The fastest path to becoming a licensed nurse in the U.S. is through an LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse / Licensed Vocational Nurse) program, which typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete.
1. LPN/LVN Program – 12–18 Months
- Offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutes.
- Includes classroom instruction and clinical training in subjects like anatomy, pharmacology, and basic patient care.
- Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed.
- LPNs provide basic bedside care under the supervision of RNs or physicians.
Fastest entry into nursing
Limited scope of practice and fewer advancement opportunities compared to RNs
2. ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) – ~2 Years
- The fastest route to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Offered at community colleges and some universities.
- Prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Qualifies graduates for entry-level RN roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care.
Full RN license in ~2 years
Higher pay and more responsibility than LPN
3. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – 12–18 Months (for non-nursing bachelor’s holders)
- Designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.
- Intensive, full-time programs that compress BSN content into 12–18 months.
- Leads to RN licensure (NCLEX-RN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Fast track to BSN and RN for career changers
Requires prior bachelor’s degree and strong academic background
Important Notes:
- All paths require passing a licensing exam (NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN).
- Clinical hours and state board requirements may slightly extend timelines.
- While LPN is the fastest, many nurses later pursue LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN bridge programs for career growth.
Bottom Line:
- Fastest overall: LPN program (12–18 months)
- Fastest to become an RN: ADN (~2 years) or Accelerated BSN (12–18 months if you already have a bachelor’s degree)
Choose based on your career goals, timeline, and desired scope of practice.