How Long Does it Take to Study Nursing in USA? Nursing Schools in the USA

Getting a nursing career in the United States is a journey that has various education choices, all with different lengths, areas of study, and career prospects. Whether you are a high school graduate, a career changer, or an advanced practice candidate, you must be aware of how long you will stay and what you will require as far as education is concerned. This handbook addresses all nursing study courses available in the U.S., how long they last, and things that may influence your education.

An Overview of Education Pathways in Nursing Schools in the USA

Pursuing nursing in the U.S. is structured to accommodate diverse career goals and educational backgrounds.

The primary pathways include:

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Programs
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs
3. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs
4. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs
5. Accelerated Nursing Programs
6. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Programs

Each pathway varies in terms of duration, curriculum, and career opportunities.

What are the types of Nursing Degrees to Study Nursing in the USA?

The United States offers different nursing programs, from LPN starting-level programs to DNP advanced-level programs, all to suit different healthcare career aspirations. If you want to begin a career, you can enter a registered nursing career, which takes two years or more, depending on the path taken.

There are various factors that affect how long a degree takes, but nursing is a highly rewarding career. If you are curious about whether nursing school is worth it, a nursing degree offers stability, expansion, and power in the career of healthcare.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Programs

For those interested in entering the nursing field in a rush, CNA programs offer a brief exposure. These programs last 4 to 12 weeks and offer on-the-job training in basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or LPNs.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: 4 to 12 weeks
• Coursework: Basic patient care, monitoring vital signs, infection control, and communication skills
• Outcome: Eligible to take the state competency exam to become a CNA

Fun Fact: CNAs spend more time with patients than any other healthcare workers, giving daily care and emotional support.

2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs

LPN programs are a step higher than CNA roles, offering more comprehensive nursing study. These programs last approximately 12 months and are offered by community colleges and vocational schools. The curriculum includes basic nursing skills, patient care, and supervised clinical practice.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: Approximately 1 year
• Coursework: Basic nursing concepts, anatomy, physiology, and practical patient care
• Outcome: Eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become an LPN

Did You Know? In some states, LPNs are also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs).

3. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) programs are designed to equip students to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and typically take two years to finish (or three years). Offered primarily by community colleges, these programs combine nursing coursework with general education.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: 2 to 3 years
• Coursework: Nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child health, and mental health nursing
• Outcome: Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become Registered Nurses

Interesting Fact: ADNs gained popularity in the 1950s as a reaction to World War II nursing shortages.

4. BSN Degree Programs

BSN degree programs provide a longer nursing education, which takes four years to complete on average at colleges and universities. These programs provide intensive education and prepare nurses for an increased scope of practice.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: 4 years
• Coursework: Advanced nursing practices, leadership, research, public health, and humanities
• Outcome: Eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam; BSN graduates will have improved job opportunities and are favored by many employers

Fun Fact: Hospitals with more BSN-prepared nurses employed have demonstrated a corresponding reduction in morbidity and mortality rates.

5. Accelerated Nursing Programs

For those who already possess a pre-existing bachelor’s degree in a different discipline, accelerated programs provide a quick-track to a nursing career path. These accelerated programs can be completed within 12 to 24 months.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: 1 to 2 years
• Coursework: Condensed nursing curriculum covering all the nursing skills and knowledge required
• Outcome: Preparing to sit for the NCLEX- RN exam

Did You Know? Accelerated BSN programs are also referred to as “Second Degree Nursing Programs.”

6. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Programs

For those who wish to seek further specialization, APRN programs, like Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), include further education following the BSN. These programs take two years to complete and even 3 years and end in a Master’s or Doctoral degree.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: 2 to 3 years following the BSN
• Coursework: Advanced clinical practice, specialized areas of healthcare, leadership, and research
• Outcome: Eligibility for certification in specialized roles such as NP, CNS, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Midwife

Fun Fact: The need for APRNs is expected to increase exponentially, providing opportunities for increased autonomy and specialized practice.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

The time required to complete a nursing degree or diploma can vary based on several factors. Nursing students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing or an associate’s degree in nursing must consider how programs generally take different durations depending on their study mode and commitments.

Earning a degree while working as a registered nurse or aiming for working as a nurse administrator can extend the time it takes to become an RN in two years or more. Additionally, nursing may involve extensive clinical training, and these programs take hands-on experience requirements into account.

1. Enrollment Status: Full-time vs. Part-time

• Full-time enrollment allows students to complete their nursing diploma or degree faster.
• Part-time enrollment can extend the duration by 1-2 years, but is an option for those balancing work or other commitments.

2. Program Prerequisites

• Some nursing degrees or diplomas, particularly BSN and MSN programs, require prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology before admission.
• Completing these prerequisites can add an extra semester or year to the overall study timeline.

3. Clinical Hour Requirements

• Programs have varying clinical rotation hours, which must be completed to gain hands-on experience.
• More intensive programs (e.g., BSN, MSN, and APRN) have higher clinical hour requirements, impacting the duration of the degree.

4. Accelerated vs. Traditional Pathways

• Accelerated programs (ABSN, Direct-Entry MSN) condense coursework into 12-24 months.
• Traditional programs (ADN, BSN) take the standard 2-4 years to complete.

5. State Licensing and NCLEX Preparation

• After completing a nursing degree program, students must pass the NCLEX-PN (for LPNs) or NCLEX- RN (for RNs).
• Some students take a few months to prepare before taking the exam, slightly extending the timeline.

How to Speed Up Your Nursing Program and Nursing Career?

If you’re looking to be a nurse as quickly as possible, here are some strategies to shorten your education timeline. Take the National Council Licensure exam early by enrolling in an online nursing program, which offers flexibility for students with a high school diploma. To fast-track your career path, you can become a Licensed Practical Nurse first and then pursue further education.

Here are some strategies to shorten your education timeline:

• If you have a previous bachelor’s degree, consider an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) or Direct-Entry MSN to fast-track your education.
• Many schools offer online courses or summer semesters to help students complete prerequisites faster.
• Some universities offer competency-based learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace, potentially finishing months ahead of schedule.
• If allowed, students can CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) out of certain general education courses, saving months or even a year of study time.
• Working as a CNA while studying can provide hands-on experience and help meet clinical hour requirements faster.

Which is the Right Pathway to Become an RN (Registered Nurse) for You?

With so many nursing education options available, how do you decide which one is right for you? The Association of Colleges of Nursing provides insights into accredited RN programs, helping students navigate each aspect of nursing education.

Whether you’re looking to begin your nursing career as a registered nurse in the United States or explore certain nursing specializations, choosing the right path is crucial. Graduates from top programs are eligible to take licensure exams, opening doors to rewarding nursing jobs in hospitals, clinics, and specialized care settings.

Pathway	Best For	Duration	Job Outlook
CNA	Entry-level caregivers	4-12 weeks	High demand
LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse)	Quick career entry	12 months	Moderate demand
ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)	Those wanting an RN title faster	2-3 years	High demand
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)	Those seeking leadership roles	4 years	Very high demand
ABSN (Accelerated BSN)	Career changers with a prior degree	12-24 months	Very high demand
MSN/APRN (Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing)	Specializations & higher salary	2-4 years post-BSN	Extremely high demand

Choosing the right nursing school can significantly impact your career opportunities, skill development, and professional network.

Top Universities for Nursing Courses in the USA to Become a Registered Nurse

The best schools in the USA are known for their cutting-edge research, advanced clinical training, and high NCLEX pass rates.

These universities are among the best for nursing study, clinical training, and career advancement opportunities, making them ideal for students seeking top-tier diploma or degree programs.

Below is a list of the top 20 universities offering nursing degrees, ranked based on academic excellence, clinical opportunities, and reputation in healthcare education.

Top 20 Nursing Schools in the USA (2025)

Rank	University	Location	Popular Courses Offered	Estimated Tuition (per year)
1	Johns Hopkins University	Baltimore, MD	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$61,000
2	University of Pennsylvania	Philadelphia, PA	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$58,620
3	Duke University	Durham, NC	ABSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$62,503
4	University of Washington	Seattle, WA	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$39,906 (Out-of-State)
5	University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)	San Francisco, CA	MSN, DNP, PhD	$36,765
6	Columbia University	New York, NY	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$62,570
7	University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill	Chapel Hill, NC	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$37,550 (Out-of-State)
8	University of Michigan—Ann Arbor	Ann Arbor, MI	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$55,334 (Out-of-State)
9	New York University (NYU)	New York, NY	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$58,168
10	Emory University	Atlanta, GA	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$57,120
11	University of Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh, PA	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$42,080 (Out-of-State)
12	University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA)	Los Angeles, CA	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$44,830 (Out-of-State)
13	Vanderbilt University	Nashville, TN	MSN, DNP, PhD	$59,220
14	Ohio State University	Columbus, OH	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$36,722 (Out-of-State)
15	University of Illinois—Chicago (UIC)	Chicago, IL	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$35,248 (Out-of-State)
16	Boston College	Chestnut Hill, MA	BSN, MSN, DNP	$62,950
17	University of Texas—Austin	Austin, TX	BSN, MSN, DNP	$40,032 (Out-of-State)
18	Case Western Reserve University	Cleveland, OH	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$58,198
19	Rush University	Chicago, IL	BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD	$42,123
20	University of Florida	Gainesville, FL	BSN, MSN, DNP	$28,658 (Out-of-State)

(Tuition fees are approximate and may vary based on program selection and residency status.)

Whether you are pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, or aiming to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, the duration will depend on the program you choose and the type of nurse you want to become. Some pathways take longer than others, but each provides valuable expertise and opportunities in the nursing profession.

Conclusion

To become a nurse in the USA is a rewarding but challenging experience that requires hard work, education, and in-the-field training. With a number of options, students can tailor their education to meet their career goals, whether it’s entering the workforce as an LPN in a hurry or advancing to careers as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).

Choosing the right school can make a difference in your career by providing you with the best education, clinical experience, and job opportunities. The USA has some of the world’s finest nursing diplomas or degrees, each with the most current training and highest job placement rates. No matter which path you take, the career of nursing is one of the fastest-growing and most rewarding careers today.

If you are considering a career in nursing, now is the best time to start. Which nursing degree is best for your goals? Join Ambitio Elite and schedule a call with u now to kick start your dream study abroad journey!

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