Nursing is a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. There are many different types of nursing degrees available, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the best nursing degree for your career goals, personality, and lifestyle.
What is nursing?
Nursing is the care of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent illness, and maintain and restore health. Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing care to patients in hospitals, clinics, schools, homes, and other settings.
Different types of nursing degrees
There are five main types of nursing degrees:
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)
How to choose the best nursing degree for you
When choosing a nursing degree, there are a few factors you should consider:
- Your career goals. What type of nursing do you want to do? Do you want to work in direct patient care, research, education, or administration?
- Your personality and lifestyle. What kind of work environment do you thrive in? Do you prefer to work independently or as part of a team? Are you willing to work long hours or travel?
- Your financial situation. How much can you afford to spend on tuition and other expenses?
What to consider when choosing a nursing program
Once you have decided which nursing degree is right for you, you need to choose a nursing program. When choosing a nursing program, there are a few factors you should consider:
- Accreditation. Make sure the program is accredited by a reputable accrediting agency, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Location. Choose a program that is conveniently located and offers the type of nursing program you are interested in.
- Cost. Compare the cost of different programs and factor in the cost of living in the area.
- Program outcomes. Look at the program’s pass rates for the NCLEX-RN exam and job placement rates for graduates.
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN is a two-year degree that prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs). ADN programs typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing theory, and clinical skills. After graduating from an ADN program, students must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed RNs.
Pros of an ADN:
- ADN programs are typically shorter and less expensive than BSN programs.
- ADN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed RNs.
- ADN graduates can work in a variety of nursing settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Cons of an ADN:
- ADN graduates may have fewer job opportunities and lower salaries than BSN graduates.
- ADN graduates may need to complete additional coursework to advance their careers.
Typical ADN curriculum:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing theory
- Clinical skills
- Nutrition
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Maternal-child nursing
- Psychiatric-mental health nursing
Career opportunities for ADN graduates:
- Registered nurse (RN)
- Staff nurse
- LPN supervisor
- Case manager
- School nurse
- Home health nurse
- Nurse educator
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN is a four-year degree that prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs). BSN programs typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing theory, research, and clinical skills. After graduating from a BSN program, students must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed RNs.
Pros of a BSN:
- BSN graduates have more job opportunities and higher salaries than ADN graduates.
- BSN graduates are eligible to apply for advanced practice nursing (APN) programs, such as nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist programs.
- BSN graduates are more likely to be promoted to management positions.
Cons of a BSN:
- BSN programs are typically longer and more expensive than ADN programs.
Typical BSN curriculum:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing theory
- Research
- Clinical skills
- Nutrition
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Maternal-child nursing
- Psychiatric-mental health nursing
- Community health nursing
- Leadership and management
Career opportunities for BSN graduates:
- Registered nurse (RN)
- Staff nurse
- Charge nurse
- Nurse educator
- Clinical research nurse
- Nurse practitioner
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Nurse manager
- Nursing director
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
An MSN is a graduate degree that prepares nurses for advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioner (NP) and clinical nurse specialist (CNS). MSN programs typically include coursework in advanced nursing theory, research, and clinical practice.
Pros of an MSN:
- MSN graduates are eligible to work in advanced practice nursing roles, which offer higher salaries and more responsibility.
- MSN graduates can specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as pediatrics, family medicine, or oncology.
- MSN graduates can teach nursing at the college or university level.
Cons of an MSN:
- MSN programs are expensive and time-consuming.
- MSN graduates may need to move to a new location to find work in their desired specialty.
Typical MSN curriculum:
- Advanced nursing theory
- Research
- Clinical practice
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Diagnostic reasoning
- Advanced physical assessment
- Advanced clinical practice
Career opportunities for MSN graduates:
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Nurse educator
- Nurse researcher
- Nurse manager
- Nursing director
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A DNP is a doctoral degree for nurses who want to work in advanced practice roles or leadership positions. DNP programs typically include coursework in advanced nursing theory, research, and clinical practice.
Pros of a DNP:
- DNP graduates are the most highly educated nurses and are eligible for the most advanced practice roles.
- DNP graduates have the opportunity to conduct research and teach nursing at the doctoral level.
- DNP graduates are in high demand for leadership positions in healthcare settings.
Cons of a DNP:
- DNP programs are the most expensive and time-consuming nursing programs.
- DNP graduates may need to move to a new location to find work in their desired specialty.
Typical DNP curriculum:
- Advanced nursing theory
- Research
- Clinical practice
- Leadership and management
- Healthcare policy
- Quality improvement
Career opportunities for DNP graduates:
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Nurse educator
- Nurse researcher
- Nurse manager
- Nursing director
- Chief nursing officer (CNO)
- Healthcare administrator
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)
A Ph.D. in Nursing is a doctoral degree for nurses who want to conduct research and teach nursing at the college or university level. Ph.D. in Nursing programs typically include coursework in advanced nursing theory, research methods, and statistics.
Pros of a Ph.D. in Nursing:
- Ph.D. in Nursing graduates are the most highly educated nurses and are eligible for the most advanced research and teaching positions.
- Ph.D. in Nursing graduates have the opportunity to conduct research that can make a difference in the lives of patients and families.
- Ph.D. in Nursing graduates are in high demand for teaching positions at colleges and universities.
Cons of a Ph.D. in Nursing:
- Ph.D. in Nursing programs are the most expensive and time-consuming nursing programs.
- Ph.D. in Nursing graduates may need to move to a new location to find work in their desired specialty.
Typical Ph.D. in Nursing curriculum:
- Advanced nursing theory
- Research methods
- Statistics
- Nursing education
- Healthcare policy
- Quality improvement
Nurse researcher
Nurse researchers conduct research to improve nursing care and patient outcomes. They may work in hospitals, universities, or research institutions. Nurse researchers typically have a PhD in Nursing or a related field.
Nurse educator
Nurse educators teach nursing students at the college or university level. They may also teach nurses in continuing education programs. Nurse educators typically have a master’s degree in nursing or a PhD in Nursing.
Nurse manager
Nurse managers oversee the work of nurses in a healthcare setting. They are responsible for scheduling, staffing, and evaluating nurses. Nurse managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and several years of experience as a nurse.
Nursing director
Nursing directors are the highest-ranking nurses in a healthcare setting. They are responsible for the overall management of the nursing department. Nursing directors typically have a master’s degree in nursing and several years of experience as a nurse manager.
Chief nursing officer (CNO)
CNOs are the highest-ranking nurses in a hospital or healthcare system. They are responsible for the overall management of nursing care throughout the organization. CNOs typically have a master’s degree in nursing or a PhD in Nursing and several years of experience as a nursing director.
Healthcare administrator
Healthcare administrators oversee the management of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations. They may be responsible for budgeting, staffing, and planning. Healthcare administrators typically have a master’s degree in business administration or a related field.
Conclusion
Which nursing degree is right for you depends on your career goals, personality and lifestyle, and financial situation. If you are not sure which degree to choose, talk to your academic advisor or a nurse who is working in the field you are interested in.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the best nursing program for you:
- Visit the programs you are interested in and talk to the faculty and students.
- Ask about the program’s pass rates for the NCLEX-RN exam and job placement rates for graduates.
- Consider the program’s accreditation status.
- Make sure the program offers the type of nursing education you are interested in.
- Compare the cost of different programs and factor in the cost of living in the area.
FAQs
Q. What are the prerequisites for nursing school?
The prerequisites for nursing school vary depending on the program, but most programs require students to have completed coursework in biology, chemistry, and math. Some programs may also require students to have completed coursework in other subjects, such as English and psychology.
Q. How much does nursing school cost?
The cost of nursing school varies depending on the type of program and the location of the school. Public nursing programs are typically less expensive than private nursing programs. Students can also save money by attending a community college for their first two years of nursing school and then transferring to a four-year college or university to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Q. How long does it take to become a nurse?
It takes two years to complete an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program and four years to complete a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. After graduating from a nursing program, students must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses (RNs).
Q. What are the job prospects for nurses?
The job prospects for nurses are excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of registered nurses will grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is being driven by an aging population and an increasing demand for healthcare services.
Q. What are the different types of nursing specialties?
There are many different types of nursing specialties, including:
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Maternal-child nursing
- Psychiatric-mental health nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Geriatric nursing
- Oncology nursing
- Critical care nursing
- Emergency nursing
- Nurse anesthesia
- Nurse midwifery
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Nurse practitioner
Q. What are the salary expectations for nurses?
The median annual salary for registered nurses (RNs) was $75,330 in May 2021. The highest-paid RNs worked in hospitals, where they earned a median annual salary of $84,760.
Q. What are the benefits of working as a nurse?
Nurses enjoy many benefits, including:
- Competitive salaries
- Job security
- Opportunities for advancement
- Flexible work schedules
- Paid time off
- Health insurance and other benefits
