Investing in a nursing degree can provide you with outstanding returns in the long run due to a huge demand for nursing professionals. It is a challenging but rewarding career that can open the gates to plenty of career opportunities for you.
Nursing offers different career paths, so as an aspiring nurse, you need to have clarity about your career choice. Choose the nursing major according to your area of interest. Whether you want to be a nurse educator to educate nursing students or want to serve cancer patients as an oncology nurse, having clarity is a must.
Each nursing specialty requires different qualifications and sets of skills that prepare you for the particular position. Therefore, knowing which nursing position you want to earn in the future can make it easier for you to choose the degree.
Let's find out which nursing degrees students are choosing nowadays.
1. DNP
If you want to earn a high-level academic nursing qualification, then a Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree will be the right fit for you.
Students who want to become ARPNs (advanced practice registered nurses) must opt for this degree as it provides graduate-level training. The courses in DNP are designed to provide clinical knowledge to the students and prepare them for advanced clinical positions.
To save time and effort, leverage distance learning programs. It will provide you the flexibility to manage your daily schedule with ease. Shortlist the relevant online doctorate of nursing programs from different institutes and choose the one with a good previous track record. Check online reviews of the graduates who have graduated from the same university where you intend to enroll.
The main focus of the DNP is on evidence-based practice and healthcare quality improvement that allows students to improve their clinical expertise. This degree can take around three to five years to complete, which depends on the previous education of students.
2. MSN
Before opting for the doctorate-level degree, you must earn an MSN (master of science in nursing) degree. This program will give you knowledge related to specialized nursing and advanced clinical practices.
It could take around two years to complete this degree, and the courses usually have a total of thirty to fifty credits. Enroll in the MSN program according to your career aspiration. It may include MSN as a clinical nurse specialist, family nurse practitioner, or as a public health professional.
The courses in this program are mostly related to physical assessment, illness management, disease prevention, and health promotion. After earning an MSN degree, individuals mostly pursue their careers as nurse practitioners.
3. BSN
Another degree that you can opt for is a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) which is a four-year program. The courses in this degree are related to nursing theory, natural sciences, liberal arts, and behavioral sciences.
As a nursing student, you can earn hands-on experience by working during clinical hours. There are some requirements for earning BSN, like a high school diploma, relevant recommendation letters, and prerequisites in biology and chemistry. However, the admission requirements can vary according to the policies of the particular educational institute. If you are from a non-nursing academic background, then you should enroll in the accelerated BSN programs. It may take one or two years for the completion.
4. ADN
ADN (associate degree in nursing) is the minimum qualification for becoming a registered nurse. It includes courses related to the fundamentals of nursing, communication, microbiology, and pharmacology. If you are doing a part-time job and want to earn this degree, then it may take around three to four years to complete this degree. But if you are a full-time student, then it will take two years.
Furthermore, you also require an ADN degree to qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam, which all registered nurses need to clear. Although, the requirements for becoming an RN vary by state. It would be better to check your eligibility to become an RN with your local state board.
5. ASN
ASN (associate of nursing) is another associate-level degree that can help you to get the RN licensure. To enroll in this program, you need to complete the prerequisite courses in biology, physiology, and chemistry.
By enrolling in ASN, you will get exposure to different clinical settings. You will be eligible to serve in hospitals, emergency care facilities, nursing homes, and outpatient settings. It will also prepare you to pursue advanced nursing education by helping you learn the relevant basic concepts.
6. Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
If you want to pursue a degree specifically related to theory and research, then a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing would be the right choice for you.
This degree aims to produce intellectuals in the healthcare sector who can positively contribute to the development of nursing science. It will enable you to do clinical research to work for the improvement of healthcare systems. Also, you will study various leadership-related courses that will nurture your leadership skills, allowing you to serve the healthcare system in a better way.
7. RN to MSN
If you are a registered nurse and want to pursue a bridge program, then enroll in RN to MSN program. It can help you get a master's degree within two years, so you can have the flexibility to work as a registered nurse while studying.
The benefit of the RN to MSN program is that it offers flexible working hours to students. It helps them maintain a perfect balance between their professional and academic life.
The requirements for enrolling in this bridge program can vary according to your local state policies. Do research beforehand to know about the eligibility criteria of your state.
Conclusion
It is crucial to choose the right nursing degree which can shape your entire career. Each nursing program offers different career paths. You have to decide whether you will be able to do justice to the responsibilities of your position or not.
Analyze your career goals, interests, and the changing demands of the healthcare industry. Remember that relying on basic nursing qualifications will not help you attain your desired career growth, so try earning high-level degrees to advance in your career. Hopefully, the nursing degrees mentioned above will help you make the right decision and positively impact your academic career.
