Types of Nursing Degrees and Levels

Community colleges typically offer LPN programs. Students should only consider programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Graduating from an accredited program ensures that you qualify to take the NCLEX-PN, get licensed, apply for jobs, and pursue further education like LPN-to-BSN bridge programs. Students can earn their diplomas in about one year with full-time enrollment. Programs may offer part-time options, which require a longer time commitment.

While enrollment requirements vary, students should expect to need at least a 2.0 GPA. Other requirements include a high school diploma or GED certificate, official transcripts, a personal essay, and a background check. Common coursework includes the fundamentals of nursing, mental health nursing, and adult nursing. LPN programs also include labs and clinicals for students to practice their nursing skills.

Aspiring RNs can pursue several educational paths to earn licensure, including diplomas in nursing. A diploma is the minimum educational requirement to earn a license. Some states, like New York, require a BSN, however.

There are 43 accredited nursing diploma programs. Students can attend RN diploma programs through hospital-based nursing schools, technical schools, and community colleges. RN diploma graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtain RN licensure, but their NCLEX-RN pass rates are usually lower than RN degree programs.

Students can earn diplomas in about two years, depending on the program. For instance, some schools offer part-time and full-time enrollment. Admission requirements also vary by program. Requirements may include a 2.0 minimum GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and a GED certificate or high school diploma. Courses include foundations of nursing, nursing care of adults, and developmental psychology.

Technical schools, community colleges, and some universities offer ADNs. These nursing degrees offer a flexible pathway to becoming an RN. Full-time attendance typically takes two years. Part-time options extend this timeline but allow students to balance their studies with professional or personal obligations.

Graduating from an accredited ADN program ensures eligibility for the NCLEX-RN examination and licensure. Enrollment requirements vary among programs, but on average, each candidate must submit a high school diploma or GED certificate, completed prerequisite courses, and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Some admissions departments also require personal statements, interviews, or letters of recommendation. The programs generally include a blend of classroom instruction and clinical practice.

Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology. Clinical experience allows enrollees to develop practical skills through hands-on, supervised work in healthcare settings.

Employers commonly seek nurses with BSNs. This level of nursing degree is linked to better patient outcomes and prepares students for comprehensive nursing roles. Full-time programs take four years to complete, while part-time enrollment can extend the duration of the program for a period defined by the program.

Accredited programs ensure graduates qualify for the NCLEX-RN and licensure in the state. Admission requirements for BSN programs vary depending on the pathway, such as direct from high school, early admission, or LPN-to-BSN bridge. For example, an applicant who applies directly from high school must be 18 years or older by their first clinical course and have a 3.2 GPA or higher in prerequisite college courses.

BSN programs cover nursing theory, research, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Advanced topics include patient care, community health, psychology, and health policy. Clinical experiences help develop patient assessment and medication administration skills, proper wound care management, and patient education and communication skills.

LPN-to-BSN bridge programs can provide career advancement opportunities for LPNs and LVNs. These programs differ from traditional BSNs. They involve students earning an RN license before focusing on RN-to-BSN coursework. Nursing bridge programs award students credit for their prior coursework, reducing overall program length.

Students can earn degrees in 2-3 years of full-time attendance, and many schools offer online or evening classes. Admission requires an active LPN license, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

RNs considering the next step in their careers can enroll in RN-to-BSN programs, typically offered by colleges and universities. Students can take courses on campus and/or online. RN-to-BSN programs differ from traditional BSN programs because they account for what enrollees already know and build on existing nursing skills. This pathway may include courses on nursing leadership, nursing informatics, and healthcare policy.

Additionally, many RN-to-BSN programs waive the clinical component, and graduates do not have to pass another licensing exam as they already hold active RN licenses. RN-to-BSN programs may follow a year-round format. School admissions typically require a minimum 2.5 GPA, an active RN license, official transcripts, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.

Direct-entry MSN options are accelerated programs for people with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. Students can typically complete their programs in 15-36 months after completing prerequisite coursework.

Examples of prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, nutrition, and ethics. The time to complete the prerequisite coursework depends on the number of transfer credits and chosen enrollment type but may extend to two years.

Most direct-entry MSN programs are limited to full-time options once the student has completed prerequisite courses. Universities and colleges with accredited MSN programs typically offer direct-entry programs.

Admission requirements depend on the program but generally include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college, a minimum 3.3 GPA, and completion of the prerequisite coursework. The early curriculum covers fundamentals in nursing and patient-centered care, while the remaining semesters include biostatistics, specialized nursing focus, leadership, and research.

These bridge programs suit RNs looking to skip their BSN and enter an MSN program. Colleges and universities offer this accelerated nursing program to help RNs quickly meet their professional goals.

RN-to-MSN programs differ from a traditional master of science in nursing degrees, requiring students to complete general education courses in traditional BSN programs before moving on to MSN coursework. Enrollees also complete hands-on clinical hours and take BSN-level and MSN-level advanced nursing courses, depending on their specialty and past credits.

Additionally, learners can earn their degrees in about three years of full-time attendance. Admission requirements include an unencumbered RN license, two years of relevant experience, and official transcripts.

BSN-prepared RNs seeking advanced types of degrees in nursing can earn BSN-to-MSN. Students should explore local colleges and universities to see which schools offer these programs. They may also qualify for online or part-time options, allowing them to earn their degree while working.

BSN-to-MSN programs allow enrollees to select MSN specializations. They can focus on patient care, advanced health assessment, and evidence-based practices through classwork and clinicals.

Admission often requires at least one year of work experience, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Schools may also request that each applicant participate in an interview.

RNs often pursue advanced nursing degrees to increase their earning potential and advance their careers. Nurses interested in more than one healthcare area can consider dual master’s degrees in nursing.

For instance, a practitioner interested in the business side of healthcare can benefit from a dual MSN-MBA program. Nurses interested in community or public health can consider dual MSN-MPH programs.

Students enrolling in dual master’s programs should anticipate earning their degrees in 2-3 years, depending on their enrollment and the dual degree they choose. Admission requirements generally include a 2.75 GPA at minimum, an active RN license, professional experience, and letters of recommendation. Students may also need to complete interviews.

BSN-to-DNP programs are offered at institutions with established and accredited DNP programs. Admission requirements typically include a BSN, a valid RN license, up to two years of clinical experience, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Full-time students can complete these nursing degrees in as little as three years, with part-time enrollees typically taking four years.

Programs often require students to choose specializations when applying. The curriculum depends on the specialization, but all students complete core courses in leadership, ethics, policy, informatics, and quality improvement.

Each enrollee completes at least 1,000 clinical hours during the program, with a minimum of 500 in their specialty. Some programs allow students to complete clinical requirements at their current places of employment.

DNP and Ph.D. programs are the highest levels of degree a nurse can earn, also called a “terminal degree.” Some universities offer bridge programs for people with master’s-level credentials, known as MSN-to-DNP programs.

Schools deliver these degrees through traditional, online, and hybrid delivery, typically allowing students to complete assignments while working. Clinicals require in-person attendance, however, and may make it difficult to maintain employment during this period. Students can complete most programs in five semesters or two years of full-time enrollment, and some programs allow students to request part-time attendance.

Students must complete core curriculum and coursework in their specialty areas. Core courses can include evidence-based decision-making, health policy, epidemiology, and biostatistics.

Admission requirements can vary by program, but they generally include official transcripts, proof of a valid RN license, and a 3.0 GPA or higher. Some programs require an interview, an advanced practice specialty certification, and employment in advanced practice.

Students can complete Ph.D. programs in 4-5 years of full-time enrollment. They spend the first two years completing coursework before beginning their dissertations, which can take three years. Some programs offer part-time enrollment, which extends the time it takes to complete the coursework but not the dissertation.

Core coursework examples include philosophy, health determinants, statistics, and responsible conduct in research. Students complete clinical experiences in research and advanced clinical practice. However, some Ph.D. programs require a reduced number of clinical hours.

Ph.D. programs typically require a BSN or MSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 GPA or higher in undergraduate and graduate coursework, and an interview.