It takes about 1 year to become a licensed practical nurse and about 2 to 4 years to become a registered nurse, depending on the program.
The BLS says a typical LPN program takes about 1 year, an associate degree takes 18 to 24 months full time and a bachelor’s degree (BSN) takes about 4 years. After school, you still need to pass the licensing exam and get your state license.
AdvertisementBelow are the 7 steps, a timeline table, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) pay and job facts, resume tips and a checklist. These are national facts, so check each school and your state board of nursing for their rules.
How Long It Takes to Become a Nurse in 7 Steps
Quick jump: Choose a pathAdmissionProgramState boardNCLEXLicenseStart working
Step 1. Choose Your Nursing Path
The two main paths are licensed practical nurse (LPN, also called licensed vocational nurse) and registered nurse (RN). The BLS says LPNs complete a state-approved program that typically takes about 1 year, while RNs can enter through a bachelor’s degree (BSN), an associate degree (ADN or ASN) or a diploma from an approved program. Pick the path that fits your time and budget, and remember that you can build on it later.
Step 2. Meet the Admission Requirements
Each school sets its own rules, and they usually include a high school diploma or equivalent. Many programs also ask for prerequisite courses, test scores or a minimum GPA. Ask each school for its list early, and apply to more than one program.
Step 3. Complete a State-Approved Program
The BLS says all RN programs include supervised clinical experience, and licensure requires graduating from an approved program. Time varies: about 1 year for a typical LPN program, 18 to 24 months full time for an ADN according to Nurse.org, 2 to 3 years for a diploma and about 4 years for a BSN according to the BLS. Part-time study takes longer.
Step 4. Apply to Your State Board and Register for the Exam
Your state board of nursing decides who is eligible to test, and rules vary by state. Contact your board for its application steps, fees and any background check. Then register for the national licensing exam through NCSBN, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which runs the NCLEX.
Step 5. Pass the NCLEX
RNs take the NCLEX-RN and practical nurses take the NCLEX-PN. Nurse.org confirms that RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN to earn licensure. Plan your study time right after graduation, while the material is fresh, and check NCSBN’s FAQ for registration and retake details.
Step 6. Get Your State License
The BLS says nurses must have a license from the state where they work, and licensure requires graduating from an approved program and passing the exam. Background checks and other rules vary by state. Apply to the board in the state where you plan to work.
Step 7. Start Working and Keep Growing
New nurses can apply to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other settings. Many nurses later earn a BSN or an advanced degree, since the BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education for RNs. Keep your license active by following your state’s renewal rules.
How Long Each Nursing Path Takes
Times are for full-time study unless noted, and part-time study takes longer. Your own timeline depends on the school and your schedule.
| Path | About how long | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed practical nurse (LPN) program | About 1 year | BLS |
| RN diploma program | 2 to 3 years | BLS |
| Associate degree in nursing (ADN) | 18 to 24 months full time | Nurse.org |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | About 4 years | BLS and Nurse.org |
| LPN to ADN | As little as 1 year | Nurse.org |
Typical Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education (LPN) | State-approved program, typically about 1 year |
| Education (RN) | BSN, ADN or ASN, or a diploma from an approved program |
| Clinical experience | Supervised clinical work is part of every RN program |
| Licensing exam | Required; RNs take the NCLEX-RN and practical nurses take the NCLEX-PN |
| State license | Required in the state where you work; background checks vary by state |
Nursing Job Facts From the BLS
These are national figures, and your pay will vary by state, setting and experience. Nothing here is a promise of income.
| Fact (BLS, May 2025) | Registered nurses | Licensed practical nurses |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $97,550 a year ($46.90 an hour) | $64,400 a year ($30.96 an hour) |
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor’s degree | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Jobs, 2025 | About 3,465,400 | About 666,900 |
| Projected growth, 2025 to 2035 | 6% (faster than average) | 3% (as fast as average) |
| Average openings a year | About 180,800 | About 51,800 |
Skills Nurses Need
The BLS lists critical thinking, communication, compassion, attention to detail, emotional stability, organizational skills and physical stamina for registered nurses. Show these on your resume with real examples and numbers.
How to Show Your Experience on a Resume
If you are applying to a nursing program or a first job, use school, volunteer work and certifications. Use only numbers you can back up.
| Resume section | What to add |
|---|---|
| Summary | Your compassion, reliability and one result with a number, such as hours spent caring for others |
| Education | Program, school and expected graduation year |
| Certifications | CPR and first aid, each with the year |
| Skills | Communication, patient care, attention to detail, teamwork, time management |
| Volunteer Work | One role with five numbered bullets, such as helping about 15 residents a shift |
| Additional Information | Languages, availability, driver’s license |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a program your state board does not approve. Licensure requires graduating from an approved program.
- Comparing only tuition. Add fees, uniforms, books and clinical travel.
- Ignoring your state’s rules. Requirements such as background checks vary.
- Waiting too long to study for the exam. Plan study time right after graduation.
- Forgetting part-time timelines. Part-time study takes longer than the full-time times shown.
- Typos on your resume or application. Proofread twice.
Nursing Path Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are on track when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a nurse?
It depends on the path. The BLS says a typical LPN program takes about 1 year, an RN diploma takes 2 to 3 years and a BSN takes about 4 years. Nurse.org says an ADN takes 18 to 24 months full time. Add time to pass the licensing exam and get your state license.
What is the fastest way to become a nurse?
The LPN path is the shortest, at about 1 year for a typical state-approved program, according to the BLS. Nurse.org says LPN-to-ADN students may finish in as little as 1 year, which is a way to move on to RN later.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse?
From about 18 to 24 months full time for an ADN to about 4 years for a BSN, plus the exam and licensing steps. The BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education for RNs.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to be an RN?
Not always. The BLS says RNs can enter with a BSN, an ADN or ASN, or a diploma from an approved program. Some employers prefer a BSN, so check the jobs you want.
Do I have to pass an exam?
Yes. RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN, and practical nurses take the NCLEX-PN. The BLS says licensure requires graduating from an approved program and passing a qualifying exam.
Does every state license nurses?
Yes. The BLS says nurses must hold a license from the state where they work. Requirements such as background checks vary by state, so contact your state board of nursing.
What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?
The BLS lists a typical LPN program at about 1 year and a typical RN path as a bachelor’s degree, though ADN and diploma paths are also accepted. The 2025 median pay is $64,400 for LPNs and $97,550 for RNs.
Can I study part time?
Many schools offer part-time options, and Nurse.org notes that part-time students may take longer than the full-time times shown. Ask each school about schedules and clinical hours.
How much do nurses earn?
The BLS reports a May 2025 median of $97,550 a year for registered nurses and $64,400 for licensed practical nurses. Pay varies by state, setting and experience, and nothing here is a promise of income.
What is the job outlook for nurses?
The BLS projects 6 percent growth for registered nurses and 3 percent for licensed practical nurses from 2025 to 2035, with about 180,800 and 51,800 openings a year.
Conclusion
Becoming a nurse takes clear steps: choose a path, finish an approved program, pass the licensing exam and get your state license. Start by checking program lengths and your state board’s rules, then use the checklist above to stay on track.
Related Reading
- Entry-level registered nurse resume sample
- New graduate nurse resume sample
- Registered nurse resume examples
- Entry-level LPN cover letter sample
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (May 2025 pay, 2025 jobs, 2025 to 2035 projections, education, licensure, qualities); Nurse.org, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Guide; NCSBN, NCLEX Frequently Asked Questions.