Nursing Programs & Degrees
When considering a future nursing career, it's important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor's degree programs, and direct-entry master's degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Starting Out
Certificate
Certificate
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program is the fastest way to a nursing career. You could be working as a nurse within a year.
Course Length
9–12 months
Expected Salary
$29k–$50k
Benefits
Associate’s Degrees
Associate’s Degrees
An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a solid foundation that will prepare you to enter the nursing field and advance your career.
Course Length
2–4 years
Expected Salary
$53k–$73k
Benefits
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
If you want to go further, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the best choice. A BSN degree is the stepping stone to many opportunities and top positions.
Course Length
4 years
Expected Salary
$45k–$85k
Benefits
Post Graduate
Accelerated Bachelor’s
Accelerated Bachelor’s
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a shortcut if you have a degree in another field. An ABSN program can put you on the fast track to becoming a nurse.
Course Length
11–18 months
Expected Salary
$45k–$85k
Benefits
Master’s Degree
Master’s Degree
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) will open up many opportunities and help you develop new skills. An MSN degree allows you to advance quickly in your career.
Course Length
2 years
Expected Salary
$62k–$124k
Benefits
Doctoral Degree
Doctoral Degree
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) will take you into new disciplines, such as education, research and management.
Course Length
4–6 years
Expected Salary
$68k–$125k
Benefits
”If you have another bachelor’s degree, nursing programs offer a way that you can go back to school and just complete the science portion, which means fewer classes.”
Jamie
Featured specialties
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)Explore the rewarding role of a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), encompassing key responsibilities and the impact on patient care. FNPs are central to long-term, personalized healthcare, often building lasting relationships with patients.
- Nurse ExecutiveA Nurse Executive holds a top position within a healthcare organization, making sure its goals and mission are carried out in day-to-day operations.
- Patient Blood Management NurseA Patient Blood Management Nurse is a member of the multidisciplinary care team whose goals are to preserve and optimize the health of patient blood by practicing Patient Blood Management (PBM). PBM is a patient-centered, systematic, evidence-based approach to the care of blood that focuses on anemia management and prevention of blood-loss and bleeding, with a focus on patient safety and empowerment.
More Inspiration About Nurse-Led Innovation
- At Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, the nursing innovation unit started by tackling everyday frustrations, like moving printers and improving communication, and has since evolved into a powerhouse for workflow and care delivery transformation. Find out why the initiative started, what key structural supports make it successful, and how these nurse-led innovations are now scaling across the system.2025-04-04T19:57:18.113Z
- The Safer Together initiative highlights the critical link between workforce safety and patient care. By fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, it empowers healthcare workers and improves safety for both patients and providers. Learn how the initiative focuses on creating an environment of shared responsibility where everyone plays a part in ensuring safety.2025-04-04T19:57:10.588Z
- A new toolkit from the Institute of Healthcare Improvement and supported by Johnson & Johnson Foundation provides actionable steps for nurse leaders to scale innovative care models that improve both patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction. Below, explore six steps for engaging frontline staff and building cross-disciplinary teams to foster sustainable and impactful change.2025-02-05T17:54:52.369Z
Certifications
You can become an expert in the areas of nursing that you’re most interested in by earning a nursing certificate in that specialty.