Nursing Degree Programs
No matter where you want to take your nursing career, getting an education and earning a degree that fits your goals and ambitions is of the utmost importance. Read on to learn about the different degree programs that exist for students, and find out which one is best for you!
Bachelors in Nursing Degree
The entry point for professional nursing practice, a four-year bachelors in nursing degree program which is sometimes referred to as a RN to BSN Degree is the standard prerequisite for graduate nursing programs in research, teaching, and advanced practice nursing specialties. These subfields also include nurse practitioners (NPs), family nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner.
Masters in Nursing Degree
A Masters in Nursing Degree (MSN) provides a great opportunity for registered nurses who are interested in expanding their career opportunities beyond the work of an RN. The duration of this degree typically lasts two years, and focuses on advanced nursing theory and practice.
Most Masters in Nursing programs require that students first earn a bachelor’s in nursing degree. Other requirements that students typically need to fulfill include having an RN license , minimum GPA and GRE scores, and clinical experience. While preparing to enter a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree program certainly requires a good deal of work, it’s a wise choice for those looking to further professionally develop themselves in this field of healthcare. There is an overall shortage of nurses in the industry, particularly nurses who have their Master’s.
The skills and experience provided through a MSN can open up the door to many nursing career opportunities. Some of these jobs can include becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Womens Health Nurse, or a Nurse Midwife.
Nurse Practitioner Programs
Midwifery Program – A nurse midwife degree can help prepare you to guide women through their pregnancies and into the months that follow their deliveries.
Nursing Administration Degree – Earn your nursing administration degree and study how to coordinate and manage a team of nurses in the workplace.
Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs – Earn a degree in psychiatric nursing and get on track to starting a career in helping treat patients who suffer from mental illness.
Womens Health Nurse Practitioner Programs – Study to become a women’s health nurse and start a career in treating the medical conditions that frequently affect female patients.
Adult Nursing Program – Start a degree program that will put you on track to becoming an adult nurse.
Family Nurse Practitioner Programs - Get your education with a degree program that will prepare you to work as a family nurse.
Clinical Nurse Practitioner Programs – Earn your nursing education with a degree that specializes in one area of focus, such as clinical training, research, education, and more.
Nursing Education Degree – Get a degree that will prepare you to work as a nurse educator who helps to teach the next generation of nurses.
Online Nursing Degree
Earning your degree on an online especially a nurse practitioner program allows students the flexibility of working with an academic schedule that best fits their commitments to their profession and their personal lives. Students in this type of degree program complete their coursework online, and fulfill all clinical requirements either at a hospital or in another facility close to home. Most programs come with evening or weekend classes, and are an ideal pick for those wanting to enhance their professional credentials with a BSN Degree or Masters of Science in Nursing Degree.
Just like in a traditional brick-and-mortar nursing school environment, students in online nursing degree programs learn through faculty, textbooks, assignments, quizzes, and projects. Students receive a detailed course syllabus, outlining course learning modules and assignments.
RN-to-BSN Degree
Many registered nurses who hold an associate’s degree or diploma from a hospital-based program often opt to earn their bachelor’s in nursing degree through the specially designed RN-to-BSN program. This program is aimed at working nurses and offers flexible schedules (including night or weekend classes), and allows students access to RN-only courses.
Online RN-to-BSN Degree
The flexibility offered by a online RN to BSN Degree is considered by many to be ideal for working registered nurses. Most of the programs are customized to meet the needs of nurses who already have experience in the field. This provides you the assurance that you will not spend time covering material you are already knowledgeable about. Many online rn to bsn programs also offer excellent student networking opportunities.
Nursing Degree Resources
There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Nursing Resources below.
Careers in Nursing – Discover how earning your nursing degree can open up doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
Getting Your Nursing License – Learn what it takes to get your nursing license by reading our guide.
Selecting the Right Nursing School – Explore your options when it comes to nursing schools and select the one that best fits your career goals.
Nursing School Accreditation – Accreditation is not just a stamp of approval its a critical component of any nursing program. Read our guide to learn more.
Paying for Your Nursing Degree – There are many options when it comes to funding your education, read about the different types of aid available.
Starting a Second Career in Nursing – Its never too late to shift your career path and become a nurse.
How to Become a Registered Nurse – A step by step guide on what it takes and how to become a registered nurse.
Job Opportunities for Registered Nurses – There are many options in the health care industry for RN’s, read our guide to learn more about the different jobs that are available.
The Demand for Nurses - The healthcare industry is experiencing a shortage of nurses, which makes them more valued by employers and increases their career opportunities.
Nursing Salaries – Study the salary trends that affect today’s working nurses and learn how earning your nursing degree can help you increase your pay.