Nursing Degree Programs

One of the fastest growing professions in the nation today, nursing is a field that is in constant demand. Nurses are on the front lines of the health care industry, are the primary caregivers to patients in hospitals, urgent care centers and doctor’s offices, and form the backbone of our healthcare system.

Are you ready to learn more about nursing careers and nursing degrees? Check out these basics:

How long does it take to earn a nursing degree?

Depending on your state’s laws, as well as your own personal goals, you could become a registered nurse (RN) in as little as two years or as long as four or six years. The world of nursing education has expanded so much, the educational opportunities for nurses are much more diverse and varied. Today, nurses can get their Associate’s Degrees, earn their Bachelor’s Degrees (BSN) and even return to school and get a Master’s Degree, often while they’re working as practicing nurses. Most states require at least an Associate’s Degree, but more and more nurses are returning to school to get Advanced Practice training and certification.

Where could a career in nursing take me?

Nurses are needed throughout the world, in every city, state and country. Schools need nurses to care for children. Clinics need nurses to conduct triage. Hospitals need neonatal nursing specialists and other critical care nurses. Even the military places nurses in high demand. It’s because of this constant need that the nursing world has expanded so much.

In fact, the world of nursing education has changed quite a bit over recent years. Today’s nurses aren’t just RNs. They are educators and scholars who study healthcare policy and standards. Nurses earn master’s degrees and even PhDs, and are senior administrators at their hospitals and workplaces.

Which types of nursing degrees are available?

Depending on the school and the state standards, there are a variety of nursing credentialing programs available. In fact, many nurses return to school while they’re practicing to expand their skills and levels of expertise. The types of nursing programs you can enroll in are wide and varied, whether you wish to become an LPN, RN, go for a full bachelor's degree in nursing, or attain a master's degree in nursing administration or nursing education.

These are the most likely types of nursing degree and certification programs offered:

• Associate’s Degree: The fundamental entry point for most nurses, an Associate’s Degree provides you with the basic training you need to become a practicing nurse. Check with your state to find out if an AA will get you licensed.
• Bachelor’s Degree: With a four-year degree, you’ll have a broader knowledge base as well as more hands-on training. You might also have doors opened in areas like health care policy and administration.
• RN to BSN: This nursing degree area is specific to those health care workers which already have an RN (registered nurse) license and go back to school to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Master’s Degree: Typically selected by nurses who are already practicing, a Master’s in Nursing or a related course of study can give a nurse the specialized training they want. As more nurses are taking management and high-profile positions in their organizations, the Master’s of Science in Nursing is becoming a popular career choice.
• PhD: Some nurses do enter doctorate programs in healthcare policy and other administrative disciplines. These nurses tend to choose this option because they are devoted to their line of work and want to lead future nurses.
• Certifications: Most nurses return to school at least once in their career to get specially certified. This could be a certification in neonatal intensive care, or in cardiothoracic surgical assistance. Nurses with certifications also tend to have more career options.