A: The time frame involved with a registered nursing program depends on the degree you pursue. The most frequently used path to become a nurse is to register for an associate or bachelor's nursing program. An associate degree generally takes two years while a bachelor's degree will take four years.: If you want to know how to become an RN fast then the first thing you need to do is enroll in an ADN or BSN program. These programs will equip you with skill and in-depth knowledge of nursing. You can then sit for the NCLEX-RN exam which is the final step to being an RN.