Nursing is a rewarding career that allows you to help people heal and improve their quality of life. If this is a career you’re considering, there are many ways in which you can obtain a nursing education. Getting an education is an investment into your future in an industry that’s both secure and full of advancement opportunities. There are different nursing degrees that allow you to explore different fields and positions within the health care field. Learn all about the different nursing degrees and diplomas that you can earn to become a nurse.
Diploma in Practical Nursing
This is a diploma that allows you to become a licensed practical nurse. The length of this program typically requires only one year. In this role, you’ll work with registered nurses and doctors. Practical nurses have the option to work in hospitals, offices, nursing homes, and clinics and as in-home nurses.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Getting a bachelor’s degree in nursing is one of the most common paths. It allows you to become a registered nurse, also commonly referred to as an RN. An RN with a BSN degree typically gets a higher salary than an RN without a BSN degree. Some registered nurses also choose to further their collegiate nursing education through online BSN to NP programs. This allows someone with a BSN degree to pursue a master’s degree in order to become a nurse practitioner. If you already have a BSN, you can search for an online FNP program that’s accredited and highly ranked like the one offered by the University of Cincinnati.
Master of Science in Nursing
If you’re considering a master’s degree in nursing, then you’ll need to obtain an undergraduate degree from a good college. If you’re determined to get into a top school, you may want to consult a college admissions counselor. College admissions are competitive, and a counselor can really help you nail the application process to get into your dream school. Admissions consultants at Empowerly can assist you with deadlines, financial aid, essay editing, and more. They’ll help you with obtaining your nursing degree every step of the way. Then, after you obtain your undergraduate degree, you can apply for a master’s program to further your education and become a nurse practitioner. This role requires you to specialize in a specific age group and can be completed in two years when it’s accomplished full time.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Getting a doctorate degree in the field of nursing usually branches off into two types. You can obtain a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. A PhD is focused on the research aspect of nursing. Meanwhile, the DNP degree is the highest possible level in the clinical field of nursing. It allows you to work as a nurse practitioner, a professor, a chief nursing officer, and more. This program usually leads nurses into the field of education where they become professors at nursing schools. It takes an average of two to four years, depending on whether you attend school full time or part time. People who already have an MSN will complete the program a lot faster. So, it may be a good idea to transition from a BSN or NP program first.
As a whole, the nursing field offers a lot of flexibility. The job of a nurse isn’t just limited to what you see on medical shows. It requires a lot of grit, compassion, and practical knowledge. Getting a nursing degree results in a long-term career that is fulfilling and offers a variety of different fields to explore. If you’re looking for a job with advancement opportunities where you can practice empathy and help others, nursing is the field for you.
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