* Your existing degree: Some prior coursework may transfer as credit towards a nursing program. A science-heavy degree (like biology or chemistry) might transfer more credits than a humanities degree.
* The type of nursing program: There are several pathways to becoming a registered nurse (RN):
* Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Typically a 2-year program, often requiring some prerequisite courses. If you already have a bachelor's degree, some of these prerequisites might be waived or replaced. However, you'll still likely spend significant time in clinical rotations.
* Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year program. Similar to the ADN, prior coursework could reduce the total time. A direct-entry BSN program might be offered to students without prior nursing experience, but the total duration is typically 4 years.
* Accelerated BSN programs: Designed for students with a prior bachelor's degree, these programs typically condense the BSN curriculum into 12-18 months. These are very competitive.
* Your location: Requirements and program structures vary by country and even state/province.
In short, while an accelerated BSN program could take as little as 12 months, it's more realistic to expect anywhere from 1-4 years of additional study after a prior degree, depending on the factors listed above. You should research nursing programs in your specific location to get the most accurate information.