The duration of nursing school varies depending on the level of nursing education and the country's educational system. In general: A Diploma in Nursing or an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) typically takes about 2-3 years to complete. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) usually requires 4 years of full-time study. Accelerated BSN programs for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field can take 12-18 months. Advanced practice degrees, like a Master's or Doctorate in Nursing, require additional years of study beyond the basic nursing degree.