---
title: How Long Does It Take to Become a Registered Nurse?
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-registered-nurse/"
type: page
date_published: 2025-12-18
date_modified: 2026-04-10
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language: en-US
word_count: 609
reading_time: 4 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-registered-nurse/"
featured_image: "https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BSN-Nursing-Degree-students-in-lab.webp"
---

# How Long Does It Take to Become a Registered Nurse?

![Arizona College hero bars graphic](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/assets/svg/hero-bars.svg)

# How Long Does It Take to Become a Registered Nurse?

The path to becoming an RN typically takes between 2 to 4 years, depending on
which educational route you choose and your prior academic background.
Understanding the timeline and requirements can help you plan your nursing
career more effectively.

## 󠀁**Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 Years**󠁿

An Associate Degree in Nursing is typically a two-year program offered at
community colleges and technical schools. Upon completion, graduates are
eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination for RN licensure. While an ADN
provides the quickest route to initial licensure, many healthcare employers
increasingly prefer or require BSN degrees for hiring and advancement
opportunities.

![How long does it take to become a registered nurse](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BSN-Nursing-Degree-students-in-lab.webp?w=1024)

## 󠀁**Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 Years**󠁿

A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing is often a four-year degree program
that combines nursing coursework with general education requirements in science,
humanities, and social sciences. BSN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN
examination for RN licensure. The BSN has become the preferred educational
credential among hospitals and healthcare systems, with many facilities
requiring bachelor’s degrees for specialty units, leadership positions, and
certain clinical roles.

## 󠀁**Arizona College of Nursing (BSN): 3 Years**󠁿

Arizona College of Nursing offers a three-year BSN program that can deliver all
the advantages of a bachelor’s degree in 3 years instead of 4. Graduates are
eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination for RN licensure.

---

| 󠀁**Program Type**󠁿 | 󠀁**Length**󠁿 | 󠀁**Career Outlook**󠁿 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ADN (Associate Degree) | 2 years | Limited advancement opportunities |
| Traditional BSN | 4 years | Preferred by most employers |
| AZCN 3-Year BSN (Aurora) | 3 years | Full BSN advantages, faster entry |

_Note: Many healthcare employers prefer or require BSN degrees. _

Aspiring nurses can choose between a 2-year ADN, a traditional 4-year BSN, or a
3-year BSN program like the one offered at AZCN. Each pathway has trade-offs in
terms of time, cost, and career options. A BSN opens doors to more nursing roles
and may be required by certain employers. With qualifying transfer credits, you
can complete your BSN degree at AZCN even faster.

## Request Information To Speak With An Advisor Today

##  Campus Specific FAQs

[AZ – Phoenix](https://arizonacollege.edu/phoenix-nursing-school/faq/)

[AZ – Tempe](https://arizonacollege.edu/tempe-nursing-school/faq/)

[AZ – Tucson](https://arizonacollege.edu/tucson-nursing-school/)

[CA – Ontario](https://arizonacollege.edu/ontario-nursing-school/faq/)

[CO – Aurora](https://arizonacollege.edu/aurora-colorado-nursing-school/faq/)

[CT – Hartford](https://arizonacollege.edu/hartford-nursing-school/faq/)

[FL – Fort Lauderdale](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-lauderdale-nursing-school/faq/)

[FL – Melbourne](https://arizonacollege.edu/melbourne-nursing-school/faq/)

[FL – Sarasota](https://arizonacollege.edu/sarasota-nursing-school/faq/)

[FL – Tampa](https://arizonacollege.edu/tampa-nursing-school/faq/)

[MI – Southfield](https://arizonacollege.edu/southfield-michigan-nursing-school/faq/)

[MO – St. Louis](https://arizonacollege.edu/st-louis-nursing-school/faq/)

[NV – Las Vegas](https://arizonacollege.edu/las-vegas-nursing-school/faq/)

[OH – Cincinnati](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/faq/)

[OH – Cleveland](https://arizonacollege.edu/cleveland-nursing-school/faq/)

[OH – Columbus](https://arizonacollege.edu/columbus-nursing-school/faq/)

[SC – Greenville](https://arizonacollege.edu/greenville-nursing-school/faq/)

[TX – Dallas](https://arizonacollege.edu/dallas-nursing-school/faq/)

[TX – Fort Worth](https://arizonacollege.edu/fort-worth-nursing-school/faq/)

[UT – Salt Lake City](https://arizonacollege.edu/salt-lake-city-utah-nursing-school/faq/)

[VA – Chesapeake](https://arizonacollege.edu/chesapeake-nursing-school/faq/)

[VA – Falls Church](https://arizonacollege.edu/falls-church-nursing-school/faq/)

[WI – Milwaukee](https://arizonacollege.edu/milwaukee-nursing-school/faq/)