Types of Nursing Degrees to Begin or Advance Your Career

Nursing is a noble profession that is always in high demand. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, consider becoming a nurse. The great news is that you can now become a nurse without attending traditional nursing school. There are many excellent types of nursing degrees available today. This guide will discuss the benefits of these programs and provide tips for choosing the right best online nursing program for you.

Article Navigation: Online Nursing Programs Explained | Types of Nursing Degrees Online | Courses for Online Nursing Programs | Technical Skills Learned in All Types of Nursing Degrees | Reasons to Pursue Different Types of Nursing Degrees | Essential Career Skills | Job Outlook for Nursing Careers | Comparing Different Types of Nursing Degrees | How to Succeed in Nursing | Choose from the Different Types of Nursing Degrees Today!

Online Nursing Programs Explained

An online nursing program is an educational program that trains nurses to care for patients in various settings. Online nursing programs typically offer courses in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Many online nursing programs also provide clinical experiences.

Although some programs may take longer, students usually complete online nursing programs in as little as two years. Admission to an online nursing program typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may also require entrance exams such as the Nursing Entrance Test (NET) or the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).

Once admitted to an online nursing program, you will be required to complete coursework and clinical experiences. You must fulfill your clinical experiences in a hospital or other healthcare setting. Upon completing an online nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination.

The NCLEX-RN is a national exam that all nurses must pass to become licensed. The NCLEX-RN covers various topics, including anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. To pass the NCLEX-RN, you must demonstrate your knowledge of these subjects and your ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.

After passing the NCLEX-RN, you will be a registered nurse (RN). Registered nurses can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. RNs can also work as home health nurses or nurse educators.

If you are interested in a career in nursing, an online nursing program may be the right choice for you. Online nursing programs offer a convenient and flexible way to complete your education. With an online nursing program, you can earn your degree at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home.

Types of Nursing Degrees Online

It would be best if you first determined whether nursing is the right career before enrolling in a nursing program. Anyone in the healthcare industry will tell you that being a nurse isn’t as simple as it appears. Nursing specialties require a wide range of abilities and expertise. While there are official educational requirements, certain qualities are essential in any nursing position and can only be learned through college degrees and certificate programs.

Below we discuss the various types of nursing degrees available and what to expect from each program.

Associate’s Degree in Nursing

An associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum level of education required to work as a registered nurse. The ADN program generally takes two years to complete, and most students attend full-time. An ADN provides graduates with the basic knowledge and skills needed to care for patients. Students learn about human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology as well as nutrition, psychology, and other social sciences.

In addition to classroom work, online associate’s in nursing programs include clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. This hands-on experience allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

After completing an online ADN program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain a license as a registered nurse. Most states require ADN-prepared nurses to complete a bachelor’s degree within a specific time frame after obtaining licensure. Some states have implemented or are considering implementing this requirement for all new RNs, regardless of their educational background.

Some of the courses you’ll take in an associate’s degree program include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Nutrition
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Communications
• Ethics

First-year ADN students generally take liberal arts, English, and math coursework. In the second year, students begin taking nursing courses and clinical rotations.

Students complete most ADN programs in two years, but some schools offer accelerated programs that you can finish in as little as one year. Completing an ADN program on a full-time basis is common, but part-time and online options are also available.

Having an associate’s degree in nursing can lead to a career in many different medical settings. Some of these include:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Physician’s offices
• Long-term care facilities
• Home health agencies

Associate’s Degree in Nursing Jobs and Salaries

• Patient Coordinator – $35,775 per year
• Clinical Associate – $35,850 per year
• Registered Nurse – $70,574 per year
• Oncology Nurse – $87,340 per year

The average salary for ADN job positions is $72,000 per year.

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the minimum degree required to work as a nurse in many healthcare settings. The BSN program usually takes four years to complete, and most students attend full-time. The program takes two years to complete for those who already have an ADN.

Online BSN programs build on the basic knowledge and skills learned in an ADN program. In addition to coursework in liberal arts and sciences, BSN students take nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice classes. They also complete clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. After completing a BSN program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure as a registered nurse.

The IOM (Institute of Occupational Medicine) recommends that 80% of the nursing workforce hold at least a bachelor’s degree by 2020. The IOM believes that increasing the number of nurses with higher levels of education will improve patient care and lead to better outcomes.

Courses you’ll take in a bachelor’s program include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Nutrition
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Communications
• Ethics

First-year BSN students generally take liberal arts, English, and math. In the second year, students begin taking nursing courses. The third and fourth years focus on clinical rotations. A bachelor’s degree in nursing can lead to a career as a nursing director, nurse educator, or clinical nurse specialist.

BSN Jobs and Salaries

• Clinical Nurse Specialist, Salary – $77,460 per year
• Nursing Director, Salary – $91,769 per year
• Public Health Nurse, Salary – $67,189 per year
• Nurse Manager, Salary – $88,682 per year

The average salary for these positions is $77,600 per year.

It’s easy to tell that having a bachelor’s degree in nursing provides better career opportunities and higher salaries. If you’re looking for a career in nursing, a bachelor’s degree is the way to go.

Master’s Degree in Nursing

A master’s degree in nursing (MSN) is the minimum degree required to work as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse administrator in many healthcare settings. This type of nursing degree program generally takes two to three years beyond a bachelor’s degree. Most students attend classes full-time.

MSN programs build on the basic knowledge and skills learned in an ADN or BSN program. MSN students take advanced nursing theory, research methods, and evidence-based practice classes. They also complete clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. After completing an MSN program, graduates must pass a national certification exam to obtain licensure as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

Courses you’ll take in a master’s program include:

• Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Healthcare policy
• Research Methods

A master’s degree in nursing can lead to a career as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse administrator.

Master’s Degree in Nursing Jobs and Salaries

• Nurse Anesthetist – $183,580 per year
• Clinical Nurse Specialist – $92,392 per year
• Nurse Midwife – $115,341 per year
• Health Policy Analyst – $123,500 per year
• Nurse Practitioner – $123,431 per year

The average salary for these positions is $118,040 per year.

Typically, having a master’s degree in nursing provides better career opportunities and higher salaries. If you’re looking to further your career in nursing, a master’s degree is the way to go.

Doctorate Degree in Nursing

A doctorate in nursing (DNP or Ph.D.) is the highest level of education you can achieve in nursing. Doctorate programs generally take three to four years to complete beyond your master’s degree. Most students attend college full-time.

DNP & Ph.D. programs build on the basic knowledge and skills learned in ADN, BSN, or MSN programs. Doctoral nursing students take classes on advanced nursing theory, research methods, and evidence-based practice. They also complete clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. Ph.D. programs focus heavily on research, while a DNP requires clinical hours and often a practice-based project set directly in nursing settings. This project involves research to examine an aspect of clinical practice. After completing a DNP program, graduates must pass a national certification exam to obtain licensure as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

Courses you’ll take in a doctorate program include:

• Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Healthcare policy
• Research Methods

A doctorate in nursing can lead to a wide range of career opportunities like critical care nurse, chief nursing officer, or educator.

Doctorate Degree in Nursing Jobs And Salaries

• Critical Care Nurse – $79,600 per year
• Chief Nursing Officer – $104,980 per year
• Nursing Educator – $82,040 per year

The average salary for someone with a doctorate in nursing is $99,000 per year.

Courses for Online Nursing Programs

Nursing students take a wide range of courses, including:

Introduction to Nursing

Topics include:

• Societal roles
• Types of nursing care, including primary care, acute care, and long-term care
• Various diseases and conditions that nurses treat
• Ethical and legal aspects of nursing

Nutrition

Topics include:

• Different nutrients that the body needs to function correctly
• Types of food that contain these nutrients
• Other diets recommended for people with varying health conditions
• Importance of maintaining a healthy weight

Foundations of Nursing

Topics include:

• History of nursing
• Different types of nurses throughout history
• Theories of nursing care
• Research that improves the practice of nursing
• Various ethical and legal issues associated with nursing

Transcultural Communication in Healthcare

Topics include:

• Different types of cultures in the world
• Unique types of communication used to communicate with people from different cultures
• Other healthcare systems that exist in different parts of the world
• Importance of cultural competence in nursing

Pharmacology

Topics include:

• Different drugs used to treat various medical conditions
• Side effects of these drugs
• Drug interactions that can occur
• Monitoring patients for adverse reactions to medications

Principles of Drug Classification

Topics include:

• Different categories of drugs
• Various medications used to treat medical conditions
• Side effects of these drugs
• Monitoring patients for adverse reactions to medications

Mental Health Nursing

Topics include:

• Types of mental disorders
• Kinds of treatments available for these disorders
• Additional support systems available for people with mental disorders
• Promoting mental health in nursing

Healthcare Policy

Topics include:

• Types of healthcare policies that exist
• Available types of insurance
• Kinds of care covered by these policies
• Importance of advocating for changes in healthcare policy

Community and Public Health Nursing

Topics include:

• Types of community health programs that exist
• Types of services that these programs provide
• Diverse populations that these programs serve
• Promoting community health in nursing

Nursing Leadership and Management

Topics include:

• Nursing leadership and management types
• Theories of leadership and management
• Types of organizational structures used in nursing
• Importance of effective communication in nursing

By taking an online nursing program, you will better understand nurses’ role in society. You will also learn about the different diseases and conditions that nurses treat. In addition, you will be able to learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. By taking an online nursing program, you can prepare yourself for a career as a nurse.

Essential Career Skills

ADN Skills

An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum level of education required to become a registered nurse. ADN programs typically takes two years to complete, and during that time, you will develop essential skills such as:

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Patience and compassion
• Observation
• Organization
• Detail-oriented

These skills are essential for your future career as a nurse, but they are also necessary life skills that you can use in your everyday life.

BSN Skills

If you decide to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you will build on the skills you learned in your ADN program and also gain new skills such as:

• Teamwork – As a nurse, you will be part of a healthcare team. A BSN program will teach you how to work effectively with other team members.
• Empathy – As a nurse, you will be caring for patients going through a difficult time. A BSN program will help you empathize with your patients and their families.
• Adaptability – The healthcare field is constantly changing. A BSN program teaches you to be adaptable and adjust to new situations.
• Interpersonal Skills – As a nurse, you will be interacting with patients, families, and healthcare professionals. A BSN program will teach you how to communicate effectively with others.

In addition to these essential career skills, a BSN program will also give you a deeper understanding of the nursing profession and its role in healthcare.

MSN Skills

If you decide to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), you will build on the skills you learned in your BSN program and also gain new skills such as:

• Time management – You will learn how to manage your time efficiently to provide quality patient care.
• Writing – You will learn how to communicate your ideas in writing effectively.
• Leadership and Management – You will learn how to use effective leadership methods to lead nursing teams.
• Problem-solving – You will learn how to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
• Resourcefulness – You will learn how to be resourceful and find creative solutions to problems.

An MSN degree prepares you for a career in nursing education, administration, or research. It is also the necessary step to pursuing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

DNP & Ph.D. Skills

If you decide to pursue a doctorate or Ph.D. in nursing, you will build on the skills you learned in your MSN program and also gain new skills such as:

• Advanced Communication Skills – You will learn to effectively communicate with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Leadership Skills – You will learn how to lead a team of nurses and other healthcare professionals.
• Advanced Critical Thinking Skills – You will learn how to think critically and make sound decisions.
• In-depth Knowledge of the Nursing Profession – You’ll understand the nursing profession and its role in healthcare.

A doctoral degree is the highest level of education available for nurses. It prepares you for a career in nursing administration, education, or research.

These are just some of the essential skills you can gain from pursuing an online nursing degree. No matter what level of education you decide on, you will be sure to develop crucial skills that will benefit you both professionally and personally.

Technical Skills Learned in All Types of Nursing Degrees

Nursing is a demanding profession that requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. If you’re up for the challenge, a nursing program can help you develop your skills to succeed. Below are just some of the technical skills the different types of nursing degrees will focus on.

Treatment Planning

Nurses develop and implement treatment plans. This process begins with a careful assessment of the patient’s condition. Once the nurse understands the problem, they form a plan to address it. The method may include medication, therapy, and other interventions.

The nurse then works with the patient to implement the plan. This may involve providing education, administering medications, and monitoring progress. The goal is to help the patient recover from illness or injury and return to everyday life as soon as possible.

Patient Assessment

Nurses are experts in patient assessment. They use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to determine the cause of a patient’s symptoms. This information helps to develop a plan of care. Patient assessment requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Nurses must be able to gather information, analyze it, and make decisions quickly.

Assessment is an ongoing process that continues throughout care. Nurses must constantly monitor patients for changes in condition and adjust their plans accordingly.

Management of Acute Care Situations

Nurses are often the first responders in emergencies. They must be able to assess the situation and take appropriate action quickly. In some cases, nurses must care for critically ill or injured patients. This requires advanced knowledge and skills. Nurses must be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions.
Acute care situations can be stressful. Nurses must remain calm under pressure and focus on providing care to their ability.

These are just a few of the technical skills you’ll learn from a nursing program.

Nursing programs are available at associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels. Many nurses choose to complete a bachelor’s degree to advance their careers. No matter what level you choose, a nursing program can help you develop the skills you need to provide quality care for your patients.

Reasons to Pursue Different Types of Nursing Degrees

There are many reasons to pursue an online nursing program. Whether you’re a working parent, a full-time student, or simply looking for a more flexible schedule, online nursing programs offer several benefits.

Here are just a few reasons to consider an online nursing degree:

• You can study at your own pace and on your schedule
• Online nursing programs offer the same high-quality education as traditional brick-and-mortar schools
• Many online nursing programs allow you to complete clinical requirements in your community
• Online nursing programs are often more affordable than traditional schools

Job Outlook for Nursing Careers

The job outlook for nursing careers is quite positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of registered nurses will grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030. This growth is much faster than the average for all occupations.

The aging baby-boomer population will increase the need for health care services. As the population lives longer, there will be a greater need for nurses who can provide long-term care.

There will be roughly 194,500 registered nursing job openings each year for the next decade, with even higher demand for some positions. This is mainly due to the need to replace workers who move on to new careers or leave the workforce, such as through retirement.

Comparing Different Types of Nursing Degrees

Is an online nursing degree worth it? The quick answer is, “it depends.” It depends on your goals, learning style, and current life situation. If you’re looking for a more flexible way to earn your nursing degree while continuing to work full-time, an online program might be a good fit for you.

Many different online nursing programs are available. This makes it essential to do your research before choosing one. Ensure the program is accreditedand that the curriculum will give you the knowledge and skills to be a successful nurse.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you compare online nursing programs:

• Accreditation: Does a nationally recognized accrediting body certify the program? This is important because it ensures that the program meets high standards for quality.
• Curriculum: What courses are required? Does the curriculum align with your goals for becoming a nurse?
• Schedule: How much time will you need to dedicate to the program each week? Can you complete the program while continuing to work full-time?
• Cost: What is the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and books? Is financial aid available?

How to Succeed in Nursing

Nursing is one of the most demanding and challenging professions out there. It requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for helping others. If you are considering a career in nursing, here are some things you need to know.

First and foremost, you need to have a strong desire to help people. Nursing is all about taking care of others and ensuring they receive the best possible care. If you don’t have a compassionate nature, this may not be the right profession for you.

Second, you need to be able to handle stress well. Nurses deal with life-or-death situations with patients daily, which can be very stressful. You need to remain calm under pressure and think clearly to provide the best care possible.

Third, you need to be physically and mentally tough. Nursing can be a physically demanding job, as you will be on your feet for long periods. You also need to be able to handle emotionally challenging situations, such as dealing with death or watching a patient suffer.

Fourth, you need to have excellent communication skills. Nurses need to communicate effectively with patients, doctors, and other nurses. You will need to understand complex medical information and relay it for others to understand easily.

Finally, you need to have good time management skills. Nurses often work long hours and may have multiple patients they are caring for. Being able to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively is essential.

If you have all of these qualities, then a career in nursing may be right for you. It is a gratifying profession that offers a lot of personal satisfaction.

Choose from the Different Types of Nursing Degrees Today!

An online nursing program can be a great way to earn your degree while maintaining a busy lifestyle. Just make sure to do your research and choose the right program. Thankfully, Geteducated.com has done part of the process for you. Check out the GetEducated database of the best online nursing programs available today!