In addition to assisting doctors and offering medical assistance to patients, nurses are at the forefront of ensuring the efficient operation of the healthcare industry.
You need a top-notch education and years of training to land a job in this highly sought-after sector.
You can determine whether you want to start a career as a nurse by learning how long it takes to get your nursing career started.
How long does it take to become a nurse?
The type of school you receive and your nursing qualification will determine how long it takes to become a nurse. Your ability to become a nurse will also rely on the region or province where you want to work.
How long does it take to become a nurse: it takes four years if you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree. However, if you’re pursuing an associate or diploma degree, the time frame is between two and three years.
Read also: What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
Before beginning their practice, all nursing graduates and overseas nurses must pass an obligatory registration exam. The National Council Licensure Examination is the test (NCLEX). Obtaining these degrees is the main route to becoming a nurse:
Option 1: Bachelor’s degree in nursing
You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree after completing four years of study. Given that the degree is a bachelor’s, the program includes all the necessary theoretical information and clinical guidance for medical and surgical nursing.
Recommended Read: How to Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP)
With this degree, you are well-versed in general nursing science courses and have the option to focus on particular medical issues.
Before you can practice as a nurse after receiving this degree, medical professionals may require that you take and pass the nursing licensing exam in your province.
Option 2: Associate degree in nursing
Less time is needed to finish the nursing associate degree. Depending on the speed and caliber of your education provider, you can finish the degree in two or three years.
Lectures and hands-on training in a nursing school or community college are often part of the curriculum.
Nursing, microbiology, psychology, and social science are a few of the courses you might take if you want to get an associate’s degree in nursing.
Option 3: Diploma in nursing program
A diploma in nursing can be earned in as little as two to three years, in contrast to four-year degree programs. It’s also less popular than bachelor’s and associate’s degrees to complete this program.
This degree is available in large hospitals, particularly those affiliated with universities and colleges.
Option 4: Accelerated programs
If you’re thinking about switching to start a career in nursing but already have a degree in another field, you can enroll in the accelerated degree program. You can earn your nursing license more quickly with this degree program than with alternative options.
These accelerated programs are provided by many local nursing schools and colleges, allowing you to earn your nursing degree more quickly and for less money
4 steps to Become a Nurse?
Below are 4 ways for becoming a nurse.
1. Plan your career path
It’s crucial to decide what kind of nurse you want to be and the organization where you want to work because there are several nursing vocations. Find out which one best suits your professional objectives and then choose between becoming a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.
In general, nurses can find employment in any hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or even research center, regardless of the nursing track they choose to take.
2. Choose an education program
The next stage after creating a workable plan for your nursing career is to think about the educational needs and training necessary to support your professional objectives. You have the option of earning a diploma, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
The length of time it may take you to become a nurse will depend on the education program you choose.
If you currently work in another industry but wish to transition to a nursing job, you can enroll in an accelerated nursing school to receive the certification quickly.
3. Pass your licensing exam
Your employer anticipates that you will pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) after completing your degree program before beginning to work as a nurse in a hospital.
When you wish to take the licensing exam, you must meet and adhere to the provinces’ unique licensing standards. You can apply for positions at hospitals and other medical facilities in your province after passing the licensure exam.
4. Get specialty certifications
You may choose to specialize in a particular area of nursing after completing your education and training as a nurse and beginning work as a general nurse. You can boost both your employability and income as a nurse by specializing.
If you want to study more about the nursing profession, you can also choose to pursue postgraduate studies. You may be eligible for managerial positions in a healthcare organization with the help of these certifications.
What is the Quickest Way to Become a Nurse?
Joining a nursing program and earning your associate degree, which takes far less time to earn than a B.S. in nursing, is one of the quickest methods to become a nurse. Employers are increasingly searching for nurses with BSNs, nevertheless.
How quickly you complete nursing school and earn your degree may depend on the kind of certification you want. For example, getting your APRN will take longer than getting your LPN.
Because of this, a nursing program that can be completed online is an excellent option.
Recommended Read: How Long is Nursing School? The Official Time Frame
If you enroll in an online nursing degree program, you can finish your bachelor’s degree in nursing at your own pace, working on your coursework and exams whenever it is most convenient for you.
With WGU’s competency-based model, you may tailor the pace of your nursing education to your talents and fit your coursework around other obligations.
Summary
No of the educational route you take or the nursing career role that most appeals to you, beginning nursing school is a tremendously rewarding experience.
You will graduate from the experience with the skills you need to contribute to healthcare and your community, whether it takes you a year, 18 months, or four years to become a nurse.
