Do You Need a College Degree to Become a Nurse?
Posted On April 18,2025
You want a career where you can help people, make a good living, and feel proud of what you do. Nursing might be the perfect fit. But maybe you’re wondering if you must first spend four years in college. The idea of student loans, long classes, and putting your life on hold might be holding you back. You’re not alone If you’re trying to get to work fast. Many adults, parents, and career changers are looking for a quicker way to start helping patients without giving up years of their lives to do it.
Yes, You Need a Degree to Be a Nurse. But It Doesn’t Have to Take 4 Years!
To become a Registered Nurse (RN), yes, you need a degree. But that doesn’t always mean a full four years in college. Some programs help you get there faster, including two-year associate degrees. Even so, two years in school might feel too long if you need to earn a paycheck soon.
That’s where another option comes in: becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN.
Why an LPN Program Might Be the Best Fit for You
LPNs are real nurses who work with patients every day. They check vital signs, dress wounds, help patients stay comfortable, and support doctors and RNs. The best part? You can often become an LPN in 12 months through full-time, in-person training.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for LPNs is $61,620 per year, and the demand is growing. About 700,000 LPNs were working in the U.S. in 2024, and the field is expected to add another 34,900 jobs by 2032. Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes all need skilled LPNs; they’re looking for people ready to step in and help.
A Smart Path for Adults and Career Changers
If you’re thinking about switching careers or going back to school, time and money matter. LPN programs are often more affordable than four-year degrees. You can finish training in about a year and then take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed. Once you’re working, you’ll gain real experience while getting paid. You can always return later and build on your LPN license to become an RN.
This option is especially helpful for adults who can’t spend years in school. Maybe you’re raising kids, working part-time, or just need a faster way to make a change. An LPN program lets you stay local, get hands-on training, and move into a career where you’ll truly make a difference.
LPNs Make a Real Impact on Patient Care
As an LPN, you’re on the frontlines of care, playing a key role in each patient’s day. You’re not sitting behind a desk. You’re moving, interacting, and making a difference face-to-face. You check vital signs, help patients with bathing or getting dressed, change bandages, give medications, and update charts. These may sound like small tasks, but to the patients relying on you, they mean everything. You’re part of the reason someone feels safe, heard, and cared for during one of the most difficult times in their life.
LPNs build genuine relationships with their patients. You’re there during moments of fear, hope, and recovery. Families often turn to you with questions, and they remember your kindness long after a hospital stay ends. This makes your role incredibly meaningful since you’re changing lives one interaction at a time.
You’ll also be part of a team that includes doctors, RNs, and therapists. You’ll see how different parts of the care process come together, and you’ll learn on the job every day. You’ll be a trusted part of someone’s support system, whether in a hospital, nursing home, clinic, or long-term care facility.
If you’re the type of person who wants to feel proud of your work and make a real difference, becoming an LPN offers the chance to do precisely that. This is a job where you’ll feel needed, appreciated, and inspired to give your best every day.
Benefits of Choosing the LPN Route
Here’s why becoming an LPN could be a better fit than jumping straight into a longer RN program:
- Faster start: Most LPN programs take just 12 months to complete
- Affordable: Costs are much lower than a 4-year nursing degree
- High demand: Healthcare employers are always looking for skilled LPNs
- Hands-on training: Learn by doing, not just sitting in a classroom
- Real impact: Help patients every day and become part of a healthcare team
A Strong Career with Room to Grow
Many LPNs stay in the role for their entire career. Others use it as a stepping stone to become an RN or specialize in a different area of nursing. Either way, starting as an LPN gives you options. You’ll already be working in the field and gaining experience, making it easier to decide what comes next.
Some LPNs go back to school later for an RN bridge program, which often takes less time than starting from scratch. This gives you the flexibility to grow when the time feels right, but without waiting years to begin your career.
Ready to Make a Change Without Waiting Years?
If you’re looking for a fast way into a healthcare career, becoming an LPN is a smart move. You’ll get the training you need in just about a year, start earning a steady paycheck, and play a real part in helping others. It’s a great fit for adults who want to make a career change, start working quickly, or avoid the high costs of a long college degree. Contact us today for a free consultation.