How long does it take to become a nurse? This depends on the role you’re aiming for. If you are thinking about becoming a registered nurse (RN), for example, you can expect the journey to take a few years of study and training.1
Nurses play a central role in U.S. healthcare. They assess patients, administer medications, help create and implement care plans and advocate for the people and families they serve.
If you are planning to become a nurse, there are several educational and career paths you can take depending on where you’re starting and what your long-term goals look like. After you become an RN, you may also choose to advance your education through graduate study.
At the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), we offer online graduate nursing programs and advanced nursing degrees designed for working nurses who want to expand their scope, leadership skills and career options.
Let’s review how long it typically takes to become a nurse, the different routes you can take to get there and what opportunities may open up after you earn your nursing license.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
One of the quickest ways to get into the healthcare field and work alongside nurses is to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
The responsibilities of a CNA typically include taking patients’ vitals, feeding patients, bathing patients and patient monitoring. They tend to work in nursing homes, hospitals and home care settings under the supervision of nurses, doctors and other clinicians. Many people choose to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs) because earning a CNA certification online can be one of the fastest ways to enter the healthcare field. 2
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)
One streamlined way to become a licensed nurse is to complete a program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). Both titles refer to the same role; LVN is used in Texas and California, whereas LPN is used in the rest of the United States.
An LPN or LVN program is a one-year program that prepares you to monitor patient vitals, provide basic care, assist with tests and perform other tasks under the supervision or in collaboration with a registered nurse (RN) in various healthcare settings such as hospitals and specialized clinics.3
Although the scope of practice for an LPN or LVN is more limited than that of an RN, you can complete the program and take the licensing exam in a little over one year. You can also begin working as an LPN or LVN and continue pursuing further education to become an RN.3
Registered Nurse (RN)
When most people talk about becoming a nurse, they’re usually picturing a registered nurse, the role many think of first when they imagine working in patient care. Common ways to qualify for RN licensure include earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or choosing direct-entry pathways.1
ADN programs typically take two to three years and are often offered through community colleges. These programs focus heavily on core clinical skills and practical nursing knowledge, making them one of the fastest and most affordable routes to becoming an RN.1
BSN programs are usually four-year degrees offered at colleges and universities. Along with the foundational nursing content you’d see in an ADN program, BSN coursework often includes leadership, research and community or public health concepts. While a BSN may require a larger time and financial investment, it can open the door to more immediate advancement opportunities and it’s also a direct pathway into graduate education, such as a master’s or doctoral program.3
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and Other Advanced Roles
Once you are an RN, there are several ways to advance your career and seek further training. One way to do so is by becoming a nurse practitioner (NP).
NPs can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and, in some states, they can prescribe medication without oversight from other healthcare providers. There are several role specialties you could pursue as an NP, but regardless of where your interest lies, you would have to complete a graduate nursing program to get certified.
Leadership and education roles in nursing include nurse educator, nurse executive and clinical nurse leader. While these positions are not considered Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) roles, they typically require graduate level education such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which USAHS offers online.
Nursing at USAHS
USAHS offers several online-focused nursing programs specifically designed for working nurses. Our MSN program offers roles specialties in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Nurse Executive. Our DNP is an online program offered for nurses seeking the highest level of degree available to them.
Along with these two graduate programs, USAHS offers a bridge online RN to MSN program for RNs who have an ADN or ASN and are looking to get their MSN. If you already have an MSN or DNP and are looking for further training in your role, USAHS also offers Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates (PG-C).
Licensure: NCLEX and State Requirements
Getting your license as a nurse involves a few additional steps. Here’s what you need to know.
Preparing for the NCLEX-RN
After you graduate from an ADN or BSN program, you’ll need to take the NCLEX-RN exam to get your license.4 Once you are ready to take the exam, submit an application for licensure by examination to the Board of Nursing (BON) in the state where you want to be licensed.
Then, register with Pearson VUE by creating an account and paying the application fee. You’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT), which usually arrives two to four weeks after graduation. Your ATT is valid for 90 days, although it can vary by state, but it’s advisable to take the exam as soon as possible. All in all, the process from graduation to receiving a license usually takes between four to 12 weeks total.5
State Licensure Timelines
Depending on what state you’re hoping to work in, background checks, fees and documentation might be required.6 Documentation may include proof of education, exam scores, and proof of identity. State processing times can add a few weeks to a few months to the entire process, so you should account for that when you are applying to jobs after graduation.7
Factors Impacting Nursing Timeline
A few key factors can impact how long it might take for you to become a nurse. These include the following.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Study
When pursuing nursing education at either the bachelor’s or graduate level, you have the choice to pursue either full-time or part-time study. Full-time study allows you to get certified as fast as possible, whereas spreading credits over more semesters extends the overall timeline.
While it may be advantageous to do full-time study in your associate’s or bachelor’s programs, some graduate programs, like ours at USAHS, are intentionally designed to be part-time to accommodate working nurses. This can influence the pace of your studies, but it also allows you to continue to gain clinical experience while studying.
Transfer Credits and Prior Degrees
At USAHS, transfer credits and prior degrees earned can fulfill prerequisite or general education requirements, which can shorten the time it takes to earn a graduate degree.*
If you have a prior bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, you might be able to enter the profession faster through an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) or a Direct-Entry Master’s in Nursing (DEMSN) pathway.*
Program Format: On-Campus, Online or Hybrid
Another factor to consider when looking for nursing programs at any level is the format. On-campus programs can be immersive but are not necessarily structured to allow time for you to work while studying. Online and hybrid formats, on the other hand, are a great option if you want to study and work while you study.
For that reason, USAHS graduate nursing programs are delivered online with a focus on flexibility for working professionals.
How USAHS Fits into Your Nursing Journey
USAHS offers online MSN, DNP and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate programs that allow you to continue your nursing education while working. Our flexible scheduling and support services for nursing students make these programs ideal for working nurses looking to advance in their careers.
Within these programs, we also offer in-demand clinical role specialties, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).**
Across our FNP and PMHNP role specialties, we combine online learning with hands-on skill development through a required virtual or on-campus clinical intensive and structured clinical practicum experiences.
Whatever your goals may be, USAHS can help you choose a rewarding nursing path.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a registered nurse (RN)?
To become a registered nurse (RN), it generally takes two to four years. The amount of time it takes to become an RN varies depending on what educational pathway you choose.1
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes about two years, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) usually takes four years.1* After graduation from either type of program, you have to take the NCLEX-RN exam to get your full license.
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?
So, how long does it take to become a nurse practitioner? It takes between six and eight years of education to become a nurse practitioner (NP), including undergraduate and graduate training.8
After earning an undergraduate degree and completing all graduate program admissions requirements, you’ll be able to apply for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. At USAHS, the MSN program typically takes two to 3.7 years, and the DNP program typically takes 2.3 to 4 years to complete.*
Is an MSN or DNP worth the extra time?
Yes, an MSN or DNP is worth the extra time spent studying, depending on your career goals. At USAHS, earning an MSN will allow for a quicker pathway into advanced clinical practice than the DNP.* The DNP, on the other hand, will allow you to pursue leadership at the executive level, roles in academia and policy-making positions.
Can I work while I’m in an MSN or DNP program?
Yes, you can work while in an MSN or DNP program, and students may choose to continue working part-time to pay for their studies and continue to gain clinical experience.
If you want to continue working part-time or full-time while enrolled in an MSN or DNP program, look for programs that are designed for working students to ensure you’ll have the flexibility you need to thrive as both a student and a practitioner.
* Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.
**Sometimes our available role specialties change. Please call for availability.
References:
- Carlton, G., “How to Become a Registered Nurse,” NurseJournal, September 9, 2025, https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/.
- Dunn, A., “Certified Nursing Assistant Career and Training Overview,” NurseJournal, October 16, 2025, https://nursejournal.org/cna/.
- Carlton, G.., “The Fastest Ways to Become a Nurse,” NurseJournal, January 22, 2026, https://nursejournal.org/resources/fastest-paths-to-becoming-a-nurse/.
- Connor, M. “ADN vs BSN: How to Choose the Right Path to Start Your Nursing Career,” RegisteredNursing.org, September 29, 2025, https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/adn-vs-bsn-how-to-choose/.
- “Prepare,” NCLEX, https://www.nclex.com/prepare.page.
- “Exams for the Real World of Nursing,” National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN), 2026, https://www.ncsbn.org/exams.page.
- “Board of Nursing Licensure Requirements,” National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (NCSBN), 2026, https://www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/education/board-of-nursing-licensure-requirements.page.
- “What is a Nurse Practitioner?,” American Nurses Association (ANA) Nursing Resources Hub, February 9, 2024, https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/becoming-a-nurse/what-is-nurse-practitioner/.
