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Whether you love working with children or want to travel full time, nursing careers offer a wide array of different environments. A degree in nursing prepares you to explore nursing careers or pursue other career paths in the healthcare field.
In this article, we discuss the different degrees you can pursue in the nursing field, as well as various nursing degree jobs available to graduates.
Degree Finder
Types of Nursing Degrees
Nursing degrees range from two-year associate degrees to terminal graduate degrees. You should choose the degree program that will help you reach your nursing career goals.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate in nursing teaches you the foundational skills to become a registered nurse (RN). ADNs take about two years to complete and prepare graduates for entry-level nursing jobs.
Coursework for an ADN may include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Healthcare concepts
- Professional nursing competencies
- Clinical nursing training
Admission requirements for ADN programs vary by school, but common requirements include:
- Prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA in areas such as biology
- Transcripts of previous coursework
- Passing TEAS exam score (each school sets it’s own passing score)
- Immunization records
- Background check
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A bachelor of science in nursing teaches theoretical concepts and practical knowledge related to nursing. A BSN is typically a four-year degree, but some colleges offer accelerated programs.
A BSN degree prepares you for various clinical nursing careers in clinical care, research or pain management.
Coursework for a BSN may include:
- Psychology
- Nutrition
- Anatomy
- Clinical nursing skills
- Public health nursing
Admission requirements for BSN programs vary but may include:
- Prerequisite coursework in nursing or science
- A minimum GPA
- Transcripts of previous coursework
- Passing HESI exam score (each school sets it’s own passing score)
- Background check
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A master’s in nursing prepares you for leadership roles in nursing administration, education, research or clinical practice. An MSN is typically a two-year degree, but some colleges offer accelerated or bridge programs, such as a BSN-to-MSN degree program.
Coursework for an MSN covers theoretical foundations of nursing, disease prevention, health assessment and pathophysiology.
MSN programs require a concentration to direct the course of study. Some examples of concentration routes are:
- Adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist
- Family nurse practitioner
- Pediatric nurse practitioner
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Leadership in diverse settings
Admission requirements for MSN programs vary but may include:
- A BSN with a minimum GPA
- Transcripts of previous coursework
- Letters of recommendation
- A résumé or curriculum vitae
- Clinical work experience
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A doctorate in nursing is a terminal degree that prepares you for leadership or patient care roles in a clinical or non-clinical capacity. DNP-prepared nurses work in healthcare administration, public administration, health informatics or other leadership roles.
DNPs may take three to six years to complete, depending on prior education and enrollment type. With no prior nursing education, you can complete a DNP program in five years or more. But if you have an MSN, it may only take two years.
Coursework for a DNP degree may include:
- Healthcare policy and advocacy
- Organizational and systems leadership
- Information systems/technology
- Clinical prevention and population health
- Project implementation and evaluation
In a DNP program, you choose a concentration to customize your education. Examples of concentrations include:
- Family nurse practitioner
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Pediatric nurse practitioner
- Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
- Advanced practice leadership
Admission requirements for DNP programs vary but may include:
- Active RN licensure
- A BSN and MSN or equivalent degree
- Transcripts of previous coursework
- A minimum GPA
- A minimum number of hours of practice experience
- A résumé or curriculum vitae
- Letters of recommendation
Career Options for ADN and BSN Graduates
To become an RN, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination and gain licensure through your state’s board of nursing. RNs pursue careers in hospitals, community clinics or physician offices.
While RNs can have an ADN or a BSN to become licensed, employers are increasingly seeking BSN-prepared nurses.
Endocrinology Nurse
Median Annual Salary: $77,600 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Education Needed: Endocrinology nurses typically need a BSN, but some start out with an ADN to gain experience in the field.
Career Description: Endocrinology nurses care for children and adult patients with diabetes, thyroid or pituitary disorders.
Travel Nurse
Average Annual Salary: Around $81,000 (Payscale)
Education Needed: Travel nurses can find employment with an ADN or a BSN.
Career Description: Travel nurses often work temporarily to aid in medical personnel shortages, natural disasters or in high-need areas.
Surgical Nurse
Average Annual Salary: Around $64,700 (Payscale)
Education Needed: Surgical nurses need at least an ADN or a BSN.
Career Description: Surgical nurses assist doctors and care for patients before, during and after surgical procedures.
Home Health Nurse
Average Annual Salary: Around $68,800 (Payscale)
Education Needed: Home health nurses need an ADN or BSN.
Career Description: Home health nurses care for patients in their homes, monitor vital signs, administer treatment and care for wounds or injuries.
Nurse Advocate
Average Annual Salary: Around $70,500 (Payscale)
Education Needed: Nurse advocates need at least an ADN or a BSN.
Career Description: Nurse advocates help patients navigate the healthcare system and advocate for patients’ best treatment options.
Critical Care Nurse
Average Annual Salary: Around 84,400 (Payscale)
Education Needed: Critical care nurses need at least an ADN or a BSN.
Career Description: Critical care nurses work in ICUs, cardiac care units or emergency departments to care for patients with life-threatening conditions.
Career Options for BSN and MSN Graduates
Nurse Researcher
Average Annual Salary: Around $74,000 (Payscale)
Education Needed: Many nurse research positions require applicants to have MSNs, but BSN degree holders may qualify for entry-level positions.
Career Description: Nurse researchers use critical thinking and nursing skills to conduct research or care for patients in research studies.
Informatics Nurse
Average Annual Salary: Around $82,900 (Payscale)
Education Needed: Informatics nurses need at least a BSN, but some employers prefer nurses with MSNs.
Career Description: Informatics nurses work with software applications and computer equipment in the medical setting.
Pain Management Nurse
Median Annual Salary: $77,600 (BLS)
Education Needed: Pain management nurses need at least a BSN.
Career Description: Pain management nurses use medications and treatments to help patients manage acute or chronic pain.
Pain Management Nurse Practitioner
Median Annual Salary: $120,680 (BLS)
Education Needed: As advanced practice nurses, pain management nurse practitioners need an MSN or a DNP.
Career Description: Pain management nurse practitioners address acute and chronic pain, assist in minor surgeries and prescribe medications.
Career Options Outside of Clinical Nursing
Legal Nurse Consultant
Average Annual Salary: Around $86,600 (Payscale)
Education Needed: Legal nurse consultants need at least an ADN or a BSN, but an MSN may lead to higher pay and job opportunities.
Career Description: Legal nurse consultants provide assistance with medical cases and medical analysis for insurance companies and law firms.
Nurse Attorney
Median Annual Salary: $127,990 (BLS)
Education Needed: Nurse attorneys need a BSN or an MSN and a law degree.
Career Description: Nurse attorneys are RNs with a license to practice law. They may represent medical professionals in court, advocate for healthcare policy changes or provide expert witness testimony.
Nursing Instructor or Nurse Educator
Median Annual Salary: $77,440 (BLS)
Education Needed: A nurse educator needs an MSN in a nursing education program.
Career Description: Nurse educators teach nursing students skills to be effective nurses and mentor prospective nurses.
Nurse Administrator
Average Annual Salary: Around $90,600 (Payscale)
Education Needed: A nurse administrator typically needs an MSN or a master of healthcare administration degree.
Career Description: Nurse administrators oversee nursing operations, monitor compliance with local and federal policies, recruit nurses and report team performance.
Nurse Case Manager
Average Annual Salary: Around $77,000 (Payscale)
Education Needed: Nurse case managers need an ADN or a BSN.
Career Description: Nurse case managers communicate with physicians and insurance companies to connect patients with appropriate care plans and resources.
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