If I Have a Ba Degree and Want to Start a Nursing Degree
A Guide to Nursing Degrees
From certificate programs to doctoral degrees, there are many different pathways to a career in nursing.
With so many types of nursing degrees available, information technology'due south important to understand how each program works so you tin can observe the one that's right for you lot. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, experienced professional person, or career changer, making the correct decision means considering each option against your goals, financial resources, and lifestyle.
We've compiled a descriptive list of the different types of nursing degrees available and what they involve in regards to program content, length of time, and task potential. By selecting the programme that meets your personal and professional goals, yous'll position yourself for success in the rewarding field of nursing.
Nurse Caste Pathways
How long each level of nursing takes and what yous tin can do with your caste
CNA Document or Diploma
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate is a nondegree diploma offered at community colleges and vocational schools. Both classroom and online options are available, though all clinical hours must be performed in person at an approved location.
As a CNA student, you'll acquire how to provide basic healthcare services and help patients with their daily activities. Other duties typically include:
The curriculum includes grooming in emergency procedures, personal care skills, and infection control. To increase your employment options, you can also earn voluntary certification in specialized areas such as psychiatry or geriatrics.
Who It's For
CNA certificates are designed to get students into the nursing field as apace as possible. Prerequisites vary past program, but most include a high school diploma or GED.
A CNA certificate might be right for you if you fall into one of the following groups:
Length of Time
A CNA certificate is the fastest way to qualify for an entry-level nursing position.
While the exact education requirements vary by land, federal guidelines for CNA certificate programs require at least 75 hours of education, with a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical training.
About CNA programs tin can be completed in simply four to twelve weeks.
What You Tin Do with This Certificate
After earning a state-approved document, you lot'll be qualified to take your state's CNA competency exam. With certification, you can utilise for jobs in which you'll work with patients nether the direction of a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse, depending on the laws of your state.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), near nursing assistants—roughly 37%— work in nursing care facilities such as skilled nursing facilities. Other employers include:
What You Can Earn
$30,850
Median Annual Salary for CNAs
Per
LPN/LVN Certificate or Diploma
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate is a nondegree diploma offered at vocational schools, community colleges, and sometimes at hospitals themselves. In Texas and California, this role is known every bit a licensed vocational nurse (LVN).
Both LPN and LVN programs prepare you to work under the supervision of RNs and perform the following key duties:
In addition to clinical applications, you'll also learn virtually general medical topics that include anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and emergency care. Specialty certifications in areas such as Four therapy, long-term care, pharmacology, and breastfeeding support are also bachelor.
Who It's For
An LPN/LVN certificate is for students who want to enter the nursing field without the time and cost of earning a college degree. In contrast to a CNA diploma, the LPN certificate represents mastery of a more than comprehensive body of knowledge. In many states, LPNs and LVNs qualify to supervise CNAs.
An LPN/LVN certificate could be right for you if you lot're in one of the post-obit groups:
Many LPNs somewhen go along to earn advanced degrees. Because of this, it's important to earn an LPN/LVN certificate from an accredited nursing plan. In many cases, credits earned in a nonaccredited programme won't be eligible for transfer to a higher degree.
Length of Time
Almost LPN/LVN certificates can be completed in well-nigh 12 months, though your timing may vary. State-approved programs provide the number of clinical hours necessary to meet the certification requirements of your state. Depending on your criteria, programs can range betwixt vii and 24 months.
What Y'all Can Do with This Document
With an LPN/LVN certificate, you'll be qualified to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, for LPNs. Passing this exam and meeting your land-specific requirements volition make you eligible for licensing.
With your document in hand, you can keep to find jobs in a number of unlike places. According to the BLS, the majority of LPNs and LVNs work in nursing and residential intendance facilities. Other common employment options include administrative and clinical positions in locations such every bit:
What Yous Tin Earn
$48,820
Median Annual Bacon for LPNs and LVNs
According to the BLS, LPNs and LVNs earn a median almanac wage of $48,820.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum degree requirement for becoming a registered nurse (RN). As an RN, yous'll have the credentials necessary to authorize for virtually nursing jobs that involve providing critical patient care and assisting physicians.
You'll observe ADN programs at community colleges and some iv-year institutions. Some schools also offering online nursing degrees in hybrid programs that combine virtual pedagogy with on-site clinical grooming.
ADN programs will requite yous the knowledge and experience RNs demand to perform the following duties:
The curriculum for an ADN also includes studying scientific discipline-related courses such as beefcake, biology, chemistry, and physiology.
Who It's For
An ADN from an accredited nursing school is a good choice if you want to become an RN without the commitment of a four-year degree. It'southward important to note, however, that while this is the minimum education for licensing, employers are increasingly making a Available of Scientific discipline in Nursing (BSN) degrees a requirement for new hires. In some states, RNs with associate degrees will somewhen demand to earn a bachelor'due south in gild to maintain their license. The adept news is that most available's programs will allow you to transfer some basic credits earned from your accredited ADN.
An ADN might be the right option if you're in one of the following groups:
Length of Time
ADNs typically require effectually two years to consummate. State-approved programs will include the extensive on-site clinical training that aligns with your land's requirements for licensing.
What You Can Do with This Degree
Earning an Acquaintance Degree in Nursing volition make you lot eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, a prerequisite for RN licensure in all U.S. states. With RNs in high demand, nurses tin often then secure jobs that offering tuition reimbursement to continue their nursing education at a reduced personal expense.
Later on earning their license, the BLS says more than half of all RNs continue to piece of work in hospitals, but you lot can use your credential in many types of environments. Consider pursuing a career in:
What You Can Earn
$75,330
Median Annual Salary for Nurses
Salaries for nurses vary widely depending on their teaching, level of feel, setting in which they work, and any specialty they may have. That said, the BLS reports the median almanac salary for RNs to exist $75,330. Those working in high-level roles within the government, research facilities, or pharmaceutical companies could earn significantly more.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-yr degree designed for RNs who want to pursue supervisory roles and qualify for higher-paying jobs. With a combination of academic classwork and on-site clinical training, y'all'll larn virtually scientific areas such as anatomy, biology, and chemistry, as well as specific duties related to patient care, laboratory testing, designing treatment plans, and assisting with surgery.
Some schools even offer programs that let you to earn a BSN in a particular specialty of nursing such as acute care, geriatric nursing, infectious illness, pediatrics, and psychiatry, just to name a few. Specializing can often increase your job opportunities and potential earnings.
Who It'due south For
If you're ready to work as a RN, a BSN could exist right for you lot if you have the time and fiscal resources to commit to four years. A BSN is too an ideal starting place if your ultimate goal is to earn a chief'southward degree and work as an advanced practice nurse.
However, as the demand for nurses with BSNs grows, more schools are catering to students interested in categories beyond those listed above. Depending on your situation, you can find a traditional program or one designed to apply education you've already earned.
Ways to Earn Your BSN
There are a number of different paths for you lot to follow as you seek your BSN—from traditional programs yous can enter into right out of high school, to programs that fast-rail your degree using the cognition you may already accept.
Traditional BSN
Traditional BSN degree programs are intended for contempo high school graduates who have piddling to no professional person healthcare experience. Requirements are similar to other bachelor's degree programs, though specific science prerequisites may be necessary.
LPN-to-BSN
LPN-to-BSN degree programs, often called "bridge programs," allow LPNs/LVNs to get degree credit for their previous education and experience. For these students, earning a BSN usually requires taking liberal arts coursework non offered in LPN/LVN programs.
RN-to-BSN
RN-to-BSN degree programs—sometimes called ADN-to-BSN programs—are designed for RNs who already accept an associate'south degree. Graduates of accredited ADN programs oft transfer educational credits to meet some of the BSN course requirements, meaning they can earn their bachelor's in less time.
Second Degree BSN
2nd caste BSNs are meant for career changers who concord a previous bachelor's caste in a non-nursing field. These programs permit students to satisfy some of the BSN'south liberal arts requirements by transferring credits from their first degree, over again shortening the length of time.
Length of Time
Traditional BSN programs require 4 years of full-time study. Students who have LPN or RN licensing, or a bachelor's degree in a different field, might qualify for culling BSN programs that could be completed in i to ii years.
Since so many working RNs pursue BSNs for career advocacy, at that place are many flexible part-time and online options, though they may add to your fourth dimension to completion.
What Y'all Can Do with This Degree
If yous don't already have your RN license from a previous acquaintance degree, earning a BSN will qualify you to sit down for the required NCLEX-RN licensing test. With job growth for RNs predicted to abound by 9% through 2030, you're likely to notice a wide range of job opportunities with this degree.
More than than half of RNs work in hospitals, though with your additional clinical experience and any specialized skills, y'all can find a variety of less traditional roles. These could include:
What You Can Earn
$75,330
Median Annual Bacon for RNs
As with RNs with associate's caste, salaries vary based on a number of different factors. While the median for all RNs is $75,330, those in the top x% earn more than than $116,000 per year. With a BSN, you can ofttimes await to make more than with an associate degree.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Chief of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate plan of written report designed for nurses who want to do in a specialized role known as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
The curriculum is an MSN program that'south far more tailored than a general nursing degree. You'll dive deep into a concentrated area of study while taking advanced courses in topics such every bit leadership, management, healthcare policy, and research.
Who It's For
Requirements vary by plan, just MSNs are typically designed for licensed RNs who have already completed a bachelor's-level education.
You might qualify for an MSN program if you're in one of the post-obit groups:
Means to Earn Your MSN
There are other pathways to a master's degree, including:
RN-to-MSN
Some MSN programs offer access to RNs with acquaintance degrees, allowing them to accomplish an MSN without having to spend iv years earning a divide BSN (which is the traditional prerequisite for an MSN.) An RN-to-MSN bridge program still teaches the material y'all would have learned if you received a BSN. They are fast-paced and intense, and designed for students who want to complete their degree quickly.
BSN-to-MSN
A BSN-to-MSN program is essentially the aforementioned as a traditional MSN plan, since a BSN is a prerequisite. These bridge programs are oft marketed as "fast-track" programs, and volition often include MSN generalist programs or programs in non-clinical specializations, similar nursing education or nursing assistants, which typically require fewer clinical hours for completion.
Length of Time
Students who begin MSN programs with a BSN typically accept almost 2 years to complete their degree. If you're pursuing an MSN without BSN credentials or with a available'south in some other field, y'all can wait roughly three years.
What You Can Do With This Degree
With an MSN, you'll be prepared to work as an APRN in your expanse of concentration. To do so, yous'll need to hold a state license every bit an RN besides as a national credential in your specialty. Specializations vary by program, but common options include the following:
Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner's (NP) duties are similar to those of physicians. While some states require NPs to work under a physician's supervision, NPs have more than responsibility for diagnosing and treating patients than traditional RNs. Some manufacture associations have considered making a DNP the entry-level degree for nurse practitioners past 2025, although this is not yet required.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Working as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) involves applying advanced grooming and education to a specific patient group or type of treatment. The specialty area of a CNS can be defined by a specific population, illness, blazon of care, or treatment setting. In that location'southward buzz inside the industry that by 2030 a DNP may be the entry-level degree required for CNSs, but that has not been formally decided.
Certified Nurse Midwife
The function of a certified nurse midwife (CNM) includes working with mothers during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum phases. CNMs are considered principal providers in all 50 states.
Certified Nurse Anesthetist
A certified nurse anesthetist (CNA) works closely with physicians to safely administer anesthesia prior to procedures, monitor the patient during surgery, oversee the recovery, and develop plans for pain direction. Past 2025, a doctoral caste will be required to become a nurse anesthetist.
What You Can Earn
$111,680
Median Annual Salary for Nurse Practitioners
$111,130
Median Annual Salary for Certified Nurse Midwives
$183,580
Median Almanac Bacon for Certified Nurse Anesthetists
$75,330
Median Annual Salary for Clinical Nurse Specialists
The salaries of APRNs vary depending on the exact task championship, where they work, and level of responsibility. As of 2020, the BLS offers these full general guidelines for median salaries:
Based on U.Due south. Agency of Labor Statistics (BLS) data (2020), not school-specific data. Conditions in your area may vary.
Joint Master'south Degrees in Nursing
Earning a joint principal's degree in nursing could be right for y'all if y'all want to earn an MSN and a complementary degree in less time than completing 2 dissever programs. You lot'll get a solid education in nursing practice and theory while gaining avant-garde skills in another area that can assistance you tailor your career.
Who They're For
Articulation main'southward degrees are designed for nurses who want to guide their careers toward specific types of leadership positions. Keep in mind that in order to pursue a joint degree you accept to proceeds admission into each carve up program. These degrees are meant for very serious students only, equally you'll need to work on two demanding class loads at the aforementioned time.
Length of Time
It typically takes betwixt 18 months and three years of full-time study to consummate a joint master's degree in nursing. While function-time and online options are available to adapt working schedules, they'll likely extend your time to completion.
What You lot Can Do with These Degrees
Any joint degree will aggrandize your opportunities for advancement and higher earnings. Specific roles will depend on the type of degrees you earn, but there are three common combinations.
Joint MSN/MPH
Pairing an MSN with a Chief of Public Wellness (MPH) is designed for nurses who desire to pursue leadership positions in community or public health organizations.
Articulation MSN/MBA
Combining an MSN with a Master of Business Assistants (MBA) is sometimes known as existence in the "Nurse Executive Program." Hither, students learn the business organisation skills necessary to hold executive-level roles in hospitals and other big healthcare organizations.
Joint MSN/MHA
Earning an MSN with a Master of Health Assistants (MHA) offers similar benefits to those of the joint degrees listed higher up, only the combination is a flake broader. Y'all'll exist educated about making important decisions related to the direction of various healthcare organizations and educational settings.
What You Can Earn
$104,280
Median Annual Salary for Healthcare Executives and Administrators
The BLS doesn't report data for jobs that specifically require joint degrees, however, roles that fall under the general umbrella of medical and health services managers earn an boilerplate almanac wage of $115,160.
Doctoral Degrees in Nursing
Doctoral degrees in nursing are terminal degrees intended to help students gain the cognition necessary to teach at the university level, conduct research in the field, or pursue high-level roles similar to those for students with articulation master'south degrees.
Who They're For
In some programs, these degrees are only for those who accept their principal's. In others, BSN graduates may qualify for programs that let them to earn an MSN and doctoral caste at the same time. No matter what type of plan y'all choose, you'll need to enter with a degree specifically in nursing and clinical experience nether your belt.
Length of Time
On average, a doctoral degree in nursing takes two years to complete, though your timeline depends on the type of degree you lot seek.
What You Tin can Do with This Degree
Your career opportunities will vary, but at that place are 3 primary options based on your degree.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A DNP is a practice-oriented degree that emphasizes clinical leadership and advanced theory. It can help y'all qualify for higher-paying executive positions in hospitals and other healthcare organizations.
Md of Nursing Philosophy (PhD)
A nursing PhD focuses on scientific content and the creation of new research in the field. PhD programs typically include the completion of a dissertation and research papers. This degree can help yous qualify for leadership positions in research and academia.
Physician of Nursing Science (DNSc or DNS)
The Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc or DNS) is a research-based doctoral degree. Like a PhD, it prepares graduates for roles as nurse educators and researchers.
What You lot Can Earn
$75,470
Median Annual Bacon for Nurse Educators
Every bit with those with a joint master's degree, it's hard to say exactly what you might earn with a doctorate in nursing. Salaries tin can vary by tens of thousands of dollars depending on your position, your employer, your location, and more. According to the BLS, nursing instructors working at colleges, universities, and professional person schools earn a median almanac wage of $84,320, while those instructing at medical and surgical hospitals might make effectually $119,000 a year.
Source: https://www.allnursingschools.com/how-to-get-into-nursing-school/degree-options/
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