Nursing is one of the toughest and most demanding professions that require you to stay on your edge to deal with different challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic displayed the heroics of nurses where they worked day and night along with doctors to control the situation. They have played the main role in making the situation stable and in looking after the patients who were affected by a coronavirus. It shows their significance in the current pandemic in the healthcare sector, which means there are plenty of opportunities for nurses to explore.
To begin your nursing career, you need to opt for the relevant degree as per your passion and area of interest. Nursing is a massive field, so you need to be clear about your career choice. It helps you follow the right career path according to your skills, so you can accomplish your career goals. Proper career planning is essential before you decide to step into the nursing field. So, let’s explore some of the nursing degrees that will help you shape a successful career.
1. RN to BSN
If you are a registered nurse and have an associate degree and want to move forward to a BSN degree, then go for an RN to BSN degree. As a registered nurse (RN), you can apply for the credits from your associate degree for the completion of your BSN degree. It provides flexibility to professional nurses who want to pursue their studies with a job. This degree provides you the same opportunities as the regular BSN degree holder can get.
2. Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
If you want to be a registered nurse and get a license, then you should choose an ASN degree. This two-year degree provides you with the fastest path to becoming RN. It is the minimum qualification that is required to begin your career as a registered nurse. So, this degree is the first stepping stone in your professional nursing journey.
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Just like an ASN degree, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) also makes you eligible to become a registered nurse. But ASN takes two years to complete, while this bachelor’s degree program requires four years for completion. Many healthcare employers prefer a BSN degree, so it provides employment opportunities straightaway to the students after graduating.
The minimum requirement for many nursing positions is a BSN degree. So, if you are someone who is planning to build a career in nursing, consider BSN as your first step. With a BSN degree, you can apply for staff nurse, school nurse, occupational health nurse, and nursing informatics analyst positions.
4. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
If you are looking for a high-level nursing degree to upgrade your profile and skills, then MSN is ideal. This degree is designed for nurses who can take responsibility for complex roles and handle pressure situations efficiently. The MSN degree is required for top-level positions where clinical training is required. It is usually a joint program with different courses like healthcare administration, public health, and hospital administration. The prerequisite of an MSN degree is the BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree. Also, there are special MSN degree programs for students having non-nursing backgrounds. It takes two years to complete the MSN degree program.
By earning an MSN degree, you can become eligible for a wide range of nursing positions. It includes clinical nurse specialists, nurse researchers, educators, administrators, and case managers. With so many career options, an MSN degree provides you have the leverage to make the right career choice.
5. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
If you want to enroll in a practice-oriented degree that focuses on the development of practical skills, you must consider DNP. The curriculum of the DNP program is designed for the application of clinical research for advanced patient nursing. Also, it makes you eligible to work in intensive patient-care environments in leadership positions. The prerequisite of a DNP is four years of advanced nursing education. It qualifies you to become a certified nurse-midwife, certified nurse anesthetist, and a top-level nurse practitioner.
6. Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
The doctor of philosophy in nursing is also called Ph.D. in nursing, which focuses on theory and research. It is a terminal degree that is designed to produce intellectuals and researchers who can positively contribute to the development of nursing science. As a Ph.D. in nursing graduate student, you are supposed to do clinical research to enhance the quality of healthcare systems. Throughout this graduate program, you will be doing research work that will nurture your leadership capabilities, allowing you to serve the healthcare sector more efficiently.
7. LPN to RN
This degree program is designed for LPN (licensed practical nurses) who want to get a degree to become a registered nurse (RN). It requires one to two years to complete this associate degree program, also known as a bridge program, because it fills the gap between RN and LPN. This degree is the perfect choice for licensed vocational nurses who want to earn their desired position in the shortest time.
8. MSN/Ph.D. Dual Nursing Degree
It is a dual degree program that allows nursing students to cover the concepts of MSN and Ph.D. nursing degrees simultaneously. The prerequisite of this joint degree program is the BSN degree, and you have to be an experienced registered nurse. It requires four to five years to complete this degree program, so you can plan this degree according to your convenience.
Nursing is not an ordinary profession as you are responsible for many lives. The right way to develop your skills is to earn a high-level degree as per your passion and area of interest. With hands-on experience and top qualifications, you can fulfill your nursing duties efficiently and make a great contribution to society. By influencing the lives of people positively, you can make the best use of your nursing degree. Also, it will help you achieve your career goals by becoming eligible to serve in top healthcare organizations. A solid educational profile can make a huge impact on your nursing career. So, get yourself registered in your preferred nursing degree program to effectively serve the healthcare sector and achieve your career objectives.
