How to Become an RN Fast: 3 Potential Paths to Pursue
“The best things in life are worth waiting for.”
You’ve likely heard it a million times, and while you get the sentiment, this old adage just doesn’t sit right with you. You know what you want, and you’re not one to wait around for it. You prefer life in the fast lane, plus you have bills to pay and professional goals to reach. You simply don’t have the luxury of waiting.
You’re motivated to launch your registered nursing (RN) career and want to find a nursing program that will help you earn your scrubs as soon as possible.
You’ll be happy to hear that nursing is a field with a variety of entrance options to suit your preferences. So if you want to become a nurse fast, you can find a path to fit your needs. Once you’re working, you can always go on to advance your education further in the future.
Keep reading to learn more about your options for how to become an RN fast and see which path sounds like the best route for you.
What do LPNs do?
LPNs are valuable players on the nursing team. But what exactly do they do? These healthcare professionals are responsible for taking patient vitals, distributing medications and administering basic patient care, such as changing bandages and IV drips, among other duties, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.2
They typically work under the supervision of an RN or doctor and are sometimes responsible for overseeing nursing aides. The most common place of employment for LPNs is nursing and residential care facilities like nursing homes, according to the BLS. Other settings for LPNs include hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services and government facilities.
Career advancement for LPNs
LPNs who wish to advance their education can go on to apply their knowledge in a bridge program to earn their Associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN). This plus passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and meeting all other state requirements would earn them the title of registered nurse (RN).
LPN salary and job growth
The median annual salary of LPNs in 2020 was $48,820, according to the BLS.2 Employment of LPNs is projected to grow nine percent through 2029, which is much higher than the national average projected rate of four percent for all occupations.2
2. ADN avenue: A rapid route to an RN role
Can be completed in as few as 18 months
If you have your sights set on the coveted role of RN with no pit stops on the way, acquiring an Associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN) will be the fastest direct route to your career as a registered nurse. If you’re unfamiliar with the field, you might not know that an RN title can be earned with either an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree. By opting for your ADN, you could be launching your registered nursing career in as few as 18 months.1
What do RNs do?
It’s one of the most prevalent professions in healthcare, but what exactly do registered nurses do? RNs work under the supervision of physicians and are responsible for many patient care duties. This includes creating care plans, performing diagnostic tests and teaching patients how to manage their diagnoses. Most RNs are employed in hospitals, according to the BLS.2 They can also work in a variety of other settings, including nursing homes, private practices, schools, prisons and more.
