{"id":9236,"date":"2021-10-15T08:00:54","date_gmt":"2021-10-15T12:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=9236"},"modified":"2024-12-16T16:59:29","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T21:59:29","slug":"nursing-degree-levels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/nursing-degree-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"The Different Levels of Nursing Degrees, Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to the nursing profession, there are hundreds of different pathways you can take. We\u2019ve talked about the ABC\u2019s of nursing credentials<\/a>, and the various types of nurses<\/a> you can become to make an impact in this field. We also know that there are different levels of education required for the different nursing titles out there. So, how does it all stack up? How do you make sense of your options, and the different levels of nursing degrees and titles you can pursue?<\/p>\n

Below, we break it all down. Whether you are an aspiring nurse breaking into the field, or a seasoned nurse looking to advance your current role, this list of nursing degree levels will prove useful to you.<\/p>\n

Levels of Nursing Degrees<\/h2>\n

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Career Outcomes<\/strong>: Registered Nurse<\/p>\n

An associate degree in Nursing<\/a> is the standard level of degree needed to become a Registered Nurse. Registered Nurses \u2013 commonly referred to as RNs \u2013 are the nurses you\u2019ll find most often in the medical field. Currently, there are over three million Registered Nurses employed in hospitals, private practices, schools, and other clinical facilities throughout the United States.<\/p>\n

Registered Nurses provide direct care to patients. They are licensed to treat patients, administer medications, conduct health assessments, operate medical equipment, and coordinate care plans. Because they have such a large scope of work, Registered Nurses require at least an associate degree to practice. Associate degree programs prepare students with the fundamentals of nursing practice and the clinical skills needed to excel in a patient care setting.<\/p>\n

ADN programs typically take two to three years<\/strong> to complete. The program includes a combination of classroom and clinical work. During clinicals, students receive hands-on training in a real healthcare setting. They also practice in laboratory settings to hone their skills. After graduation, aspiring RNs are eligible to take the board examination and become licensed professionals.<\/p>\n

Learn about the ADN requirements here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Nursing (BSN)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Career Outcomes<\/strong>: Registered Nurse<\/p>\n

Some Registered Nurses choose to pursue their Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing, due to the advanced skillsets they can achieve in a longer-term program. A Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing can also qualify Registered Nurses for expanded job opportunities in the field. For example, BSN-educated nurses are more qualified for leadership positions, and can apply for certain jobs (like a U.S. Military Nurse, which requires a BSN).<\/p>\n

There are different pathways you can take to earn a BSN degree. For those new to college and just starting out in the nursing field, a traditional, four-year<\/strong> bachelor\u2019s degree program is the best option. For those who have a degree in a non-nursing major, an accelerated BSN (ABSN<\/a>) program may also be an option for you. If you are already a Registered Nurse, you may pursue a fast-paced RN-to-BSN program<\/a>, which takes 16 months or less <\/strong>to complete.<\/p>\n

While associate degree programs cover the clinical components and fundamentals of nursing, all BSN degree programs go beyond the basics. Because of the added time investment in school, you can expect to take advanced classes in topics like Public Health Nursing, Professional Nursing Leadership, Nursing Research, <\/em>and Healthcare Policy<\/em>. These areas of study will enable you to tackle larger roles in the nursing field, to make an even greater impact on the healthcare system, and may even advance the quality of care provided<\/a> to your patients. Additionally, a BSN degree can make you eligible for higher salary potential.<\/p>\n

Bachelor\u2019s degree programs also prepare nurses for graduate coursework if they wish to continue their education and advance through the upper levels of nursing.<\/p>\n

Master\u2019s Degree in Nursing (MSN)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Career Outcomes: <\/strong>APRN or Nurse Leader<\/p>\n

To become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), you must have at least a Master\u2019s in Nursing. MSN programs prepare students for advanced practice, such as a Nurse Practitioner role, as well as for advanced leadership positions, like a Nurse Administrator.<\/p>\n

There are different types of MSN programs out there, taking anywhere from one to three years to complete. Most MSN programs will be structured for students who already have a Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing, and are looking to obtain a master\u2019s level degree. These MSN programs are the shorter option, as well, taking only about one to two years<\/strong> to complete.<\/p>\n

Depending on the type of MSN program you pursue, coursework will vary. Most MSN programs are tailored to a specific area or specialization in nursing. It\u2019s important to choose an MSN degree that supports your career goals. For example, Goodwin offers three types of MSN programs today:<\/p>\n