The process for how to become an RN fast can vary for different students. If you have a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree, the fastest path for you may be an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Graduate in as few as 15 months at NDMU and take the NCLEX-RN.
Learning how to become an RN fast generally starts with considering your starting point and then determining your options. For example, if you have a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or have existing college credits, you may be eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Each ABSN program has its own admission requirements and timeline to completion, but they will generally enable you to complete a nursing degree faster than a traditional BSN program. After graduation, you’ll be able to take the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain an RN license.
Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) offers an Accelerated BSN program that enables you to graduate in as few as 15 months after completing any needed prerequisites. At Notre Dame, you’ll receive plenty of support along the way, with an individualized learning experience that meets your needs.
Before exploring how to become a nurse quickly, you should understand your motivations and what it takes to succeed. Then, learn how to choose the nursing program that aligns with your needs, complete the admissions process and earn your nursing degree.
Step 1: Understand What It Takes to Become a Registered Nurse
Becoming a registered nurse takes hard work and commitment, particularly if you choose an accelerated nursing program. You’ll need to stay on top of your coursework, attend labs and work clinical shifts. Expect to spend plenty of time studying, both for your classes and for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Because it’s challenging to become an RN, you should ensure it’s the right path for you. What’s your motivation for becoming a nurse? Being able to articulate your reasons for transitioning to the field can facilitate a productive conversation with the admissions advisor. It can also help you stay on track during nursing school.
Still considering whether nursing is for you? Here’s how to know if you should be a nurse.
Step 2: Choose the Fastest Nursing Pathway for Your Background
There are numerous paths you could take toward earning a nursing degree. If you lack a prior college education, you can enroll in a traditional BSN program. This typically takes four years to complete. If you do have a completed non-nursing degree, then Notre Dame’s ABSN program can enable you to leverage your prior education toward completing a nursing degree in as few as 15 months.
There are even faster pathways if you’d like to become a nurse, but not necessarily an RN. You could become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) by completing a state-approved training program, which does not confer a degree and usually takes a year. You’ll then need to pass the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
Becoming an LPN can give you some health care experience, but you won’t have the same salary command, job growth rate, autonomy or specialization options as an RN does. If you’d like to become an RN later, you could explore an LPN-to-BSN program that can qualify you to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. This will add to the total time in your career pathway, however, and you may decide that it’s more practical to pursue a BSN right from the start.
Step 3: Complete Prerequisites and Apply to a Nursing Program
If you’ve decided that NDMU’s ABSN is the right path for you, reach out to an admissions advisor to get started. Your admissions advisor will answer your questions, provide further information and help you navigate the admissions process.
You’ll need to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), earn a minimum composite score of 65% and provide two recommendation letters, a personal statement and a current resume. Then, you can complete the application and submit it.
Your admissions advisor will help you develop a plan to meet the requirements, including completing any prerequisite courses, if needed. Your prior education may satisfy some or all the prerequisites. All outstanding prerequisites must be completed prior to enrollment in NDMU’s ABSN program.
Step 4: Finish Nursing School and Clinical Training
At Notre Dame, you can choose from online and on-campus classes. Our intuitive online learning platform offers flexibility as you complete your modules, meaning you don’t have to wait to move on after you’ve mastered a concept. You’ll still have assignment deadlines and skills labs on a set schedule, but online learning can help you move along at a pace you feel comfortable with.
The flexibility of online learning also means that you can complete your ABSN coursework from anywhere you’d like. Additionally, you’ll have access to materials as often as you need them. You’ll also have many opportunities to review concepts, listen to lectures and go through interactive exercises.
Our nursing faculty can answer any questions you may have about nursing topics via online chat through our LMS platform, email, phone or in-person meetings.
It’s important to note that while you’ll be able to submit your nursing coursework online, you’ll still need to sit for proctored exams and attend simulation labs at our ABSN program site.
The process of how to become an RN fast includes completing clinical experiences at nearby health care facilities. You’ll practice delivering direct patient care with the supervision and guidance of your nursing preceptor. NDMU offers clinical experiences in numerous practice areas, including medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, community health and obstetrics.
Learn more about the pros and cons of online learning in nursing school.
Step 5: Pass the NCLEX-RN and Start Your Nursing Career
After graduating, you can take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can take the exam again. The sooner you pass the exam and get your nursing license, the sooner you can enter the field.
To improve your performance on the exam, it’s best to:
- Become familiar with the NCLEX-RN format.
- Focus on the questions at hand, not the whole test.
- Manage test anxiety by getting plenty of sleep, practicing deep breathing and using positive self-talk.
- Take multiple full-length practice exams and answer daily NCLEX-RN practice questions.
Is an Accelerated BSN the Right Way for You to Become an RN Fast?
Notre Dame’s ABSN program is one of the fastest ways to earn a nursing degree and prepare for a nursing career, but it isn’t necessarily right for everyone. First, consider whether you can meet the admissions requirements. If you have a completed non-nursing degree but aren’t sure if you meet the other requirements, it’s worth reaching out to an admissions advisor for personalized guidance.
Next, consider whether the accelerated timeline is ideal for you. Students who do well with the accelerated nursing program are generally those who are committed to succeed, have a good support system and are willing to put in the work necessary.
Learn How to Become a Nurse Fast at NDMU
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and would like to pursue the fastest way to become a registered nurse, consider the ABSN program at Notre Dame of Maryland. Here, you’ll benefit from our small class sizes, faculty mentoring and tutoring services. You can also work one-on-one with an Academic Success Coach as you work toward your degree.
Request more information from our team of dedicated admissions advisors today to learn more about our 15-month ABSN program in Maryland.