* 4 years: This is common for many undergraduate professional degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Pharmacy (PharmD - sometimes takes longer depending on program structure), or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. However, even within these, some programs might require more than 4 years.
* 3 years: Some accelerated programs, particularly in nursing, might offer a 3-year pathway to a professional degree.
* 7+ years: Medical school (MD or DO) usually takes 4 years after completing a bachelor's degree, bringing the total closer to 7-8 years or even more depending on undergraduate timelines. Other professional degrees like law (JD) typically take 3 years after a bachelor's degree. Dental school (DMD or DDS) also typically takes around 4 years after a bachelor's.
* Variable: Some professional programs, like architecture or certain types of engineering, can have even longer durations depending on the program and required internships or practical experience.
It's crucial to check the specific program requirements of the institution you're considering. The length of the program will be clearly stated in the program description.