Types of nursing degrees for every nursing career

There are five levels of nursing education. All levels require lectures, labs, and supervised clinical hours. The programs use this mix of teaching methods to meet accreditation standards and state licensing requirements so that you can apply for licensure and sit for your licensing exam after graduation.

The type of nursing degree you choose determines your initial career path but doesn't limit your advancement. Consider the following jobs you can apply for with each nursing degree.

Licensed practical nursing programs

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) program includes core nursing concepts such as:

• Pharmacology
• Anatomy
• Nutrition
• Nursing fundamentals
• Patient care

Students also learn to care for specific populations, including geriatrics, pediatrics, and adult medical-surgical nursing. These programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete.

After graduation, you will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN, become licensed, and work in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Admissions requirements:

• A high school diploma or GED
• GPA of 2.0 or greater
• Criminal background check
• Vaccinations
• CPR certification
• Prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, and math

What does an LPN do?

LPNs provide basic nursing care in nursing homes, clinics, hospitals, and home health care. Their duties include:

• Monitoring vital signs
• Administering medications
• Assisting with daily living activities
• Performing wound care

LPNs typically work under the supervision of an RN and serve diverse populations, including the elderly, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those recovering from surgery. See the job projections below with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Projected new jobs (2023–33): 16,900

Median annual salary (May 2023): $59,730

Associate degree in nursing programs

An associate degree in nursing (ADN) program prepares students for a registered nurse (RN) career. ADN programs usually take two years, but they can take up to three years. Coursework includes core science, communication, health assessment, and nutrition, which are required by accrediting bodies and for state licensing.

Graduates are equipped to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, home healthcare, prison systems, schools, and long-term care facilities.

Admissions requirements: A high school diploma or GED, and prerequisite courses in science and math. Some programs require students to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and maintain an active status as a State Tested Nurse Aide.

Types of ADN programs

Several paths can lead to an ADN degree. The time to completion depends on whether you begin directly out of high school or after completing another healthcare program.

• Traditional ADN programs: ADN programs are designed for students directly out of high school with no prior healthcare licenses or experience. They require prerequisite coursework that may shorten the ADN program. This coursework usually does not change the admissions requirements or impact your supervised clinical hours.
• LPN-to-ADN programs: Typical LPN-to-ADN programs require applicants to hold an unencumbered LPN license, complete prerequisite courses such as statistics, and have a GPA of at least 2.5. Once admitted, most programs require LPNs to apply for advanced standing credit. Students will complete bridge, transition, and non-nursing courses. Clinical requirements vary depending on the program and your work experience.
• Paramedic-to-ADN programs: Applicants typically must complete the TEAS, a nurse aide training course, prerequisite courses, and they must hold a current paramedic certificate to practice. You can complete the program in one to two years.

What does an RN do?

RNs are more independent than LPNs. They can

• Assess health conditions
• Administer medications
• Coordinate care plans
• Manage and educate patients with acute and chronic conditions
• Work with people of all age groups, from newborns to the elderly

They may specialize in areas like pediatrics, gerontology, or oncology. They can work in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, home health agencies, prisons, and schools.

The BLS reported the following job data for RNs:

Projected new jobs between 2023–33: 197,200

Median annual salary (May 2023): $86,070

Bachelor of science in nursing programs

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program can prepare you for a career as an RN with a focus on leadership, management, research, and public health. These programs are typically four years long and cover advanced topics in ethics, community health, and evidence-based practice. Clinical rotations for BSN students are broader in scope than ADN students.

BSN-prepared nurses may qualify for higher earning potential and face less pressure to further their education. A BSN can offer you a smoother transition to graduate coursework and advanced practice roles. BSN-prepared nurses are qualified for patient care positions or leadership and management roles.

Admissions requirements: Admissions requirements for high school students include GPA, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and ACT/SAT scores. Transfer students may have to complete pre-nursing courses, a pre-admissions essay, and a pre-admissions exam.

Types of BSN programs

Many candidates apply to a BSN program directly out of high school, but there are several ways to earn the degree, including building on past nursing education.

• Traditional BSN programs: Students without an RN license must complete prerequisites before beginning core nursing courses and supervised clinical hours. A BSN usually takes four years to finish. Prerequisites typically take one year to complete and include general education, science, and math. The final three years of BSN programs include curricula in leadership, critical thinking, and an introduction to research.
• LPN-to-BSN programs: These are bridge programs for LPNs seeking a BSN degree. Admissions requirements typically include an active, unencumbered LPN license and prerequisite coursework. These programs emphasize advanced nursing concepts and bridge foundational knowledge with higher-level courses. Clinical rotations build on existing experiences and knowledge. LPN-to-BSN programs can be completed in two to three years full-time or up to five years part-time.
• RN-to-BSN programs: These programs are designed for ADN-prepared nurses who want to earn a BSN. RN-to-BSN programs typically take up to two years and require fewer clinical hours than a traditional BSN program. Students build on their experience by learning about advanced nursing theory, leadership, and research. Admissions requirements include an active, unencumbered RN license and current prerequisite coursework.

Master of science in nursing programs

A master of science in nursing (MSN) program focuses on advanced nursing practice, leadership, and specialized patient care. Core concepts include:

• Advanced pharmacology
• Evidence-based practice
• Healthcare policy
• Research

Programs are typically two years long but can take up to three years. Students complete supervised clinical hours in advanced practice to prepare for advanced practice, nursing education, or health administration roles. MSN programs help students gain critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and healthcare management skills.

Admissions requirements: Many MSN programs require a BSN from an accredited institution, an active and unencumbered RN license, and at least one to two years of clinical experience. Some programs also require interviews, GRE or MAT scores, and/or volunteer work.

Types of MSN programs

There are several ways to earn an MSN, which open doors to career advancement and an increased salary potential.

• BSN-to-MSN programs: Admissions requirements vary but typically include a minimum of a 2.8 cumulative GPA, a current and unrestricted RN license, and at least one year of relevant clinical experience. Some universities require applicants to complete interviews and submit standardized test scores for the GRE or MAT. Clinical requirements vary based on your selected area of specialization.
• ADN-to-MSN programs: ADN-to-MSN programs require applicants to have an active and unencumbered RN license. Coursework often connects ADN curricula to advanced practice roles, with a focus on leadership, clinical practice, and research. These programs typically last four years, and enrolled students will earn a BSN and an MSN degree. Students must complete many clinical hours under supervision in order to meet program and state licensure requirements.
• Dual-degree MSN programs: Dual-degree programs combine an MSN with another graduate degree and, depending on the coursework overlap of both degrees, generally take four years to finish. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and an active RN license to be admitted. These programs integrate two fields and focus on leadership, policy, or administration. Clinical hours are typically tailored to meet the requirements of both fields.
• Direct-entry MSN programs: These programs are designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Students must complete prerequisite courses to be admitted. These programs begin with foundational nursing courses and clinical rotations then transition to advanced MSN concepts. Direct-entry MSN programs are very competitive and can take up to three years to complete. They include many supervised clinical hours in order to meet RN licensure and MSN degree requirements.

What can you do with an MSN?

Nurses with an MSN can pursue advanced clinical roles, such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife. They can specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, or oncology.

Graduates can move into leadership positions as healthcare administrators or nurse educators or work in research, informatics, or consulting. An MSN degree can increase career opportunities and boost salary potential.

See below for projected job outlook data for nurse practitioners from the BLS.

Projected new jobs for NPs (2023–33): 135,500

Median annual salary for NPs (May 2023): $126,260

Doctorate in nursing programs

Doctorate in nursing (DNP) or doctor of philosophy (PhD) in nursing programs focus on:

• Advanced clinical practice
• Leadership
• Research
• Healthcare policy

These programs explore core concepts, including evidence-based practice, healthcare innovation, and population health, and can take up to six years to complete. DNP and PhD programs tailor clinical hours and research to meet the student's needs and state licensure requirements.

Admissions requirements: Students must hold a current and unrestricted RN license. Programs may also require a BSN or MSN from an accredited school, at least one year of clinical experience, and a specific GPA for nursing-specific courses. Some programs require applicants to submit GRE scores.

Types of doctorate in nursing programs

You may apply to DNP programs with a BSN or MSN degree or choose to complete a PhD in nursing.

• MSN-to-DNP programs: DNP applicants must obtain an MSN through an accredited program. They must hold an active RN license and complete a curriculum in advanced clinical practice, healthcare leadership, and policy. DNP programs can be completed in two years and require clinical hours that focus on practice-oriented outcomes.
• BSN-to-DNP programs: Designed for nurses with a BSN, applicants must have an active RN license and clinical experience to be admitted. BSN-to-DNP programs combine MSN and DNP coursework and focus on advanced practice, leadership, and evidence-based care. These programs require extensive clinical hours, and students must complete a capstone project. Students typically complete these programs in four years.
• PhD in nursing programs: A PhD in nursing focuses on research and academic leadership, whereas DNP programs focus on clinical practice. Applicants must have an MSN degree, an active RN license, and research experience to be admitted. Students take courses in statistics, qualitative and quantitative research, and complete dissertation work. Students typically graduate from PhD in nursing programs in up to five years and focus on research with minimal clinical hours.

What can you do with a doctorate in nursing?

A DNP is a terminal nursing degree. With a DNP, you can:

• Qualify for some of the most senior nursing roles
• Increase your salary potential
• Influence healthcare policy at the highest levels
• Pursue roles like certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)

Projected new jobs for CRNAs (2023–33): 5,200

Median annual salary for CRNAs (May 2023): $212,650