The Guide to Becoming a Nurse with a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree

How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse?

The time it takes to become a nurse largely depends on the type of program you choose, your life circumstances, and how much education you have completed. Here is an overview of common pathways:

As you consider the options, it is important to note an emerging trend in health care — the increasing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities requiring a bachelor’s degree as a minimum qualification for nurses. More than half of nurses (51%) enter the workforce with a BSN or entry-level master’s degree, and at least 25% of healthcare settings require new hires to have a BSN or higher. Research shows that nursing staff prepared at a baccalaureate level or higher are linked to improved patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates. Be sure to consider this as you evaluate nursing program options.

In terms of how long it takes to become a nurse, the chart above provides guidance on educational timelines. However, once you have graduated and passed your licensing exam, you will still need to obtain employment as a nurse. 

Most nursing school graduates find jobs quickly because of the growing nursing shortage. There are several contributing factors compounding the shortage: a significant segment of the nursing workforce reaching retirement age, a shortage of nursing faculty restricting nursing school enrollment, and aging Baby Boomers with increasing rates of chronic illness that increase the demand for skilled nursing care. Because of this shortage, the federal government estimates that more than 194,500 new registered nurse positions will be created each year, from 2021 through 2031.

Becoming a Nurse with a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree: Step-by-Step

1. Research Nursing Schools and Programs

Your first step is to identify the type of program that best fits your needs and timeline. Many students who have a bachelor’s in an unrelated field opt for an accelerated BSN, which places students in the nursing field more quickly.

Here are several key factors to consider when researching nursing schools:

• Nursing License: Decide whether you want to become an LPN or RN. The LPN path requires less time and education, focusing on basic patient care, while RNs take on broader responsibilities. Most students with non-nursing degrees pursue RN licenses due to the greater career opportunities and salary potential.
• Type of Degree: Choose between an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. While an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) qualifies you as an RN, many employers now prefer or require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you aspire to leadership or specialized roles, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) could also be worth considering.
• Program Length and Type: Programs vary in length. An ABSN can take as little as 12 months, while traditional BSN programs typically last four years. ADN programs generally take two years. Direct Entry MSN programs vary (though 18-24 months is common). The ABSN and DEMSN require similar prerequisites, and those must be built into the timeline, as well.
• Modality: Many nursing schools now offer online coursework, but clinicals must be completed in person. While online classes provide flexibility, hands-on clinical experience is essential for developing practical nursing skills.
• Clinical Quality: The clinical experience provides students with the essential hands-on skills and confidence needed to deliver safe, effective patient care. By working alongside experienced professionals in real healthcare settings, students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice. These experiences not only build critical thinking and technical skills but also help future nurses develop empathy, adaptability, and professional judgment.
• Type of Institution: Research institutions often offer access to cutting-edge resources, while teaching institutions may provide more personalized education and hands-on opportunities. Teaching institutions often allocate more resources towards student outcomes, creating a high-touch learning environment. In contrast, research institutions typically prioritize research and funding.

By carefully evaluating these key factors, you can consider nursing programs that align with your personal circumstances and career ambitions. (For more on this topic, read our article How to Choose a Nursing School.)

2. Complete Your Nursing Prerequisites

Most nursing programs have prerequisites that help prepare students for the coursework they will encounter in nursing school. 

In some instances students may complete prerequisite courses during the application process, so it's important to discuss your educational background with an enrollment advisor. This is especially important for non-nurses who are pivoting to start a career in nursing as they might already have course equivalents from their non-nursing bachelor's degree.

Direct Entry Master’s and ABSN Program Prerequisites

Most programs require at least: 

• Anatomy and Physiology I and II
• Microbiology with Lab
• Chemistry I or Pathophysiology
• Nutrition
• Statistics

Some programs may also require additional classes on topics such as ethics, psychology, and communication.

Completing your prerequisites quickly

These courses can often be completed at a local community college or even through the nursing school you plan to attend. Be sure to evaluate how prerequisite courses can add time and cost to your nursing career plan. The enrollment advisors at the schools of your choice may also have options to help you complete your prerequisites efficiently.  

3. Apply to the School/Program of Your Choice

The application process for nursing programs differs somewhat from a typical undergraduate application. In addition to submitting a resume and transcripts, you will likely need to complete an interview and submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to become a nurse.

Be mindful of application timelines and GPA minimums, as deadlines and requirements can vary significantly across programs. 

Remember that enrollment advisors are your friend during this process and can help you navigate the process based on your unique set of circumstances. 

4. Get Your Nursing Education

If you are going back to school for nursing, deciding which program to complete, applying, and learning you have been accepted are just the beginning. You will need to complete your coursework, which will include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. While some aspects of the coursework can be completed online, most clinical components will be hands-on, ensuring you gain the practical skills needed to succeed in the field.

Nursing school is challenging so it's important to make a plan for success. Consider our article Six Tips For Going Back To Nursing School to help you prepare for a challenging and life-changing experience in nursing school. 

5. Pass the Licensure Exam

Upon completing your program, you’ll need to pass the appropriate licensure exam before officially working as a nurse. For LPNs, this exam is the NCLEX-PN, while RNs take the NCLEX-RN.

These exams test the knowledge and skills you’ve gained throughout your education, so thorough preparation is essential. 

Expert Tip: Evaluating the first time licensure exam pass rate of the programs you are interested in can help you assess if the program adequately prepares students for the minimum requirements for licensure. 

6. Apply for Nursing Roles

Once licensed, it’s time to begin applying for nursing positions. Some students find jobs at the same facilities where they completed their clinical rotations. To begin your job search you’ll need an updated resume, references, strong interview skills, and a clear understanding of what positions interest you.

Many new graduate nurses are eager to enter specialized areas of nursing, such as ICU or labor and delivery, but these positions can be competitive. Be prepared to discuss your clinical experiences and career goals during interviews.

7. Accept a Job Offer and Start Your First Day

Your starting salary is ultimately going to be dependent upon the region and facility in which you work. That being said, the Bureau of Labor Statistics can provide the 2023 data on the state level, in addition to an overview of roles and overall average annual salaries at the national level for (see below). Understanding the earning potential associated with each role is crucial for making informed career decisions.

Take the First Step Toward a Nursing Career with BAYADA Education

As you start your journey toward becoming a nurse, consider the Thomas Edison State University Accelerated BSN BAYADA Scholars Track at Cooper University Health Care. This 15-month program combines rigorous online coursework with a thoughtfully designed and data-driven clinical curriculum. Clinical rotations occur at Cooper University Health Care, ensuring you receive consistent, top-tier training at a Level I Trauma Center throughout your nursing education. 

The partnership between Thomas Edison State University, Cooper University Health Care, and BAYADA Education is what makes this program so unique. The BAYADA Scholars Track is a mission-driven initiative designed to not only educate new nurses but to help them thrive. At BAYADA Education, we believe that becoming a nurse is not just about earning a degree — it’s about leading the charge in transforming healthcare. 

Our goal is to place nurses at the center of the healthcare system in roles ranging from bedside to advanced practice clinicians and executive leadership. Doing so taps into the valuable insight of this dynamic workforce and is essential to solving some of the biggest challenges in health care today. 

Learn more about how to evaluate ABSN programs on your journey to Becoming a Nurse by downloading our guide.