Types of Nursing Degrees and Nursing Certifications (2023)

When it comes to nursing degrees, there are many different options to fit your career and income goals, time frame, lifestyle, and budget. From an apprenticeship lasting a few months to several years, covering basic nursing skills, to advanced specialized practice, there are few professions that offer more diverse opportunities than nursing.

List of nursing degrees and certifications

There are various nursing degrees and certifications that will allow you to work in the nursing specialty you desire. Each nursing level and certification has different educational and work-related requirements to achieve these qualifications. Listed below are the different types of nursing degrees and nursing certifications you can pursue.

nursing assistant

One way to get into the nursing field quickly and with minimal training is to start as a nursing assistant. Common job titles at this level include: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Registered Nursing Assistant (RNA), Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), Direct Care Worker, Care Assistant, Home Assistant, or Personal Care Assistant.

Time to Completion:A few weeks to a few months, with a combination of schooling and hands-on clinical experience. Upon completion, students must take a state exam to become certified. The requirements vary greatly from state to state.

Career Paths:Nursing assistants often work in long-term care facilities, assisting patients with tasks such as bathing, feeding and dressing, and documenting and filing patient records.

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) oder Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Degree

Of all nursing certifications, LPN or LVN programs are the quickest and most convenient options. Because training can be completed in a hospital, vocational school, community college, and even online, LPN/LVN programs are ideal for students who have jobs or other commitments.

Time to Completion:About a year.

Career Paths:This flexible, fast-paced program provides students with the most basic skills to become a registered nurse. Completion of an LPN/LVN program qualifies graduates for admission after passing a federally administered nursing examination called the NCLEX-PN.

Here is some information on career opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses or Licensed Occupational Nurses provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Those:U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Associate Degree (ADN)

LPN to Associate Degree Bridge programs prepare students to become an entry-level Registered Nurse (RN).

Time to Completion:LPN to ADN programs vary in length but typically last a year or less. Online hybrid programs are the most convenient option as they give students the flexibility to complete some coursework in their own time. However, the clinical practice hours take place in a medical facility.

Career Paths:An associate degree forms the basis for a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). Some employers even reimburse tuition fees for nurses who want to continue their education.

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

An Associate of Science degree in Nursing Program (ASN) provides graduates with more technical skills and serves as a stepping stone to a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) degree for 30% of graduates. This degree option is ideal for those who want to start a career as an RN but are not currently working as an LPN or LVN.

Time to Completion:About two years. Night and weekend courses offered at community colleges or trade schools make this degree another ideal option for students juggling other assignments.

Career Paths:This degree is suitable for those interested in becoming a registered nurse taking earlier than the time it would take to complete a four-year BSN degree program.

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

LPN-to-BSN bridging programs take into account a student's LPN work experience, meaning students would receive a liberal arts education without following the traditional four-year path to a bachelor's degree.

Time to Completion:A full-time program can only last four academic semesters; However, part-time study is possible. The workload can be more rigorous than other LPN options, which is something to consider for students completing this program amid work and family commitments.

Career Paths:Completion of an LPN to BSN program enables graduates to work as an RN. An RN with a BSN is considered older than a nurse with an associate degree and typically earns a higher salary. A BSN paves the way for managerial positions and opens the door to continuing your education with a nursing degree.

Bachelor of Science in Pflege (BSN)

When considering the different types of nursing degrees, it is important to understand that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is preferred by most healthcare providers and offers a wider range of career opportunities in today's healthcare field.

So do you want to aim for an ASN or a BSN? According to a study conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), patients cared for by nurses with BSN have better outcomes and lower mortality rates. Nurses at the undergraduate level are also better at making diagnoses and evaluating the outcomes of interventions. According to AACN, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has released a report recommending increasing the number of nurses with a BSN from 50% to 80% by 2020. Many hospitals and other medical facilities follow IOM guidelines and encourage associate degree nurses to earn their BSN within five years of completing an associate degree program.
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Time to Completion:four years. A BSN program involves an extensive amount of coursework and lab time. While some BSN degree programs include a mix of classroom and online courses, clinical experiences are always completed onsite on a college campus or in a hospital.

Career Paths:Many foster positions require a BSN degree. For those who aspire to a college degree one day, it is recommended to complete a BSN program as opposed to the other nursing program options which require less time and offer less training.

Registered Nurse (RN) bis Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This bridging program is for Registered Nurse (RN) graduates with an associate degree who wish to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Time to Completion:About two years. This program offers recognition of previous nursing skills and work experience and is often offered within a very flexible schedule designed for working nurses. Many schools offer online courses and multiple start dates so students don't have to wait until September to get started.

Career Paths:Nurses with a BSN degree can expect higher salaries and opportunities to hold supervisory positions. It is also a necessary step to earn a master's degree.

Second degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A Second Degree BSN, sometimes called an ABSN, is designed for adults with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who wish to transition their career into the nursing field.

Time to Completion:A second degree BSN typically lasts two years or less, as these programs credit the previously completed liberal arts requirements. Online programs are available for students who need more flexibility, and some schools offer accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs that can be completed in as little as 12 to 20 months. In addition to challenging coursework, students must consider the time they have spent completing clinical rotations.

Career Paths:The same as above.

Your GMercyU path to a nursing degree

Bachelor of Science in Pflege (BSN)
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing -ABSN(For students with a Bachelor’s degree in a different subject who want to become a part-time nursing specialist)
Weekend BSN Graduation(For students with a bachelor's degree in a different discipline who wish to become a nurse by completing coursework on the weekends)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statstics, job growth for registered nurses is expected to grow much faster than average.

Those:U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Master of Science in Pflege (MSN)

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program allows a registered nurse to specialize in various types of nursing through advanced clinical training and research. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement to nurses to continue their education.

Time to Completion:Usually 18-24 months. MSN programs, delivered online or in a more traditional on-campus format, are very rigorous as students learn about an advanced subject. Most programs require students to write a thesis or project.

Career Paths:An MSN can take a nursing career (and salary) to the next level. With advanced skills in a specialty, graduates can care for patients in many ways like a doctor.

Your GMercyU path to a Masters in Nursing

Online Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Online Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Gerontology Nurse
Online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nursing
Online Pediatric Nurse (PNP)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses with advanced degrees and expertise will experience much faster than average job growth over the next 10 years.

Those:U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Other Nursing Degree Options

RNs with an associate degree have the option to enroll in an RN to MSN program to earn their MSN immediately after earning their BSN. Direct-entry MSN programs — sometimes referred to as “graduate entry” or “master’s entry” programs — are ideal for adults who have earned a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. This degree option is also perfect for entry-level RNs who know they want to specialize in an advanced area of ​​nursing.

Time to Completion:Approximately three years (one year of introductory nursing course and two years of master's degree). Online programs from RN to MSN are available, typically with multiple start times over the course of a year.

Career Paths:These degrees combine RN license preparation with continuing education in a masters degree in nursing.

Doctoral degree in Nursing

While high growth is expected at all levels of nursing, nurses with PhD degrees are projected to have tremendous job demand over the next decade. These programs prepare nurses for careers in healthcare administration, clinical research, and advanced clinical practice.

Time to Completion:Three to five years, full-time, including summer.

Career Paths:

• A doctorate in nursing education program develops advanced skills for nurses.
• A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program emphasizes clinical practice-oriented leadership development.

Your GMercyU path to a PhD in Nursing
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc)

At the DNSc level, the types of nurses differ even more as graduates are trained as nursing scientists with a combination of investigative research, clinical and managerial skills.
Time to Completion:About five years, full time. Part-time programs are available, but add several years to program time. Expect challenging coursework, in-depth research, a clinical defense, and a thesis.
Career Paths:A DNSc allows caregivers to work in high-level positions such as administrator, analyst, or educator.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs prepare nursing scholars and researchers to make a significant impact on the theoretical basis of nursing practice and health care delivery as a whole.
Time to Completion:Four to five years full-time, part-time possible. While students do not complete clinical hours, they must complete extensive research work and a thesis. In general, PhD programs are not suitable for combining study and work.
Career Paths:Nurses with a PhD are qualified for many facets of professional and academic roles, from research to public policy formation to leadership in health care delivery and education. Highly qualified nurses with a bachelor's degree may also consider an MSN/PhD dual degree, an intensive accelerated program that simultaneously provides master's degree preparation and advanced research training at the doctorate level. This program typically lasts five years.