For centuries, nurses were largely unskilled laborers who provided comfort to the sick, performing simple duties assigned by a formally trained physician. It was not until the late 19th century that nursing began to be viewed as a calling worthy of formal training and education. Nursing as we now know it was pioneered by luminaries such as Florence Nightingale, Lillian Wald, and Clara Barton.
Today’s nurses are skilled, highly trained professionals recognized for their knowledge and skill and their professional dedication. There are now many types of nursing degrees and certifications available to men and women who desire to assume the mantle of professional nurse. Here we explain several nursing degrees in order of academic difficulty that have been designed for nurses at every stage of their careers.
Types of Nursing Degrees, Explained
Nurses typically enter the profession as licensed registered nurses (RNs). RNs are recognized as highly trained, qualified, and professional nurses. RNs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and clinics, doctors’ offices, schools, home health settings, and even private businesses.
For individuals who want to know how long it takes to become an RN, it depends on which degree program they choose. Nursing schools offer both associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs for aspiring RNs. In addition to earning a degree, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and then become licensed in their state before they can practice. Many employers seek candidates with certifications in basic and advanced life support as well.
As degree-holding nurses, RNs typically have greater job responsibilities and command higher salaries than licensed practical nurses (LPNs), who attend one-year nursing diploma programs to gain licensure.
Entry-Level RNs vs. Advanced Practice Nurses
Entry-level RNs have typically completed a nursing program and earned either an associate or bachelor's degree. Given their limited experience, they provide patients with basic nursing care while being supervised by experienced RNs and physicians.
After gaining several years of experience, some RNs seek to advance in their careers by becoming advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs need at least a master’s degree to practice and hold positions such as nurse practitioner, nurse manager, and clinical nurse specialist. Many APRNs choose to specialize in an area of interest.
APRNs have more responsibilities than RNs in areas such as leadership, administration, research, and education. They also work more closely with physicians and may have the authority to diagnose and treat patients.
Nursing Degrees in Order
The following list of nursing degrees in order illustrates the possible education paths for nurses.
Associate Degree in Nursing
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is focused on nursing fundamentals. Occasionally called an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or an Associate of Arts in Nursing (AAN), these degrees are usually earned through attendance at a two-year community college or university. Some ADN completion programs can take as little as 18 months to complete (with required prerequisites).
ADN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. Upon passing the exam and becoming licensed, they will be eligible to work as RNs.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is earned by attending a four-year college or university with a dedicated nursing program. Some BSN completion programs can take as little as 18 or 21 months to complete (with required prerequisites).
Like the ADN program, the BSN program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN. Upon passing the exam and gaining licensure, BSN graduates will be eligible to work as nurses in any of a variety of roles. Generally, job prospects and earning potentials are greater for nurses with a BSN than for those with an ADN. This degree is also a stepping stone toward more advanced graduate-level degrees.
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree is for RNs who already hold an RN diploma or ADN and want to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Many RN to BSN programs include flexible scheduling and online learning options for working nurses.
Bachelor of Arts in Nursing
The Bachelor of Arts in Nursing (BAN) is offered by some institutions of higher learning, but it is much less common than the BSN. Although the nursing-related courses and learning are essentially the same in programs for both degrees, the electives for the BAN tend to be more concentrated in the humanities. Effectively, there is little difference between this degree and a BSN.
Master of Science in Nursing
The advanced Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduate-level degree is for RNs interested in advancing their careers toward a specialized role as a nurse leader, nurse educator, nurse researcher, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist. Most MSN programs take about two years to complete and include advanced coursework in areas such as leadership, nursing policies, and research.
Master of Arts in Nursing
The Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) graduate-level degree program is similar to the MSN program, but it is more focused on subjects that are useful for nurses who intend to go into administration or nursing education. The MAN is not as common as the MSN, but it generally offers comparable coursework.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the terminal nursing practice degree for nurses who wish to operate at the top of their game in advanced practice specialties. Earning this degree doesn’t require a dissertation, but it does require a final project in the student’s selected subspecialty field. It is designed for APRNs who want to advance their leadership or clinical skills. The DNP typically takes two to three years of full-time study to complete.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program is a research-focused program that is appropriate for RNs seeking to conduct research, develop policy, or work as college professors. This program requires a traditional dissertation and may be completed within five years, depending on the program and the student’s enrollment status.
Doctor of Education in Nursing
Similar to a PhD, the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Nursing degree is for nurses who wish to work as college-level professors or conduct high-level research. The EdD in Nursing curriculum focuses on leadership, curriculum development, and instructional design, among other topics. A dissertation is also required. The EdD in Nursing program generally can be completed within five years, depending on the program and the student’s enrollment status.
Choose Your Nursing Degree Level
When it comes to types of nursing degrees, prospective students have a lot of options. This list of nursing degrees in order is a great starting point. Students will need to choose the program that best suits them based on how much time they want to spend, individual program costs, where they are in their careers, and what their long-term goals are.
At Denver College of Nursing, individuals can choose from four nursing degree programs. The on-campus Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion programs cultivate competent nurses ready for entry-level roles, while the online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing programs help existing RNs develop the knowledge and skills they need to move into advanced careers.
If you’re ready to launch or elevate your nursing career, find out how Denver College of Nursing can help you reach your goals.
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