I don't think nurses go for a PhD, since that would make them a doctorate. I don't know if they go for a Science degree, or something more specific either though. There are 2 and 1 year nursing schools, but it is recommended that you go to a 4 year first, then take a 1 year for a different type of learning experience.
Geez, is there anything in life that doesn't require a grotesque amount of waiting? I'm starting 4 year college soon for Software Engineering, and no doubt I could learn the exact same job-specific shit I would at a vocational school for a year. Of course, somehow knowing a bunch more shit you don't care about makes you a better person.
It's so true. I went to school for 5 years, received my Bachelors and Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering, and the job I have now is something my brother has been doing for 7 years, and he only went to college for 1 year before failing out. Ironic, huh?