May 12, 2022
When it comes to choosing a rewarding and fulfilling career path, nursing tops the list. There is no doubt that a nursing degree can help you enter the field of healthcare, opening a thousand doors for you.
It gives you the freedom to choose from various paths and disciplines, so you won’t have to struggle in finding a job. Moreover, the starting salary for a registered nurse is much higher than several other professions, so you will be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
In this article, we cover some of the best nursing degrees that you can pursue in 2022 for a successful and promising career.
Most Popular Nursing Degrees and How to Receive Them
Here are some of the best nursing programs and degrees that you can consider applying for if you are interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN).
1. Diploma in Nursing
Getting a nursing diploma is one of the fastest ways to get your nursing career started. It can be completed within one year only, and it constitutes the minimum requirement to become a practicing nurse. Mostly, nursing diplomas are offered by nursing schools that are backed or sponsored by a hospital. Other than that, a few community colleges and universities also offer them. After getting this diploma, you may work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse.
2. Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
The Associate of Science in Nursing is a two-year program that is offered by community colleges and vocational schools. It qualifies you as a Registered Nurse, thus offering you better career opportunities and pay. It also serves as a prelude to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and prepares you for a nursing career.
3. LPN-to-Associate
The LPN-to-Associate is an associate nursing degree program that takes 1-2 years to complete. It can be attempted by Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to become Registered Nurses. If you have gotten a nursing diploma and want to progress further in your career, you can enroll in the LPN-to-Associate at various community colleges and vocational schools in the U.S.
4. Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The BSN degree is a four-year nursing degree program that prepares students to sit for the NCLEX® exam, which is a requirement for a Registered Nurse. If you are looking for more advanced career opportunities, BSN is the best nursing degree that will open more doors for you as compared to a diploma or associate degree.
5. RN-to-BSN
If you are a Registered Nurse and have an Associate of Science in Nursing, you can enroll in the RN-to-BSN degree program, which will upgrade your associate degree to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This program is the preference of most nurses.
6. Second Degree or Accelerated BSN
This is the best nursing program for people who have a bachelor's degree in any other discipline but want to make the switch to a nursing career. This allows them to transfer the credits of general courses towards their BSN degree, thus enabling them to complete their degree in 18-20 months.
7. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing is a graduate-level degree program that upgrades nurses to a more advanced and complex knowledge base and skill set. Nurses who get their MSN can get research positions and jobs that involve advanced clinical training. Generally, the MSN takes two years to complete following a BSN.
8. RN-to-MSN
Some institutions offer accelerated MSN programs, where you can get your BSN and MSN degrees after your associate degree. They can transfer their nursing course credits from ASN to the BSN program, which can furthermore be transferred into the MSN program. Nurses who complete this program also get the same career opportunities as other nurses with a master’s degree.
9. Direct Entry MSN
This program is for individuals who have a Bachelor’s degree in another field and are looking to join the nursing field. They can transfer their general education credits towards the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), thus completing the degree within three years.
10. Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
This doctoral degree program focuses on developing practical nursing skills. The program requires nurses to apply clinical research in different fields, and its prerequisites include four years of practice education and an undergraduate degree.
11. Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS)
This degree program is equivalent to a Ph.D., and it helps nurses focus on advanced research. With a DNS, you can become a scholar or researcher who offers developments in nursing science through your research. After completing this program, you will be able to perform university-level research.
12. Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)
This Ph.D. program progresses you further as a researcher or scholar and enables you to contribute to healthcare delivery systems through clinical research. It is considered the ultimate degree for any nurse’s career.
13. MSN/Ph.D. Dual Nursing Degree
This degree program allows nurses to obtain both their MSN and Ph.D. degrees together, and Registered Nurses who have their BSN degrees and a few years of experience can enroll themselves into it. Typically, it can be completed in four to five years.
Career Paths from These Degrees
It is also important to know which career paths stem from these nursing degrees so that you can better make up your mind. For instance, if you have a nursing diploma or an associate degree, you can work as a Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Registered Nurse only. However, the BSN offers you several career paths, including:
- Occupational Health Nurse
- Neonatal Nurse
- School Nurse
- Staff Nurse
- Nursing Care Manager
When you achieve the Master of Science in Nursing, you can progress your career to become an Advanced Practice Nurse, Certified Nurse Midwife, or Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Moreover, if you opt for any one of the nursing doctorates, you can be promoted to a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or even a Nurse Practitioner. The Ph.D. will also enable you to become a Nurse Researcher or a University Professor.
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, there are several entryways to the rewarding field of nursing, and you can also find several degrees that help you climb a step higher in your career. If you are willing to grow your nursing career and go up to the level of becoming a scholar, then the sky is the limit. Moreover, if you want to look professional and feel comfortable while taking your classes or completing your duties, Scrubs and Beyond is where you can get your nursing uniform and accessories.
Sources:
Nurse.org. “20 Best Nursing Career Specialties.” https://nursejournal.org/articles/best-nursing-specialities-for-the-future/ 29 November 2021.
