Nursing Pathways

This page is in progress. Below is what it will cover.

Nursing has several doors in. This page will map them so you can see where each one leads before you commit.

What this page will cover

• The main routes to becoming a registered nurse (RN): associate degree, bachelor's degree, accelerated programs for people who already have a degree, and direct-entry master's programs
• How licensed vocational or practical nurse (LVN/LPN) training fits in, and how people bridge from it to RN
• How long each route takes and what each one costs, with sources
• Questions to ask yourself when choosing a route
• Where the route fits next to pre-med, PA and EMS

Requirements and rules differ by state, school and employer, so always confirm details with the school or licensing board you plan to use.