The Fastest Way to Become a Nurse
Want to jump-start your nursing career? In a world where healthcare demands are rapidly evolving, the need for qualified nurses has never been greater. If you’re worried about the time or effort required to transition careers, fear not — there are speedy ways to do it. The fastest way to become a nurse can take as little as six months.
It’s a great time to enter the field. There are more than 3.3 million registered nurses working in the U.S., and about 1 million are considering retirement in the next five to 10 years. Hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and other healthcare organizations have already faced a nursing shortage for several years. Now is your chance to step up and meet this growing demand.
In this article, you’ll discover three quick paths to becoming a nurse. Whether you’re changing careers or a recent high school graduate excited to enter the healthcare field, we’re here to help you expedite your journey to nursing.
The Fastest Way to Become a Nurse: LPN or RN?
You can get into nursing through two paths: become a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). These are two different levels of nursing. Depending on which path you choose, RN vs. LPN, the time commitment varies, with LPN being a quicker option. Now, let’s explore the main differences:
LPN Path
- Typically requires around 1 year of education and training, but can be accomplished in as little as 6 months.
- Ideal for individuals seeking a faster route to starting their nursing career.
- Limited in the scope of practice compared to RNs.
RN Path
- Generally requires either a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Allows for greater career advancement opportunities and specialization than LPN.
- A typical RN diploma program provides a broader scope of practice and increased responsibility in patient care.
The Fastest Way to Become a Nurse: 3 Options
There are a multitude of nursing programs available for you. Looking at college and university information can make your head spin with all the choices. We’ve narrowed it down to three options — pick the one that suits your schedule and personal preference best.
- LPN/LVN program: 6 to 18 month
- ADN program: 2 years
- Accelerated BSN program: 11 month to 2 years
Note that regardless of which route you choose, make sure that the nursing program is accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (Unfortunately, fake nursing programs are a real thing.)
1. Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) Program
To start, let’s clarify the terminology. California and Texas licensing authorities use the term LVN, while the rest of the U.S. uses LPN. There is no difference in the job structure or duties for LPNs vs. LVNs. For convenience, we’ll just use the term LPN.
LPNs earn their diploma by completing courses at a community college or vocational school, through in-person or online programs. The typical LPN program takes 12 to 18 months, which is equal to three semesters, or 40 credit hours.
You can find a combination of online/in-person fast-track LPN programs that you can complete in six to nine months. Some programs require you to be a military veteran, EMT, or certified nursing assistant (CNA).
The typical LPN program focuses on these areas of study:
- Basic patient assessment techniques
- Administration of medications (under supervision)
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Infection control procedures
- Vital signs monitoring
- Assisting with patient hygiene and personal care
- Basic emergency response procedures
- Documentation and charting practices
- Patient education on health management and medication administration
- Collaboration with other healthcare professionals in patient care
After completing the coursework, LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This exam assesses their understanding of fundamental nursing concepts, clinical skills, and ability to provide safe and effective care to patients.
The work environments for LPNs include in hospitals and clinics under the direction of registered nurses, but the bulk of LPN jobs are at nursing and residential care facilities. Once you’ve started working as an LPN, you can enroll in a bridge program — one of the fastest ways to become a registered nurse in this instance — using your knowledge and experience.
The average annual salary for a LPN is $60,790. The highest-paying states for LPNs are:
2. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
The fastest way to become a nurse with an RN license is to get an associate degree in nursing. You can take nursing classes in person or online, with your required clinical hours at a nearby hospital or clinic.
ADN programs are available at universities, colleges, vocational and community colleges and typically take two years to complete. You can find accelerated programs online and on campus that last as little as 16 months. The typical coursework in an ADN program includes:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Fundamentals of nursing practice
- Pharmacology for nurses
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Clinical skills lab
- Community health nursing
Your ADN diploma qualifies you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses.
RNs with ADN degrees perform all the duties of an RN with a BSN, but they are limited in opportunities for career growth — employers often prefer to hire nurses with a bachelor’s degree. Enrolling in an ADN-to-BSN bridge program can further your education and make you a more desirable candidate for RN jobs.
ADN-RNs can work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to:
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory healthcare services
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Government
- Educational services
The average salary for registered nurses is $94,480, while the average ADN salary is between $65,000 and $70,000 per year. A nurse with a BSN typically earns more due to advanced education and training, which often leads to greater responsibilities, specialized roles, and leadership opportunities.
The highest-paying states for RNs, including those with an ADN degree, are:
3. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
The fastest way to become a nurse if you have a degree in another field is by completing an accelerated nursing program (also known as direct entry), such as a 12-month RN program. These programs are designed for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and wish to transition into a nursing career. They’re faster than regular nursing programs, taking anywhere from 11 months to 2 years, depending on the school, clinical requirements, and your availability.
Before applying, you might have to finish specific prerequisite courses and submit your application along with transcripts from your previous degree. The admission counselor will review your prior coursework and provide guidance on which classes you still need to take.
Overall, accelerated nursing programs are like traditional ones but faster-paced and tailored to the student’s individual needs since prerequisite requirements can vary based on previous degrees.
Ready to Apply for Nursing Jobs?
Now that you know the fastest way to become a nurse, you can take the next step by gaining experience in your preferred settings. Learn how IntelyCare can help you find the right nursing job that matches your skills and interests.