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Our admissions guide contains information you need to apply, along with full curriculum details and course descriptions.

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How Long is Nursing School?

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Nursing school can last from about 12 months to several years. The timeline for your education depends on what kind of program you want to get into and which part of the healthcare industry you want to work for.

In this article, we’ll break down the typical length of all the major nursing programs, some of which are offered at Jersey College.

In theory, you could get into a nursing program and start working within a matter of months. However, if you want an occupation that has more responsibility and requires more fine-tuned skills, it could take as long as four years. Also, remember that you can work in one area of medicine while studying to advance to another. 

A career as a nurse can take on many forms, and career prospects are looking good thanks to the sector's consistent growth (m​​​​​​​inimum​​​​​​​ 6% for roles such as LPN and up to 40% for some specialized roles such as nurse anesthetists). Popular roles include:

  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
  • Registered nurse (RN)
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Nurse Anesthetist
  • Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

 

If you're looking for a place to get your degree, Jersey College offers RN , LPN , and “LPN to RN bridge" programs. Talk to a representative for more information and guidance. 

Nursing Diplomas & Certificates vs Nursing Degrees

When you’re considering the ideal length of time for your own nursing education, it’s important to understand the difference between nursing diplomas and nursing degrees.

Examples of nursing diplomas and certificates include:

  • PN diplomas – A Practical Nursing (PN) diploma is awarded upon completion of LPN programs. This is very similar to the diploma earned in a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program .

  • RN diplomas – This certification allows nurses to become RNs without needing a full degree. 

​​​​Examples of nursing degrees include:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – An ADN program prepares students for work as an RN. The program can be completed in just two years. This degree is awarded upon completion of programs including Jersey College’s RN program or LPN to RN Bridge program.

  • Bachelor of Science Degree (BSN) – A BSN program is typically four years in length and covers similar core nursing knowledge as an ADN program while typically including additional areas such as management, community health, ethics, and other concepts.

  • Advanced degrees such as master's degrees, and even doctorates in nursing (DNP) are also available.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse(LPN)?

The timeframe for becoming an LPN can range from less than a year to 18 months.

You'll need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the LPN program at Jersey College. Relevant coursework typically includes nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, medical surgical nursing and other areas. You’ll also participate in supervised clinical practice, where you’ll learn the art and science of working as a nurse. After graduating, you'll also need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

Most graduates with a PN diploma will go into nursing directly, but there are additional career opportunities as well. For example, you could explore jobs such as:

  • Medical writer
  • Patient Advocate
  • Healthcare Recrutier
  • Health Coach
  • Mental Health Technician

The LPN degree plan is available at the following Jersey College campuses:


Program length is subject to change and is determined based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: (i) pace of completion, (ii) quantity of credits taken per term, (iii) repeats of coursework, and (iv) leaves.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Registered Nurse(RN)?

It takes most people between two and four years to become an RN.

Relevant coursework will include clinical theory, physiology, microbiology, mental healthcare, healthcare ethics, and more. This is where you'll learn advanced nurse skills, such as emergency room and wound care, and making fast but correct medical decisions while under pressure. 

The final stage will be passing the NCLEX exam, or National Council Licensure Examination. 

The career options upon becoming an RN include:

  • Legal Nurse Consultant
  • Medical-surgical Nurse
  • Nurse Case Manager

At Jersey College, we offer an RN program that culminates in an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. The Generic RN track and the LPN to RN Bridge track can take anywhere from 15-36 months to complete depending on a variety of factors.

The RN program is offered at the following Jersey College campuses:

We also offer an LPN to RN Bridge program at the following locations:

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Program length is subject to change and is determined based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: (i) pace of completion, (ii) quantity of credits taken per term, (iii) repeats of coursework, and (iv) leaves.

Career Advancement Options After Becoming an RN

Registered nurses are always needed, and further study can increase the range of available career options.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

A Master of Science in Nursing usually takes two to three years to complete after your undergraduate degree. It is commonly sought after because it offers career opportunities all throughout the medical field.

Here is a list of options for you upon completing this program.

  • Forensic and regular consultant 
  • Educator or Instructor
  • Ethicist

With additional certification, you can also quality for positions such as:

  • Anesthetist
  • Midwife
  • Practitioner

Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Typically, earning a Doctorate of Nursing Practice will require up to two years of coursework.

Obtaining a DNP offers opportunities for all the jobs listed in the MSN section above, along with others such as the following:

  • Clinical Reseacrcher
  • Healthcare Executive 
  • Nurse Director
  • Chief Informatics Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Become a Nurse with Jersey College

Becoming a medical practitioner is no small undertaking. If you’re looking to get a nursing degree, Jersey College is here for you. Whether you’re just starting your first course or years into your journey, you’ve come to a place that can support your needs. We’re here to make sure you start your career with every advantage you can possibly get. 

If you want to learn more about the Nurse Life, we’re here to help. You can speak to your campus Admissions representative – we look forward to meeting you soon!

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