Your 2024 Comprehensive Guide to Nursing Careers

Navigate the World of Nursing Degree Programs: A Comprehensive Guide to Nursing Careers

Are you interested in pursuing a career in nursing? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, there are a variety of nursing degrees available to help you achieve your goals. From the entry-level Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program to the highest level of nursing education with a Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) or a Ph.D. in Nursing, the options are numerous.

To help you navigate the world of nursing degrees, we’ve put together comprehensive guides that break down each degree, including what kind of degree it is, how long it takes to complete, salary expectations, job growth, licensing requirements and general information about the program.

No matter where you are in your nursing career, there is a nursing degree program that can help you achieve your goal of working in healthcare. Check out our comprehensive nursing degree guides to learn more about each program and find the one that’s right for you.

1. CNA Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) A CNA is a certificate program that prepares individuals for entry-level positions in healthcare settings. The program typically takes 4-12 weeks to complete and provides basic nursing skills and patient care training. CNAs work under the supervision of licensed practical nurses and registered nurses to provide direct patient care.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) An LPN is a certificate program that typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians to provide basic nursing care to patients. They may work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and other healthcare settings..
3. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) An ADN is a two-year degree program that prepares students for a career in nursing. It focuses on the basic nursing knowledge and skills needed to provide care to patients. Graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN) and work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
4. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) A BSN is a four-year degree program that provides students with a comprehensive education in nursing. It covers a wide range of topics, including nursing theory, research, and leadership. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.
5. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) An ABSN is a fast-track program for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to pursue a career in nursing. It typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete and provides intensive nursing coursework and clinical experiences. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and work as registered nurses.
6. Accelerated MSN Accelerated An Accelerate Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a program that allows individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn a master’s degree in nursing. The program typically takes 12-24 months to complete and provides intensive nursing coursework and clinical experiences. Graduates are prepared for advanced practice nursing roles, including nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. This program is often referred to as a “second-degree” nursing program.
7. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) An MSN is a graduate-level degree program that focuses on advanced nursing practice, research, and leadership. It typically takes two to three years to complete and prepares graduates for careers as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse educators, and nurse administrators. Many MSN programs offer specializations in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and mental health.
8. Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) – A Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed additional education and training in a specialized area of nursing practice. CRNPs have the authority to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and manage patient care in collaboration with other healthcare providers.
9. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) A DNP is a terminal degree in nursing that prepares graduates for advanced practice roles in clinical settings or leadership positions in healthcare organizations. It typically takes three to four years to complete and emphasizes the application of evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and healthcare informatics. Graduates may work as nurse practitioners, nurse executives, or nurse educators.
10. Ph.D. in Nursing A Ph.D. in Nursing is a research-focused degree that prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, or healthcare leadership. It typically takes four to five years to complete and involves extensive research, writing, and scholarly activity. Graduates may work as nurse researchers, professors, or administrators in healthcare organizations.
11. Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) A DNSc is a research-focused degree that prepares graduates for careers in nursing research, leadership, and education. It typically takes three to four years to complete and involves advanced coursework in nursing theory, research methods, and statistics. Graduates may work as nurse researchers, scholars, or educators in academic or healthcare settings.
    

Bridge Nursing Degree Programs

Nursing bridge programs are specialized educational programs that allow individuals with some level of nursing education or experience to further their careers by advancing their education and credentials.

Are you a healthcare professional looking to take your career to the next level? Perhaps you’re a paramedic or certified nursing assistant (CNA) with a desire to become a registered nurse (RN). Or maybe you’re an RN seeking to advance your education and become a nurse practitioner (NP) or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Whatever your career aspirations may be, there are a variety of nursing bridge degree programs available to help you achieve your goals.

Each of these nursing degree programs has its own unique requirements, curriculum, and timeline for completion. To help you navigate the world of nursing bridge degrees, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that breaks down each program and provides all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Whether you’re just starting out in your nursing career or looking to advance to the highest levels of the profession, there is a nursing bridge degree program that can help you achieve your goals.

These programs are designed to bridge the gap between different levels of nursing education and training, enabling individuals to build on their existing knowledge and experience to earn higher degrees and certifications.

Use our comprehensive guides below to help navigate your next step in your nursing career.

1. CNA to RN – CNA to RN is a bridge program that allows certified nursing assistants to become registered nurses. It typically takes one to two years to complete and provides advanced coursework in nursing theory, patient care, and healthcare informatics. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and work as registered nurses.
2. Paramedic to RN – Paramedic to RN is a bridge program that allows paramedics to become registered nurses. It typically takes one to two years to complete and provides advanced coursework in nursing theory, patient care, and healthcare informatics. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and work as registered nurses.
3. LPN to RN – LPN to RN is a bridge program that allows licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses. It typically takes one to two years to complete and provides advanced coursework in nursing theory, patient care, and healthcare informatics. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and work as registered nurses.
4. LPN to BSN – LPN to BSN is a bridge program that allows licensed practical nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It typically takes two to three years to complete and provides advanced coursework in nursing leadership, healthcare informatics, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
5. RN to BSN – RN to BSN is a bridge program that allows registered nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It typically takes one to two years to complete and provides advanced coursework in nursing leadership, healthcare informatics, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
6. RN to MSN – RN to MSN is a bridge program that allows registered nurses to earn a master’s degree in nursing. It typically takes two to three years to complete and provides advanced coursework in nursing research, healthcare policy, and leadership. Graduates may pursue advanced practice nursing roles or leadership positions in healthcare organizations.
7. RN to NP – This program allows registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to earn a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on becoming a nurse practitioner (NP). The program typically takes 2-3 years to complete and provides advanced coursework in nursing theory, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making. Graduates are prepared to take the NP certification exam and work as primary care providers in a variety of healthcare settings.
8. RN to CNS – This program allows registered nurses with a BSN degree to earn a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on becoming a clinical nurse specialist (CNS). The program typically takes 2-3 years to complete and provides advanced coursework in nursing research, healthcare policy, and leadership. Graduates are prepared to work as experts in a particular patient population or specialty area, providing direct patient care and leading quality improvement initiatives.
9. RN to CNM – This program allows registered nurses with a BSN degree to earn a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on becoming a certified nurse-midwife (CNM). The program typically takes 2-3 years to complete and provides advanced coursework in women’s health, reproductive health, and childbirth. Graduates are prepared to provide prenatal care, attend births, and provide postpartum care to women and newborns.
10. RN to CRNA – This program allows registered nurses with a BSN degree to earn a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). The program typically takes 2-3 years to complete and provides advanced coursework in anesthesia pharmacology, patient monitoring, and anesthesia techniques. Graduates are prepared to administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other medical procedures.
11. BSN to DNP – This program allows registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The program typically takes 3-4 years to complete and provides advanced coursework in nursing practice, leadership, and research. Graduates are prepared for advanced practice nursing roles and leadership positions in healthcare organizations.

Resources for Nursing Degree Programs

1. American Nurses Association (ANA) – https://www.nursingworld.org/ A professional organization that provides information on nursing education and career development, as well as resources for continuing education and certification.
2. National League for Nursing (NLN) – https://www.nln.org/ An organization dedicated to promoting excellence in nursing education and supporting nurse educators. They offer resources for nursing faculty and provide accreditation for nursing education programs.
3. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) – https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE An accrediting agency that ensures quality and integrity in nursing education programs, specifically those offering baccalaureate and graduate degrees.
4. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) – https://www.acenursing.org/ Another accrediting agency that ensures quality and integrity in nursing education programs, including practical and vocational nursing programs, as well as those offering baccalaureate and graduate degrees.
5. NursingCAS – https://nursingcas.org/ A centralized application service that allows students to apply to multiple nursing programs using one application. It also provides resources and information about nursing programs and the application process.
6. Discover Nursing – https://www.discovernursing.com/ A website that provides information on nursing education and career paths, as well as resources for finding nursing programs and scholarships.