Types of Nursing Degrees

CNAs work under the direction of LPNs or RNs, providing basic care to patients. Common CNA duties include dressing patients, bathing them, and checking vital signs. You can find work as a CNA at several locations, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health centers, and skilled nursing facilities.

An LPN license provides a nurse with a functioning license to provide basic nursing care. LPNs work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. LPNs still have supervisory and direct patient care responsibilities but a more limited scope of practice than an RN.

A 2-year ADN is the quickest way to become a registered nurse (RN). After completing an accredited program, you can take the NCLEX to earn your RN licensure. As an ADN-RN, you’ll perform several nursing job duties like patient assessments, starting IVs, drawing blood, and administering medication.

Earning a BSN degree takes two more years of education than an ADN. Upon graduating from an accredited four-year BSN program, you may sit the NCLEX and earn RN licensure in your state.

BSNs have the same duties and responsibilities as ADNs. However,  BSN nurses may have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and move into more advanced positions.

There are two types of MSN degrees. The first is a non-clinical MSN, which is for aspiring nurse administrators, nurse educators, or those simply looking to advance their education. You may also pursue an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) MSN to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).

Your duties will depend on whether you choose a non-clinical MSN or an APRN degree. With an APRN degree, you will be eligible to sit for additional licensure in your specialty. In some states, you may be able to open your own clinic or practice as an independent practitioner.

DNPs can work as APRNs or take on administrative and executive nursing roles. With a growing demand for DNP-educated applicants for APRN positions, Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are more competitive than ever. If you're considering pursuing a DNP, you must at least achieve the basic general requirements for admission (and, if possible, exceed them).

A PhD is the less common terminal nursing degree. However, there are distinct reasons someone might pursue it instead of a DNP. Nurses with a PhD in nursing work in research roles. The degree will prepare you to conduct, write, and publish clinical nursing research.