Fastest and Cheapest Way to be a Nurse | Changing Career to Nursing

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1. Janet C. says

   September 16, 2014 at 7:40 pm

   Marilyn,

   Usually the fastest way to become a registered nurse is through an ADN (associates program) which takes two years. If you want to become a LPN (licensed practical nurse) which is a certificate program, you can do this within one year.

   The ADN is usually the cheapest and fastest way to become a RN but of course a LPN is going to be cheaper and faster but you won’t make as much and the demand for LPNs isn’t as strongs as RNs.

   You have to be careful to watch out for online “nursing” programs because some of them are not accredited and your state board of nursing will not accept your degree. I would thoroughly research the online school before you apply to it.

   Hope this helps. Nursing is a fantastic career choice and you will be happy you pursued it. Here are some articles on how to become a RN and LPN:

   LPN: https://www.registerednursern.com/lpn-lvn-licensed-practical-nurse-vocational-nurse-education-job-and-salary-information/

   Difference between RN and LPN: https://www.registerednursern.com/lpn-vs-rn-what-are-the-differences-between-an-lpn-and-rn/

   • Marilyn says

     September 16, 2014 at 8:10 pm

     Thank you so much for your quick response. I do have one more question: would you recommend I complete a cna program to ensure I satisfy pre-requisites for RN?

2. Janet C. says

   September 17, 2014 at 8:36 am

   You’re welcome! Completing a certified nursing assistant program will help you gain experience in the hospital settings and show you want a RN does on their daily job. However, you probably will make more at your current job than as a CNA. Most CNAs are paid just a little bit over minimum wage.

   Becoming a CNA doesn’t help you earn pre-requisites in becoming a RN. The RN program has it own set of pre-requisites. It is something people do to gain some nursing experience and get “their foot in the door” at hospitals and have a little bit of an income while going through nursing school.

   I forgot to mention this last time but since you already have a master’s degree, you may want to look into a second degree nursing programs (aka as accelerated nursing programs). This 2nd degree programs are for people like you who already have a degree but want to earn another one. It is about 2 years and you will be awarded with a BSN (bachelors degree) instead of an associates.

   It may want to be something you look into. Hope this helps 🙂

   • Marilyn says

     September 17, 2014 at 7:09 pm

     Yes it helps a great deal. I am leaning towards the accelerated second degree program but not sure if it’s possible with a full time job. Kudos for your website! Truly helpful. Thanks again for your feedback.