What Degree Do You Need to Become a Nurse?

Nurses provide critical care and support the health of the population. Nurse education has adapted to fit the needs of the current healthcare system.

There are several different types of nursing licenses with different nursing degree requirements. Registered nurse (RN) is the most common nursing license.

Learning more about the educational requirements for professional nursing licenses can help you select a nursing program that will fit your needs.

Approved Nursing Programs

To become a nurse of any kind, individuals will have to graduate from an approved program.

The nursing degree requirement depends on the type of license pursued.

Vocational Training Programs

Vocational training programs are not accredited college degree programs but they can qualify individuals to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Most states will publish a list of approved vocational training programs. Vocational training programs for LPNs typically take about one year to complete.

Associate's Degrees in Nursing

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is an important degree because it is the minimum education needed to become a registered nurse (RN).

Students should make sure that the ADN program they choose is fully accredited and will prepare them for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Most ADN programs take about two years of full-time study to complete. ADN degrees typically have a clinical hours component to give students practical experience.

Bachelor's Degrees in Nursing

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is now considered a preferred qualification for nurses.

Recent data indicates that 71% of RNs hold a BSN degree, and many states are undertaking initiatives to increase this number.

Earning a BSN degree will typically take four years although some accelerated learning programs may be slightly faster.

A BSN degree will give students training on more advanced topics relating to health and human physiology as well as insights into nurse leadership and evidence-based practice.

RN to BSN Programs

Nurses who have earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) should be aware of a special type of program designed to increase the education of the nursing workforce.

RN to BSN programs allow registered nurses who have already completed an ADN degree and possess a nursing license to complete the remaining credits for a bachelor's (BSN) degree.

RN to BSN programs can often be completed in efficient online learning formats, and usually take one to two years to finish.

Advanced Nursing Degrees

Nurses who wish to earn additional qualifications sometimes pursue an advanced degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

Advanced degrees are not required to become a registered nurse and are less common within the nursing workforce.

Nursing Exams and Licenses

The different nursing degree requirements correspond to different nursing licenses with different exams.

Learning about different levels of qualifications can help you find a nursing program that will support your career goals.

Registered Nurse

A registered nurse (RN) license is the qualification most often associated with nursing. RNs make up the bulk of the healthcare workforce with over 5.2 million nurses currently practicing.

To become an RN, students must complete an approved ADN or BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and apply for licensure.

Most approved nursing degrees will specifically prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN exam after they graduate.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) manage routine tasks in clinical healthcare settings. LPNs often help bathe or transport patients and monitor vital signs.

Becoming an LPN typically requires a high school diploma, completion of a state-approved vocational training program, and a passing score on the NCLEX-PN exam.

Because LPNs have less specialized training, they work under the supervision of physicians and other healthcare practitioners.

LPNs have valuable clinical experience in healthcare and can take advantage of LPN to RN programs designed to give them the additional education required to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

Nurse Practitioners

Nurses who wish to advance their careers in healthcare can pursue the prestigious nurse practitioner (NP) certification.

Becoming an NP involves completing an approved graduate degree such as an MSN or DNP degree and passing the board certification exams.

There is currently a shortage of these highly qualified nurses. Nurses who earn advanced degrees often take management or nurse education roles.

Best Degree for Nursing

Although an ADN degree allows graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses, a BSN degree is the preferred qualification in the field.

72% of healthcare employers state that they prefer candidates with a BSN degree and 28% now make it a requirement.

Completing an approved BSN degree typically takes two more years than an ADN degree but the additional education will likely pay off over the course of a nursing career.

Find a Nursing Degree Today

Finding a program that meets the nursing degree requirements is a big step toward career success. Gain the credentials you need to thrive and progress as a nurse.