Levels of Nursing Degrees

Nurses will always be needed making it a good field to enter for long-term job opportunities. There are several levels of nursing degrees. You can get your degree quickly and start work within a couple of years with an associate degree or work toward a higher level degree such as a bachelor's or master's.

Nursing License

All states require that nurses be licensed. They can be licensed at the lower licensed vocational nurse (LVN) level or at the higher registered nurse (RN) level depending on their education and test taken.

Certificate or Diploma

These fast-track programs are only offered through hospitals. There are few hospitals that offer diploma programs, however, making this the least common of all nursing degrees.

Associate Degree

Associate degrees in nursing are offered at two-year community colleges. Usually students graduate at the end of a two-year program ready to get an entry-level nursing job.

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing are offered at four-year colleges and universities. With this degree nurses have more job opportunities, possibility of advancement into supervisory roles and higher pay.

Master's Degree

After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree, nurses may go on to more advanced study of nursing. Those who wish to specialize or are aiming for a career in upper management and administration or want to teach often enter master's degree programs.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics Nursing
• Vocational Nursing