The fastest way to become an RN is through an RN diploma program, which can be completed in as little as a year. While completing this program does not lead to a degree, it does make the individual eligible to take the NCLEX and earn their RN license.
Associate degree in Nursing (ADN) – two years to completion
The associate degree in Nursing is best for entry-level students looking to achieve their nursing degree fast. In just a couple of years, they can accomplish the fundamental nursing courses and practice needed to be successful in their field.
The Bachelor of Nursing (H3O) is an accelerated degree, meaning you will complete the full six semesters of study, including placements, over a two-year period. Bachelor of Nursing (Accelerated) courses are offered at our Hobart, Launceston, Cradle Coast* and Sydney campuses for eligible students.
One of the shortest certification programs is the certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program. Some CNA programs last as little as 12 to 18 weeks. Others may offer up to one year of training. The requirements of your state and the program you attend can affect the specific length of attendance.
ADN and Related Programs
The way to become an RN with the lowest level of education is to go through an associate's degree in nursing or ADN program. Most ADN programs are two years long and are held at community colleges. There are numerous options to choose from, including part-time and full-time programs.
Institutional Nurses
These nurses administer more basic care and typically don't have to work long hours and overnight shifts, so this field of nursing tends to be low-stress. Even with less excitement, these nurses find fulfillment in providing basic and family care to those in need.
The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes. They manage emergency situations and care for critically ill patients. Other stressful nursing jobs include OR nursing, oncology nursing, and psychiatric nursing.
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Situated in the heart of Sydney, just minutes from the coast, UTS is ranked number one for nursing in Australia by the QS World University Rankings 2023. There are nursing courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
BSN programs have an average age of early-mid 20s. Students in RN-to-BSN programs are typically in their late 30s.
LPN/LVN Program
LPN/LVN programs are the fastest entry-level nursing program for nurses and usually take between one year and 16 months. LPNs and LVNs have the lowest level of authority and professional autonomy among all nurses and also receive the lowest salaries.
For those who are interested in more behind-the-scenes work, or who want to explore their options in healthcare, health science is a great alternative major to nursing. A health science degree can lead to many different careers, from a healthcare administrator to medical biller and coder.
Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have the least education requirements among nurses and therefore tend to make lower incomes than other nursing specialties. LVNs and LPNs can increase their income by getting an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in nursing.
Critical care nurses suffer the highest rates of burnout.
This is mainly due to the nature of the job, as critical care nurses work specialize in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU). As such, their work environment is constantly fast-paced, meticulous, and demanding.
Female registered nurses are most likely to marry male managers or female registered nurses. Male registered nurses are most likely to marry female or male registered nurses. Nurse practitioners and midwives are most likely to marry miscellaneous managers, physicians and surgeons.
What is the highest level of nursing? The highest level of nursing education is the doctoral level. Positions that require doctoral nursing degrees include certain types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), as well as leadership positions such as chief nursing officer or director of nursing.
1. Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) Generally regarded as the founder of modern nursing, Nightingale was born into a well-to-do English family.
Typically it takes anywhere from two to four years to become a registered nurse. But exactly how long it will take you depends on the degree program you choose, your clinical experience, and the licensing requirements in your state.
A nurse can work as many hours straight as they choose.
Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of hours a nurse may voluntarily work in a 24-hour or 7-day period in the United States. There are also no restrictions on the number of hours that may be worked by other hospital employees.
The course will typically take 18 - 24 months to complete and equips you with the basic knowledge, competencies and skills you require to be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority (AHPRA) and Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.