The Different Levels Of Nursing Degrees Lead To Different Types Of Employment

Thousands of men and women enter nursing degree programs each year hoping to make a difference in the lives of many patients. The nursing degree program provides a balance between classroom content and laboratory, plus clinical sessions. A nursing degree offers career mobility in a wide range of different health arenas, in addition to scheduling flexibility with plenty of opportunities to work part-time, full-time or flex-time. In addition, the need for nurses has been and continues to grow steadily.



When you earn an Associate's degree in nursing, you'll be prepared to administer safe, patient-centered care in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other health care facilities as well as provide in-home care. You'll learn the fundamentals of health care, which will serve you well throughout your career. If you choose to advance your education, hundreds of bridge programs exist for nurses with who wish to complete a Bachelor's or advanced grad level degree.



The Bachelor's degree is the most recommended nursing degree. The bachelor's program takes just four years to complete, and you'll have a well-rounded background. It also gives you a stepping stone for further education into areas of specialization. And, since many nursing jobs are structured to pay you based on your level of education, instead of experience, a four-year degree offers a happy medium.



When you enter into the Bachelor's degree program for nursing, you can expect to develop a sound theoretical and clinical foundation for entering the world as a professional (registered) nurse. Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles in clinics and hospitals, nursing homes and community health settings. Registered nurses can work in their communities with the responsibility for health promotion, disease prevention and aiding individuals.



If your intent is to specialize even farther in a role such as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or nurse anesthetist, you'll need to earn your Master's degree in nursing. This can take between one and three additional years of schooling after obtaining your Bachelor's and passing the registered nurse exam.



With a Master's degree, you're prepared to serve in a more independent role. Your area of specialization with this type of nursing degree will help you tackle tough areas such as geriatrics, community health and disease outbreaks. Additionally, you'll often be called on to serve as faculty or management roles at leading educational, research and health care facilities.



The highest level to complete is a doctoral degree in nursing. These programs prepare nurses to take on very visible leadership roles within the profession, conduct high-level research that impacts nursing practice and health care as well as prepare to teach at colleges and universities. If you decide to pursue your doctoral degree, you'll be included in the elite realm of nurses who are asked to serve as health system executives, school deans and researchers.