There are multiple paths to becoming a nurse or advancing your nursing career. Some individuals know they want to be a nurse from a young age, while others enter the field as a second or even third career. Browse the degree types below to find the right option for you.
To become a Registered Nurse (RN), you must earn a degree in nursing and pass the NCLEX Licensure exam in your state.
BACHELOR'S
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing will prepare you to sit for the NCLEX and become a Registered Nurse (RN).
BSN/BS (for Non-Nurses)
Admits students with no previous nursing education and awards a baccalaureate nursing degree.
BSN/BS (2nd Degree) for Non-Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree
An accelerated program that admits students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines and no previous nursing education and awards a baccalaureate nursing degree.
RN to BSN/BS (for Registered Nurses)
Admits RNs with associate degrees or diplomas in nursing and awards a baccalaureate nursing degree.
MASTER'S
A master’s degree can be your path to becoming a nurse specialist and serve as a springboard to a doctoral degree.
Master’s (Entry-Level) for Non-Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree
Admits students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines and no previous nursing education. Program prepares graduates for entry into the profession and awards a master’s degree in nursing. Although these programs generally require a baccalaureate degree, a few programs admit students without baccalaureate degrees.
Master’s (MSN/MS/MN)
Admits students with baccalaureate nursing degrees and awards a master of nursing, master of science with a major in nursing, or a master of science in nursing.
RN to MSN/MS/MN (for Nurses without a Bachelor’s degree)
Admits RNs without baccalaureate degrees in nursing and awards a master’s of science degree in nursing. Typically these programs require students have an associate degree to be admitted.
DOCTORAL
Pursue a terminal degree in nursing in either research or practice by enrolling in a PhD or DNP program.
DNP (POST-BACHELOR’S)
Admits nurses with a baccalaureate degree who want to pursue a doctoral degree that focuses on practice. This program prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice beyond the initial preparation in the discipline and is a terminal degree. Also known as BSN to DNP.
DNP (POST-MASTER’S)
Admits nurses with a master’s degree who want to pursue a doctoral degree that focuses on practice. This program prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice beyond the initial preparation in the discipline and is a terminal degree.
DNS (DOCTOR OF NURSING SCIENCE)
Admits RNs with master’s degrees in nursing and awards a doctoral degree. This program prepares students to pursue intellectual inquiry and conduct independent research for the purpose of extending knowledge.
DNAP (DOCTOR OF NURSING ANESTHESIA PRACTICE)
Admits nurses with a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing or an appropriate major who want to pursue a doctoral degree that focuses on practice specializing in anesthesia. This program prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice beyond the initial preparation in the discipline and is a terminal degree (Source: The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs).
PHD (POST-BACHELOR’S)
Admits RNs with baccalaureate degrees in nursing and awards a doctoral degree. This program prepares students to pursue intellectual inquiry and conduct independent research for the purpose of extending knowledge.
PHD (POST-MASTER’S)
Admits RNs with master’s degrees in nursing and awards a doctoral degree. This program prepares students to pursue intellectual inquiry and conduct independent research for the purpose of extending knowledge.
ASSOCIATES
An Associate degree in nursing will allow you to take the NCLEX and become an RN.
RN DIPLOMA
A program that is typically housed within a hospital based structural unit and awards a diploma or certificate of completion.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING
A program that requires at least two to three academic years of full-time equivalent college academic work and awards an associate degree in nursing.
CERTIFICATE
Certificate programs are available for a wide variety of nursing specialties.
POST-BACHELOR’S CERTIFICATE
Admits students with baccalaureate nursing degrees and awards at completion, a certificate.
POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Admits nurses with a graduate degree in nursing, and, at completion, awards either a certificate or other evidence of completion, such as a letter from the program director.
LPN/LVN
Get certified to provide basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or primary care provider.
LPN/LVN (LICENSED PRACTICAL/VOCATIONAL NURSE)
A program that requires at least one year of full-time equivalent coursework and awards a diploma or certificate of completion as a LPN/LVN.
LPN/LVN TO BSN/BS (FOR LICENSED PRACTICAL/VOCATIONAL NURSES)
Admits licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and awards a baccalaureate nursing degree.
