You’ve finally made the decision to answer your calling to become a nurse. Now all you need to do is find a program and earn your nursing degree, right? If only it were that easy.
The truth is there are many different levels of nursing degrees and credentials, and many specialties and job titles under each umbrella. A nursing degree isn’t exactly one-size-fits-all. Depending which focus you’re interested in, it will have its own path and various nurse education requirements you’ll need to meet to pursue the position you have your sights set on.
So how is an aspiring nurse supposed to navigate this course? Don’t be intimidated by themany credentialsyou’ve come across. When it all comes down to it, the nursing hierarchy isn’t as confusing as it may seem.
We created this handy guide to help simplify things for you. Keep reading to gain a clearer understanding of the different levels of nursing degrees so you can identify which educational path aligns with your career aspirations.
Get Your Nursing School Questions Answered at a Nursing Information Session
Reserve Your Spot
4 Main levels of nursing degrees and credentials
The fact that there are different credentials in the nursing profession is exciting news. It means there are potential opportunities out there for those wanting to make an impact in the healthcare field—no matter their level of educational attainment. And the options don’t end once you’re employed, either—you can mold your career to fit your passions and priorities by continuing to ascend the nursing hierarchy later in your career.
Whether you have hopes of specializing, climbing the ranks or pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors, there are types of nursing degrees or certifications available to prepare you for your professional goals.
Let’s learn more about the four core levels of nursing.
1. Nursing assistant (CNA)
Nursing assistants also go by the title of nursing aides or CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants). While these professionals are not technically nurses, they are on the frontline of contact between medical staff and patients—and the role can serve as a starting point for many aspiring nurses.Nursing assistantsbathe their patients and help them dress, eat, use the bathroom and perform other daily activities. They measure vital signs and listen to their patients’ health concerns and transfer patients between beds and wheelchairs.
Some CNAs also may dispense medication,according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), depending on their state’s rules and regulations.1The BLS adds that CNAs are often the principal caregivers in nursing homes and residential care facilities, having more direct contact with the residents than other staff members.
How to become one:To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved education program. A nursing assistant training program will typically take just a matter of weeks to complete. Upon completion of the program, aspiring nursing assistants mustpass an examto earn their CNA (or related) title. After successful completion, CNAs are state-certified.
LPNs, sometimes known aslicensed vocational nurses(LVNs), are responsible for a variety of patient support duties. They monitor patient health and administer basic care. Theirtasks might includetaking blood pressure, inserting catheters, starting IV drips (in some states) and changing bandages. They communicate with patients (and sometimes patient family members) to educate them on care plans. State regulations vary for LPNs on administering medication and supervision requirements.
How to become one:LPNs get their start by successfully completing aPractical Nursing Diplomaprogram. These programs can be found at technical schools, community colleges or career colleges and can usually be completed in as few as 12 months.2After graduation, you’ll be required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN®) to receive your state license and be qualified to work.
Additional certification is also available for nurses at the LPN level. Certifications show that an LPN or LVN has an advanced level of knowledge about a specific subject,according to the BLS.1To gain an edge in the job market or to acquire some specialty training, LPNs can earn certification in specialized areas like IV therapy, developmental disabilities, childbirth and more.
Registered nurses (RNs) tend to be the group most people associate with the term “nurse.” They assume a wide variety of roles in patient care. RNs are responsible forrecording patient medical history, monitoring symptoms and medical equipment, administering medicine, establishing or contributing to a plan of care, performing diagnostic tests and collaborating with doctors.
Some RNs can be responsible for overseeing LPNs, CNAs and other healthcare staff,the BLS reports.1Specific job titles and duties will vary depending on where they work and the types of patients they care for. There are also opportunities for RNs to limit their work to caring for specific patient populations, such as inpediatric nursing,emergency nursing,neonatal nursing,psychiatric nursingand more.
RNs also have a plethora of choicesoutside of direct patient care. The BLS notes that RNs might also work to promote public health, run health screenings or blood drives, or staff the health clinics in schools.1
How to become one:There are two primary levels of nursing degrees that can lead to a career as an RN: earning anAssociate’s Degree in Nursing(ADN) or earning aBachelor of Science in Nursing(BSN). The Rasmussen University ADN program can be completed in as few as 18 months.2On the other hand, earning your BSN at Rasmussen University could be done in as few as 33 months, oras few as 18 monthswith a prior degree under your belt.2
When choosing which track to take, it’s important to think ahead and determine what the educational preferences are for the type of work you want. Some employers (especially hospitals) prefer RNs to have a bachelor’s degree. Many working RNs with an ADN opt to go back to school later to earn their bachelor’s degree through anRN-to-BSN online program.
But whichever nursing degree level you decide on, you’ll still have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) if you want to start working as an RN. Additional requirements may also exist depending on your state, so be sure to look intostatewide RN qualificationsas well.
Nurses who earn theirMaster of Science in Nursing(MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These nurses have all sorts of options when it comes to career choices. They can work independently as well as in collaboration with physicians,according to the BLS.1They can perform all of the duties of an RN as well as more extensive tasks like ordering and evaluating test results, referring patients to specialists and diagnosing and treating ailments.
For a better idea of how these nurses fit in the healthcare system, seethis handy breakdownthe American Nurses Association® offers to highlight the four types of APRNs:nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists.
There are a few other notable career paths MSN nurses could pursue outside of these APRN roles. One option is tobecome a nurse educatorand help train the next generation of nurses. Another possibility is to advance into leadership positions, like becoming adirector of nursing.
How to become an APRN:The first step toward becoming an advanced practice registered nurse is becoming an RN. MSN programs typically require candidates to first have an active RN license, with most preferring a BSN degree,according to the BLS.1
APRN roles include nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife and nurse practitioner (NP). Specific graduate programs exist for each of these outcomes. For instance, prospective nurse practitioners enroll in a program that aligns with specialized licensure options like psychiatric-mental health, adult gerontology, pediatrics or family primary care.
Once you decide which APRN career option to pursue, you’ll need to gain acceptance into an accreditedMSNor DNP program and earn your degree. Depending on the specialty you wish to pursue, there might be further requirements in order to obtain licensure, including clinical experience or additional certification.
After graduation, the BLS states that you’ll likely need to pass a national certification exam in your area of expertise.1Requirements vary slightly by state, so check out theNational Council of State Boards of Nursing®for specifics in your area. Some advanced practice certifications will also need to be renewed after a certain number of years to remain valid.
Advanced practice registered nurse (nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners) job outlook:
This simple breakdown of the different levels of nursing should help you have a better understanding of your options in the field. Even so, these only scratch the surface of the career options available within each level.
Now that you’re more familiar with the nursing hierarchy, you may have a better idea of which path you'd like to pursue. Regardless of which level of nursing credential you choose, completing the TEAS test is a common education requirement you'll likely encounter. Learn more about what to expect from the exam in our article “Don't Fear the TEAS Test: 5 Common Questions Answered.”
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook [career information accessed May 2022]. Data represents national averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. Ranges do not represent starting salaries and employment conditions in your area may vary. 2Time to completion is dependent on number of transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2015. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2022.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing, NCLEX, NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN are registered trademarks of National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. American Nurses Association is a registered trademark of American Nurses Association Corporation.
What Are the Types of Nurses? In general, nurses fall into three categories: non-degree, degree, and advanced degree. Non-degree nurses include certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), who complete nursing education
education
Teacher education or teacher training refers to the policies, procedures, and provision designed to equip (prospective) teachers with the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, approaches, methodologies and skills they require to perform their tasks effectively in the classroom, school, and wider community.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Teacher_education
There are five levels of nursing: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Each level has different requirements, educational
educational
Teacher education or teacher training refers to the policies, procedures, and provision designed to equip (prospective) teachers with the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, approaches, methodologies and skills they require to perform their tasks effectively in the classroom, school, and wider community.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Teacher_education
As the name suggests, CNAs assist nurses with patient admittance and vitals. It is the lowest-level credential related to the nursing field and the quickest point of entry.
The highest level of nursing education is the doctoral level. Positions that require doctoral nursing degrees include certain types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), as well as leadership positions such as chief nursing officer or director of nursing.
Nurses in clinical practice tend to list their licensure first followed by degrees and then certifications. For example: RN, BSN, CCRN. Nurses who are academic educators
educators
Teacher education or teacher training refers to the policies, procedures, and provision designed to equip (prospective) teachers with the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, approaches, methodologies and skills they require to perform their tasks effectively in the classroom, school, and wider community.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Teacher_education
list their academic degrees first followed by licensure and then certifications. For example: DNP
DNP
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal educational degree, while a nurse practitioner (NP) is a professional role and job title. Nurse practitioners can be prepared at the master's level or earn a DNP degree. As you explore advancing your nursing career, you may be comparing DNP vs master's NP programs.
Registered Nurse Level 3 means a Registered Nurse who may be referred to as: Clinical Nurse Consultant or Nurse Manager or Staff Development Nurse. A registered Nurse Level 3 shall be appointed to Clinical, Management or Staff Development stream.
Registered Nurse Level 4 means a Registered Nurse who is engaged as such and may be referred to as Assistant Clinical Care Supervisor – Care, Assistant Clinical Care Supervisor – Management, or Assistant Clinical Care Supervisor – Staff Development.
First, LPNs must pass a national licensure exam prior to assuming nursing responsibilities. In my opinion, if an individual passed the NCLEX-PN, they have earned the title nurse. Furthermore, a governing nursing board can suspend or revoke an LPNs license if he or she engages in a disorderly act.
Registered nurses need a bachelor's degree in nursing, to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and to obtain a state licensure to get started in the medical field. Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, must have earned a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or higher.
What is an entry-level nurse? Entry-level nurses begin their careers after completing a certificate or licensing program, a nursing diploma or associate degree, or a college-degree. These nurse training programs and degrees do not require prior nursing education or work experience.
Nurse practitioners also prescribe medicine, but in some states they must be directly overseen by a doctor or physician in order to do so. Generally speaking, the responsibility of doctors will typically include: Diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses.
While nursing is a practical, hands-on profession, it also requires special technical competencies and clinical analysis skills that will potentially save people's lives. As such, you cannot become a Nurse without a degree in nursing.
If you know the nurse's first or last name, use it after the word "nurse." This format is a little outdated, but it's still a respectful way to address a nurse if you're unsure what they prefer or want to be more formal.
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO): The CNO, sometimes referred to as the chief nursing executive (CNE), is at the top of the pyramid. This position usually works under the CEO of the hospital or agency and has administrative and supervisory roles.
Sister. Sisters and charge nurses are responsible for the overall running of each ward/unit and for standards of nursing care. They lead a team of staff who ensure the delivery of quality services and are key in ensuring clear communication between those involved in patient management.
BSN-prepared nurses are the most sought-after RNs in the job market and can advance to leadership and management roles more quickly than the ASN nurse.
Neonatal Nurse. Babies who are born prematurely commonly experience a variety of health issues early on, and this is where a neonatal nurse comes in. ...
They are both acceptable ways to list your credentials. However, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) recommends listing the education
education
Teacher education or teacher training refers to the policies, procedures, and provision designed to equip (prospective) teachers with the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, approaches, methodologies and skills they require to perform their tasks effectively in the classroom, school, and wider community.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Teacher_education
Either way is correct when writing out your name and credentials — Jane Doe, RN, BSN, or Jane Doe, BSN, RN. In the world of academia, the college degree is used first and then licensure and other credentials. But for the rest of us, both ways work.
If it is an MN or MS note that first, then BSN, RN. So, MS, BSN, RN. If your master's degree is in nursing then you can drop the BSN and just note your Master's and RN.
"Clinical Nurse Specialist/Clinical Midwife Specialist Grade 2" means: a Registered Nurse/Midwife appointed to a position classified as such with relevant post-registration qualifications and at least 3 years' experience working in the clinical area of their specified post-graduate qualification.
Also called infusion specialist nurses or IV nurses, IV infusion nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in administering IV therapies. They are adept at pharmacology, interpreting laboratory tests, and using electronic equipment to monitor patients.
A RN I becomes an RN 2 after having demonstrated an acceptable level of competency after a year's experience. RN 3's typically are experienced and are involved in more on the unit.
(m) Registered Nurse - Level 5" shall mean a registered nurse who may be referred to as a director of nursing. The relevant grade between 1 to 6 inclusive for each post is set out in schedule B to this award.
Is an ADN the same as an RN? An ADN is a two-year nursing degree that leads to becoming an RN. The RN credential is more than holding the degree. It includes earning an RN diploma, ADN, or BSN degree, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and completing state licensing requirements.
A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse who has completed all educational
educational
Teacher education or teacher training refers to the policies, procedures, and provision designed to equip (prospective) teachers with the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, approaches, methodologies and skills they require to perform their tasks effectively in the classroom, school, and wider community.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Teacher_education
and examination requirements, and has been licensed to practice nursing in their state. You will also see 'registered nurse' as a job title or position.
The common thread uniting different types of nurses who work in varied areas is the nursing process—the essential core of practice for the registered nurse to deliver holistic, patient-focused care. Assessment. ...
Either way is correct when writing out your name and credentials — Jane Doe, RN, BSN, or Jane Doe, BSN, RN. In the world of academia, the college degree is used first and then licensure and other credentials. But for the rest of us, both ways work.
Registered Nurse Level 3 means a Registered Nurse who may be referred to as: Clinical Nurse Consultant or Nurse Manager or Staff Development Nurse. A registered Nurse Level 3 shall be appointed to Clinical, Management or Staff Development stream.
South Africa has three categories of nurses: professional (registered) nurses with 4 years of training; enrolled nurses with 2 years of training; and nursing assistants or auxiliaries with 1 year of training.
These are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Assessment is the first step and involves critical thinking skills and data collection; subjective and objective.
A registered nurse is able to practice within their field with only an associates degree, but a BSN is the preferred level of education
education
Teacher education or teacher training refers to the policies, procedures, and provision designed to equip (prospective) teachers with the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, approaches, methodologies and skills they require to perform their tasks effectively in the classroom, school, and wider community.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Teacher_education
The typical BSN program takes about four years to complete. The good news is, you do not need a BSN degree to get started as a nurse. Most states, like Connecticut, just require nurses to have their associate degree in Nursing and to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, to qualify for an RN license.
While nursing is a practical, hands-on profession, it also requires special technical competencies and clinical analysis skills that will potentially save people's lives. As such, you cannot become a Nurse without a degree in nursing. This is the most important out of the qualifications needed to be a Nurse.
For nursing, the NMC requires your qualification to be equivalent to a UK Level 1 nurse. In the UK, a Level 1 nurse is a nurse who has completed a three-year programme of education leading to a nursing qualification/academic qualification (a degree or diploma).
(m) Registered Nurse - Level 5" shall mean a registered nurse who may be referred to as a director of nursing. The relevant grade between 1 to 6 inclusive for each post is set out in schedule B to this award.
"Clinical Nurse Specialist/Clinical Midwife Specialist Grade 2" means: a Registered Nurse/Midwife appointed to a position classified as such with relevant post-registration qualifications and at least 3 years' experience working in the clinical area of their specified post-graduate qualification.
Undoubtedly, if a person wants to make a magnificent career in the sphere of the healthcare industry, then B.sc Nursing course is better than General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). In the matter of career growth, higher studies, and salary the value of B.sc Nursing is more than General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course.
Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
