Nursing degree requirements
Seven routes into nursing, what each requires, and how they connect.
Nursing has several entry points, and each can lead to the next. The table lists the main credentials in order. Lengths are typical, and your state board sets the rules for licensure.
| Credential | Typical length | Exam | Median US pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing assistant (CNA) | Weeks to months | State competency exam | $42,260 |
| Licensed practical nurse (LPN or LVN) | About 1 year | NCLEX-PN | $64,400 |
| Associate degree in nursing (ADN) | About 2 years | NCLEX-RN | $97,550 (all RNs) |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | About 4 years | NCLEX-RN | $97,550 (all RNs) |
| Accelerated BSN (for people with a degree in another field) | 12 to 18 months | NCLEX-RN | $97,550 (all RNs) |
| Master’s degree (MSN) | 2 to 3 years | National certification for advanced roles | $132,300 (nurse practitioners) |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3 to 4 years after a bachelor’s | National certification | $132,300 (nurse practitioners) |
Pay is the national median from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025. See nursing salaries by state.
Nursing assistant
Federal rules require nursing assistants who work in nursing homes to complete at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training, and to pass a competency evaluation. Many states require more hours. This is the quickest way into healthcare and a way to find out whether nursing suits you.
Licensed practical nurse
Practical nursing programs are offered by community colleges and technical schools. Graduates take the NCLEX-PN. In California and Texas the title is licensed vocational nurse.
Registered nurse: ADN or BSN
Both degrees lead to the same NCLEX-RN and the same license. An associate program is shorter and usually costs less. A bachelor’s degree opens more doors in management, public health and graduate study, and many employers prefer it. About 73% of registered nurses held a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2024, according to the NCSBN workforce study (opens in a new tab). Nurses with an associate degree can finish a bachelor’s through an RN-to-BSN program, often online.
Accelerated BSN
For people who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing counted 340 accelerated programs in the US in 2025. They are intense, with full-time schedules over 12 to 18 months, and most require the same prerequisite courses as other programs.
Advanced practice: MSN and DNP
Graduate programs prepare nurses for advanced roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, educator and nurse manager. Advanced practice roles require an active RN license and national certification in the specialty, and states also license them separately.
What all routes share
- A program approved by the state board of nursing, ideally with ACEN or CCNE accreditation.
- Supervised clinical hours in real healthcare settings.
- A background check and proof of immunizations, which schools and boards require.
- A state license. See how to become a nurse in your state.