Nursing diploma how long

Because a diploma program is hospital-based the emphasis in most cases is on patient or clinical practice and care. You will spend a great deal of time working in a position as nurse or nursing assistant while you earn your degree. Again the institution determines the scope of the study, from one to three years, but in most cases you are adequately prepared and urged to take the NCLEX licensure exam for your Registered Nurse license at the completion of the degree program.

The Nursing Diploma programs all have admissions practices not too unlike those of a traditional school. You may visit, contact Admissions advisors, ask questions, and complete an application just like any other school.

While getting an ADN requires less time in nursing school, some employers may prefer or require nurses with a BSN degree. These typically last less than two years. Advanced practice registered nurses, or APRNs, can include nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners and nurse educators.

The number of years an APRN spends in nursing school will depend on what kind of degree your speciality requires:. A doctorate degree. After earning an MSN, you may still need a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to become a nurse practitioner; nurse educators may need a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy degree. Doctoral programs vary by specialty and can last anywhere from two to five years. Many schools offer part-time graduate nursing programs. If you work while pursuing an advanced degree, you could easily extend your number of years spent in nursing school to double digits.

But more time in school also likely means more nursing student debt. No matter how long you plan to spend in nursing school, take the following steps to manage any potential debt:. Apply for scholarships for nursing students and other free aid. The curriculum for an ADN also includes studying science-related courses such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physiology. An ADN from an accredited nursing school is a good choice if you want to become an RN without the commitment of a four-year degree.

ADNs typically require around two years to complete. With RNs in high demand, nurses can often then secure jobs that offer tuition reimbursement to continue their nursing education at a reduced personal expense. After earning their license, the BLS says more than half of all RNs go on to work in hospitals, but you can use your credential in many types of environments. Consider pursuing a career in:. Salaries for nurses vary widely depending on their education, level of experience, setting in which they work, and any specialty they may have.

Those working in high-level roles within the government, research facilities, or pharmaceutical companies could earn significantly more. Some schools even offer programs that allow you to earn a BSN in a particular specialty of nursing such as acute care, geriatric nursing, infectious disease, pediatrics, and psychiatry, just to name a few. Specializing can often increase your job opportunities and potential earnings. However, as the demand for nurses with BSNs grows, more schools are catering to students interested in categories beyond those listed above.

There are a number of different paths for you to follow as you seek your BSN—from traditional programs you can enter into right out of high school, to programs that fast-track your degree using the knowledge you may already have.

Traditional BSN degree programs are intended for recent high school graduates who have little to no professional healthcare experience. Traditional BSN programs require four years of full-time study.

Since so many working RNs pursue BSNs for career advancement, there are many flexible part-time and online options, though they may add to your time to completion.

More than half of RNs work in hospitals, though with your additional clinical experience and any specialized skills, you can find a variety of less traditional roles. These could include:. With a BSN, you can often expect to make more than with an associate degree. They are fast-paced and intense, and designed for students who want to complete their degree quickly.

Specializations vary by program, but common options include the following:. Some industry associations have considered making a DNP the entry-level degree for nurse practitioners by , although this is not yet required. Working as a clinical nurse specialist CNS involves applying advanced training and education to a specific patient group or type of treatment.

The specialty area of a CNS can be defined by a specific population, disease, type of care, or treatment setting. The role of a certified nurse midwife CNM includes working with mothers during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum phases.

CNMs are considered primary providers in all 50 states. A certified nurse anesthetist CNA works closely with physicians to safely administer anesthesia prior to procedures, monitor the patient during surgery, oversee the recovery, and develop plans for pain management. By , a doctoral degree will be required to become a nurse anesthetist. The salaries of APRNs vary depending on the exact job title, where they work, and level of responsibility.