Understanding the different types of nursing degrees: ADN, BSN, MSN and more
Nursing can be a highly rewarding career. In addition to the personal satisfaction of helping others, the current shortage of nurses means there’s plenty of job security. If you’re planning to become a nurse, one of the first choices you’ll need to make is which of the different types nursing degrees you want to pursue.
There are many potential degree paths to become a nurse, and they vary in terms of time commitment, the skills you’ll learn and the job opportunities that you’ll be qualified for. Whether you’re looking for a two-year degree program that will get you started in the field or think more advanced education is right for you, understanding the different types of nursing degrees will help you choose the best path for your career goals.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate
The CNA certificate is a non-degree diploma that you can earn through a community college or vocational school. These programs typically last between four and 12 weeks. The certificate program prepares you to take your state’s CNA certification exam. Specific requirements to take the exam will vary by state, but generally require at least 75 hours of schooling plus at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training.
During the program, you learn how to provide basic healthcare such as taking vital signs, changing bedding, transferring patients and recording data.
What you can do: Once you’ve earned your CNA certification, you can work with patients while you’re supervised by a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. Nursing assistants often work in hospitals, assisted living facilities, home healthcare and continuing care settings.
Earning potential: According to the 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for nursing assistants is $39,530.
Licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate
An LPN certificate prepares you to enter the nursing field relatively quickly. Vocational schools and community colleges offer the program, which typically takes about one year to complete when enrolled full time. You learn key skills such as how to report patient conditions, take vital signs, change wound dressings and help medical professionals with tests and procedures.
Once you’ve completed the program, you can take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s National Council Licensure Examinations (NCLEX-PN) for LPNs. You will need to pass the exam and meet your state’s requirements to qualify to become a licensed LPN.
Jennifer Brullo, CEO of Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester, New York, has a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from Duke University. She explained that pursuing CNA or LPN licensure is a great way to start your healthcare career. “For individuals uncertain about whether direct patient care is the right path, both roles offer valuable hands-on experience in patient care,” Brullo said. Both programs require a relatively short time commitment and can be a stepping stone for anyone interested in potentially later becoming a registered nurse.
What you can do: Licensed LPNs can work under the supervision of a registered nurse. They may work in hospitals, residential care facilities, diagnostic testing centers, government agencies and more.
Earning potential: The median annual salary for LPNs is $62,340 according to the 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the BLS.
Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
If you want to become a registered nurse (RN), you need at least an associate degree in nursing. These programs take about two years to complete on a full-time basis, though you may be able to study part time so that you can work while you go to school.
Most programs include both classroom learning and clinical practice hours to give you firsthand experience in healthcare settings. You study topics including anatomy, physiology, psychology and microbiology. After completing the program, you can take the NCLEX-RN examination to become a licensed RN.
“Earning an associate degree in nursing positions a nurse for future advancement and specialization opportunities,” Brullo said. You might decide to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree program to further your education. An RN also usually has greater earning potential than a CNA or LPN. “RNs also benefit from a broader scope of practice and increased responsibilities compared to CNAs and LPNs,” Brullo explained.
What you can do: RNs often work in hospitals, but they may also work in schools, nursing and residential care settings, government offices and physicians’ offices. Travel nursing is also a possibility for RNs.
Earning potential: According to the 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the BLS, the median annual salary for RNs is $93,600.
Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN)
A BSN degree program is a four-year program that can prepare RNs for a variety of roles. This degree is also ideal for nurses who plan to pursue graduate study. There are many different types of BSN programs available, including a traditional program that you enter straight out of high school. Alternatively, LPN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN programs are available for students who have already completed some nursing education. These alternative BSN programs can often be completed in about two years.
Once you have completed your BSN program, you can take the NCLEX-RN exam if you haven’t already done so. “A BSN graduate receives more comprehensive training, preparing them for a successful nursing career,” Brullo said. “In addition to foundational skills, the BSN curriculum includes coursework that enhances critical thinking abilities and provides stronger clinical experience. A BSN is considered a better long-term investment and is typically the preferred degree for most entry-level nursing positions, particularly at prestigious, Magnet-designated facilities.”
What you can do: RNs can work in many settings, including in hospitals, public health operations, home health settings, schools, and more.
Earning potential: The median annual salary for RNs is $93,600 according to the BLS.
Master of Science in nursing (MSN)
The MSN is a graduate program that’s more specialized and intensive than a BSN. It’s designed to prepare nurses for more specialized roles, such as careers in nurse leadership, education and advanced practice. Most MSN programs can be completed in two to three years.
“MSN-prepared nurses have the opportunity to obtain advanced practice nurse licensures or specialize in specific areas, which enables them to earn higher salaries while developing more advanced skill sets,” Brullo explained. “Additionally, an MSN provides enhanced preparation for nurses seeking leadership roles, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to take on greater responsibilities within the healthcare system.”
You can enter an MSN program with a bachelor’s degree in any field, or with a BSN degree. There are also alternative paths, including RN-to-MSN and BSN-to-MSN programs that are fast-paced and designed to help you complete the program and get into the workforce sooner.
What you can do: MSN program graduates can pursue many careers, including positions as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, certified nurse anesthetists and more.
Earning potential: The BLS reports that the median annual salary for nurse practitioners is $129,210 per year.
Doctoral degree in nursing
Doctoral degrees in nursing are terminal degrees that prepare you for advanced, specific careers. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program helps prepare you for a career in executive leadership, nursing informatics or health policy. Alternatively, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing prepares you for research-based positions in healthcare institutions, higher education and for insurance companies.
“Earning a doctorate in nursing offers numerous benefits, including expanded career opportunities,” Brullo said. “These opportunities may include roles such as Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Clinical Officer, other nursing leadership positions, or specialized roles as nurse practitioners. Doctorate-prepared nurses are highly skilled in evidence-based practice, which is crucial for advancing nursing practice and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, we are well-positioned to influence health policy and further elevate the role of the nurse in the healthcare system.”
These programs are rigorous and take about two years to complete.
What you can do: Doctoral degree graduates may hold executive leadership, higher education, research-based positions and more.
Earning potential: Salaries can vary greatly depending on your position and the industry in which you work.
Which types of nurses are in the greatest demand?
“The healthcare industry is experiencing significant growth, with nurse job openings consistently outpacing supply,” Brullo explained. “As a result, nurses continue to be in high demand across a wide range of healthcare settings, requiring various levels of education and licensure.”
According to Brullo, LPNs, RNs and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are all in high demand. The BLS predicts that the employment of RNs will grow by 4.9% through 2034, while the employment of LPNs will grow 2.6% during that same time period. “However, shortages will persist, particularly in certain states, where the need for nurses will be even more pronounced,” Brullo said.
The National Academy of Medicine’s Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report also highlights the fact that more nurses are needed to meet the country’s growing healthcare needs. Factors like the aging U.S. population, increases in mental and behavioral health conditions, increasing lack of access to primary health care and continued high maternity mortality rates all contribute to increased need for nurses.
“These trends suggest that nursing is a promising career path, regardless of the entry-level degree,” Brullo said. “In terms of specialties, there is an increasing demand for nurses in community health, psychiatric and behavioral health, emergency care and critical care settings.”
How to choose the right nursing program
According to Brullo, it’s important to reflect on your long-term goals and determine how quickly you want to enter the nursing field. Additionally, consider what time and financial commitment you can make to your education before beginning your nursing career. “I also encourage students to pursue ongoing academic advancement and take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs offered by their employers,” Brullo said. “Nursing offers a wide range of career paths, including direct bedside care, telehealth, care management, technology, education, research and leadership. By exploring these diverse opportunities, you can tailor your career to align with your personal and professional aspirations.”
Regardless of which degree program you choose, earning a nursing degree is your first step toward a highly rewarding career in which your work can make a positive difference. “Nursing is an exceptional field to pursue, offering both personal and professional rewards,” Brullo said. “It provides numerous opportunities to apply your training and skills in various ways, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others while advancing your career.”
