qualify for an accelerated ADN program.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Many employers prefer to hire registered nurses who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree due to their advanced training. A 2021 study published in Research in Nursing and Health noted that hospitals with higher rates of BSN-prepared nurses report better overall patient outcomes, including lower risk-adjusted mortality rates and shorter stays.
According to a 2022 nursing workforce survey conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), 71.7% of RNs hold at least a baccalaureate-level degree. Additionally, 25% of nurse employers require their new hires to have a bachelor’s degree and another 70% strongly prefer it, according to a 2023 new graduate employment survey from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
Standard BSN programs prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for entry-level RN roles, while providing more in-depth clinical and leadership training than ADN programs. Nurses who have previous education credits in nonnursing fields may qualify for an accelerated BSN program.
Registered nurses who have already earned an ADN can advance their education through a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. These programs are popular among RNs concerned about the duration of a nursing degree who want to improve their employability and relevancy in the field.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing degree is a graduate-level degree that allows RNs to explore an entirely different scope of practice, including pursuing high-level clinical, education, and administrative roles. According to the NCSBN workforce survey, 17.9% of registered nurses hold a master’s degree.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of education available in nursing practice. According to the NCSBN survey, only 2.7% of registered nurses hold a doctoral degree, but the demand for nurses with doctorates is much higher than the supply. Nurses with a DNP are qualified to pursue high-paying roles in advanced practice, nurse education, science and research, and numerous clinical specialties.
Nursing Degree Program Lengths
How long it takes to get a nursing degree depends on several factors, including the type of degree, the chosen school, and the student’s previous education and experience.
How Long Does It Take to Get an ADN?
The average ADN program usually takes about two years to complete. Students in ADN programs develop a variety of clinical and soft skills, including written and oral communication, decision-making, and leadership skills. They also learn about the standards of ethical and professional nursing and how to care for patients from diverse backgrounds.
ADN completion programs can be completed in as little as 18 months.
How Long Does It Take to Get a BSN?
Students can expect to spend about four years earning a standard BSN degree.
Aspiring nurses who have college credits in a nonnursing field may choose to enroll in a BSN completion program, which can take as little as 18 to 21 months to complete. This program covers foundational clinical nursing knowledge and skills as well as soft skills and is designed to prepare future RNs to provide holistic nursing care to patients.
Nurses who have an ADN can earn a BSN in as little as 15 months through an RN to BSN program.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MSN?
A graduate-level MSN degree is ideal for RNs who want to pursue specialist, advanced practice, leadership, education, or executive-level roles. Standard MSN programs take about two years to complete. Some MSN programs allow nurses with a BSN to complete their MSN in as little as 15 to 18 months. Coursework in an MSN program covers advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, evidence-based nursing, and leadership and educational theories.
How Long Does It Take to Get a DNP?
A DNP degree is a terminal degree for RNs. On average, a BSN to DNP track takes about four years, while an MSN to DNP track can take less than two years. Earning this degree allows nurses to pursue advanced practice, education, clinical specialist, or executive-level positions.
Benefits of Getting a Nursing Degree
Besides learning how long it takes to get a nursing degree, individuals may want to find out about the benefits associated with earning one. Nurses play a key role in improving the health and well-being of their patients, making this job a fulfilling one. Their jobs are rarely boring, and their day-to-day responsibilities focus on a wide range of health-related topics, including nutrition, anatomy, mental health, and pharmacology.
Interacting with patients, patients’ family members, and other healthcare providers is an essential part of nursing, which makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy working with people. Nurses often have flexible schedules that allow for a positive work-life balance. RNs can choose from a variety of specialties that allow them to pursue their passions, including obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, and pediatrics.
Nurses are in demand across the country. The BLS projects that the number of jobs for registered nurses will grow 6% between 2022 and 2032, and the number of jobs for nurse practitioners will grow 38% in that same time frame.
Enjoy a Meaningful Career as a Nurse
An individual’s chosen degree path, desired program type, and prior education and experience will determine how long it takes them to get a nursing degree. No matter which path they take, nurses have fulfilling careers in a field with an exceptional job outlook and plenty of opportunities in clinical practice, administration, education, and leadership. The Denver College of Nursing offers on-campus ADN and BSN completion programs that can help aspiring nurses launch their careers, and online RN to BSN and MSN programs that can help working nurses take their careers to the next level. Learn more about how one of our nursing programs and our commitment to educating excellent nurses can help you make a significant impact in your nursing career.
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