How Long Does Nursing School Take? A 2025 Guide to Nursing Education Duration
Nursing Program Timelines in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of typical program durations, from entry-level certifications to doctoral degrees:
| Nursing Path | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | 2 weeks to 3 months |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 12 to 18 months |
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | 18 to 24 months |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years |
| RN-to-BSN Program | 12 to 24 months |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 1.5 to 3 years post-BSN |
| RN-to-MSN Program | 3 to 4 years |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) Program | 2 to 4 years post-BSN |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | 2 to 3 years post-BSN or MSN |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 1 to 3 years post-MSN |
| Ph.D. in Nursing | 4 to 6 years post-MSN |
Registered Nurse: 2 to 4 Years
To become a Registered Nurse (RN), you typically complete either an ADN or BSN and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. BSN-prepared nurses often qualify for higher-paying roles and leadership positions. Many nursing schools like Chamberlain University or University of Texas at Arlington offer accelerated online BSN and RN-to-BSN programs.
CNA: 2 Weeks to 3 Months
Certified Nursing Assistant programs are often offered at community colleges or through organizations like the Red Cross. These short-term programs prepare you to assist with activities of daily living, patient hygiene, and vital signs monitoring.
LPN: 12 to 18 Months
Licensed Practical Nurses complete their training in just over a year, learning foundational clinical skills. Programs are widely available at technical colleges, such as those in the National Association for Health Careers Education.
ADN: 18 to 24 Months
ADN programs offer a fast track to becoming an RN. These programs are commonly found at local colleges like Miami Dade College or San Joaquin Delta College.
BSN: 4 Years
BSN degrees include broader education, including courses in leadership, research, and public health. Schools like Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and University of Michigan are known for strong traditional BSN programs.
RN-to-BSN: 12 to 24 Months
These bridge programs are ideal for working RNs with an ADN. Flexible online formats are available through institutions like Western Governors University or Purdue Global.
MSN: 1.5 to 3 Years
A Master of Science in Nursing prepares nurses for advanced roles such as informatics, administration, or education. Programs are available full-time or part-time and include options like Duke University School of Nursing or Georgetown University.
RN-to-MSN: 3 to 4 Years
These programs allow ADN-prepared nurses to earn their MSN without completing a separate BSN. Schools such as Ohio University or South University offer flexible formats to support working professionals.
NP: 2 to 4 Years
Nurse Practitioner programs prepare RNs for independent practice. Certification follows graduation via exams from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
CRNA: 2 to 3 Years
Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist requires rigorous full-time study. Programs are highly competitive and often require at least one year of critical care nursing. Examples include Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Rush University.
DNP: 1 to 3 Years
A Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares nurses for top leadership and clinical roles. Programs are offered at Vanderbilt University and Columbia University.
Ph.D. in Nursing: 4 to 6 Years
This degree is focused on nursing science and research. Graduates often become faculty or healthcare policy experts. Consider programs like University of California, San Francisco or University of Washington.
What Can Affect Program Length?
Several factors may extend or shorten your time in school:
- Attending part-time vs full-time
- Taking breaks for work or personal obligations
- Completing prerequisites in advance
- Choosing accelerated or bridge programs
- Transferring credits from previous coursework
Nursing education is a flexible journey that can fit your life and career goals. Whether you're just getting started or aiming for a doctoral degree, there are programs designed to help you succeed.
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