What are the Types of Nursing Degrees?
As you take the first steps toward becoming a nurse, you’ll be faced with a few important questions at the start of your journey.
Of the most important are what type of nurse do you want to be? And, what type of nursing degree will you need to achieve that?
Yes, there are multiple types of nurses, and these nursing responsibilities require different levels of education and training. Read on for a helpful guide to nursing degrees and types of jobs each can help you obtain.
Associates of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN)
This degree is a popular choice at Health Career Institute, and for great reason: It can help you earn all your nursing credentials in as little as two years. The program includes lectures, labs, and clinical rotations designed to teach nursing students everything they need to successfully test for the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX) and become a registered nurse (RN).
Program topics include wellness, critical care, professional development, and technical nursing skills required for acute, long-term, and community care facilities and environments.
Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)
This four-year program can be selected as a continuation of the ASN program or not; the course of study will cover material learned in an ASN program and continue to more complex topics and more advanced technical nursing skills.
With a BSN, students may choose to work as RNs alongside their peers with ASNs. Students are also qualified to take the NCLEX to become licensed as a nurse practitioner (NP), which means they may have a greater level of patient interaction, more responsibilities in the medical environment, diagnose and prescribe, and, like all other nurses, support other members of the health care team.
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Finally, some nurses may choose to pursue a masters degree, which can only be done after an undergraduate degree is obtained. MSN holders may work as NPs or even RNs but have a deeper understanding of nursing or hospital administration concepts and may begin working as nurse educators in health care or school settings.
