What Types of Nursing Degrees Are There? The Education Needed for Every Level of Nurse

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With so many types of nursing degrees available, it’s important to understand how each program works so you can find the one that’s right for you. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, experienced professional, or career changer, making the right decision means considering each option against your goals, financial resources, and lifestyle.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of nursing degrees available and what they involve regarding program content, length of time, and job potential. By selecting the program that meets your personal and professional goals, you’ll position yourself for success in this rewarding career.

CNA Certificate or Diploma

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate is a nondegree diploma offered at community colleges and vocational schools. Both classroom and online options are available, though all clinical hours must be performed in person at an approved location.

As a CNA student, you’ll learn how to provide basic healthcare services and help patients with their daily activities. The curriculum includes training in emergency procedures, personal care skills, and infection control. To increase your employment options, you can also earn voluntary certification in specialized areas such as psychiatry or geriatrics.

Who it’s for CNA certificates are designed to get students into the nursing field as quickly as possible. Prerequisites vary by program, but most include a high school diploma or GED.



A CNA certificate might be right for you if you fall into one of the following groups: Recent high school graduates who want a nursing career without attending a traditional college program

Future nurses interested in gaining experience before applying to a more advanced nursing program

Career changers seeking to explore the various possibilities in healthcare

Parents, caregivers, and those with other responsibilities that require a flexible schedule



Length of time A CNA certificate is the fasting way to qualify for an entry-level nursing position. While the exact education requirements vary by state, federal guidelines for CNA certificate programs require at least 75 hours of education, with a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical training. Most CNA programs can be completed in just 4–12 weeks.

What you can do with this certificate After earning a state-approved certificate, you’ll be qualified to take your state’s CNA competency exam. With certification, you can apply for jobs in which you’ll work with patients under the direction of a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse, depending on the laws of your state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most nursing assistants—roughly 40%— work in skilled nursing facilities such as short-term rehabilitation centers. Other employers include: Hospitals

Continuing care retirement communities

Assisted living facilities for the elderly

Home healthcare services

What you can earn Per the B LS, CNAs across the country earn an average annual wage of $29,580, with those working in medical and surgical hospitals making slightly above average.

$29,580 Median Annual Salary

CNAs

LPN/LVN Certificate or Diploma

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate is a nondegree diploma offered at hospitals, vocational schools, and community colleges. In Texas and California, this role is known as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN).

Both LPN and LVN programs prepare you to work under the supervision of RNs and perform the following key duties:

Take vital signs

Report patient conditions

Change wound dressings and insert catheters

Assist with tests, sample collection, and procedures

Administer medication and injections

Improve patient comfort

In addition to clinical applications, you’ll also learn about general medical topics that include anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and emergency care. Specialty certifications in areas such as IV therapy, long-term care, pharmacology, and breastfeeding support are also available.

Who it’s for An LPN/LVN certificate is for students who want to enter the nursing field without the time and cost of earning a college degree. In contrast to a CNA diploma, the LPN certificate represents mastery of a more comprehensive body of knowledge. In many states, LPNs and LVNs qualify to supervise CNAs. An LPN/LVN certificate could be right for you if you’re in one of the following groups: Recent high school graduates who want a nursing career without committing to a traditional college degree

CNAs ready to expand their responsibilities and job opportunities

Career changers who can’t afford the downtime required to complete a college degree

Prospective nurses preparing for admission into a registered nursing program Many LPNs eventually go on to earn advanced degrees. Because of this, it’s important to earn an LPN/LVN certificate from an accredited nursing program. In many cases, credits earned in a nonaccredited program won’t be eligible for transfer to a higher degree.

Length of time Most LPN/LVN certificates can be completed in about 12 months, though your timing may vary. State-approved programs provide the number of clinical hours necessary to meet the certification requirements of your state. Depending on your criteria, programs can range between 7 and 24 months.

What you can do with this certificate With an LPN/LVN certificate, you’ll be qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Passing this exam and meeting your state-specific requirements will make you eligible for licensing. With your certificate in hand, you can go on to find jobs in a number of different places. According to the BLS, the majority of LPNs and LVNs work in nursing and residential care facilities. Other common employment options include administrative and clinical positions in locations such as: Hospitals

Physicians’ offices

Home healthcare services

Assisted living facilities

Clinical research facilities

Diagnostic testing centers

Government agencies

What you can earn In 2018, LPNs and LVNs earned an average annual wage of $47,050. $47,050 Median Annual Salary

LPNs and LVNs

Associate’s Degree in Nursing

An associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) is the minimum requirement for becoming a registered nurse (RN).As an RN, you’ll have the credentials necessary to qualify for most nursing jobs that involve providing critical patient care and assisting physicians.

You’ll find ADN programs at community colleges and some 4-year institutions. Some schools also offer online nursing degrees in hybrid programs that combine virtual instruction with on-site clinical training.

ADN programs will give you the knowledge and experience RNs need to perform the following duties:

Assist physicians during exams, surgeries, and other medical procedures

Dress wounds and incisions

Run and analyze diagnostics tests

Review patient treatment plans and chart progress

Supervise LPNs, LVNs, and CNAs

Provide patient education on self-care

The curriculum for an ADN also includes studying science-related courses such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physiology.

Who it’s for An ADN from an accredited nursing school is a good choice if you want to become an RN without the commitment of a 4-year degree. It’s important to note, however, that while this is the minimum education for licensing, employers are increasingly making bachelor’s degrees a requirement for new hires. In some states, RNs with associate’s degrees will eventually need to earn a bachelor’s in order to maintain their license. The good news is that most bachelor’s programs will allow you to transfer some basic credits earned from your accredited ADN. An ADN might be the right choice if you’re in one of the following groups: Recent high school graduates who are planning for a long-term nursing career

Career changers who can make the time and financial commitment to earn an RN

Parents who want a career with flexible scheduling and financial security

CNAs and LPNs ready to fast-track into RN positions



Length of time ADNs typically require around 2–3 years to complete. State-approved programs will include the extensive on-site clinical training that aligns with your state’s requirements for licensing.

What you can do with this degree Earning an associate’s degree in nursing will make you eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, a prerequisite for RN licensure in all U.S. states. With RNs in high demand, nurses can often then secure jobs that offer tuition reimbursement to continue their nursing education at a reduced personal expense. After earning their license, the BLS says more than half of all RNs go on to work in hospitals, but you can use your credential in many types of environments. Consider pursuing a career in: Ambulatory healthcare services

Physicians’ offices

Nursing and residential care facilities

Government agencies and the military

Educational services and schools

Health insurance companies

Travel nursing organizations

What you can earn Salaries for nurses vary widely depending on their education, level of experience, setting in which they work, and any specialty they may have. That said, the BLS reports the average annual salary across the U.S. to be $77,030. Those working in high-level roles within the government, research facilities, or pharmaceutical companies could earn significantly more. $77,030 Median Annual Salary

Nurses

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 4-year degree designed for RNs who want to pursue supervisory roles and qualify for higher-paying jobs.



With a combination of academic classwork and on-site clinical training, you’ll learn about scientific areas such as anatomy, biology, and chemistry, as well as specific duties related to patient care, laboratory testing, designing treatment plans, and assisting with surgery.



Some schools even offer programs that allow you to earn a BSN in a particular specialty of nursing such as acute care, geriatric nursing, infectious disease, pediatrics, and psychiatry, just to name a few. Specializing can often increase your job opportunities and potential earnings.





Who it’s for If you’re ready to work as a RN, a BSN could be right for you if you have the time and financial resources to commit to 4 years. A BSN is also an ideal starting place if your ultimate goal is to earn a master’s degree and work as an advanced practice nurse.



However, as the demand for nurses with BSNs grows, more schools are catering their programs to students beyond the categories listed above. Depending on your situation, you can find a traditional program or one designed to apply education you’ve already earned.

Traditional BSN Traditional BSN degree programs are intended for recent high school graduates who have little to no professional healthcare experience. Requirements are similar to other bachelor’s degree programs, though specific science prerequisites may be necessary.



LPN-to-BSN LPN-to-BSN degree programs, often called “bridge programs,” allow LPNs/LVNs to get degree credit for their previous education and experience. For these students, earning a BSN usually requires taking liberal arts coursework not offered in LPN/LVN programs.



RN-to-BSN RN-to-BSN degree programs are designed for RNs who already have an associate’s degree. Graduates of accredited ADN programs often transfer educational credits to meet some of the BSN course requirements, meaning they can earn their bachelor’s in a less amount of time.

Second degree BSN Second degree BSNs are meant for career changers who hold a previous bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. These programs allow students to satisfy some of the BSN’s liberal arts requirements by transferring credits from their first degree, again lessening the length of time.



Length of time

Traditional BSN programs require 4 years of full-time study. Students who have LPN or RN licensing, or bachelor’s degree in a different field, might qualify for alternative BSN programs that could be completed in 1–2 years. Since so many working RNs pursue BSNs for career advancement, there are many flexible part-time and online options, though they may extend your time to completion.



What you can earn As with RNs with associate’s degree, salaries vary based on a number of different factors. While the average for all RNs is $75,510, those in the top 10% earn more than $106,000 per year. With a BSN, you can often expect to make more than with an associate’s.

$75,510 Median Annual Salary

RNs

Master of Science in Nursing

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate program of study designed for nurses who want to practice in a specialized role known as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).



The curriculum is an MSN program is tailored far more than a general nursing degree. You’ll dive deep into a concentrated area of study while taking advanced courses in topics such as leadership, management, healthcare policy, and research.



Who it’s for Requirements vary by program, but MSNs are typically designed for licensed RNs who have already completed a bachelor’s-level education. That said, some MSN programs offer admission to RNs with associate’s degree’s, allowing them to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s simultaneously. You might qualify for an MSN program if you’re in one of the following groups: Students with accredited BSN degrees and current RN licenses

RNs with extensive clinical experience but no BSN

Career changers with bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing but related fields



Length of time Students who begin MSN programs with a BSN typically take about 2 years to complete their degree. If you’re pursuing an MSN without BSN credentials or with a bachelor’s in another field, you can expect roughly 3 years.



What you can do with this degree With an MSN, you’ll be prepared to work as an APRN in your area of concentration. To do so, you’ll need you hold a state license as an RN as well as a national credential in your specialty. Specializations vary by program, but common options include the following:

Nurse practitioner A nurse practitioner’s (NP) duties are similar to those of physicians. While some states require NPs to work under a physician’s supervision, NPs have more responsibility for diagnosing and treating patients than traditional RNs.

Clinical nurse specialist Working as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) involves applying advanced training and education to a specific patient group or type of treatment. The specialty area of a CNS can be defined by a specific population, disease, type of care, or treatment setting.

Certified nurse midwife The role of a certified nurse midwife (CNM) includes working with mothers during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum phases. CNMs are considered primary providers in all 50 states. Certified nurse anesthetist A certified nurse anesthetist (CNA) works closely with physicians to safely administer anesthesia prior to procedures, monitor the patient during surgery, oversee the recovery, and develop plans for pain management. Due to the risk factors involved with anesthesia, some hospitals may require their anesthetists to have doctoral degrees.



What you can earn The salaries of APRNs vary depending on the exact job title, where they work, and level of responsibility. As of 2018, the BLS offers these general guidelines for average salaries: Nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists: $110,030 per year

$110,030 per year Nurse midwives: $106,910

$106,910 Nurse anesthetists: $174,790 $110,030 Median Annual Salary

Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists $106,910 Median Annual Salary

Nurse Midwives $174,790 Median Annual Salary

Nurse Anesthestists

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Joint Master’s Degrees in Nursing

Earning a joint master’s degree in nursing could be right for you if you want to earn an MSN and a complementary degree in less time than completing 2 separate programs. You’ll get a solid education in nursing practice and theory while gaining advanced skills in another area that can help you tailor your career.



Who they’re for Joint master’s degrees are designed for nurses who want to guide their careers toward specific types of leadership positions. Keep in mind that in order to pursue a joint degree you have to gain admission into each separate program. These degrees are meant for very serious students only, as you’ll need to work on 2 demanding course loads at the same time.



Length of time It typically takes between 18 months and 3 years of full-time study to complete a joint master’s degree in nursing. While part-time and online options are available to accommodate working schedules, they’ll likely extend your time to completion.



What you can do with these degrees Any joint degree will expand your opportunities for advancement and higher earnings. Specific roles will depend on the type of degrees you earn, but there are 3 common combinations.

Joint MSN/MPH Pairing an MSN with a Master of Public Health (MPH) is designed for nurses who want to pursue leadership positions in community or public health organizations.

Joint MSN/MBA Combining an MSN with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is sometimes known as being in the “Nurse Executive Program.” Here, students learn the business skills necessary to hold executive-level roles in hospitals and other large healthcare organizations.

Joint MSN/MHA Earning an MSN with a Master of Health Administration (MHA) offers similar benefits to those of the joint degrees listed above, but the combination is a bit broader. You’ll be educated about making important decisions related to the management of various healthcare organizations and educational settings.



What you can earn The BLS doesn’t report data for jobs that specifically require joint degrees, however, roles that fall under the general umbrella of healthcare executives and administrators earn an average annual wage of $113,730.



According to hundreds of salaries submitted to PayScale, chief nursing officers make an average of $126,318 a year. Those who go on to become vice presidents or CEOs of healthcare organizations or related nonprofits might see their salary climb even higher. $113,730 Median Annual Salary

Healthcare executives and administrators

Doctoral Degrees in Nursing

Doctoral degrees in nursing are terminal degrees intended to help students gain the knowledge necessary to teach at the university level, conduct research in the field, or pursue high-level roles similar to those for students with joint master’s degrees.



Who they’re for In some programs, these degrees are only for those who have their master’s. In others, BSN graduates may qualify for programs that allow them to earn an MSN and doctoral degree at the same time. No matter what type of program you choose, you’ll need to enter with a degree specifically in nursing and clinical experience under your belt.





Length of time On average, a doctoral degree in nursing takes anywhere from 3–6 years to complete, though your timeline depends on the type of degree you seek.



What you can do with this degree Your career opportunities will vary, but there are 3 primary options based on your degree. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) A DNP is a practice-oriented degree that emphasizes clinical leadership and advanced theory. It can help you qualify for higher-paying executive positions in hospitals and other healthcare organizations.

Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD) A nursing PhD focuses on scientific content and the creation of new research in the field. PhD programs typically include the completion of a dissertation and research papers. This degree can help you qualify for leadership positions in research and academia.

Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc or DNS) The Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc or DNS) is a research-based doctoral degree. Like a PhD, it prepares graduates for roles as nurse educators and researchers.



What you can earn

As with those with a joint master’s degree, it’s hard to say exactly what you might earn with a doctorate in nursing. Salaries can vary by tens of thousands of dollars depending on your position, your employer, your location, and more. Nurse educators at the university level earn an average annual wage of $80,380, while executives in research facilities might make more than $150,000 a year. $80,380 Median Annual Salary

Nurse Educators

Ready to Find a Nursing School?

If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing career, it’s important to decide what type of nursing program meets your personal and professional needs. Find out what factors to consider, the right questions to ask, and other valuable advice by visiting How to Choose the Right Nursing School.