What Is the Best Degree for a Nurse?

Best Nursing Degree to Start Nursing Quickly

For students who want to earn their registered nursing (RN) license as quickly as possible, whether that's to save time or money, or just because they're excited about nursing, the best degree is an associate degree in nursing.

Associate degrees are two-year programs. Nursing degrees may be offered as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing.

Of those, the Associate Degree in Nursing is the most common option nurses choose, and the best choice if you later plan to transfer into a bachelor's program.

However, all three types of programs include nursing courses and hands-on clinical experiences. They also all prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

All states require nurses to earn at least an ADN and a passing grade on the NCLEX before they can earn a registered nursing license. Additional requirements vary by state.

Best Nursing Degree for Future Advancement

For students who want to potentially earn a higher salary, get promoted to a management role, or proceed to becoming a nurse practitioner, the best degree is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

These degrees take four years to complete on average. Like associate degrees, they include both nursing coursework and clinical experiences.

A bachelor's degree isn't a requirement to become a registered nurse, but some employers may prefer to hire employees with a bachelor's degree, especially for supervisory positions.

Additionally, most graduate programs for advanced practice nursing require you to have a bachelor's degree in nursing before you can begin.

Best Nursing Degree for Changing Careers

For students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field but would like to change careers into nursing, there are two options: an entry-to-nursing master's degree or an accelerated BSN program.

There isn't necessarily an advantage of one type of degree over the other. It depends more on what a particular college or university offers.

Both types of programs take anywhere from one to two years to complete. They focus on nursing courses and clinicals and don't include general education courses.

Best Nursing Degree to Start Advanced Practice

For students who want to jump into advanced nursing practice, the best degree option is a Master of Science in nursing.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), typically referred to as nurse practitioners, are registered nurses who have a graduate degree in nursing practice and are able to perform duties above the scope of a standard registered nurse.

For example, a nurse practitioner may be able to diagnose patients, act as a primary care provider, and prescribe medication, although the specifics vary between states.

Master of Science in Nursing programs for nurse practitioners usually require nurses to choose a nursing practice specialty. Some common nursing practice specialties include:

• adult/gerontology acute care
• adult/gerontology primary care
• emergency nursing
• family practice
• neonatology
• pediatric acute care
• pediatric primary care
• psychiatric mental health care
• women's health/gender affirming care

A MSN degree is also required for those who want to become nurse anesthetists or nurse midwives.

These master's programs usually take between two to three years to complete and require some general nursing practice core courses as well as specialty nursing courses. Clinicals are often required.

Once you complete your program, you will need to pass an exam for your specialty and obtain an APRN license through your state.

Best Nursing Degree to Excel in Advanced Practice

For nurses looking to advance in nursing practice or secure their role as a nurse practitioner, the best option is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

In the past, a DNP degree has been more for nurses wanting leadership positions in nursing, while MSN degrees are more for those specializing in an aspect of nursing practice.

However, there has been a push in recent years for nurse practitioners to hold doctorate degrees, and it is possible regulations will shift in this direction in the future.

Many universities offer a pathway for those who already have their MSN to earn their DNP, so if these regulations do change, current nurse practitioners can work to meet them.

These programs can take anywhere from three to seven years to complete, although if you already have your MSN, you'll likely have a shorter timeframe for your program.

If you don't already have your MSN, many programs offer a BSN to DNP pathway. You will also need to pass an exam for your specialty and obtain a license through your state.

Find the Best Nursing Degree For You

The best degree for a nurse will depend on you and your career aspirations. With the guide above, you can determine which nursing degree is the best option for you.