How long does it take to become a geriatric nurse?

Oct 29, 2025 2 min read •

Gerontology Nursing Career Paths

The timeline to become a geriatric nurse typically ranges from 3 to 6 years, depending on your chosen educational path. This specialty requires you to first become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) and then gain specific experience and potentially certification in gerontological nursing.

Quick Summary

The duration to become a geriatric nurse varies based on educational choices, from a 2-year ADN to a 4-year BSN. The process includes earning an RN license, gaining clinical experience with older adults, and optionally pursuing a gerontological certification.

Key Points

Timeline Varies: It generally takes 3 to 6 years to become a geriatric nurse, with the timeline depending on your educational path and experience.
Start with a Nursing Degree: You must first complete either a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Pass the NCLEX-RN: A crucial step is passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your RN license.
Gain Clinical Experience: After becoming an RN, you need to gain experience working with elderly patients, typically 2 or more years, to develop specialized skills.
Pursue Optional Certification: For enhanced career opportunities, you can seek certification from the ANCC, which requires specific hours of gerontological practice.
Advanced Practice Options: For those aiming for higher roles like a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, expect additional years of graduate-level education.

Your path to becoming a geriatric nurse

Becoming a geriatric nurse requires a combination of education, licensure, and specialized experience. The duration of this path is largely determined by your initial educational choices and how quickly you gain relevant clinical experience with older adults.

Step 1: Earn your nursing degree

Starting with an accredited nursing program is essential. The two main options are:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Typically takes about 2 years and is offered at community colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Usually a 4-year program providing a more comprehensive education and often preferred by employers.

Alternative routes include Accelerated BSN programs for those with existing bachelor's degrees (as short as 12-16 months) and RN-to-BSN programs for ADN-prepared nurses (1-2 years).

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and get licensed

After graduating, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in your state. This step typically takes a few months after graduation.

Step 3: Gain clinical experience in gerontology

Specializing in geriatric nursing requires hands-on experience with older adults. This experience can be gained in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, and home healthcare. Many certification programs require at least two years of full-time RN experience with a focus on gerontological nursing.

Step 4: Pursue optional gerontological certification

Certification, while optional, can enhance your career. The ANCC offers the Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC™). Eligibility requires an active RN license, two years of RN experience, 2,000 hours of gerontological nursing practice within the last three years, and 30 hours of gerontological continuing education.

Comparison of educational pathways


Feature	ADN Pathway	BSN Pathway	Accelerated BSN Pathway
Time to Degree	~2 years	~4 years	12-16 months (if you have a prior bachelor's degree)
Cost	Generally lower tuition	Higher tuition	Can be comparable to BSN, but very concentrated
Entry into Workforce	Fastest route to becoming an RN	Slower initial entry, but preferred by many employers	Quickest route for those with a prior non-nursing degree
Career Advancement	May require additional education (RN-to-BSN) for leadership roles	Better prepared for leadership and administrative positions	Offers a fast track to BSN-level roles and responsibilities
Certification Eligibility	Same eligibility criteria as BSN-prepared nurses after gaining experience	Same eligibility criteria as ADN-prepared nurses after gaining experience	Same eligibility criteria as other RNs after gaining experience

Conclusion

The path to becoming a geriatric nurse involves earning a nursing degree (ADN or BSN), passing the NCLEX-RN for licensure, gaining practical experience with older adults, and optionally obtaining gerontological certification. The overall time frame typically falls between 3 and 6 years, influenced by the chosen educational route and the time spent accumulating specialized clinical experience. This career is fulfilling for those dedicated to caring for the unique needs of the elderly population.

Explore Health Careers is an excellent resource for more information on the geriatric nursing career path.

Frequently Asked Questions

These terms are often used interchangeably to refer to a nurse who specializes in the care of older adults. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Gerontological Nursing Certification, using the term 'gerontological' to describe the specialty.

While an ADN is sufficient to become an RN, a BSN is increasingly preferred by many employers and is often seen as a prerequisite for leadership roles. A BSN provides a more comprehensive education, though both paths can lead to a successful career in geriatric nursing.

To be eligible for the ANCC Gerontological Nursing Certification, you must have an active RN license, two years of RN experience, 2,000 hours of gerontological nursing practice within the last three years, and 30 hours of gerontological continuing education.

Relevant experience can be gained in various settings where older adults are cared for, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare agencies. Look for opportunities on geriatric or medical-surgical units to gain valuable exposure.

Yes, it is possible to specialize and work as a geriatric nurse without formal certification. The specialty is defined by your focus and experience. However, certification is a recognized credential that can enhance your expertise and career opportunities.

After gaining experience, you can advance your career by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP). This advanced role comes with greater responsibilities, higher pay, and more autonomy.

Becoming a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) takes significantly longer. After earning your BSN and gaining experience, you will need to complete a graduate-level program (MSN or DNP), which typically adds another 2 to 4 years to your total time.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.