There are different levels of nursing degrees you can pursue; however, keep in mind that higher nursing degree levels correspond to higher nursing positions. A Practical Nursing Certificate allows you to become a licensed practical nurse, while. a Bachelor of Science in Nursing allows you to become a registered nurse.
If you feel stuck in your current career and your work no longer feels fulfilling, you’re not alone. Many people decide to transition to a different career at all stages of life. One choice that may interest you is a career in nursing. As a nurse, you can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, treating them with compassion and respect as they navigate difficult times.
Nursing can be immensely rewarding, but of course, it has its challenges. To tackle those challenges with confidence, you need a strong educational foundation. This is true regardless of what specific type of nursing career you’re interested in pursuing.
At Felician University, we have a longstanding tradition of graduating highly competent, capable nurses who are prepared to overcome any challenge in any healthcare setting. Additionally, you could earn your nursing degree in as few as 16 months with our hybrid or on-ground Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs.
Both of our ABSN programs confer the highly respected Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which is toward the top among the different levels of nursing degrees.
Nursing Degrees (In Order)
Before diving into the career planning process, you should learn about the different levels of nursing degrees and how each translates to different levels of nursing. Let’s take a closer look at the nursing degrees in order.
Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate
The first “rung” on the ladder of nursing degree levels is a certificate program, rather than a degree. The Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate — also referred to as a diploma program — is typically a one-year course of study, but the length and other specific requirements can vary from state to state. In some cases, it may take 18 months to earn the certificate.
The PN Certificate is the most basic of all nursing qualifications. It covers basic nursing care and guides students through coursework and hands-on learning experiences.
Upon graduating, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN®) to obtain state licensure as either a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). The precise terminology varies from state to state, but the scope of responsibilities and practice authority of an LPN vs. LVN are the same. This is typically the most limiting educational option for a future career when it comes to opportunities and earning potential.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
The next degrees in nursing are the associate degrees. A few options exist, including the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS). These types of nursing degrees are similar and typically require two years of study.
Completing any of these associate degrees in nursing will qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN®, which is the licensure exam for prospective registered nurses (RNs). Like the PN Certificate, an associate degree includes a mix of coursework and hands-on learning experiences. However, the course of study is longer, and the curriculum is more rigorous, with a greater focus on nursing theory and clinical skills. Notably, many organizations, including Magnet hospitals, are looking to exclusively hire nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The next of the nursing degrees in order is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Like an associate degree, the BSN qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtain state licensure as a registered nurse, rather than an LVN or LPN. However, the BSN is a far more rigorous degree that more thoroughly prepares nurses to:
- Work toward better patient outcomes
- Uphold the highest standards of patient care and safety
- Understand nursing research and applying evidence-based practices
- Make appropriate clinical decisions in various patient care scenarios
In other words, the BSN is the gold standard of foundational nursing degrees. Traditionally, the BSN is earned much like any other bachelor’s degree. It’s usually a four-year program that includes classes and hands-on learning experiences, such as nursing skills labs, simulation labs and clinical rotations).
However, not all students need the full four years to earn a BSN. If you have a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum number of non-nursing college credits, you may qualify for Felician’s ABSN programs. Regardless of which ABSN program you choose, you will receive a high-quality nursing education.
Although the program operates on a shorter timeline than traditional BSN programs, an ABSN program confers the same BSN.
Advanced Degrees
The highest nursing degree levels are advanced or graduate-level degrees. These include the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Although these graduate-level degrees aren’t necessary to become an RN, they can be helpful for pursuing advancement as a nurse administrator or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Read more to learn everything you need to know about earning an advanced degree.
Levels of Nursing
Depending on which degree you obtain, various levels of nursing careers will be available to you. Working in healthcare is possible with just a certificate or diploma program. However, becoming an RN is only possible if you have one of the types of nursing degrees. It may be tempting to enroll in an associate degree program, but bear in mind that an ABSN program can confer the more prestigious BSN degree in even less time than an associate degree program, provided you meet the admission requirements.
Plus, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, healthcare employers tend to prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses. The highly reputable Magnet hospitals only promote RNs to nursing leadership positions if they have at least a BSN.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A certified nursing assistant (CNA), also called a nursing aide, is a professional who provides basic care to patients by assisting them with the activities of daily living. For example, they can help patients bathe, dress and eat. They can also perform some basic nursing tasks, such as discussing and recording patients’ health concerns.
The requirements to become a CNA vary from state to state. Usually, all that’s needed is a high school diploma or GED plus a state-approved training program, which may be available at a community college or medical facility. Graduates then generally need to pass a state-approved CNA certification exam.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected job growth rate for CNAs and orderlies is 4% between 2022 and 2032, slightly higher than the national average for all occupations. This indicates that healthcare employers may need to hire about 58,400 new professionals during this period. As of May 2023, the median annual salary for a CNA or orderly was $38,130.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
An LPN or LVN can provide more clinical care than a CNA. They monitor patients’ vital signs, change bandages and document patient care. Like CNAs, LPNs work under an RN or other provider’s supervision.
Aspiring LPNs must complete a state-approved LPN training program, such as the PN Certificate. Compared to the CNA training course, the PN Certificate covers more areas of study, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and nursing fundamentals. Graduates can then take the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain state licensure.
According to the BLS, the job growth rate for LPNs from 2022 through 2032 is projected at 5%, faster than average. This indicates a need for about 34,900 more LPNs during this period. As of May 2023, LPNs had a median annual salary of $59,730.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Compared to CNAs and LPNs, RNs have the greatest amount of practice authority and autonomy in their work. They also have more responsibility. An RN is responsible for:
- Assessing patients and developing or contributing to treatment plans
- Administering treatments, such as medications
- Delivering patient and family caregiver education
- Serving as an advocate for their patients
- Coordinating care among different providers
- Operating medical equipment
An aspiring RN needs an associate degree or a BSN, although a BSN is preferred among the two nursing degree levels. Graduates can take the NCLEX-RN and obtain state RN licensure.
According to the BLS, the job growth rate for RNs from 2022 through 2032 is expected to grow 6%, faster than average. This indicates a need for about 177,400 new RNs during this period. Compared to CNAs and LPNs, RNs also have far greater earning potential. As of May 2023, the median annual salary for RNs was $86,070.
Unlike CNAs and LPNs, RNs have greater access to a diverse range of nursing specialties. In other words, they can choose which area of nursing to focus their career on.
Many different nursing specialties are available to consider. Review the 13 top nursing specialties you could choose from as an RN with a BSN.
Earn Your Nursing Degree at Felician University
Ready to pursue your future in nursing? At Felician University, you have the choice between a hybrid or on-ground ABSN program. In the hybrid program in Parsippany, NJ, you will participate in online coursework and in-person learning experiences. If you prefer on-campus courses instead of online learning, you can receive the same quality education through the on-ground option at our main campus in Rutherford, NJ.
With three start dates per year, you can start working toward your nursing degree sooner with our ABSN program. Our team of dedicated admissions counselors will walk you through each step of the admission process and answer your questions. When you’re ready to start, we’re here to help. Contact our admissions counselors today.