Are you ready to begin your nursing journey but unsure which degree to pursue? The nursing field includes a variety of educational paths that could kick-start your career.
Becoming a nurse can take several months to several years, depending on the nursing degree and career you choose. Shorter-term certificates and diplomas can prepare you for entry-level nursing roles, while advanced master’s and doctoral degrees can equip you to become a leader in the nursing field.
Read through this guide to explore the different academic paths available to aspiring nursing professionals.
What Are the Different Types of Nursing Degrees?
All nursing professionals undergo formal training to gain the clinical knowledge required to practice, and they have several educational paths to choose from. Below, we highlight six nursing certificates, diplomas and degrees.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate
A CNA program prepares students to become certified nursing assistants. Community colleges, hospitals and vocational schools offer accredited CNA programs. You must possess a high school diploma or a GED certificate to qualify for a CNA program.
A certified nursing assistant program typically lasts four to 12 weeks and covers foundational clinical courses in patient care, infection control, nutrition, and safety and emergency procedures. CNA students learn hands-on skills, including monitoring vital signs, positioning and patient care.
A CNA program typically culminates in a certificate and prepares learners for their state CNA certification exam. For more information, see our guide on how to become a CNA.
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) Certificate
These certificate programs equip graduates with the core nursing skills needed to become an LPN, including coursework in pharmacology, human development, psychology, biology and patient care.
Enrollment in an LVN program requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and official transcripts. An LVN program typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete, after which you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to practice as an LPN or an LVN in your state.
Most LPNs work in nursing homes, but hospitals, physicians’ offices, military facilities and schools also need LPNs’ patient management skills.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate in nursing is the minimum academic qualification required to practice as a registered nurse (RN). ADN programs include courses in behavioral health, foundations in nursing, pharmacology, microbiology, chemistry and communications.
Full-time students can complete an ADN in two years at a community college or state university, while part-time nursing students may need three to four years.
Qualifications to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam include an ADN and a minimum number of clinical hours. Specific requirements vary by state, so check with your state board of nursing to confirm your eligibility to become an RN.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Both an ASN and an ADN are associate-level pathways to obtaining RN licensure. Curricula and entry requirements vary slightly between these degrees.
Most ASN programs require prerequisite science courses like chemistry, biology, physiology and anatomy. ASN programs may offer students more exposure to clinical settings than ADNs, but ADNs prepare students to pursue higher nursing education.
ADNs and ASNs both prepare graduates to practice in hospitals, emergency care facilities, outpatient settings, physicians’ offices and nursing homes.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN degree is a four-year undergraduate program that prepares students to practice as RNs and pursue graduate-level education. BSN coursework includes liberal arts, natural sciences, nursing theory and behavioral sciences. Nursing students gain hands-on experience during clinical hours.
Admissions requirements vary by nursing institution. General requirements include:
- A high school diploma or GED certificate
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Prerequisites in chemistry, biology and anatomy
- TEAS or HESI test scores
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
Bachelor’s degree holders from non-nursing fields can enroll in accelerated BSN programs which take one to two years to complete.
In addition to working as RNs, BSN graduates are qualified to practice as nurse educators, clinical research nurses, nurse recruiters and forensic nurses.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A master’s in nursing is a graduate degree that combines theoretical classes and clinical practice to equip learners with advanced, specialized nursing skills.
MSN programs typically take two years for full-time students to complete, and their curricula usually comprise 30 to 50 credits, depending on the school. Learners in MSN programs commonly specialize their degrees based on their career aspirations. Specialization offerings may include public health, family nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, among others.
MSN coursework may include anatomy, physical assessment and diagnosis, disease prevention, illness management and health promotion and education. Graduates often go on to work as nurse practitioners.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A doctor of nursing practice program provides graduate-level training for nursing professionals interested in becoming advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). A doctorate in nursing is the highest academic qualification a nursing professional can attain.
The DNP curriculum builds on the clinical knowledge gained during an MSN program. It prepares graduates for advanced clinical roles by emphasizing evidence-based practice and quality improvement.
A DNP elevates your clinical expertise, earning potential and career opportunities. A DNP takes three to five years of full-time study to complete, depending on prior education and experience.
Bridge Programs for Nursing Degrees
A bridge program allows nursing professionals to earn a higher degree in a shorter time frame. Many institutions offer flexible bridge programs for nurses with full-time work commitments.
Here are some bridge programs that RNs can enroll in:
- RN-to-BSN. This program is ideal for registered nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree within a year. Most institutions require an active RN license and a minimum of prior credits to apply.
- BSN-to-MSN. A BSN-to-MSN bridge program caters to BSN graduates who want to earn their master’s in nursing. This type of program typically takes two years to complete.
- RN-to-MSN. RNs with associate degrees who are interested in earning a graduate degree can enroll in this program. Admission requirements often include a valid RN license, nursing experience and official transcripts from your last college. This bridge program allows graduates to obtain an MSN degree in about three years of full-time study.
Careers for Nursing Degree Graduates
Nursing Assistant
Median Annual Salary: $30,310 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Required Education: Certificate from a state-approved CNA program
Job Description: Nursing assistants, also called nursing aides, help patients in primary care facilities with daily activities such as using the toilet, moving from bed to wheelchair and eating. In some states, nursing aides may dispense medication.
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse
Median Annual Salary: $48,070 (BLS)
Required Education: Diploma/certificate from an accredited LVN program
Job Description: LPNs provide essential nursing care, including bathing, feeding, checking patients’ vitals and administering medication. They also monitor and ensure patients’ comfort levels.
Registered Nurse
Median Annual Salary: $77,600 (BLS)
Required Education: ADN, ASN or BSN
Job Description: RNs provide direct patient care, review medical records and supervise nursing aides on duty. These healthcare professionals play an integral role in the community through patient education.
Postsecondary Nursing Instructor
Median Annual Salary: $77,440 (BLS)
Required Education: MSN or DNP
Job Description: A postsecondary nursing instructor teaches the next generation of nurses to develop a solid foundation in nursing procedures. They ensure the continuity of quality patient care in the healthcare sector.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Median Annual Salary: $123,780 (BLS)
Required Education: MSN
Job Description: An APRN provides primary and acute care to a specific patient group independently or under a physician’s supervision. These nurses may share duties with RNs, but APRNs’ advanced training equips them to diagnose and treat ailments—duties usually reserved for physicians.
Which Nursing Degree Should You Pursue?
Many factors determine which nursing degree you should pursue, including your career goals, ideal school timeline and budget. For example, while it takes a relatively short time to become a CNA, this career pays significantly less than APRN jobs, which require more extensive education.
A shorter degree program might be a better fit if you need to enter the workforce quickly. If time is not an issue, an MSN or a DNP can prepare you for advanced clinical nursing roles and high pay.
If you already hold RN licensure, you can pursue bridge programs to attain higher qualifications whenever you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nursing Degrees
What are the different nursing degrees?
Nursing degree options include an associate of science in nursing (ASN), a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), a master of science in nursing (MSN) and a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). CNA and LVN diploma programs are also available for entry-level nursing roles.
What is the best degree for nursing?
The best nursing degree for you depends on your desired role, budget and timeline. Aspiring RNs need at least an associate degree in nursing, while APRNs require a graduate degree (an MSN or a DNP).
