How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse?
Published on: April 27, 2026 | 6 minute read
By: Alliant University
Have you been thinking about making a job switch? If so, you are not alone. According to a February 2026 survey, 66% of U.S. workers have changed or are considering changing career fields in the past year.[1] And for those excited by the idea of caring for and working with patients to improve their lives—a career in nursing might be the perfect calling.
But how long does it take to become a nurse?
Here is what you need to know to start this rewarding journey in healthcare.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Registered Nurse (RN)?
Some enrollees can begin their nursing career in just under two years. For others, it may take four or more years to complete the training and schooling. Your journey’s length will depend on a few factors, including:
- The type of nursing degree you want to pursue
- Whether you want to attend a graduate-level nursing program
- The subspecialty you wish to practice
For instance, an entry-level nursing program will likely take two to three years, whereas a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) could take six to eight years. It is very important to look into all the different levels of nursing.
That said, most nursing students will begin in one of two degree programs:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – This is typically a two-year degree program that focuses on the nursing care basics with an emphasis on clinical practice. Students graduate with an ADN as a “technical” nurse.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – This is typically a four-year degree program that prepares students for more advanced nursing subspecialties. Students graduate with a BSN degree as a “professional” nurse.
However, if you have already completed a 4-year bachelor’s in another discipline, there are other programs, such as an accelerated BSN or a Master of Science in Nursing, Direct Entry program, which are expressly designed for individuals who want to make a career switch to healthcare.
What Goes Into Becoming a Nurse?
Your state and the specific nursing program will dictate what steps you need to take to officially become a registered nurse. Even so, some of the general requirements include:
- Applying to a nursing program – Many nursing schools will have minimum nursing school requirements for students to be accepted into the program. For instance, potential Alliant nursing students will need to:
- Graduate from high school or attain a GED (BSN) or earn a bachelor’s degree (MSN) with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- MSN students must take prerequisite classes such as anatomy, statistics, psychology, microbiology, and more
- Study for and pass the HESI entrance exams (You will complete this in the first portion of your BSN program)
- Apply and get accepted into the nursing program
- Completing the nursing program – The nursing programs at Alliant include online classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical experience. These three branches help educate and prepare students to hit the ground running after they graduate.
- Satisfying clinical experience requirements – Many programs will require students to complete a minimum number of clinical hours under the supervision of licensed nurses and doctors. For instance, in Arizona, nurses must complete at least 500 clinical hours before applying to a graduate program.[2] Alliant exceeds that standard, providing more than 800 clinical hours. This provides students with an opportunity to apply their nursing education in real-world settings. It is also a useful way for students to find their niche in the industry.
- Passing Exams – After finishing their schooling, nursing students must then take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN exam). This standardized test gauges nurses' competency in terms of both knowledge and skills. Categories include:[3]
- Management of Care
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Physiological Adaptation
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Safety and Infection Control
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
If students fail to pass the first time, they will need to wait 45 days before they can retake the test. The first cohort of MSN–DE students at Alliant achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX, demonstrating the quality of exam prep you will receive.
- Applying for your license – After you have completed classes, satisfied clinical hours, and passed your NCLEX-RN exams, you will need to apply for licensure with the nursing regulatory board in the state you wish to practice. Depending on how many applications have been submitted, this could take days or weeks.
- Applying for the job – Once your license has been granted, you can start applying for work. Ideally, your experience in nursing school and in clinical experience will help funnel you toward the optimal career within nursing, whether that is in a clinic, a hospital, a rehab, or a nursing home.
- Advancing your career – Even after you have officially become a nurse, your journey does not stop there. You can continue to improve your knowledge and career by either pursuing further nursing education or applying for an advanced position, such as a clinical nurse leader or nurse practitioner.
Obtaining a Nursing Degree with Alliant
Becoming an RN will not take years on end to complete. Many individuals can go from applying for schools to working in a healthcare setting in a matter of years. And if you have already graduated with a bachelor’s degree, your nursing career track could be even faster.
So, where can you begin your journey into nursing care?
At Alliant University, the Arizona nursing programs will provide future nurses with the educational and clinical support they need. If you are switching careers with a different bachelor degree (like biology), apply to our Master of Science in Nursing, Direct Entry program to jumpstart your nursing career.
Want to make your impact felt? Apply to our nursing school today.
Sources
[1] Chorpenning, Kirsten. “State of the Workplace Study 2026: 78% of Workers Ready for New Jobs.” https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/flexjobs-workplace-study Accessed April 24, 2026.
[2] Skinner, Morganne. “Registered Nurse Requirements by StateBecome an RN in Arizona + Requirements and Licensing.” January 21, 2026. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/#arizona April 24, 2026.
[3]“What is the NCLEX-RN?” Princeton Review. https://www.princetonreview.com/professional/nclex-rn-exam-overview