There are three major educational paths to registered nursing: A bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), and a diploma. BSN programs, offered by colleges and universities, take about 4 years to complete. ADN programs, offered by community and junior colleges, take about 2 to 3 years to complete. Diploma programs, administered in hospitals, last about 3 years. These on-the-job type programs are growing increasingly rare, with less than one hundred such programs remaining in operation in 2004. Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of educational programs qualify for entry-level positions as staff nurses.
Accelerated BSN programs also are available for individuals who have a bachelor’s or higher degree in another field and who are interested in moving into nursing. Accelerated BSN programs last 12 to 18 months and provide the fastest route to a BSN for individuals who already hold a degree. There were 164 accredited institutions offering this type of program in 2004, and there are substantially more available today. The nationwide shortage of nurses has led to increased incentives for potential nurses, and accelerated education programs as well.
