See our breakdown of RN diplomas and degrees here. There are many different paths to becoming a registered nurse RN , each with its own requirements and unique advantages. For example, an RN diploma or associate degree in nursing ADN takes a shorter time to complete than a bachelor's — two years compared to four years.
Yet, nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing BSN tend to earn a higher salary and have more opportunities for career growth. If you are considering pursuing a career as an RN, you likely have questions about the various degree programs and their specific differences.
Here, we answer frequently asked questions, address degree differences, and the advantages of each. For programs offered online, you must still complete clinical rotations. The RN credential is more than holding the degree. A BSN degree takes longer and includes more advanced topics, such as nursing leadership, research, and public health.
Which is better depends on how long you want to spend in school and your career goals. However, experience, geographic location, and responsibilities can also affect salary.
RN certificate programs include clinical topics such as human biology, caring for patients, administering tests and medication, patient communications, and ethics. They also require clinical hours. The answer to this question is: It varies. The factor that will impact your timeline the most will be which degree you choose to pursue. Depending on the specific nursing program that you enroll in, it could take anywhere from 16 months to four years to become a registered nurse.
With this in mind, if speed is important to you, you are likely to be better served by pursuing an accelerated BSN program which will allow you to earn your bachelor of science in nursing in less than the standard four years.
For example, Regis College offers multiple degrees which are specifically designed to help students graduate as quickly as possible so that they can start their career, including:. In selecting a program to enroll in, Akanegbu recommends students find a program that offers a curriculum specifically designed to help them pass the NCLEX. Additionally, Akanegbu recommends finding a program where you know you will be learning from faculty who are actively practicing in the field of nursing.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN degree is for students who want to make a difference for their patients through compassionate, patient-focused care.
Graduate Level Degrees Since most nursing professionals can easily secure good jobs with other degrees, not everyone will go on to earn a graduate level nursing degree.
How to Research Nursing School Programs With such a high demand for nursing professionals, potential students are likely to have several local options based on the type of degree they wish to pursue.
Critical Care Nurse. Critical care nurses are often employed in emergency departments or other trauma centers. They provide high-level medical support to patients in need of acute and emergent care. Nurse Practitioner. A Nurse Practitioner often works alongside a team of physicians in a family care or pediatric practice. Sometimes, NPs have their own offices and see their own patients. Surgical Nurse. Surgical nurses are needed in both hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.
These specialists provide support in operating rooms and in post-op for attending physicians and surgeons. Nurse Midwife. Nurse midwives provide obstetric and maternity care for new mothers through pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
While an MSN is beneficial, many midwifery programs have other license requirements or special certifications. Nurse Educator.
A nurse educator is someone who has the educational and practical experience required for nursing, combined with an ability to teach others.
To apply for licensure:. Takes years. Offered at many community colleges. Prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings. Takes 4 years.
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